Rose takes two long steps to the front of the room, then turns to face us. She flips her hair over her shoulder and grins like she’s in a Crest commercial.
“Hi, everyone! As you may know, I’m the president of the Newspaper Club,” she begins. “Because the school festival is happening next week, Mari and I”—she gestures to her best friend—“are looking for new members to join so we can document all the student experiences happening this year. We hope that by writing about all our organizations and activities, it’ll encourage more student participation!”
Eagle Gate’s official student festival happens at the beginning of each school year, and it’s pretty fun. Student-led organizations set up booths in the courtyard and chat with people who might be interested in joining a new club, activity, or sport. If you want to join, there are sign-up sheets available.
I’d joined Tarot Club with Lulu freshman year before realizing it was more her thing, and I’ve always been interested in Poetry Club, but I’m too scared to put myself out there. Showing others my writing—myfeelings? Reading words evoked straight from my heart? Sounds terrifying. I’d rather skydive. Instead, I stick to my blog and notebooks. That’s my safe space.
The festival isn’t all about clubs, though. There’s a dunking booth to raise money for senior prom—studentsloveseeing their favorite teacher get drenched—and a life-size chessboard you can play, hosted by Chess Club. The Bake Club will offer sweet treats while a local restaurant caters light bites. Plus, the school usually finds a band to perform live music. Everyone goes and, if they’re lucky, finds a community where they feel like they belong.
“Who even reads the newspaper these days?” Patrick mumbles.
Rose shoots daggers at him, frowning.
“I used it the other day,” another student jeers, “fortoilet paper!”
Uproarious laughter booms. Rose crosses her arms, as though waiting for this to die down. She’s fearless, I swear. If I were her, I’d want to melt into my seat until the bell rang.
“You guys are idiots,” Rose snaps. “And, Patrick, you don’t know what you’re talking about. People rely on us for the school news.”
“Who? Yourmom?” Patrick says, louder this time.
Ugh, Patrick. Not a good move.
“That’s it.” Rose is fuming now. “Patrick, you’re banned from joining.”
“Oh no,please.Say it isn’t so,” he deadpans.
“Okay, class,” Mr. Day intervenes. “Let’s allow Rose to finish.”
“Thank you.” She straightens, hands smoothing her uniform skirt. The corners of her glossy lips perk into a smile. “Anyone aside from Patrick interested in joining?”
Silence. And then—
“I’ll join.”
Joe’s hand is in the air.
I immediately sit up straighter. Joe’s interested in newspaper? Does this mean he likes writing too? Maybe he does. He appreciated my essay, after all. We could have that in common.
From behind me, Patrick sighs.
“Great! Thanks, Joe.” Rose looks pleased with herself. She scans the rest of the room. “Anyone else?”
My heart accelerates like I’ve been given fresh batteries. I’ve been too afraid to make a huge change this year, but I can’t stay stagnant. I’ll never get my first kiss if I don’t put myself out there. Joe seems kind. If I joined newspaper, I could get to know him better. And Mr. Dayjustcomplimented my vocabulary, didn’t he?
Maybe this is a sign. My chance to try something new.
Besides, I love my blog. Newspaper involves writing a ton, so it’s a seamless transition. And! It’ll look excellent on my college applications, which will make Dad proud. It’s the perfect idea.
Is this my moment? It is, I decide. I must seize this opportunity!
I raise my hand, suddenly nervous. Oh geez, what am Idoing?
“Okay so that’s Joe and”—Rose’s eyes land on me, then bounce away—“every single girl in the class.”
Wait, what?
I whirl around. Sure enough, we all have our hands raised high in the air.
