That's what we did the following night and boy, Mary Anne was a terrific speller and beat us again.
"I bet I'd beat any of you tomorrow," said Mary Anne.
"I bet you won't," I said.
"Oh, yeah? How much?" asked my sister.
"Ten bucks for two weeks," I said.
"So, if one wins and four people pays that winner 40 dollars for two weeks starting tomorrow night. This means if I multiply it by 14 days, that person would get 560 bucks since it's ten per day," said the math whiz.
"Okay, you're on," said Mary Anne.
Richard thought that bet was funny.
"You'd be rich," said my stepfather.
"I know," agreed Mary Anne.
The next day, it was a huge day for us. Cam would be watching so he can wait for Mary Anne who didn't seem to mind. I heard the words would be on subjects.
"I already bet Logan ten bucks for two weeks," said Mary Anne.
"Wow, you'd get 700 bucks," said Stacey.
"Make that 840. Cokie is in it and agreed on that bet," said Kristy.
"Good idea," said Mary Anne.
After school, we headed to the auditorium for the spelling bee. We were on backstage when Cokie noticed Mary Anne.
"I can't believe you're in the spelling bee," said Cokie.
"Big deal," said Mary Anne.
"Yeah, you tell her," said Kristy.
At three-thirty, the spelling bee is about to begin. We'd be in ABC order as usual, so Mary Anne is after me and before Kristy.
When it was Claudia's turn to spell, she had English correct. Stacey, Cokie, and I had the other words right, too. Oh, Logan misspelled Geography. Then, it was Mary Anne's turn.
"Mary Anne, spell Physical Education," said the principal.
"Physical Education. P-h-y-s-i-c-a-l E-d-u-c-a-t-i-o-n. Physical Education," spelled Mary Anne.
"That is correct," said the principal.
Boy, I did not think Mary Anne would spell long words, but she did. Long before we knew, it was her against Cokie. It was under health class this time.
"Cokie, spell pneumonia," said the principal.
"Pneumonia. P-n-u-m-o-n-i-a. Pneumonia," spelled Cokie.
"Sorry, Cokie," said the principal as she stomped off. "Mary Anne, this is it for you."
"Pneumonia. P-n-e-u-m-o-n-i-a. Pneumonia," spelled Mary Anne.
"Correct. You're our big winner today. The next round will be at Stamford High School next Saturday night at eight," announced the principal.
"Way to go, Mary Anne!" cheered Mom who was there.
Mary Anne felt great about it. You should have seen Cokie's face!
"Boy, poor Coke now has to pay Mary Anne ten bucks for two weeks like the rest of us," said Stacey.
"Isn't that a shame?" asked Claudia as we all laughed.
"Have fun," Kristy teased Cokie.
"I'm leaving for the studios now, it's only four pm, I'll be ending at about six pm, so I can't make it to the meeting for today, Kristy," said Mary Anne.
"No problem," said Kristy.
"See you later. I'll go let Sharon know so she can tell Dad," said Mary Anne.
She left for Mom to tell her what was going on and then, left with Cam and took off for the studios. At least she tells Kristy she that couldn't make it to the meeting otherwise Kristy could have a fit if Mary Anne could be late without a reason. Later, at home, Mom already told Richard about Mary Anne going to the studios and she'd be home a bit late.
"How did the spelling bee go?" asked Richard.
"Mary Anne won and the next round is at Stamford High School a week from tomorrow night at eight," I replied.
"I'm proud of her," said Richard. "That's my girl."
"She was an excellent speller especially hard words," I said.