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“Paper, rock, scissors,” Ethan says, smiling. “Best two out of three.”
I shake my head and glance down at my feet. This has gotten out of hand. I should have decided by now. Suddenly the microphone is pulled out of my hand from behind. I look back to see Dad standing right behind me. He turns to face the crowd and brings the microphone to his lips. My stomach lurches. What is he doing?
“I think it’s safe to say that this has been a long day and we are all ready to call it a night.”
The crowd claps and most of them nod enthusiastically.
Great. Even Dad is ready to just give up on me and call it a night.
“I think the only way to truly determine who is worthy enough to take my daughter to the dance, should have to prove his worth first. Am I right?”
A lot of people cheer, especially the girls. What is he getting at? This is so embarrassing. I wish I had somewhere to hide.
“I propose that each of the three candidates should take Emma on a practice date. Following the three dates, she can then determine a winner based on who she had the best date with.”
The stands erupt with approval.
Ethan steps forward. “A dating competition. I like it!” He takes the mic from Dad again. He looks at both Jaron and Austin who nod their consent. “Alright, ladies and gents, looks like we have a real competition on our hands. And stay tuned to my channel, where I will be constantly making updates. And don’t forget to root for your favorite with hashtag and their name. #TeamEthan!” he shouts.
Chapter Fourteen
My hands are shaking as I straighten the papers for the thirty-sixth time. I tap the small stack on the table in front of me, then set it down. Austin touches my shoulder and I jump.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
“No,” I shake my head. “I think I’m gonna puke.”
“You’ve got this, Emma,” he says. “Even if you don’t know you’re ready, I do.”
“I blow out a heavy breath.”
“And see?” Austin says. “There’s only a handful of parents here to watch. No big deal. Nothing to be afraid of.” He offers me a warm smile.
I sigh. “Yeah, and doesn’t even look like my own parents made it. Big surprise. My mom gave me tons of grief for not going to Dad’s baseball game. Then she practically made me try out for the team. Now she’s not even here. They’re such hypocrites.”
“Uh, Emma.”
I look up at Austin, then follow his eyes to the door. My parents just walked in. My stomach drops.
“Well look at that,” Austin says. “They love you after all.” He grins and then returns to his seat as Mr. Graves stands and welcomes everyone.
I watch my parents find a seat in the back. Mom waves at me. I don’t respond. I thought I wanted them here, but now that they are, I’m twice as nervous as before. I can’t move. I think my left arm is tingling. Isn’t that a sign of a heart attack? Maybe I better just leave now. Mr. Graves explains how the Academic Decathlon works and I can feel every answer I ever studied for, leave my mind. When I finally do pass out, and they recover mybody from the floor, I bet the doctors will pronounce me brain dead.
A loud sound from the hallway gets my attention. The cheering voices grow louder. Mr. Graves stops talking and everyone looks toward the door in the back. A large group of students walk in, led by Ethan himself. They’re wearing school colors, several of them have the school initials painted on their cheeks, and Ethan is wearing a huge foam finger on his hand. They all look like they belong at the baseball game. I’m getting serious déjá vu from last night.
Mr. Graves shakes his head. “Mr. Hayden, are you lost? Can I help you find your way?”
“Naw, Gravesy, we’re here to cheer for my boo, Emma.”
The large group of students claps and cheers. Some of them begin chanting my name. Just kill me now.
I happen to glance over at Austin. He stares down at his papers, unblinking. He’s not smiling anymore. First the baseball game, and now this. I’m afraid Austin is going to give up on me, after all this unwanted attention.
“Mr. Hayden, we appreciate your enthusiasm, but if you can’t keep your group under control, I’m going to have to ask that you leave.”
“You got it, boss.” Ethan salutes Mr. Graves. Then he turns to his group. “Take it down a notch, guys, this is serious stuff.” They take up several rows of seats. I glance down at Mom, who looks thrilled. I feel sicker than ever. But despite trying to hold my breath for too long, my body remains awake and alert. I guess I’m going to have to compete after all. And now I can fail in front of an even larger audience. Oh goodie.
Mr. Graves calls for the crowd to settle down and resumes where he left off in explaining the rules of the Academic Decathlon.
