And Now, A Special Announcement

Marcus Calhoun walked into the front office, and went to the intercom microphone, where one of the school administrators was doing some back to school announcements. They glanced up at Calhoun, and nodded in welcome, continuing along with their script.

Calhoun pulled out his own script from his pocket, and unfolded it to see what he had written, refresh his mind right before he went on the intercom.

“And now, a special announcement from Mr. Calhoun.” the administrator said and handed the microphone over to Calhoun, who held up his script and cleared his throat.

Calhoun then put the microphone to his mouth and began to speak.

———

Jace was sitting in Chemistry, glancing back and forth between the two angry girls on either side of him when the intercom crackled to life and one of the administrators began the back to school announcements. Ms. Roberts made a shushing motion to two boys in the back of the class who were being rowdy, and they quieted.

Ms. Roberts wandered over to where Jace was sitting and her nails tapped idly on the back of his chair while they listened to the announcements. She smelled floral, Jace noticed, and she was really close to him, which he liked.

Ms. Roberts was a very intelligent woman when it came to science, but she tended to be a bit ditzy in other areas. Jace had heard some guys talking about how they’d talked her into bending over in front of them before, and while imagining that was a fun sight, he would never take advantage of his favorite teacher like that.

“And now, a special announcement from Mr. Calhoun.” the intercom said, and Jace lifted his head up towards the sound in curiosity.

“Welcome to the new school year everyone! I hope you all had a great summer, and I can’t wait to see everyone back in my class. I’m here today to talk to you about a competition of sorts that will be happening over the course of the next few months, ending on the night of the Halloween Ball.” Mr. Calhoun said over the intercom, “This competition is open only to our senior students, and is geared towards raising money for this school. The team that raises the most money for the school will be flown out on an all expenses paid trip to a tropical island resort over spring break.”

There was a sudden uproar of talking and exclamations, but Ms. Roberts hushed them all and resumed her listening to the announcements.

“There will be 3 events that these competitions will be taking place at. To avoid premature preparation, the exact details of the events won’t be revealed until a week or two before. That means, though, that it’s time to reveal the first event, as it takes place next weekend, the last weekend of August.” Mr. Calhoun elaborated, “The first event is going to be good for the community, sending the members of your teams out to a car wash for the town.”

“Now, onto the finer details. Team size is mandated 10. If you don’t have 10, whether you have too few or too many, you will not be permitted to join. There’s no required ratio of males to females, but an even balance might be better for the first event. Absolutely no altering of team rosters once they’ve been submitted to me, which has to be done by Friday or you will not qualify.” Mr. Calhoun continued, “Fundraising outside of the three events is allowed, and encouraged, in fact. Set up bake sales, go door to door, ask your family members, whatever works. I wish all the teams good luck!”

The class full of teens sat quietly until they suddenly erupted into action, everyone dialing up their friends or texting them or trying to confirm some kind of team roster.

Jace’s own phone buzzed with a text from his cousin Isabelle, asking to join his team.

Jace felt a tap on his arm and looked up to see Anastasia Prescott looking at him.

“I don’t suppose I can be on your team?” she asked politely, “Me and my best friend Audrey are all I’m asking about, can you spare 2 slots for us?”

“Uh… sure, yeah, the more the merrier.” Jace said.

“Excuse me?” Skylar asked from Jace’s other side, and he turned towards her.

“You’re really letting that big-assed slut on our team?” Skylar demanded.

“Our team? I wasn’t even aware you were on Jace’s team.” Anastasia cut in.

“For fuck’s sake.” Jace muttered, “Look, if you two can’t stop squabbling, neither of you are getting on my team.”

Skylar and Anastasia looked at each other.

“I guess we do want to win.” Skylar said slowly.

“Yeah.” Anastasia agreed unhappily.

“So… truce?” Jace prompted.

“Truce.” both girls said in unison.

“But after we win the trip, the rivalry’s back on.” Skylar said viciously.

“November 1st.” Anastasia retorted just as venomously.

Jace turned around in his seat to look at Amy, who held up 2 fingers, gesturing to herself and James.

“So, that’s… 7 people then.” Jace did some quick mental math.

“7?” Skylar repeated.

“You, me, Anastasia, her friend Audrey, Izzy, Amy, and that new guy James. 7.” Jace counted on his fingers.

“What about Jasmine Thompson and her friends for the last 3 spots?” Anastasia asked innocently.

“Oh, I know Jasmine. She’s always seemed nice.” Jace agreed.

“She’s very nice.” Anastasia agreed. Skylar scoffed.

“Issues?” Anastasia asked Skylar sweetly.

“Figures you’d be friends with Thompson.” Skylar snapped, “Man-stealer she is.”

“Fuck, Skylar, how many enemies do you have?” Jace groaned.

“Two!” Skylar exclaimed.

“I’ll ask Jaz right now. She’ll probably bring her two best friends, Violet June and Ginny Green.” Anastasia said.

“Still can’t believe Lavender is friends with Thompson.” Skylar scowled.

“Who’s Lavender?” Jace asked.

“Violet. Lavender’s her real name.” Anastasia said.

“She changed her name to a different word that meant purple?” Jace frowned.

“Yeah.” Anastasia and Skylar said in unison then glared at each other.

“This is going to be a long competition.” Jace groaned.