Episode 59: Scene Six
As soon as the applause had died down, Mr. Winston shook Trace's hand and walked out onto the stage. "Such wise words for such a young man," he said reverently. "Let's just take a moment of silence to remember Kim and remember, as Trace said, what we're about."
Nearly a minute passed before Mr. Winston lifted his bowed head and smiled. "Now, without further ado, let's get this show on the road!"
The crowd screamed in sheer ecstasy. The event that they had all been waiting for was finally at hand. When everyone realized that they were only delaying the announcement with their continuous shouts, the roar died down and everyone fixed their eyes anxiously upon Mr. Winston.
"I'd just like to take the liberty of regognizing a couple of people who helped make this contest possible..."
* * * * *
Chantal rolled her eyes and turned away from the stage. "How long are they going to drag this out?" she whispered to Karen in agitation.
"Calm down. He'll get through talking about the thousand-and-one people who he says had a part in this but really didn't. Everyone knows Mr. Winston's a big suck-up."
"Great. That's just what I need now: a brown-noser!"
"So this is it? There isn't going to be a sl*t-parade, untalented competition, or kindergarten speech? What's the world coming to?" Jade sighed, though it was done with extreme sarcasm.
"Is that what you thought this would be?" Karen choked back the desire to laugh. "No. It's just a popularity contest. People nominate who they think should win, then when they receive a certain number of nominees, everyone votes. I didn't vote this year because I didn't have time to."
"I bet you didn't know-"
Chantal quickly jabbed Jade in her side. "Shh! I think he's about to announce it!"
* * * * *
"This is it, Francesca. These are your last few seconds of holding onto that crown. It's finally going to be back in my hands," Amber quietly rejoiced. "God, just get on with it and give it to me!"
"How do you you're going to win?"
Amber spun around in surprise. Francesca had caught her off guard, but not for long. "I just do," she spat. "You know you're not going to win again. Everyone knows that you've lost your hold in the student body."
"I know that I won't win. But I also know that you won't ever. The Era of Amber is over. Deal with it."
"We'll see about that. Now shut up, he's announcing the winner!"
* * * * *
Mr. Winston cleared his throat. "If everyone will settle down, I'd like to announce the 2001's Miss Midway."
All was silent within a split-second.
"Oh, I forgot one more person to thank."
"Get on with it!" the crowd yelled at him, impatience shoving out discretion.
Mr. Winston chuckled. "I'm just teasing you. Okay, the winner of the 2001 Miss Midway title is..."
Everyone held their breath as the make or break of many young women was about to be announced.
"Karen Berkley."