Page 15 of Something Rad
I pause as students filing into the gym for the pep rally pass by in front of us, blocking my shot.
“I mean, here you are,” Alice continues her rant as the last student passes in front of us, “slaving away for the sake of Bay View High journalism–”
Click.
“Slaving away is a bit dramatic, don’t you think?” I ask, interrupting Alice.
“Absolutely not! Donotdiscredit yourself, Sara Cooper,” Alice huffs, poking me in the shoulder. “You put your heart and soul into the newspaper and yearbook. You put in extra hours and show up to take pictures when it’s not even asked of you. This is the first pep rally of the school year and while every other student is just here for the ride and to have a good time without a care in the world, only one is over here in the corner pouring out her blood, sweat, and tears!”
Click. Click.
“Pretty sure I’m not bleeding.”
I can’t say I haven’t experienced the other two things today though.
Click.
Alice ignores me, continuing on. “Onlyonestudent is over here–”
“Well, technically, there’s two of us over here.”
I glance over at Alice, seeing her lips pressed into a thin line and her expression lacking amusement. “You’re deflecting,” she says.
I let out a sigh, returning my attention to the camera. “I sure am,” I mutter.
Click.
“It’s not fair, Sara. You know you deserve the editor position.”
“Yeah, well, life isn’t always fair, Al.”
“Doesn’t make it suck any less,” Alice replies.
“You’re definitely right about that,” I say.
Click. Click. Click.
Alice is quiet for a few moments before she speaks again. “Have you…thought about it any more?” she finally asks. “If you’ll run? For student body president?”
Click.
“I’m just not sure there’s much to think about, Al. You know I’ll never win.”
“Do you know who else is running?” she asks. I notice how she doesn’t try to pretend like Iwillwin. Alice may always be my biggest hype woman and the most optimistic person I know, but she’s not delusional.
“No, but Mr. Hughes said candidate sign ups and nominations aren’t officially due until next Friday.”Seven days from now.That’s how long I have to decide whether or not I’d like to set myself up for disappointment. And most likely public humiliation.
“So you don’t think you’re going to do it?” Alice asks.
I immediately shake my head, but, when I open my mouth to speak, my voice gets caught in my throat. “I…don’t know.”
As much as I know there’s no point, and as much as I keep telling myself I’m not going to run, I just can’t make myself say it out loud.
“Sara…” Alice says. “You know how badly you want this. How badly youneedthis.”
Click. Click.
“Sara?”
