*Watty's 2021 Shortlist*
Samantha Roberts and Ben Evans have one thing in common - they both attend Sir Robertson's School for the Gifted, an elite boarding school for the children of the world's wealthiest. Both scholarship students, they gravitate...
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I didn't sleep well last night. The memory of Principal Harris flickering was the only thing that played through my head all night, an endless loop of confusion, curiosity, and – now that I had enough distance from the scene to understand the possible implications – fear.
I can't discard the possibility that I actually could be going crazy. I can't—
"Miss Roberts!" Mr. Green says in that annoyed tone that can only mean it's not the first time he's called my name. I sigh. I'm in Tech Science class, which is pretty much inventing, my favourite thing.
Usually, I'm the best student, but I'm so distracted today—and my teachers are definitely noticing. I push any and all distractions out of my head and focus on Mr. Green.
"I'm sorry, could you repeat the question?" I say in my most apologetic tone. Mr. Green sighs.
"I was just informing the class that it's time to start getting ready for the Inventor's Fair," Mr. Green says, a smile on his face. The Inventors Fair is a tradition here at Sir Robertson's, and I can't wait to show off my inventions to the rest of the school. It's the same premise as a science fair – invent something amazing, something world-changing, something lifesaving.
And hope to hell that no one else has the same idea as you do.
To make it fair, we're split into grades for the judging, but all of the Tech Science classes participate. It's a pretty big deal.
"This year," Mr. Green continues, "We're going to do things a little different. You will be paired up to complete your projects."
As we all start to groan, he holds up his hand.
"Okay, give me a chance here," he says over the sound of our complaining. "I'm going to pair you with someone who doesn't have the same interests as you. That way, maybe you'll make some new friends!"
I look over at Ben. Yep, he's staring out the window as usual, his head in his hand. I'm not sure why he's in this class. I didn't think science was really his thing. Maybe he needs the extra credit or something. It's kind of nice to have a friend here, and maybe if I'm lucky, we'll be paired together. That way I won't have to 'make a new friend'. I don't have time to do that AND work on my project.
Mr. Green starts rattling off lists of pairs, but I pay little attention until I hear my name.
"Samantha Roberts and Ben Evans."
I look over at Ben and see him smiling back at me. Mr. Green tells us to take the rest of the period to discuss ideas and get to know our new partner, and the classroom quickly dissolves into small clumps and the low hum of voices.
Ben drags his chair over to my table and sits, eyes alight with happiness.
"Man, I can't believe we got paired, huh?" he says. "Mr. Green really must not be paying attention if he didn't realize that we're like, best friends already. I mean, Laurence got paired with Trish. I can't wait to see that train wreck."
