Perspective On The Bid of Walter

Chapter 1: Lily Speaks

She was everything I wanted to be and more. Lily is soft-spoken, tall, and easy on the eyes. The way Walter looked at her, then towards me; I dimmed in comparison. I also dimmed in this bet.

The campus was full. Professors and students alike were enjoying the party. The students in art were in the corner of the room. 

They formed a little performance. Students played the violins, pianos, trumpets, flutes, and other instruments I’d have to study music history to name.

I was uneasy. 

“Absolutely, what about you?” Lily looked towards my way.

“Pardon.” I hadn’t been paying attention to the conversation.

“What’s your studies, Mia?” She said. 

“English.”

“Like the language?”

“That’s funny, Lily. I study English like literature, drama, and analyzing works of fiction.” I made my reply snappy. I didn’t like the way she insulted my studies. 

I knew instantly after the insult she was my opponent in the bid. It’s wrong but I needed money for the next college semester. So I joined a bidding club. Everything’s anonymous so it could be anyone you are put up against and I’m up against Lily.

 Like the language? How disrespectful. I disliked her already.

“So, Walter,” Lily changed the conversation. “How’s law studies going? I hear you’re taking mathematical honors at the same time, impressive.”

“Yeah, lots of studying,” Walter said.

Chapter 2: Lily Speaks

Walter started to shorten his answers. I thought I was losing the bet because he can see all through my act. Mia doesn’t put on an act. Everything she has she worked for it. She’s at this party because she studies here; I’m at this party because my father is a professor.

She doesn’t know that. When we placed the bet on who can get a date, I never would have thought that I’d have to against her, of all people.

“That’s great, Walter,” I said to his short response.

I had just made a fool of myself. Lily talked about her major and I mistook it for something completely stupid. Like the language, I can't believe I said that.

“The varsity team is being recruited this month!” Said Mia all excited. 

“I know! Are you trying out, Mia,” said Walter.

“I’m going to try out for cheerleading. I heard Nelson is getting the Sports Scholarship from the university,” said Mia.

“Really, what sport.”

“Football.”

Mia and Walter talked on and on. I didn’t seem to fit in the conversation. So I just stood still. Mia and Walter did fit, and fitted together. Both single and intelligent.

Chapter 3: Red Wine

Lily just stood there. Meanwhile, Walter and I spoke about the varsity teams. I feel like perhaps she knows how much power she has. She intimidated me.

Her beauty spoke for itself. I never got to see her in any classes or on campus, ever. I suspect she takes advanced classes. 

The campus is divided into the difficulties and levels of the classes. She never speaks about her studies and humbly listens. That makes me disgusted with myself.

“Can I get you all anything?” said a caterer.

“Red wine,” Lily said.

“Can I please have water. Thank you, Miss Cuthbert,” I said.

“White wine, please,” said Walter.

I felt embarrassed. I didn’t have much money and the little I have will be used for books. 

Chapter 4: Kelly and Lily

Kelly, my cousin organized the bet. She told me I had a good chance in this bid. She was wrong. Mia was winning. 

“So, are you trying out for a sport?” said Mia.

“Yeah, I’m trying out for track,” said Walter.

“I did track back in high school.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely, I can teach you a few things, like breathing and great running technique,” Mia continued. She was flirting.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Kelly.

“Excuse me,” I said but it didn’t matter they nodded and continued speaking. I walked up to Kelly in a rush.

“Kelly, how are you?” I kissed her left cheek and kissed the right.

“I’m doing fabulous, you?”

“Wonderful, wonderful. Can I speak to you?”

Kelly excused herself from the conversation she was held to.

“Oh thank you, Lily. How’d you know I needed rescuing?”

“I didn’t.” 

“Uh oh. Is everything going well?”

“No kelly, it's terrible. This guy is studying law and seems to hold a conversation well with the college students.”

“That’s great, Lily!”

“No it isn’t. In case you didn’t remember I’m not a student.”

“Who says you can’t fake it?” Kelly smirked. 

“No kelly, I know that face.”

“Exactly. You know I’m going to do what ever in my power to make sure you win this bet”

“No Kelly, Kelly wait.”

She didn’t listen. The thing she did after made me regret taking the bet. I stop bidding after this:

Chapter 5: Walter speaks

In the middle of our conversation, Lily left briefly. When she returned she brought a friend.

“Walter, Mia, this is my cousin, Kelly.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, and she shook Mia’s and my hand.

“The pleasure is mine. What brings you two here?” Kelly asked.

“The party, I suppose,” I said. Either it was funny or the three ladies had tension in the conversation.

“Can I speak with you?” she asked.

“Of course.”

Kelly pulled me aside. 

“I’m all ears,” I said.

“Can we go to the equipment room. What I’m going to tell you needs to be in private.”

“No problem.” 

“Okay,” Kelly said once we reached the equipment room for the music courses. 

Music sheets, replacement key and sticks laid everywhere. 

“I’m sorry to tell you this but,” she continued, “Mia is a liar.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“She came to make money off of you. Some silly bet.”

Kelly spoke on and on until I stopped her. What sounded like a riot, ensued.

We walk toward the party and everyone is yelling and professors are angry. I walk toward Mia and Lily.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“The mic in the equipment room was connected and everyone heard-” Lily stopped speaking.

I looked at Mia. Shame colored her face red and her eyes watered.

“How-why?” I tried to say.

“I’m sorry, but Kelly was going to offer me money if I went through with it. I’m sorry. I have to pay the medical bills of my grandfather and school-”

“I’m reporting you,” I said to Kelly. “And you too Miss I don’t go here.” 

“You knew?” asked Lily stupidly. 

“I think this is silly, really. Mia, I’ll have your degree on a full-ride scholarship. My father works for the administration I’m sure if you’d apply he’ll put in a good word for you. As for you, Lily, I know who your father is and I’ll have him hear about this,” Lily rolled her eyes. “I’ll also tell a great officer I know that you’re a twenty-year-old.”

“So?” 

“So, that red wine bought with the fake id won’t be so kind to your record. And as for you, Kelly, you suck.”

“Excuse me!” Kelly howled.

“You told them to bid over me, correct?”

“Yeah?” 

“Did you think Lily had a chance?”

“Absolutely.”

“Really?”

“I was guaranteed she’d win.”

“Alright Miss management of terrible bids. I’m not single…”

The three girls’ face grew pale and went mad in laughter.