Chasing Sunset (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 22: The Bet

Before we end today's lesson, I have some announcements. We had our faculty meeting last Friday, and:

First, a month from now will be your Final exams so as early as now, start making your reviews.

Second, next week will be the annual school's sports fest. I am encouraging everyone to participate in the events. You can ask Maika for the list of games that you wish to join.

And last, Friday, next week will be the Prom Night. I believe you are all waiting for this.

Next week is a very busy week so I hope you have a good time! Class dismissed.

After Mrs. Dixon's announcement, I excused myself to go first to the restroom since we still have 15 minutes to spare before the next class starts.

As I am nearing the door, my name can be heard outside.

What took her so long, she's the only one who can give us answers.

Dude, if I were you, ask her now, before anyone does.

I can't do anything if she doesn't want to.

Then, we'll make things possible!

Everyone became quiet when I entered the room.

Hey Celine, someone wants to give this to you, again its Dexter.

"Be my DATE!", another letter from the anonymous sender.

You already have a partner Celine?

I shake my head to Lance as a response.

Would you like to be my partner? Lance face is all bright and sunny while asking me, showing his deep set of dimples. Anyone would love to date a guy like him.

Sorry Lance, better luck next time, someone already asked her prior to you, Chris reminded.

I ignored Chris statement.

Celine baby, how about me? While touching his abs, Matt face me smiling.

Why don't we have a group date instead, so that all of you can become my partners. Isn't it a good idea?

"No." Bern, Chris, Aeon and Matt all chorus.

Okay, busted.

We still walk home together, though Ae, did not brought the topic about the Prom anymore. He told me that they will become busy starting tomorrow for the basketball practice. This might be a good chance for me, to think.

***

To make up for next week's school activities, all the teachers did not waste time to conduct their lessons. The only chance for students to catch up with their friends is during lunch. It was Thursday, the six of us are all together once again, the boys, are talking about their upcoming basketball game, when...

A group of five pretty female students approach our table, all familiar faces from the same grade, so we recognized them immediately. The blonde girl who has an angelic face, tall, slender and has a figure mistaken to be a model, which I think is their leader, boldly asked these guys.

Hi Guys, do you all have dates for the Prom? Perhaps we can group together. This lady is facing Aeon who can't take her eyes on him.

Sorry girls, but I already asked someone. Bern politely said.

I'll go Solo, Chris said plainly.

As much as I want to have you all, I already have my baby, then Matt winks at me.

Not interested. Boredom can be seen on Lance face.

Then how about you Aeon? The blonde asked once again.

I'm still waiting for her response. Soft but a cold response can be heard from him.

If ever she decides to reject you. Can you be my date? I'll be waiting. She winks at him, then proceeds to leave.

Woahh!!! Dude, you are really something. For sure, they came here just for you, and us as cover up. How many ladies did you reject?

Matt, when did he interest in girls?

That's my point. How much more when he starts to play basketball. The rate of broken-hearted girls will continue to rise.

Aeon remains to be quiet, while he stares back at me.

***

It's the Annual School Sports Fest week, I and Lance decided not to participate anymore in the games, instead we just opted to cheer for our Grade schoolmates.

Of course, the main highlight of this sports fest is basketball, specifically the boys' basketball teams, where every girl anticipates to see their crushes playing inside the court.

And our Grade 11 boys' basketball team, quickly advanced to the finals.

Today is Thursday afternoon, the most awaited boys' basketball finals, Juniors against the power house Seniors. The gymnasium is full of excited students. I and Lance happily sat at the farthest end bench and is waiting for the game to start.

Oblivious of our surroundings, we did not notice that Aeon is already walking towards us, we only notice his presence when everyone is staring on us. Who wouldn't know Aeon in school? I started to feel embarrass when he approaches me and whispers:

"Celine, if we get the championship trophy today, and I will be hailed as the MVP, will you now be my date?"

Smirking, he left without waiting for my response, while his whole team are applauding to support him. Me? I'm trying to grasp everything that he said.

What did he say Celine?

He's boasting about being champions and getting an MVP title. Aeon's perseverance is really admirable, but can he prove it this time? Let's see.

Lance just laugh, maybe he sensed that there is a dare involve with Aeon statements.

The noise of the whole gymnasium is raging. The game is so intense that it extended into overtime. We ran out of voices as we scream to cheer our friends who played seriously. And what Aeon promised, he led his team to championship, and he was awarded as the Most Valuable Player.

We just waited for the awarding ceremony before we decided to call it a day. While I was walking home alone, thoughts are coming into my mind. I am not worthy to be his date, yet he still chooses to have me, and most of all, out of the guys who asked me, he's the sincerest among them.