Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

“In summary, each participant would share a story. Then other students had to guess whether the story was true or false. If they guessed wrong, the participant would receive some money. If their guess was correct, the contestant would get nothing.”

“Oh…” My mouth rounded, and I nodded in understanding.

“The money comes from voting tickets that can be bought by the students. Because it’s covered up under the guise of a quiz show, the faculty just agreed to that crazy idea.”

“Imagine that if a student votes incorrectly, half of the money goes to the contestant and half to the committee. If a student makes a correct guess, they will receive twice as much voting money back. It’s like gambling, right?” Skye grumbled irritably.Content © NôvelDrama.Org 2024.

“I think it’s more like a game for rich people who just want to find ways to waste money,” I said, joining in the annoyance.

“That’s why I said the committee head this year is really bad. They’ve got many sponsors, but they still want to squeeze the students through this special session.” Skye rolled her eyes upward and huffed.

The whole school knew that this year’s committee head was Chris from the football team. Everyone also knew how annoying that bully was. One and the same with Amy.

“I think Amy wants to make a lot of money. I can already guess she’ll brag about her relationship with Laird. The gullible students will support Amy and guess that it’s true. Amy knows Laird will reject her, so she’ll get a lot of money.” Skye explained her hypothesis, then sucked up her strawberry smoothie.

“You mean she’s doing all this just for money? How much money do you think she’ll get? Isn’t she already crazy rich?” I asked again, seeking a more detailed explanation.

“The wealthy are actually greedier than you think,” she suddenly added, “except for you. You don’t care about the value of money,” she said.

Skye pulled a pen from the table and a piece of used taco wrapper she had finished eating earlier.

“One vote per person is bought for one dollar. Statistically, in the last three years, the number of students attending prom night has been more than a thousand. If half of them vote and half of those who vote guess wrong, then Amy will get a minimum of 250 dollars.”

“Not to mention if one person votes more than once. Did you understand it so far?” She explained while sketching out the calculation scheme.

“So, basically, she wants to make money by exploiting Laird?” I asked hesitantly.

“Bingo!” Skye exclaimed.

“I’m absolutely sure my guess will hit the mark. Amy is such a cunning fox.” She sighed while slurping her smoothie.

“I think I should register for that special session too,” I said.

“Huh? Are you crazy?” Skye looked at me strangely, but I nodded firmly.

“I don’t care about the money, but I won’t let Laird be the object of ridicule in front of the whole school because of Amy.”

***

Prom night was just around the corner. I was supposed to register with the event committee to participate in the confessional stage session. Initially, I wanted to register right after class, but I felt feverish.

“You should ask the doctor for medicine. It must be because you stayed up all night,” Skye said after checking my temperature by placing the back of her hand on my forehead.

“What else can I do? I can’t sleep thinking about what Amy will do to Laird in the special session later.” On the table, I laid my head on my folded arms.

“You know, yesterday was just my hypothesis. What if I’m just overthinking it?” Skye shrugged.

I raised my head and looked at Skye.

“I trust you more as a secret agent than an ordinary student. Your guesses have always been right for the past two years,” I said with a weak smile.

“Thank you. No need to praise me,” Skye chuckled.

“Anyway, I’m going to the infirmary,” I said, getting up from my chair.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Skye asked.

“No, it’s okay. I know you’re busy with prom stuff. I’ll just take a moment to get medicine.” I waved my hand weakly and slowly walked to my locker to retrieve my bag.

I walked through the school hallway, crossed the courtyard and lounge area, and finally arrived at the infirmary. The room was quite far from the main entrance of the school building, but it was indeed quiet and cool, with trees surrounding the area. Perfect for solitude and rest.

After gently knocking on the door, I quietly slipped in. I moved slowly so as not to make noise. I didn’t want to disturb the kids who might be sleeping.

I felt the room lights weren’t as bright as usual, whether it was due to my headache, blurry vision, or because the room was dark. I also couldn’t find the doctor at his desk.

Then I heard faint voices from behind the furthest curtain. I still hoped to find the doctor in that booth now, because my head was getting more painful and my body felt like it was burning. Now I needed medicine, or maybe some intensive rest on one of the beds.

I walked slowly and peeked behind the curtain. I really never had bad thoughts. I heard a girl’s voice, and she sounded breathless. There was also a man whispering, and I thought he was the doctor.

“Excuse me, doc,” I said softly, pulling the curtain aside and peering in.

I immediately covered my mouth with both hands, but it was too late. A girl sitting on the bed turned her head back and saw me. As if under a spell, I froze in place.

“What are you doing here?!” Amy hissed angrily at me.

“Sorry, I didn’t know,” I said, stuttering.

“Hey, girl. Do you want to join us?” The boy lying on the bed peered at me with a confident grin.

“That… isn’t Laird. That… is Chris?” With my mind still struggling to think, I whispered softly.

Amy slowly stood up beside the bed. Amy didn’t even bother to straighten her unkempt shirt before she began walking towards me. I couldn’t even divert my gaze from Amy’s sharp eyes.

Amy raised her hand and pushed me out of the curtain, cornering me against the wall behind me. She gripped my shoulders, near the neck area, as if she wanted to strangle me hard. I writhed in pain.

“What do you care, bitch?” Amy hissed with wide, glaring eyes.