Brains Quiz competition was approaching. From the news I have heard, Westfield Academy had never made it to the Nationals. I was determined to help out.
The academic board decided to organize an in-house competition to determine those who will be representing the school at the district level by January.
I sat quietly. Not because I didn't want to talk to anyone but it was just something I did whenever I want to concentrate.
The presenter called every competitor one after the other.
"Ava Miller." Everyone clapped as she walked confidently to the stage.
"And finally..." I exhaled. "Leo Patel.,"
Everyone cheered for me as I walked to the stage. I stood beside Ava. I nodded at her with a smile but she simply rolled her eyes. That was quite expected.
I decided to let all she did go down the drain. Naturally, I am not that kind of person that is always thirsty for revenge.
"Dorothy, Scarecrow, and the Wicked Witch of the East are characters in which L. Frank Baum novel?"
I pushed the bell immediately. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
"Correct!"
Everyone applauded.
"Give the first names of at least three of the Marx Brothers comedy team."
It was Ava who pushed the bell this time.
"Chico, Groucho, Gummo, Harpo, Zeppo."
"Excellent!"
Everyone clapped but the echo of the applause was not as powerful as mine.
We, Ava and I, answered most of the questions and after an hour, only eight of us were left out of fifteen competitors.
"What family on the periodic table is most associated to this property: all elements are diatomic?"
"Halogen." I answered.
Finally, it was time for the final round. A kind of tough competition erupted between Ava and I.
"Whoever is able to answer this final question is the winner and pilot competitor for the Brains Quiz competition."
A quick silent prayer escaped my lips.
" A company pays a worker seventeen dollars per hour for a forty hour per week. If the worker works overtime, the
company pays double per hour. During one week, the worker works a total of forty nine point five hours. How
much did the worker earn?"
Apart from the calculation I did in my head, I made a confirmation on paper.
"One thousand and three dollars." I said.
"That's correct!" The moderator said. "Leo Patel wins!"
Everyone applauded me.
"Leo Patel, Ava Miller and Asher Le Beau are representing Westfield by January." He said.
I offered my hand to Ava but she turned around and walked away instead. I shrugged. Surprisingly, I got the same attitude from Asher.
"You were awesome, man." George said. "I am so proud of you."
"Thanks."
"Mr Patel?" A voice called. It was Mr Woods, the math teacher who over time had earned the position of my best teacher at Westfield.
"Mr Woods."
"Can I see you in my office?"
"Of course." I said and turned back to my friends. "I have to go guys."
I hurried to Mr Woods's office.
"Please sit."
I sat.
"Leo Patel, you are the best gift Westfield ever had." He said. "You did great, son."
"You think so?"
"Are you kidding?" He asked. "I was so proud of you."
I smiled. "Thanks Mr Woods."
"I think you'd stand a chance at the Nationals."
"Really?"
"All you need is hardwork." He said. "I believe in you, Leo."
I smiled again. "Thanks."
"If you need any help, you know the way to my office." He said.
"Sure. Thanks." I said.
"Thank you." He said. "Now run along."
I smiled and walked out of the office.
As I walked down the hallway, I got a lot of waves and smiles.
As I walked past an empty classroom I heard familiar voices. I decided to find out what was up. Out of curiosity.
"I can't believe you let him beat you." It was Asher and even though I couldn't see the other person, I could easily make out that it was Ava.
"Well, you could have easily beat him too." She said. "Why didn't you do that?"
I saw him rush towards her and hold her neck.
"How dare you talk to me like that?"
"Asher, you're hurting me." She said in a strained voice.
"Shut the fuck up." He said. "Now listen you must do all you can to defeat him at the District level. I can't have him take my glory in the court and also at the competition."
"So this is all about you?" She asked.
"Of course." He said. "I care about no one else but myself, sweetheart." He let go of her roughly. "And you better be prepared for me tonight or I'll forcefully do it."
My eyes widened. I hurriedly walked away from the place. A lot of things crossed my mind as I walked to my dormitory. I can't believe they have always pretended to be a happy couple. The question is.... Why?