Too Equal For My Taste
Chapter 23: Two Rival Families
The end of the race meant the end of the whole competition. Of course, the competition was supposed to be best three out of five. In that context, the Bakers won, and the students cheering for Team Baker were in glee, but the Murtaughs refused to accept it, or in a more specific view, Jimmy refused to accept it. The University students cheered as Nigel and Kyle crossed the finish line. A couple of eight year olds outwitted all the other racers, and finished them. The race was completely in question. The winners were Nigel and Kyle. The ones who got the most points were Sarah and Elliot.
Bakers got the race, but Jimmy demanded a do-over for many reasons.
"What view can possibly justify the fact you want a do-over?" Tom demanded.
"Many things," Jimmy explained. He looked at everyone as he said this.
Nigel and Kyle were receiving their first place ribbons as prizes from the Dean herself.
Jimmy ignored that, "First, we had two different team members in one kart. Ken and Mark? Sarah and Elliot? I ask you? We didn't even know whose team they were on. I mean, what if all two were with you, and gives you an unfair advantage?"
Tom was speechless, because he could not think of anything directly against that. Instead, he said, "Us Bakers were in the same position. We accepted. Either way, Nigel and Kyle won this, and they're on our team, so we win this. Best three out of five and we won."
"No way!" Jimmy said angrily. "We decided this by points, and first place ribbons or not, Sarah and Elliot won this."
"Then since it is uncertain, we take the race winner. Or, the ones in second. Either way, it's Nigel and Kyle. The Bakers have this game!"
"I demand a do-over," Jimmy said angrily. "And we decide who wins this fairly, three out of five. Otherwise"-
"We put points for a reason," Serina said agreeably. "I believe we should decide the winner through points."
Of course, like all winners, they refuse to give in their victory when it is so close to them. We've seen it many times. Many times, we see one man or woman as a clear winner, but the one behind, close behind, can see the finish line too and would think it stupid to give in. And who wouldn't believe it stupid to give in. They are so close. They got nothing to lose by continuing so why give in? There isn't any good reason. What was wise was to keep going until it was completely over. That's exactly what both Tom and Jimmy were doing, and they could not let it go easily, even by compromise, though many thought Serina's offer had some merit and it was unfair for Tom to turn it down so flatly.
"We can't do that," Tom said back. "We started this under the impression that it was gonna be three out of five. That's how we do it. Otherwise, we have to count other things in as well. It's too much work, and we have students waiting to hear the verdict." Many students clapped at Tom's mentioning them.
"Look," Kate said, coming between them. "We'll decide this later. Right now, let's go back home."
The two families left much to the boo's of the students. Jimmy waved back at them, and Mike called back, "Results will come… eh… eventually."
The ride home was very quiet, because Kate and Serina forced their husbands quiet while they wives tried working the issue out. It was the only way to solve this, and they heard both views, Kate and Serina had to talk to each other and act as messengers.
This is why this whole competition was only the beginning.
A/N: At this point, it sounds like I'm a storyteller. I'm sorry if I bored some readers this time. The chapter had to be a bit explanatory. Now, it's over, and the next chapter will be normal. It's true though. The whole competition is only the beginning. There are still so many problems yet to be solved. Though I'd be lying if I said this story was not more than half way done.