It was Friday morning.
Excitement buzzed through the halls — today, two students would be selected from each class, grades 9 through 12, for an educational trip to Antarctica. The program was hosted by the International Antarctic Expedition (IAE), aiming to spread awareness about global warming and the wildlife of cold regions.
I'm Alvin Bennett.
Despite having such an elegant name, I'm just an average high school student. Or maybe below average — I never really engaged with academics. It's my final year, and yet, I haven't made any meaningful memories.
But I want to go to Antarctica.
It ties in with something I've been thinking about for the future… not that it matters now. The selection is based on a lucky draw. Our class teacher will pull two names from a bowl. There are 30 students in our class — 20 boys and 10 girls — so my odds are 2 out of 30. And after the first name is drawn, the second chance becomes 1 in 29.
"Everyone, be silent," announced our class head girl, Vanessa Whitmore.
The room quieted instantly. Everyone straightened up in their seats.
I thought to myself, She really knows how to command attention. If the selection were based on academic performance, she would've been picked both times. Haha.
"Hey, why are you smiling?" my classmate nudged me. "Do you like being yelled at by her?"
I shook my head. "No, it's nothing."
Our class teacher walked in, and we all stood up, greeting him in unison. After he returned the gesture and told us to sit, he held up a bowl full of folded chits. He explained the process again — just in case someone had missed it — and then reached in.
Everyone leaned forward, eyes fixed on his hand.
He unfolded the first chit and smiled.
"The lucky student is… our class's head girl, Vanessa Whitmore!"
Cheers and murmurs filled the room. Some clapped, others looked away with tight jaws. Most were happy. Some were obviously jealous. Everyone gathered around her to congratulate her.
I sighed. "Uff…" I muttered, reminding myself that one more chit remained.
The teacher dipped his hand back into the bowl. His expression changed — a flicker of surprise as he looked directly toward my row.
"The second selected student is… A… Alvin Bennett."
A cold rush swept through my body. My palms turned clammy, my heart raced. Was it nerves? Maybe. But deep down, something fluttered — excitement.
I tried to stay composed, but I could feel the change in the room. When Vanessa got selected, everyone was genuinely happy. But when my name was announced… they looked like they could eat me alive.
I looked away and focused on the teacher.
"Congratulations to both," he said evenly.
Vanessa stood up, her voice clear. "Thank you."
I quickly followed her lead and stood as well. "Th-thank you," I managed with a small smile.
"There will be no changes unless both selected students agree to a re-draw," the teacher announced. "As for preparations — Vanessa and Alvin, you'll be working together to plan how you'll spend your time. You have five days. The flight is scheduled for Thursday. Be sure to inform your parents."
Class was dismissed.
No one came to congratulate me, but I wasn't surprised. I was never that talkative. Never that involved. And honestly, I was beginning to doubt myself — maybe I should ask to give up my spot? But that would mean canceling Vanessa's as well…
I stopped thinking and went to the canteen. I saw Vanessa and thought about talking to her regarding the research list.
I congratulated her. She replied, "So, you do know how to talk."
A silence settled between us, but to break the tension, I said, "Nice joke."
She looked surprised and replied with a smirk, "You're a bit different than I thought."
I said, "I'm not really interested in academic achievements or making friends, but I care about the environment. I want to become a politician with an environmental agenda—once I'm financially secure and in my 50s. So I want to visit Antarctica and study global warming."
(Yeah, I revealed my agenda for going to Antarctica, but if I didn't do that, maybe she wouldn't have taken me seriously.)
She was surprised again, gave a small laugh, and then said, "You must have come to talk about preparing the research list, right?"
I nodded. "Yes. We only have five days to prepare before our flight to Antarctica. Saturday and Sunday are perfect. Will you come to my place, or should I come to yours?"
She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she pulled a coin from her purse, tossed it, and asked, "Heads or tails?"
I quickly said, "Heads," but the coin landed on its edge.
She smirked. "Looks like I won't be bored with you."
She acts kind of haughty when she's with me, I thought to myself.
Then she said, "Let's meet tomorrow at your place, and the day after tomorrow at mine."
Later, we explained our routes to each other's houses.
I thought, My declaration worked. Hehe.
---
When school was over and I was heading home, I saw Vanessa walking alone. She looked like she was deep in thought, but I didn't try to talk to her — my last experience wasn't that great.
I walked home. Even after reaching, I couldn't forget everything that happened today.
Today was great — yet full of surprises.
I explained to my mom and dad how I got selected for the trip to Antarctica. They were extremely happy to see me so excited.
After dinner, I went to my room, but I was still thinking — why did Vanessa talk to me like that? Or rather, why did she act that way?
She must be angry to have someone like me as her partner for the trip, I guess. But still, that behavior didn't seem to match her. It felt like she was trying to hide her real feelings. When she said, So you know how to talk, it felt like she held some grudge against me.
But anyway, things seem to have lightened. I should rest — since she'll be coming to my home tomorrow.
Oh no! I forgot to mention it to Mom — that my classmate is visiting!
I'm such an idiot. I was so overwhelmed thinking about going to Antarctica that I forgot to mention it to my parents.
---
Scene shifts to Vanessa's room
"Things worked perfectly. Haha."
Vanessa's Flashback
I went to the staff room to ask a doubt, but secretly, I replaced the chits with mine and Alvin's names.
The reason is simple:
Why didn't you try to become one of my friends? I mean, one of my many admirers?
When every single student was trying to befriend Vanessa, there was one student who didn't even pay attention to her.
That really got to me. But now, I can take my revenge.
I'll make you fall in love… and then break up with you, just to break your heart. Hahaha.
Let's meet tomorrow, my dear Alvin Bennett.