Chapter 9
She didn't wanna pick either of 'em. Right now, the principal always staying at the school was Ethan Perez, the oldest son of the Perez fam. There were countless reasons why she wanted to steer clear of any involvement with Ethan.
But Agnes clicked her tongue. Principals at other schools were like, in their fifties or sixties, but their principal, Ethan, was just 30!
Ethan had been one of their school's honorary principals since last year. His killer looks and talent made him the guy all the girls were drooling over.
If she messed with Ethan, she'd get roasted by all the girls who had a crush on him.
Another big reason was that Ethan was tight with Leopold, one of the four big-shot rich dudes in Lumina City.
She couldn't afford to mess with anyone linked to Leopold!
Luckily, Justin and a few others signed up for the marathon with her, so at least she wasn't alone.
She thought about the marathon being a full 13 miles. 'Oh God! It's a nightmare!'
But she had a third option: find a spot and shout ten times, "Leopold, I love you!"
Grace must've known Leopold hated girls pursuing him and set her up on purpose, right?
After weighing the three options again, Agnes made up her mind.
The weather in Lumina City was all gloomy on the day of the half marathon. Rockin' the official marathon T-shirt, Agnes and Justin were warming up their ankles and wrists at the starting line.
When they saw the former international marathon runner-up show up on the track, they were totally floored. Grace had really set them up this time! Agnes had walked right into her trap!
Agnes couldn't help but grit her teeth and cursed Grace inwardly.
Justin cursed, hands on his hips, "Damn Grace, messin' with me like this. She really needs to be taught a lesson. Just wait. She'll regret this!"
Agnes took a deep breath and didn't say anything 'cause she was also super pissed, pissed at herself.
Everyone got what was goin' on, and without sayin' much, Bella patted her shoulder encouragingly, "Agnes, don't push yourself too hard in the marathon. If you really can't keep goin', just stop. At worst, just lock Mr. Perez in his office!"
Grace's three options all sucked. The first one, declaring her love for Austin, was a total no-go! The third option was out too. For now, it was best not to mess with Leopold. So, the second option it was!
But Ethan wasn't someone to mess with either! Thinkin' of this, Bella couldn't help but curse Grace for givin' such crappy choices!
Agnes hugged her back, "Don't worry, I've won several long-distance running championships. Even though I've never run a half marathon, I've done three and six miles before. I won't go down that easy! Besides, I won't lose to Grace!"
Grace wanted her to embarrass herself in all sorts of ways, but she was gonna win this race instead!
"Agnes, you're my hero. I believe in you!" Clara said, lookin' up to her and rememberin' all the sports trophies Agnes had won.
Agnes responded with a playful air kiss, "I believe in myself too. Let's go! The race is about to start!"
"Alright!" Clara said.
This half marathon had over six thousand participants, five hundred volunteers, and students from nearby schools who came to cheer for their classmates.
The track was surrounded by throngs of people, from fans of the Olympic champ who fired the starting gun to fans of the celebs who showed up to support, and even fans of the marathon runner-up.
The half-marathon rep was already droning on with a speech on stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. In this beautiful season with the golden wind and pleasant scenery, we gather in the beautiful Lumina City..."
As Agnes listened to the snooze-fest of a speech, she was about to nod off when a whistle finally blew from the front. Everyone perked up, and cheers erupted from both sides of the track. Outta nowhere, Agnes heard a bunch of people shouting her name. "Agnes, go! Go!"
She stood on tiptoe and looked around, surprised to see a dozen classmates from Class 22 cheering her on.
Next to her, Justin looked a bit shocked too and casually slung his arm around her shoulder, "They're really going all out to make us feel special."
Clara took a deep breath and spilled the beans, "Of course! With Jeremy, the class prez, and Justin, the rich kid, rallying the troops, how could no one show up?"
These folks were organized by Jeremy and Justin to cheer for Agnes!
Before Agnes could even react, Justin started yelling, "Clara, can we keep it a secret for a bit longer?"
Agnes was touched and amused by Justin, patting Justin and Jeremy's arms, "Thanks! I'll totally crush it and not let you down!"
Jeremy shook his head, "Agnes, don't stress too much. We're just here for the challenge. Even if we lose, we'll go with you to confess love to Austin or lock Mr. Perez in his office!" As for the third option, given Agnes's past run-ins with Leopold, he didn't even wanna think about it.
"Alright, alright! It's a deal; we'll go confess our love to Austin together!" Agnes felt so lucky to have them!
Bella suddenly had a lightbulb moment, "Agnes, why don't you take Justin and Jeremy with you? Maybe Austin will fall for one of them and totally ignore you!"
The girls burst into laughter, and Jeremy and Justin, in perfect sync, walked towards Bella, raising their fists. Amid Bella's screams, the starting gun fired, and the other participants instantly vanished into the swirling crowd.
Clara was the first to snap out of it, "Run! We're the only ones left!"
Bella sprinted ahead, chased by the carefree Justin. "Dare to plot against me, Bella. You better run faster, or if I catch you, I'll make you pay!"
Agnes tugged on Justin's shirt, "Don't go all out at the start, don't rush." The biggest mistake in long-distance running was starting too fast.
Half an hour later, a lot of folks were huffing and puffing, walking briskly in place.
In the school's VIP lounge, Leopold sat on the sofa smoking. Not far away, a giant screen was broadcasting the marathon live.
Dennis Carter asked, "Can the Lumina City International Marathon Design Contest project be approved, Mr. Neville?" As the marathon's sponsor, Leopold's thin lips were tightly pressed.
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