Chapter 27
I used to like Fridays. Now the pageant ruined them for me.
It was a class-free day for every student and staff member of Lincoln Bay High. You can blame Mr Brower and his super duper school spirit for that. I guess this week's challenge would be interesting. And in saying that, I'm ignoring the huge disadvantage that I have. Thank God I have the idiotic - but still athletic - bad boy as my partner. The sun is up and surprisingly blazing. At this time of the year, it's usually cool, but today, the heat is unforgiving and there are bearly any clouds.
We, as in all the contestants and their plus one's, were all gathered in a lopsided tent. Two pairs were yet to arrive, but I was still squished between Emily Lang, who was ever so cute, and Karen Truman's beefy boyfriend. A couple more minutes of waiting and finally, the last four people have arrived. The first to step inside were Macy and her baby-faced cousin, Trevor. Anna Stanton followed suit, completely pumped and beautiful. Her partner didn't go in as quickly as she did. I guess he was taking his time, just like me when I saw his face.
I've said it many times and I'll say it again: my life is such a freaking cliché.
When I was a kid, I wanted to do lots of stuff. I dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a ballerina - heck, I even wanted to join NBA at one point. Never have I ever thought about entering pageants and winning awards like Miss Photogenic. That was all Penny. She was the one who was pretty in pink. She was the one who dreamed of being saved by her prince charming or a knight in shining armor. Now, as previous events flash in my mind, there was only one thing that came to mind.
You have got to be kidding me.
There he was, strutting inside our cramped meeting place. His dark hair was messily perched atop his head, his alluring eyes hiding behind a pair of stylish sunglasses. He looked the picture of ease, as if nothing bothered him. Not the overall sweaty haze in the tent. Not even the disgusting throat-clearing noises that came from none other than Mr Brower.
Anna tugged him forward, sensing the need to hurry. He casually took off his sunnies. It revealed two electric blue lenses that were brighter than the sky and deeper than the cobalt hue of the ocean. He caught me looking at him, but I averted my eyes. On some unwarranted level, I felt betrayed. Sneaking a peak at them, you could see how good they looked together. A perfect fit, like jigsaw pieces.
There goes the beginning of that prickle in my eyes.
Ignore them, Elouise.
But-
Focus on the challenge.
And for once, I actually agreed with my conscience. There was nothing I could do now. Except for using this as my fuel for the competition.
Mr Brower explained the reason why this particular challenge was chosen, all the while handing each pair a list of rules and a sealed envelope. It felt like a scene from TV show I used to watch, The Amazing Race.
Anyway, we were only allowed to use one combination from the three transportation options. There was on foot and on skateboards. The other was on foot and on bicycles. I would have worried not owning a bike, but the school's already providing it.
Of course, we agreed on bikes.
After that, Zeke took the liberty of tearing the envelope apart once we were dismissed.
Figures.
"You ready, Walton?" he asked, gazing at me with his dancing eyes. They were holding an emotion I wasn't used to seeing - pure and raw determination.
And maybe a bit of cockiness as well.
But this is Zeke we're talking about. You can't expect that much.
"Let's do this," I replied excitedly and he unfolded the piece of paper.
PAGEANT CHALLENGE:
Elouise Walton & Zeke Vanderwall
You must figure out this hint in order to find out your first location. On your way to your destination, you must collect twelve green flags that are marked with E&Z. Without it, you will not receive your next hint.
"Where a wise man obtains his weapons."
Zeke and I didn't practice this, but we thought it over whilst we speed over to the equipment area. "Well? Any ideas?" I inquire, hopping on the bike and putting on the helmet. It's been a long time since I've rode one. Which reminds me that I still haven't bought my replacement bike.
"Weapons, so maybe an old military barracks, the one at the historical district?"
"But, it said wise...what if the guy was smart?"
"So his weapons wouldn't be ammo."
I nodded. "Instead, they'd be books."
"The public library!" we both yelled in unison, looking at each other with big smiles.
We pedal away like maniacs, heading south towards downtown. I don't know if bikes have speed limits, but if they do, we probably broke them.
We are such rebels.
I should really stop thinking about stuff like this.
Twenty-eight minutes later, we've found all the green flags. I found the E&Z marks stupid, though. It irritates me, for some unknown reason. I struggled to reach the last flag that was above a tall post. It was embarrassing, but only because Zeke had to carry me on his shoulders.
We raced to the front steps and my heart sky-rocketted with all the exercise I've been doing. Running, cycling, then running again? That's basically three week worth of getting fit! To me, at least.
Setting foot on the oh-so-special mat made for the tournament, my partner and I were anxious to know how we went. At the end of the day, on the last destination, the duo to arrive last will have to drop out the competition. I was determined to win. I just can't afford to lose the first challenge that I actually tried hard on. I seriously think that I would never cross the borderline of being pathetic. That was just sad.
It was one of the substitute teachers who was standing with us. She was smiling sweetly, almost as if she was...excited? We hand her the flag and she happily accepts.
You mad, bro?
"Nice to know your brains are still intact," she remarked curtly.
Zeke and I look exchange surprised looks. Surely, she doesn't appear arrogant. But, I guess you simply can't judge a book by its cover. "Uh, thanks," I reply with uncertainty.
"Well, here it is."
PAGEANT CHALLENGE:
Elouise Walton & Zeke Vanderwall
You must collect thirteen silver badges marked E&Z that people closest to you are carrying. Keep your eyes open, and good luck.
"A new house for anything without a home."
Quickly, we skip down the steps and back to the bikes. I didn't really think about the hint too much. All that stuck with me were the words "people closest to you", which raised plenty of questions. Like, how did they know who we were close to? How much do they watch us? Did they question people beforehand?
But, there was one person who nipped at the back of mind.
What about him?
Do they know?
Most of all, was he actually important to me?
* * *
Hellooooo!
It's a late update. Again.
My apologies. To make it up, I'll write an extra next time.
If you want someone in particular's POV, just comment! :)
Well...I'd put up a dedication, but Wattpad doesn't always show me who's been voting for MBFB. I'm really sorry about that. But...
What about commenting? *nods and gives two thumbs up*
Multimedia Weekly:
- a photo of Elouise
- No Diggity (cover) by Passenger and Ed Sheeran << NO JOKE, YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS! IT'S FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC! <3
Thank you so much. You're the best!
I just wanna put it out there.
This story has reached more than 14,000 reads *smiles like a moron and claps* now let's get it to more than 15.5K! c:
Please remember to VOTE, COMMENT, and SHARE!!
Bye, you awesome bunch.
J~