South Tori High
September 9th X288
It was Mayor William Rite Banquet with his floating smile spirit. He was wearing completely different attire than the night before—a sparkling red suit and a checkered tie. He stepped out of the limousine with a pep in his step and an excited expression.
“Good morning, everyone. Sorry I’m late. I was taking care of some critical business in my Limo Force One. Just kidding.” Banquet laughed.
-POP-
“Mayor Banquet, it’s such an honor to have you here during your busy schedule.” The principal continued his courtesy spiel.
The moment Banquet entered the school, his floating smile spirit looked only at Florian. It didn’t drift about in any other direction. Its long hose neck stuck to the mayor’s back as he walked.
Florian backed herself against the wall, staring at the spirit, knowing she had fallen into a trap. She tensed, unprepared for what to say or how to act around such a demented person.
Mayor Banquet applauded. “Yes, you have such a distinguished school. I am thrilled that you all have worked so hard to keep our citizens in top form—especially this lovely young lady who single-handedly rescued my daughter.”
He addressed Florian and reached out for a handshake. “I’m so glad to have arranged this heart to heart to thank you personally. I would like you to know I am very interested in you, young hero. You wouldn’t mind showing me around your school, do you?”
Florian studied his palm, then his self-righteous smile, and gradually reached for his hand.
-POP-
A bubble she hadn’t noticed burst right as she grabbed the mayor’s hand.
What? Where did that bubble come from? When was it inflated? Why did it pop? How was that a lie?!
Her panicked expression leaked through as she looked away, and her grip weakened.
“Peculiar.” The mayor paused. “I take it that you are nervous. By all means, tell me if my presence becomes an ordeal.”
Mayor Banquet walked a few paces down the hall and came to a halt. “Um . . . Young Cobblestone, I believe you are supposed to lead the way. Please excuse us, Mr. Principal.” He smiled.
Florian’s attention reignited as she chased the mayor, leaving the principal behind.
While classes were in session, the two roamed the school hallways.
🙠🙢
Florian escorted the mayor. “And here’s our school’s football field.”
“Astounding!” The mayor’s smile brightened as his soul hovered counterclockwise around Florian’s head, analyzing her every move. Its neck slowly wrapped around her.
“You know, I can’t thank you enough, young Cobblestone. As you may have already guessed, I didn’t come out here just for a tour of the school. Tell me more about yourself, young hero.”
His soul’s head bobbled as it inflated a bubble right beside Florian’s head.
I’m no hero. So that’s why the mayor’s here, to interrogate me. Wait, he called me “young hero,” and a bubble inflated. Does that mean he’s sarcastic? What’s he saying? I need to respond.
“I’m just a normal high schooler,” she said and observed him closely for his response.
“Hahaha. Surely you jest. No ‘normal’ high schooler could do what you did. I heard from my daughter that you even fought the culprit hand to hand. Is that right?” The spirit’s mouth smiled wider.
“Yes. I did defend myself, but I wouldn’t say I succeeded.”
The mayor paused with a smile as his joyful eyes pierced through Florian. It was like he was anticipating, encouraging Florian to continue, but with no result.
He then responded, “I don’t mean to prod, but did your junior league karate experience give you the confidence boost you needed at your most dire moment?”
Florian was speechless. She questioned how he—
-POP-
“How did I know? Hahaha, I wouldn’t be the outstanding mayor that I am if I didn’t.” He smiled playfully. “I’m sure you’re glad you had the opportunity to learn self-defense. It’s key to have many extracurricular activities available to your citizens. Hahaha. Your sister, how’s she holding up?”
Another bubble began to inflate.
“Just fine. She even felt comfortable going to school today.”
“Tough girl. My daughter wanted to as well. I would’ve let her, but the police strictly said no.” His pure white teeth sparkled.
-POP-
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
What? He just lied about his daughter. Does he not care about Blythe’s safety?
“Say, do you aim to go into politics one day?” he asked.
“No, I never considered it. To tell the truth, I have no idea what I want to do.”
“I see. Then you are a procrastinator? Hahaha, I’m kidding. I tend to procrastinate a lot myself. Like right now.” He smiled.
Bubbles accumulated around Florian. His spirit was laughing, taunting, and reminding her of her ill preparation.
Florian did not let out a chuckle. She was getting annoyed. She understood why Blythe acted the way she did.
“Tell me, who will you vote for in the upcoming local election?”
“Oh, that’s right. That’s coming up, isn’t it?” Florian said.
She honestly didn’t care much about the election because her mind was on other things. She noticed the mayor’s spirit squinting its giant eyes in suspicion.
“Ouch, you sure have a sharp tongue. It sure doesn’t feel like I’m talking to an ordinary high schooler. Hahaha.”
Did the mayor misunderstand my response? If I answer half-heartedly, he might interpret my words the wrong way, possibly incriminating myself. His soul is inflating another bubble! How am I supposed to defend myself? He’s in complete control. I have to say something!
“I just don’t know who to vote for yet,” she said.
Banquet combed his suave hair. The spirit opened its mouth six feet wide and exhaled a foul yawn.
“This election, held every three years, is exclusive to Tarot Tori City. Even high schoolers are automatically registered to vote. It doesn’t make a difference who you vote for, and no matter who gets your support, your vote counts. I say that with absolute certainty.”
The mayor seemed to notice Florian’s attention dwindling. “Hmm, so even that doesn’t interest you? I’m sure there are a few who are dissatisfied with the current association or would like nothing more than to see a brand new administration. Like your veteran friend, Honest Nowell.”
-POP-
Florian succumbed to another bubble. She clenched her teeth when she heard the name.
“You said you had a lot of questions. I’m right here, so ask away. The point is to make your voice heard. So speak up! Even if your opinions aren’t popular ones, you will not be ignored.”
How dare he say that with that wicked grin? He’s mocking me. He knows that Sergeant Honest Nowell is still in police custody.
Florian twitched and turned toward the mayor.
“Finally, a reaction.” He smiled. “I talked with your veteran friend; he seemed to be happy that no one other than him got hurt. It’s a shame. I got the feeling he didn’t like my company very much. Hahaha.”
With each comment and question, he probed, testing how Florian would react. Like the way the police had questioned her.
Florian, surrounded by bubbles, glared up toward Mayor Banquet. She puffed her cheeks slightly as her shoulders broadened.
“Hey, wanna know a secret? I also spoke with the police chief; he said they found what started the fire. Some kids were playing with fireworks in the vicinity. When questioned, the kids said they found the fireworks on a park bench, just sitting there. Lighter and everything all in the same shopping bag.” He paused.
“Could their horseplay have caused the fire? Maybe a stray firework entered the restaurant’s kitchen window. Hmm?” He grinned at her. “I wonder who left the fireworks on that bench? Any ideas? Young hero? You’re not hiding anything, are you?”
-POP-
Florian couldn’t believe what he was saying. It was like he was implying she was the one who started the fire.
“Do I have your attention now?” the mayor said with a mischievous smile.
She struggled to remain calm. She couldn’t stand to see the man’s sparkling white teeth any longer.
“A-and here is the school auditorium,” Florian said, trembling from the mayor’s accusations.
The auditorium was three stories tall. Two hundred rows of velvet seats on both sides, floors carpeted the same. Elegantly engraved statues raced along the walls and columns. Rows of curtains, an arsenal of lights, surround sound speakers in every corner, indeed the whole shebang.
“Wow, such a magnificent stage. That reminds me. . .” The floating smile spirit chewed and spewed the mayor’s words as if it was on cue. “I have a proposal. Why don’t we hold a live award ceremony to celebrate your grand achievement? Right here, in this very auditorium.”
Florian was puzzled. Just a moment ago, he was accusing her of arson, and now this.
Is this some ploy to guilt me into confessing a crime I didn’t commit? Florian couldn’t tell. The mayor was talking circles around her, and she couldn’t keep up.
“I would like to award you a scholarship on camera for the entire city to see.”
“What!?” Florian adjusted her glasses.
“In fifteen days, we will have it televised. You will have an opportunity to say a few words too. A speech! Yes! Be prepared. There will be reporters, friends, family, and enemies too.” He winked with a smile.
“Enemies? What? I don’t think that’s a good idea?”
“On the contrary. It’s a splendid idea. You can even prepare properly this time.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“What you are going to say, of course. You can prepare your speech, your responses to questions the media might have, all while your friends and family cheer you on. Oh, also, including what you will use the scholarship for, the people will eat that right up.”
Bubble after bubble, the swarm blurred Florian’s vision.
She lowered her head. “But . . . I didn’t do anything. . .”
-POP-
“Yet. . .”
-POP-
A chain of bubbles burst.
“What did you say?”
“Kidding.”
“Feeling discouraged, are we? Don’t forget; your school will get more attention. It may encourage more enrollment, higher funding, and even inspire your classmates to work harder to chase their dreams.”
🙠🙢
“Thank you so much for the tour. It was as beautiful as the day I cut the grand opening ribbon.”
-POP-
“You already knew the layout of the school, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did. I just wanted to see how you would handle being my tour guide. Hahaha. See you in fifteen days.”
The sharp mayor hopped in his limousine with his spirit’s head floating out the window like a balloon on a string. The spirit’s eyes darted toward Florian as it twisted and tumbled in the air, driven away by the chauffeur.
Mayor Banquet left Florian with countless bubbles floating about, still haunting her. He was merely flaunting his psychological warfare like a toy to harass Florian.
“Why would he say that?” Florian clenched her fist. “It’s like he knows. . .”
Certain doom wouldn’t leave Florian’s mind. Deep down, she knew this day would come. Regretfully, she had no other choice.