The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth - Alexandra Robbins [31]
Noah realized that he had been wallowing in the downsides of the breakup rather than enjoying positive aspects of his life, such as looking forward to the Macy’s Parade and other events. He reflected on the dozens of songs he had written about how much he wished his father would show him that he loved him. My dad was there to comfort me, he thought. I wonder if the breakup was “supposed” to happen. I was supposed to find love from my dad because of Leigh.
Back at school, Noah tried to shift his attention to the upcoming student government elections. Noah had run for class president twice and had lost decisively both times to Kent, a popular jock who’d barely campaigned. Last year, all four students on Noah’s slate had lost to populars. Nevertheless, Noah decided to try again.
He had wanted to be involved in student government since middle school, where the general student council was selected by teachers who in three years didn’t choose a single boy. In ninth grade, Noah decided to appeal to his classmates. By the day of the deadline, he was the only student who had submitted a form for class president. He assumed that because the school had set a firm deadline, he would win by default. Instead the adviser extended the deadline, leading two other students to announce their candidacies. Noah graciously accepted his resulting defeat to Kent because he agreed that it was important for students to have options. In tenth grade, a dark horse ran; he was known for shaving his head and reading medieval fiction. He Nadered some of the non-popular kids’ votes from Noah, ensuring that Noah couldn’t collect enough votes to win.
This year, Noah’s hopes were riding on one of two possibilities: that in addition to Kent, another popular student would run, thus splitting the popular vote, or that no third-party student would run, and somehow Noah would manage to make an impact through his message. Noah liked Kent, but after last year’s loss he had vowed to run every year, “because even if I lose, I’ll be able to use the experience to grow.”
At the first official election meeting, Noah fervently hoped that the new class advisor would disclose that, somehow, this year’s officers would be selected by the quality of their speeches, their agendas, or, really, any factor other than the student popular vote. No such luck.
The teacher wrote the name of each office on the board and asked the students to sign up. Noah waited until the room emptied before adding his name under President. As he left the room, he looked back over his shoulder and smiled. This year’s election would be between Kent and Noah alone. Popular versus Unpopular.
REGAN, GEORGIA | THE WEIRD GIRL
Regan opened the door to the community theater, rushing to get out of the rain, which hovered thickly in the air, typical of a Georgian September sky. She pulled Crystal into the building behind her, careful outdoors not to clasp Crystal’s hand in any way that could imply a relationship.
In Vermont, people had suggested that Regan try acting because of what they called her “grandiose personality.” She auditioned for a high school musical, scored a role in the company, and immediately was hooked.
Theater allowed Regan to be artistic and creative in an acceptable outlet. Most of all, it was a relief to inhabit someone else’s life for a while, to shed her personal issues for a brief respite. In a play, she knew exactly how all of her character’s problems would be resolved. No matter how the cast performed, the end turned out the same. No questions, no worries, no unknowns.
“Theater people” had always treated her differently than people at school did. They appreciated her openness, ebullience, goofiness, and offbeat interests. Theater people genuinely liked her, while schoolmates patronized her, calling her ridiculous and silly. Regan explained, “You know how when you talk to a little kid who’s rambunctious