Always and Forever

Chapter 3

 Olivia POV

It was Saturday afternoon, when me, Bianca, Martha, and Chad were huddled at the patio at home. Martha was running for Secretary, while Chad for Treasurer. Classes had already started and we were going through our campaign plans and programs for the school year. Campaign will start on Monday and will end in two weeks. I was glad that most of the ideas that I had pitched in were included in the list. I have wanted the student council to leave a legacy behind that will last for many years, that would make our batch unforgettable. Our platform includes upgrading the equipment in the computer lab and gym, a tutorial program, tree planting around town, a school concert, setting up of at least three food stalls in the cafeteria offering a variety of food for the student body, table set-up outside of the cafeteria, formation of new clubs, and a lot more. Those were just some of the highlights.

We will be running against a roster of popular and gorgeous guys, half of them are from the basketball team

It was definitely Richard who will be against Bianca. The campaign could be a little tricky as we know that the other party would be counting on their looks and popularity alone. We are doubling our efforts, hence the frequent meetings.

“Okay, let’s do a recap for our campaign,” Bianca said, as she tries to get our attention. 

“Posters, banners, and flyers?”

“Check. Already printed and ready to be posted around school tomorrow morning. Me and the boys will handle them.” Chad replied.

“Social media accounts? Photos and videos? Hmm...I have already done the accounts, but initial posts will begin on Monday. I would not want any one saying we started campaigning early. We will be posting one in the morning before classes, then another before classes starts in the afternoon.  Pens and bookmarks?”

“Check. They are all here.”

“Cupcakes?” Bianca looked at me with an eyebrow raised.

“Check, Ms. President,” a voice said coming from the back door. Aunt Becky was carrying a tray of glasses and a pitcher of iced tea. She put the tray on the table with all of us muttering our thanks.

“I will personally deliver them on Friday as discussed, ready for distribution in time for lunch,” Aunt Becky added as she winked at us. We will be giving out cupcakes as part of our campaign. I volunteered to cover the expenses for this, but Aunt Becky doesn’t want me to pay, saying that she will be doing it for free. We argued for a long time, then we both finally caved in. She will let me pay, but that she will only charge me for the ingredients that she will be using. She said that for me to think about it as her way of advertising her bakery. I just sighed and agreed.

“Thanks, Ms. B. Can’t wait for them,” Chad said while licking his lips. Everyone had been calling Aunt Becky “Ms. B”. Probably people have been hearing her staff at the bakery call her that, “B” is actually for “boss”.

“Hey, hands off on the cupcakes, Chad!” Bianca lightly slapped Chad’s shoulder.

“I guess I have to drop by the bakery later. Just hope that there are some stocks left for me. I have a sudden craving for Ms. B’s cupcakes!”

“You do not have to wait, Chad. I have done samples for you, guys. I am just waiting for the cupcakes to cool down. I’ll get them. Sorry for interrupting your meeting.” Aunt Becky gave out a hearty laugh, while she turned back to the kitchen. I stood up and followed her to help her with the rest of the snacks.

“Olivia, all ready with the dance?” Bianca asked when I returned with the cupcakes. Chad, always the gentleman, stood up to get the tray from me. Or did he just get the tray from me, so he could get the first cupcake? Anyway, Bianca was pertaining to the “flash mob” we were planning to have in the cafeteria.

“Of course. It only took us 3 days to finish everything.” I was really grateful that I have the full support of the squad. Some of them were shock at first when I announced to them my plan to run for student council, but they got excited when I told them my plans for the campaign and programs that I would like to implement. It's a good thing that none of them is currently dating anyone from the other party. I told them that all throughout the year, if I win, I would get the squad involved, giving the group more exposure. I wouldn’t want people think that our group are just a bunch of airheads. 

“Everything seems to be good.” Bianca said smiling, then she took a bite of the chocolatey goodness. “This is so good, babe! You should get the recipe from Ms. B and make me some for my next birthday.”

“You just had your birthday last week, Biancs! Have you already forgotten the strawberry shortcake I baked for you?” I laughed shaking my head.

“Wow, Olivia! Do you have plans of taking over Ms. B’s bakery?” Martha asked.

“It’s an option, Martha. But my plans for college does not include baking…nor dancing. I will be taking a business course. Aunt Becky said when I graduate from college, perhaps I could help her expand the bakery. But she is open also to the idea of me working elsewhere. She always wants me to explore, you know.” Martha and Chad nodded to my reply.

We discussed for another hour about our strategies and agreed to a meeting on Monday after classes. Martha and Chad already left, but Bianca stayed to help me to clean up.

“So…any update on Mr. McDreamy?” Biana asked while she put the used glasses on top of the sink.

“Shut up, Biancs!” I hissed. I wouldn’t want Aunt Becky to hear us.

“Oh, you shut up! She probably knows!” Bianca rolled her eyes. “My dear Oh-livia, how would Ms. B not notice. Every time you cleaned the frames at the hallway, you would always do googly eyes at her son’s photos, taking so much time to wipe them clean.”

“I don’t do googly eyes!” I glared at Bianca, then sighed. “Fine. Nothing is new. He has not updated Aunt Becky if he will be accepting his dad’s offer to stay in New York. But Aunt Becky showed me new photos of him with his girlfriend. He was asking Aunt Becky if he wants anything from London and that he would gladly send it over. It was weird though for him to ask. He never asks! He only sends gifts during Aunt Becky’s birthday and Chris-“

“Wait! Same girl or new one?” Bianca cut my thoughts and is now whispering same as me.

“New one, Biancs. She looked familiar, but I cannot place her in my memory. Anyway, she seemed prettier than the last.” I pouted and acted to be wiping invisible tears.

“Liv, I am sure you are a lot prettier than that girl. Heck! You are the most gorgeous girl I have ever met, aside from myself!” We laughed while we rinse the glasses.

“Seriously, Liv, why don’t you give other guys a chance to date you.” I don't know why Bianca is talking about dating now. She was dating Mark, the former council president. I am not sure of their status now, as Mark is already in college. Huh! Preaching me when she has troubles of her own.

“Girl, with all the I activities I am doing, how could I squeeze in dating? Boys need time and attention! I have part time work at the bakery and at the studio, I have cheerleading and student council, if I win, I have my dance classes, and I have school work. You know how serious I am with school work. And I do not need any possessiveness around me now.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know how serious you are with school work now more than ever. You have kept on saying that you are doing that for Ms. B. But I know another motive is to get into a university in New York. I would not worry if I were you. I am sure you will be accepted in any university you will apply to." She winked at me then frowned. “But will you promise me something? I would want us to win the election, babe. I really do. But if ever it didn’t work out, could you try dating please? You are a smart and beautiful girl. A lot of guys in school has a crush on you! Do not waste time waiting for someone who is not sure to come. This is our last year in high school. Make the most of it!"

I just stared at Bianca for a moment and let her words sink in. I raised my arms in mock surrender and said, "You are right." I dropped my hand and continued to speak, "Okay then,  will do the dating thing only if I lose."