At the end of class, the dean comes over the intercom. “Time to announce your new Student Council.” He goes through the freshman and sophomore announcements then says, “Your new Junior class president is Benjamin Roberts. Your new Vice president is Keatyn Monroe . . . ”
Riley jumps up out of his seat, lets out a whoop, picks me up, and hugs me. I don’t get to hear who the other two reps are.
It makes me feel happy.
At least I’m actually following through and getting involved here.
And it’s really not a surprise that I came in second to Benjamin.
I mean he did promise an iPad in every hand. I think some president ran on that platform sometime in history, like maybe during the Depression? Did he promise a chicken in every kitchen, or a cow in every barn, something like that?
A blur.
11:30pm
The rest of today is a blur. Six more classes, lunch, soccer, and lots of congratulations. I get my long-ass detention waved until tomorrow morning, since I have to get on the bus at five for the trip to the away football game. I talk excitedly with Maggie and Katie about tonight’s party then dance and cheer for the team.
We lose, though.
Badly.
Now I find myself sitting on the bus next to Aiden. Don’t ask me how it happened. Clearly the fates have collided or something. I really tried to get on Dawson’s bus, but Coach told me it was full and to go get on the other one. And then Aiden had my arm and was guiding me on the other bus, toward the very back, and I was too worn out to resist.
Dawson had a rough game and got sacked numerous times.
Dawson: Why aren’t you on this bus?
Me: I tried. Coach told me it was full.
Dawson: I saved you a seat.
Me: I tried to tell Coach that, but he wouldn’t let me on.
Dawson: :(
Me: I know. But I’m just gonna sleep.
Dawson: Even though I’m not really in the mood to party, we do need to celebrate your victory, Keatyn MonROAR :) I have some tequila shots calling your name:)
Me: Sounds fun <3
Saturday, September 17th
You can call me Shark.
6am.
My alarm goes off at six. I’m, well, I want to say I am tired but, truth is, I’m a bit hung over. Dawson and I did celebrate last night. And I think I had maybe one too many shots. I wasn’t, like, raging drunk or shit-faced or anything, just pretty tipsy and—okay, fine, so maybe I was drunk. Just not hammered drunk in a bad, don’t-remember-what-happened way.
Because I clearly remember what happened.
I wanted to drag Dawson back to his room for some fun.
But he told me no. That I was drunk.
And then walked me home.
I hit snooze three more times, then get up so I’m not late. And, while I’m thanking God that there is no dress code for Saturday detentions, I throw my hair in a ponytail, put on a ball cap, shorts, sweatshirt, and Uggs. I even stop to grab a latte, whole grain muffin, and some fruit.
I’m eating it in the detention room at 6:55 and feeling very proud of myself for being early to detention.
Which, now that I think about it, is extremely uncool.
To my surprise, there are four other kids in Saturday detention, and when the teacher walks out to get more coffee, I ask what everyone did to get here.
(I will point out that I didn't consider the fact that at this moment I am living a scene from The Breakfast Club.)
There is Seth, But you can call me Shark. He got caught taking bets on the elections.
"Oh, what were my odds?”
“You were a long shot to lose, sweets. Legs like that, no way you'd lose.”
Then there is Amanda. Amanda sorta looks like a bad girl: jet black hair in kind of a Joan Jett shaggy cut. I can't decide if she's trying to look rockerish or slightly goth. She’s funny as shit, though, and I instantly like her smart-ass wisecracks.
Obviously, it was this talent that led her to detention. Turns out she fancies herself as an actress and is excited for drama tryouts, which are coming up in a few weeks.
“You should totally try out,” she tells me. “We’re doing this comedy. It’s called The Bachelor Prince. It’s a reality show spoof, where two princes are in a race to see which one can find true love first. The one that wins gets to be King. There’s a part you would be so perfect for. There’s this sweet girl from Texas that really falls in love with the good prince, but then the bad prince tries to keep them apart. It’s not the lead, but it has a big impact on the show. Have you ever thought about acting?” Then she's a smart-ass to herself. “I mean, you do everything else.”
I laugh to myself. “Yeah, I have. I’m in Drama class.”
“You should totally try out,” she says.