"Have you guys finished your applications to join the student council yet? Anyone from Class A can apply. Ralph has been president since sophomore year, so that's three years running without a change in leadership. This year's elections are gonna be a real dogfight. A lot of people have been gearing up for it behind the scenes. One recommendation from Ralph is worth three votes, so everyone's buttering him up to snag his endorsement."
As a teacher, he was privy to the inside scoop.
Aurelia clicked her tongue. "Geez, day one of school and we're already diving into this cutthroat competition?"
She had always been laid-back, never even set foot in a student council meeting. Her only connection was that she'd once been courted by a council president.
"It's just the first day, no need to get all worked up. Even if you're not president, it's all good as long as you're happy," she shrugged.
Kane looked at her dead serious, "Mom, any student who doesn't aspire to be student council president is missing out. The next president of Pinnacle Ivy League School is gonna be either me or William."
Dad was elected president in his freshman year, the most dazzling president in Pinnacle's history. Kane was determined to outshine even that, to not let his old man down.
Aurelia broke into a nervous sweat. "So, you and William are going head-to-head?"
"Not exactly," Kane replied. "If we both run, we lock down two seats, doubling our chances. It doesn't matter who ends up winning."
William chimed in, "I'm worried that could split the vote. How about I support your campaign instead?"
Skyler seemed to side with Kane's strategy, "There are only five slots in the final run-off. If both of you get in, that's a forty percent win rate right there."
...
The three bantered back and forth.
Aurelia massaged her forehead, feeling out of her depth. This was the world of child prodigies, completely alien to her. She didn't feel right joining their chat.
Arnold twinkled his deep eyes as he ruffled his son's hair, "I think you should run with Kane. Having an ally in the race is always better than an outsider. We've got to knock out the competition first, that's what counts."
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