The Rise

Leon grabs the sides of the podium and leans forward into the microphone.

"I won't hide." he said pausing "I know what's on your minds: tablets, ATMs, valets and all the rest - how on earth will anyone be able to give you all those things. There's a reason why no one tried to make change this drastic before, and that's simply because no one can. It doesn't matter what you think of me, because frankly, I don't care." said Leon harshly causing the students to turn their heads to each other murmuring

"I have something to offer, you can choose to take it or leave it. You see, the only reason why I placed that board up yesterday morning is because I knew whatever you asked, I could deliver. Rather, because I am the only one of these candidates that can deliver. We all know who created this school; who truly owns it. This school was built by Hilda Cottonwood and to this day she is the mastermind behind everything." The Vice Principal turns to Leon looking at him with her piercing eyes.

"And as you all know, Hilda Cottonwood is my grandmother. But she doesn't have time for anyone, except perhaps her grandson. And maybe you think it's an issue of money or resources, but we all know how much our uniforms cost - we have money to spare. These changes aren't just an added bonus to our school life, rather they are a right for the students in the most elite school in the country. In politics it doesn't matter how many people you know, only who you know, and I just happen to know the best of them." said Leon ending his speech. The crowd was silent for a considerable amount of time.

Justin, stunned, turned towards Taylor and whispered

"Should we clap?"

Taylor didn't respond, just looking at Leon at the podium.

Justin took a look around the crowd, it wasn't that they were shocked or stunned, but they seemed to all be thinking - perhaps dreaming. It was as if Leon placed them into a trance that they didn't want to wake up from. For the first time, since talk about change began, the student body started believing they could get whatever they wanted and Leon may have just convinced them he's the only one capable.

Leon left the podium before the Vice Principal stood up, instead of waiting for a response. The Vice Principal got up and made her way towards the podium.

"Next up, George Tomhawk"

"So this is what Leon meant when he said he'd do something ambiguous in the speech" said Taylor to Justin

"People don't know what to think exactly, and the polls will let him feed on their confusion. George and Sinclair are really done for." replied Justin

Veronica was standing next to her friend from the student council. She was scanning the crowd trying to catch Layla Lance's reaction to Leon's speech. She saw Layla with a completely confident look on her face, showing no signs of worry. Veronica squints her eyes, troubled at Layla's lack of reaction. Veronica's friend notices and leans into her ear and whispers.

"I wouldn't underestimate George." she said to Veronica.

Veronica looks at her friend who just smiles back at her. She then turns to George who's about to start his speech.

"Out of all of us, I'm the only one who knows what the presidency means - I have the most experience. The other candidates can dream of solutions, but I will ground them in reality because I know what can and cannot be done. Leon's right, it's not about how many people you know, but who you know. But don't let him fool you, Hilda Cottonwood is retired and this school is owned by the state."

Jessica and Leon both look at each other with their eyes wide open.

"That means that the Minister of Education is the only one that can make a decision regarding changes in this school, I won't deny the influence of the Cottonwoods, but nothing happens unless the Minister signs off on it. It should be pretty clear to all of you here, that the minister works for the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister is my father. I personally know the Minister myself. Therefore, out of all the candidates on the stage today, the one most qualified and most able to make the changes you d.e.s.i.r.e - is me." said George as he placed his hand on his c.h.e.s.t. "Thank you." said George as a final remark to prompt the crowd to clap immediately.

Justin and Taylor weren't clapping with a troubled expression on their faces. Veronica looked at her friend in shock. Leon had his eyes locked onto George who was soaking up the applause with his arms out open.

'He got me...' thought Leon to himself.