Chapter 11 – charming campaign

Students flocked to the school auditorium. Two weeks of long campaigning had already passed. Today is the last day of the candidates to convince the students to vote for them. The two parties would be given a chance to make a speech about their plans and changes for the school. Pupils would also ask them questions that will enable them to prove that they are more worthy than their opponents to get the students' votes

"Let me introduce you the two parties, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party," the emcee started the program. Students cheered for the groups that they wish to win. Each banner was raised by each group's supporter. "The first group is the Republican Party. This group is led by their Presidential candidate for the student council, Mr. Duncan Matthews," the emcee paused as the girls shrieked.

Jean watched the other group campaign. 'Taryn was right, girls would really make Duncan win' "That scream was really loud," Jean jumped as Scott suddenly appeared behind her. "Don't ever sneak up on me like that," she warned.

"I didn't. You're just nervous!"

"I'm not!"

"Yes you are!"

"No! I'm not!"

"Yes you are!"

"Alright! You win! I'm really nervous!" Jean admitted. "Don't be. Duncan is dumb! He can't even form a sentence," Scott pointed Duncan who at that moment was brushing his locks and flashing a wide grin to the audience. "You're rude. You know that?" Jean half smiled. "I could make them scream louder than that," Scott boasted.

"Yeah right," Jean just rolled her eyes.

30 minutes had passed as the aspirant treasurer of the Republican Party answered the last question. "You're up," Scott held Jean's shoulder. "Good luck," he made a thumbs-up.

"Now, for the second group, the Democratic Party," the emcee gestured them to present themselves to the crowd. "Ms. Jean Grey, the Presidential candidate for the student council, is leading this party," people cheered, guys raised and clapped their hands.

Half an hour had already passed. All the candidates for the said party had already made their speeches. Students had also asked questions and the candidates satisfied them with their answers.

"This is going pretty well," Scott whispered to himself as he watched at the side of the stage.

"I have one question for you Jean," one student stated. "Okay. What would that be?" Jean smiled at her. "This does not concern with your plans and changes what so ever," she paused for a while. 'Oh no! Not that' Jean's heart pounded. "I know that students are dying to here it straight from you," she continued. Murmurs could now be heard. 'I had a bad feeling about this' Scott grew nervous. "About you and Scott, are you guys together?" she finished. People shriek and clapped. "Admit it!" others teased. "Oh… well, that's a bizarre question. Umm… Scott and I are…" "I don't think that it is fair for Jean to let her answer that question alone," Scott cut her off as he entered the stage. People shrieked. Jean gave him a what-are-you-doing-here look. "Trust me," she read Scott's lips. "Miss, I want you to ask me that question," he said on the microphone as he neared Jean. "I'm gonna do something stupid. Don't be mad," he whispered to Jean. "What? whatever," she replied abruptly. The girl already stated the question and people anticipated for Scott's respond. "I only have one answer to that question," Jean looked at him, not knowing what he would do. Without warning, Scott suddenly kissed Jean's cheeks. People cheered, girls screamed, guys whistled. Jean flushed and looked at Scott, eyes widened. He just grinned and put his arm around her shoulders, "I told ya! I could make them scream louder," he whispered. "Just keep in mind! Vote straight for the Democratic Party!" he reminded using the microphone. And all of them exited the stage.

"With your great speech and my charisma, I'm sure you'll win!" Scott spoke with pride as they drove away from their campus. "Why did you do that?" Jean slapped Scott's arms even if he was driving. "Ouch. What? You said you're not going to get mad," he rubbed his arm where Jean had hit it. "I can't believe you did that!" she glared. "Look Red, I hated it thrice as you do. So don't whine anymore," he lied.

"Not that!"

"So you like it?" Scott teased.

"No!"

"Really?"

"No! What if people find out that you were just acting that we are together just to win," Jean really grew worried. "Don't worry, no one will know. Tomorrow would be the election. Then, its Christmas vacation, when the class resumes, we'll just say that we already broke up!" he answered like he already planned it a long time ago. "You are right… well, thank you… for helping me out," Jean smiled at him. Scott's heart melted. But being the timid guy, he didn't show his affection. "I did not do that for you! Maybe you are forgetting about our deal. You have to present yourself well to my parents. I don't want to embarrass myself, so don't make them see the REAL you!" Scott ridiculed.

"Don't insult me!"

"I'm not! I'm just telling the truth!"

"Argh! Just shut up! Don't talk to me!"

"Fine!"

"Fine." Jean ended their conversation.

Scott peeped at Jean at the corner of his eyes. Her scenic face rested on the palm of her hand. Her vibrant red locks sway with the light breeze. A smirk appeared on his face. He felt contented to be beside her, even if they are not talking with each other. 'Someday, I'll have the guts to tell you how I really feel' Scott returned his concentration to his driving.