12. B3

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    Throughout the day, Midas was accosted by more and more students as news of the interviews spread. In algebra, Rachel, who had again sat in the desk next to Midas, leaned over slightly to chat while Mrs. Ortiz droned through the lesson.

"So the SVE Club has auditions, huh?" she whispered. "Who's judging?"

"Are you trying out?" Midas asked doubtfully, not taking his eyes off his notes.

Rachel tossed her dark hair over her shoulder and leaned her head to the side.

"Maybe," she said. "You gonna answer my question?"

"Me and Sam. Mr. Lee if he shows up," Midas answered. "You have a talent?"

Rachel pressed a finger to her lips. "It's a surprise."

"And I'm in utter suspense," Midas said sarcastically.

"If you're not, you should be," Rachel said. She leaned forward. "I'm gonna blow all of the other competitors out of the water, just you wait."

Midas smirked. "We'll see about that, won't we?"

    Mrs. Ortiz snapped her fingers.

    "Midas, Rachel, no interruptions please," she ordered crisply.

    Midas glared at Rachel as they turned to face forward. Rachel only grinned determinedly, cracking her knuckles in anticipation.

<><><><><><><>

Later, during Miss Vanover's English class, the teacher herself interrupted the lesson to speak to Midas.

    The class was working quietly when Miss Vanover tiptoed over to Midas' desk and crouched down to speak quietly with him.

    "Pst, Midas?" she whispered.

    "Hm?" Midas muttered, not bothering to look at her.

    "I've heard about your club. The SVE club, right?" Miss Vanover said.

    "Yeah?" Midas said.

    "Yeah, it sounds really interesting, especially the part about interviews. That's true, isn't it? That there's interviews?" Miss Vanover asked anxiously.

    "Uh-huh," Midas answered.

    "Well, I know the club is mainly for students, but would you consider letting staff try out as well?"

   Midas looked at her for the first time. "You want to join SVE?"

    "Not just me!" Miss Vanover backtracked. "I was just curious if this particular club was exclusive to students."

    Midas considered this for a moment before replying, "I guess if you want to try out, you could, but-"

    "Oh, how terrific!" Miss Vanover exclaimed, clasping her hands.

    Half the class turned to look at the young teacher as if she'd gone completely bonkers. She sheepishly nodded her thanks to Midas and walked back to the front of the room. The rest of the day, she could be found glancing at the clock, wishing for the time to pass faster.

<><><><><><><>

    "But surely you understand that this approach is very... unorthodox?" Mrs. Hayes asked Midas as they walked down the hall. Midas was finally headed to see room B3 for the first time during his lunch period. Mrs. Hayes had happened upon him by chance and was peppering him with questions.

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