Running Against My Best Friend

Lise had decided to run for class representative on the first day of the school year. She had plenty of ideas: a book swap, a quieter study room, more trips. She was writing her speech at lunch when Cosima sat down beside her. They had been best friends since they were six.

"I have news," Cosima said. "I'm running for class rep. Isn't it funny? We had the same idea."

Lise smiled, but her stomach felt heavy. They would stand in front of the whole class and ask for the same votes. What if one of them got hurt? What if they stopped talking?

That night she nearly deleted her speech. She told herself that friends matter more than titles. If she stepped back, Cosima would win easily, and nobody would be upset. But the thought made her feel small, and a little angry at herself. She really wanted this.

The next morning she told Cosima the truth. "I don't want to quit," she said. "I think I should run too. But I'm scared we'll fight."

Cosima was quiet for a moment. "I was scared of that, too," she said. "Let's make some rules. No unkind words about each other. We share the poster paper, and whoever loses helps the winner."

"Deal," Lise said. They shook hands, a bit too seriously, and then they laughed.

For two weeks they ran an honest campaign. They practised their speeches on the bus and gave each other advice. Sometimes the advice was almost too good. Lise's book swap was the more exciting idea, but Cosima's study-room plan was clearer.

On the day of the vote, the whole class waited in silence. The teacher read out the numbers. Cosima had eighteen votes, and Lise had fourteen.

Lise felt her face go hot for a second, and then the feeling passed. She walked to the front and hugged her friend. "Congratulations, boss," she said. "Where do you want to start with the book swap?"

"Be my deputy," Cosima said. "Please. I can't do it without you."

Lise took the marker from the teacher's desk. She wrote her own name at the top of the helpers' list.