As the debate wrapped up, the energy in the room was electric. I could feel the excitement coursing through me, my heart still racing from the lively back-and-forth of arguments. Taylor’s team had fought hard, but I felt we had done better.
The moderator stood up, ready to announce the results. “Thank you to both teams for your hard work. This was a fierce debate!” He paused and looked at the judges. “And now, the winning team is…” I held my breath, leaning forward.
“Tanya, Mal, and Audrey!”
Cheers erupted from our side of the room. I jumped to my feet, heart soaring with joy, while Tanya and Mal high-fived me.
Across the room, I saw Taylor’s face fall, her confident smirk replaced by shock. I enjoyed seeing her surprised expression.
As we walked to the front to accept our trophy, Taylor stormed over, arms crossed tightly. “I can’t believe you won,” she said, her voice cold. “You must’ve had help.”
I raised an eyebrow, feeling a surge of confidence. “Help? No way, Taylor. We put in the work. Maybe you should consider doing the same.”
Her eyes narrowed, and I could see anger simmering beneath her icy exterior. “This isn’t over, Audrey. You think one win means anything? You got lucky.”
“Luck? I don’t think so,” I replied, crossing my arms. “We debated well, and you know it.
If you want a rematch, l’m ready anytime.”
She scoffed, clearly frustrated. “Enjoy your trophy, but remember, you’ll have to face me again. Next time, I won’t hold back.”
With that, she turned on her heel and stalked away, leaving her teammates staring in disbelief. I couldn’t help but smile as I walked back to Tanya and Mal.
“Did you see her? She looked like she was going to explode!” Tanya laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As I walked back to Tanya and Mal, still riding the high of victory, I felt a presence behind me. I turned to see Warwick approaching, a confident grin plastered across his face.
“Congratulations, Audrey!” he called out, his voice smooth and charming. “You really nailed that debate. I knew you had it in you.”
“Thanks, Warwick,” | replied, surprised by his sudden appearance. I had always seen him as a rival, but I couldn’t deny the compliment felt good. “It was a team effort, though.”
He stepped closer, his demeanor friendly and relaxed. “Still, you stood out. Taylor looked ready to throw a fit. I almost felt bad for her.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Don’t feel bad.
She brings it on herself.”
Warwick chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. “True enough. Just watch out; she doesn’t take losing lightly. You might have made an enemy today.”
“I can handle it,” I said, my confidence returning. “I’ve faced worse.”
Warwick smiled, clearly impressed. “I like your attitude. You’ve got guts, and I admire that. How about this: to celebrate your victory, let me take you out for a victory dinner?”
I blinked, surprised by his sudden invitation.
“A dinner? You mean, just the two of us?”
“Yeah,” he said, leaning against the wall with a relaxed confidence. “I think it could be fun.
Besides, you deserve to celebrate after what you pulled off today.”
“Well, I-”
Before I could finish my thought, Tanya and Mal chimed in.
“Oh, you should totally go!” Tanya encouraged, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “It could be a good way to celebrate, and who knows? It might be fun!”
Mal nodded in agreement, his expression supportive. “Yeah, why not? You’ve earned it.”
I glanced back at Warwick, who was watching me with an expectant smile. I couldn’t help but smile back. “Okay, let’s do it. When were you thinking?”
“How about tonight?” he suggested. “I know a great little restaurant downtown. It’s perfect for celebrating.”
“Sounds good,” | replied, feeling a rush of excitement. “What time?”
“Seven o’clock work for you?” he asked.
“Perfect,” I said, unable to hide my smile.
“Great! I’ll pick you up,” Warwick said, turning to leave. “And wear something nice; it’s a special occasion.”
As he walked away, I felt a mix of emotions- excitement, nervousness, and a hint of something else I couldn’t quite place. Tanya and Mal squealed with delight.
“You’re going on a date with Warwick! This is so awesome!” Tanya exclaimed, bouncing on her feet.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s charming and confident,” Mal added. “Plus, it’ll be a great way to take your mind off everything else.”
“Yeah, I guess it will,” I said, feeling a flutter in my stomach. “But what about Logan? I don’t know how he’ll react.”
Tanya waved her hand dismissively. “Forget Logan for now. This is about you and having fun. Just enjoy it!”
I nodded, trying to push aside any doubts.
Maybe this date would be just what I needed.
As we left the debate room and headed to our lockers, I couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement. Tonight was going to be different. It was time to step out of my comfort zone, and who knows what might happen next?