Freshman Friday

Chapter 17 - Pen Please

"My, I never expected to see you here."

I was seated in a chair at the far end of a long table. Student council members, at least fifteen in total, were seated around me like vultures circling their meal. Gabby was across from where I was, her expression as neutral as it could be.

"You won Freshman Thursday. Big prizes usually get awarded to the winners of special events, you know."

I refused to nod or give any indication that I was listening. I hated that she was able to sit there so calmly while students fought for their lives every week. I hated myself for wanting to trust her despite every warning Mason had provided. I hated myself for taking part in Freshman Friday even though I swore to myself that I wouldn't hurt another person. I hated what my hands were capable of. I hated what I was becoming.

"Justin," Gabby voiced softly, "I want you to comprehend the weight of this moment. I rarely award this prize. I don't hand it to out just anyone."

I finally looked up just to hear her out as she snapped her fingers. One of Gabby's fellow council members approached her with a familiar looking book and laid it down on the table. Gabby placed her fingertips on the book's cover and slid it across the table top towards me.

FRESHMAN FRIDAY

"You can either add or alter one rule within this book. Once your decision is made, the rules will take effect immediately and the entire student body will be notified about the change."

A storm cloud of doubt fell over my head. It made no sense for her to allow someone, me especially, to change whatever I wanted regarding her game. She must not have had a reason to be worried.

"Oh, and just so you know... you aren't allowed to create a rule to end Freshman Friday in any way. Sorry about that!"

I had figured as much. So that was Gabby's plan all along. She would only allow me to make one minor change to her demented game so long as it didn't detract from Freshman Friday's authenticity. Nothing I did would make any major impact no matter how hard I brainstormed.

"Wait a minute!" I shouted with joy. Gabby and the others looked at me with puzzled looks. Gabby's expression was especially annoyed. She didn't like the fact that I was so exuberant.

"Have you made a decision yet? Remember, there are no do-overs!"

To Gabby's horror, I nodded.

"Yes, I made my decision. Pass me a pen please."