MRS CAMPBELL’S POV
She had asked Tiffany to see her before going home.
“Why I called you is because our school will be competing with Diamond high next week in a spelling bee competition, and you have been chosen to represent us.” Mrs Campbell said.
“Wow! This is good news. But the notice is too short.” Tiffany said.
“I know. That is why from tomorrow, you will be staying back to practice with other students in preparation. All the materials you need will be ready and so will be the tutor who will be teaching you people.” Mrs Campbell said.
“Okay.” Tiffany replied.
“If you are okay with it, kindly take this form home, fill it and let your guardian or parents sign in the approval column. For you, I guess your fiance will do the signing.” Mrs Campbell said, smiling sheepishly.
“Thank you, Ma.” Tiffany said and picked up the form.
“And Tiffany? I trust you will do well.” Mrs Campbell added.
“Thank you, Ma.” Tiffany said, and let herself out of the office.
SHAWN’S POV
They had just finished having dinner and he was watching the news on television when Tiffany walked up to him with a form in her hand.
“I will be representing my school in a spelling bee next week, so we were asked to take this form home so our parents or guardian can sign. Since I’m not with my dad anymore, you will have to help me sign.” She said.
“That’s fine. Let me take a look.” Shawn said, extending his hand.
She handed him the form and after going through it, she gave him a pen to append his signature.
“You must be intelligent to have been chosen to represent a school as big as yours.” Shawn said, handing the form back to her.
“I am intelligent, and it’s no new news in high school.” Tiffany said boastfully.
“Don’t be boasty.” Shawn said.
“I’m not. You just don’t see me for who I am or recognize my abilities. You are only focused on your impression of me.” Tiffany retorted.
“Is that so? It’s not an impression. It’s a fact.” Shawn countered.
“So, as I think of you as arrogant, it means it’s a fact about you?” Tiffany asked.
“Of course not. I’m not arrogant.” Shawn said.
“See, you dish out what you can’t take. You can see me as a spoilt brat, but I can’t see you as arrogant.” Tiffany said, rolling her eyes.
“I don’t have the time to argue. I want to go back to my news.” Shawn said.
“Sure. Talking to you is actually boring. I would rather be on my phone, or with my books.” Tiffany said and walked away leaving Shawn to stare at her in surprise
TIFFANY’S POV
School had dismissed and after bading her friends goodbye, she headed for the class where the tutorial for the forthcoming spelling bee was being held.
She walked into the class and was shocked to see Mary sitted. Her heart skipped a million beats as their eyes met, and Mary smirked at her.
“It’s good to see you join us, Tiffany?” Mr Rasheal the tutor said.
“Thank you, Sir.” She said, going to a sit down.
“Oh, Miss Dion, kindly sit with Miss Quevara.” Mr Rasheal said.
“Sir, I…” Tiffany made to say, but Mary cut her short. “It’s fine, Tiff. I don’t mind you sitting with me.” Mary said, feigning sweetness.
Tiffany reluctantly took a seat close to Mary against her wish.
“Okay, guys. Since we are complete now, I will be sharing a list with all of you, and in it are the things we will be looking at during the course of our preparation.” Mr Rasheal said.
“Miss Dion, kindly help me share the list with everyone.” Mr Rasheal said.
Tiffany stood up and walked to the table the lists were on, and began to share to every of the participants.
She got to Mary and she smirked at her before taking hers.
Tiffany went back to her seat after sharing the lists.
“Okay, guys. Let’s read out the content of the list together.” Mr Rasheal said.
1. Review the rules of the competition, and make sure you understand them.
2. Study past word lists, and familiarize yourself with common spelling patterns.
3. Practice spelling words out loud, and try to visualize the words as you spell them.
4. Practice with a timer, to get used to the pressure of the competition.
5. Try to stay calm and confident, and focus on doing your best. Tiffany read out, alongside the rest of the participants.
“Beautiful! These are all we will be doing for the next one week before the competition. Now, let’s start with the first agenda on the list.” Mr Rasheal said.
And before Tiffany knew it, they were done for the day.
She carried her bag and hurried out of the classroom. “Tiffany, Tiff, wait up.” She heard Mary’s voice behind her.
She immediately hastened her steps as she doesn’t want to talk to Mary. Anything concerning Mary meant trouble.
“Wait up, Tiffany. I just want to talk.” Mary persisted.
“What do you want?!” Tiffany yelled, turning back to look at her.
“You don’t have to be hostile, you know. I just want us to talk and Walk to the parking lot together.” Mary said.
“I think you are mistaken. The last time I checked, you don’t like me and we are never friends. So quit the fake friendliness.” Tiffany said.
“Fine. You are smart after all. I want you to back down from the spelling bee. I’m on it already and I want to win.” Mary said.
“Oh, someone is scared. You know with me, you don’t stand a chance.” Tiffany said, giving out a mocking laugh.
“I am not. I just want to save you the embarrassment of losing.” Mary said.
“You should be looking out for yourself instead. You are the one who is going to lose. Make sure you bring your A game, though.” Tiffany said and left.
MARY’S POV
She bit her lips in anger as she watched Tiffany walk away. As much as she hated to admit, she knew she did not stand a chance with Tiffany.
And she needed to win the competition because it will be a boost to her portfolio for the college she intends to attend.
Sighing in frustration, she headed for the spot her driver usually picks her up.
She needed to think and come up with a plan to get Tiffany out of the competition.
TIFFANY’S POV
She got home, and after eating and freshening up, she took out the list from the tutorial and began to practice.
She read about words and opposites, synonyms and antonyms, origin of words and others.
If she wants to beat Mary Quevara, then she has to be a step ahead.
She read into the night until she dozed off. She didn’t wake up until the late hours of the night.
Feeling foggy and thirsty, she decided to go get a bottle of water in the fridge. She walked into the kitchen and turned on the light, but screamed when she saw Shawn. He was leaning on the counter with a bottle of water in hand.
“You startled me! Why didn’t you turn on the light?” She asked, trying not to stare at his bare chest. He was just putting on his pyjamas pants without the shirt.