After School Meeting (2)

"Wait, Headmaster Channing. Before we start, shouldn't we introduce ourselves?" The representative with long dark black hair and glasses said. The Headmaster had an 'oh' expression before saying.

"You're right. Why don't you go first then?"

The girl nodded and calmly said.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Fenn Marley, the 4th-year representative. Nice to meet everyone."

Immediately after, a curly blond-haired student energetically said.

"A pleasure to meet everybody! The name's Milo Wixx. I'm the 3rd-year representative. Let's get along!"

Receiving everyone's gaze, a girl with soft brown hair softly said.

"H-Hello, I'm Eulia Bardot. I'll be the 2nd-year representative for this year."

Sensing that it was my turn, I briefly introduced myself.

"Hello everyone, My name's Amelia Knight. I'll be this year's first-year representative." Though, soon not to be, I thought.

After we representatives ourselves, the Headmaster decided to chime in.

"Seeing as how we're all introducing ourselves, I'll go ahead and do the same. I'm Earl Channing, and I'll be your Headmaster this year."

The Headmaster's unexpected introduction lightened the overall atmosphere of the meeting.

He continued talking.

"Now, let's get down to business, shall we?" Everyone nodded at his words, including me.

Taking that as his signal to continue, the Headmaster took out some paper and gave on to each of us as he said.

"I've already talked about the basics at the opening speech. I wanted everyone to know that you all will need to prepare a 3-5 minute speech in cooperation with your running mates. I've already listed everything on the sheet. Aside from a few restrictions, you can say whatever you deem fit. The rehearsal date will be Thursday, the day before the assembly. You'll be excused from your classes the morning of for another rehearsal. I don't want to hold you all for too long, so all the details are on the sheet. My contact information's also in there. Feel free to ask me any questions."

I looked down at the paper in my hands. After reading through everything, I confirmed the belief that being a representative is too much work. From rehearsals to the possibility of extra work after-school, it just takes up too much precious time. I need to find a way to get out of this.

As I was thinking through my dilemma, the other representatives seemed to have registered everything. Of course, I expected this of the chosen ones. A representative should be someone who's qualified.

To confirm their understanding, the Headmaster said.

"Everyone's clear on what to do, right?"

Fenn spoke up.

"Yes, I understand." Milo and Eulia chimed in an agreement, and I nodded.

"Good, I don't want to take too much of your time. Have a good rest of the evening. And I wish success for each of your campaigns," the Headmaster said.

We each bid farewell to each other. Everyone hurried away, seeming to have something important to do. I was the last one in the room, along with the Headmaster. As I was about to push the door to go out, the Headmaster said to me.

"Miss Knight, the election may hold something worthwhile for you. Please reconsider your options, and give me a proper answer tomorrow."

A few seconds passed before I pushed open the doors and answered.

"...I will." I didn't look back.

Clack.

The door closed behind me. I stood in silence for a while. A few moments passed. Seeing how it was late, I hurried back home.