"The winner of the 25th National debate competition is..."

You can feel the suspense hanging in the air. The hall was so quiet that you can hear a pin drop. All eyes were focused on the announcer,breathes were held,lips mumbling silent prayers,foods and drinks all long forgotten. The whole country stood still as they were waiting for the announcer to announce the winner of the national debate competition,well everyone except me.

My parents and little sister looked at the announcer with hopeful eyes,almost begging for her to mention my name. I let out a deep breath and calmed myself down. The events of the day replayed in my head.

*flashback*

"And next is Maya Campbell from Winsdale high!" the host announced. I stood up,the cheers almost making me deaf. I could sight my parents and little sister from where I stood. I gave them a little smile and my mum made a hand heart while wiping her eyes,I guess she must have been crying.

I tucked my hair behind my ear and straightened my dress. I held the mic and let out a breath.

"Good day Everyone. My name is--" the mic stopped working. No matter how hard they tried to fix it,it wouldn't work. I almost cried,my opponents were having a field day.

"Ha,I told you she doesn't stand a chance,"one of them said.

"Humph,Windsdale high can't even find a good representative. They had to bring a doofus who can't even handle a microphone,"another said. They were all laughing and were pointing fingers at me. I was so embarrassed that I wished an earthquake should swallow me up.

The audience were getting uneasy,I could only smile although I was hurt. I'm sure my parents and teachers will be disappointed in me. I looked at my parents and my dad smiled and gave me a thumbs up,my sister did the same and smiled,my mum just smiled and nodded her head.

After 15 minutes of the broken mic saga,they got a new one and I was called up again. I stepped out and made my points.

"...And that's what I'll do if I were to be America's next president. Thank you."

Thunderous applause followed by cheers led me back to my seat. I grinned at my opponents and gave them a "what were you saying again?" look.

*back to the present*

"Is..."

I kinda tensed up. What if the other kids were right? What if my points were not good enough? What if m--

"Maya Campbell!"

I won!

I'm the winner!

Wait,is this true? I'm not in a coma,right?

"Yes,Maya!" My little sister,Laura,shouted. I stood up and walked towards the host. He shaked my hand and complimented me. I couldn't stop smiling,tears were trickling down my face. I never thought that I could win,I thought I didn't have a chance.

I looked at my family in the audience,Mum was crying heavily,Dad was petting her while Laura was taking pictures. I smiled at them and they waved.

"Miss Maya,tell us how you feel. Tell us about how you feel about winning this debate and how you feel about you going to West Ville on scholarship,"the host said.

I grabbed the mic.

"Um...All I want to say is that I'm happy and I'm glad. I give thanks to Mr. Max,my English teacher,for grooming me for this debate and my family for not allowing me to give up and also my rivals,"I faced them,"you guys did well. You made me realize that I was a worthy competitor, although I couldn't handle a microphone nor am I as intelligent as you are nor did I go to a only for the rich school,I participated and didn't let your insults get to me. Thank you for that,"I faced the audience,"And also I'm a little sad. Why? I'll be leaving my old school for a new one. I don't know the challenges that I'm going to face there but I'll give it my best. Thank you."

I stepped back,the cheers really getting to me now.

I cried as I collected my prize money and the key to a brand new car.

I cried as my parents and Laura came to hug me

I cried as Mr. Max said he loved my courage.

I cried as I went to say goodbye to my schoolmates.

I cried till I fell asleep at night.