Two worlds apart

THE CHALLENGE.

The next day, Xenon woke up early, her mind still buzzing from last night’s conversation. She got dressed, packed her bag, and boarded a bus to school. The ride was quiet, the city still soaked from last night’s rain.

When she arrived at school, something felt off. A large crowd of students had gathered outside, their voices filled with whispers and gasps. Curious, Xenon pushed her way through the group until she saw it—a massive banner pinned to the school wall. Her eyes widened in awe.

The banner was bold and dramatic, the letters large and sharp. Something was definitely up, but what was it?Xenon’s eyes locked onto the banner—and there it was. Her name, in bold letters, right next to Alexa’s and a few other students. Her heart skipped.

*“Student Council Election Nominees”*

She blinked in disbelief. *What?* She hadn’t signed up for anything.

Then she saw the smaller print under her name:

*Nominated by: Alexa Xi* Xi? it was definitely Alexa

A wave of anger and confusion hit her all at once. Alexa. Of course, it hd to be the sea urchin!

Xenon clenched her jaw, students whispering around her, some glancing her way. She could already feel the pressure building.

*Alexa signed me up… without even telling me? , why would she!*

This wasn’t just a prank. It was a challenge—a public one. Alexa wanted a stage, and she dragged Xenon onto it too, this was finally hell.Xenon muttered under her breath, “Great… now she’s going too far. That crazy girl.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the banner, the weight of the unexpected challenge settling heavily on her shoulders, it was getting unbearable.

"I really need to put that girl on a leash!" she said in anger and stormed away from the gathering into the school hall, she needed to talk to her sister.

Raging with anger, Xenon stormed into the school hallway. She spotted Alexa already busy hanging up banners that read “Vote for Me” and “Support Me,” plastered with Alexa’s name alongside others—pathetic attempts to rally support.

Xenon’s fists clenched. This was more than a challenge; it was a full-on declaration of war. She took a deep breath, preparing to confront her sister face-to-face, this madness had to stop.Xenon’s voice cut through the hallway like thick ice “Alexa.”

The coldness in her tone made several students nearby shiver, glancing nervously between the two sisters. Alexa froze, the cheer fading from her eyes as she turned to face Xenon, tension thick in the air.

"What?" Alexa rilled her eyes.

" Alexa, this absolute madness, have you lost your mind! why are you doing this?" Xenon could fell her blood boil with every word that came out from her mouth.

" The student chief council....the one where we campaign to uphold our legacy here.." Alexa responded sarcastically.

"Even if you wanted us to campaign, atleast we could have done it as a team, you even went as far as signing us up as opponents, are you crazy, we are family for crying out loud! why are you doing this?" Xenon asked , but this time with concern in her voice.

"You'll learn on the way sister" Alexa responded coldly and went on with what she was doing.

This was definitely not right.

Xenon stormed into the principal’s office, frustration clear in her voice. “Sir, my sister Alexa signed me up for the student council election without my permission. I never agreed to run, and I want my name taken off that banner!”

The principal looked up from his paperwork, calm but firm. “Xenon, once a nomination is submitted and accepted, it’s considered official unless you formally withdraw.”

“But I didn’t agree to any of this!” Xenon said, her voice rising. “It feels like they’re forcing me into something I don’t want. It’s unfair.”

The principal sighed. “I understand how you feel, but the school encourages participation. If you don’t want to be a candidate, you’ll need to submit a formal withdrawal in writing.”

Xenon clenched her fists. “This is ridiculous. Why should I have to play their game when I never signed up?”

The principal leaned forward slightly. “School politics can be complicated, Xenon. But rules are rules. You’re free to run or withdraw, but the nomination itself stands.”

Xenon shook her head in disbelief. “Jeez, this school is crazy.”

The principal gave a small smile. “Welcome to the world of student council"

Xenon turned towards the door, and then back at the principal– " You are all crazy" then she stormed out in rage.

She had been quiet for too long, it was time to take actions and it was going to start with Alexa.

On her way to meet Alexa, she bumped into Asher.

"Are you alright" he said catching her before she could even fall. Disgusting by the way.................

"Get your hands off me, I've told you to leave me alone , what part of leave me alone don't you understand?" She fumed in annoyance. "I was just helping you, what happened to your cheeks, you look hurt, were you bullied, tell me" Asher's eyes grew with concern.

"None of your business doofus, out of my way" she said in her usual cold voice.

Something felt off with him but she couldn't place it.

"Alright if you say so...." Asher let her go and she fell on her butt.......great.

"ow!" she exclaimed I'm pain. " You told me to...." Asher wanted to defend himself but was abruptly cut short by Xenon who gave him the stink eye and left with no word.She wasn't in the right mental state to talk. to anyone else.............. wait has she ever been in the right mental state? But she had only one thing in mind.

She was going to accept her sister's challenge no matter what