28 — It couldn't be worse…

When Mr. Thompson invited me to represent the College in the National University Mathematics Contest, I should have known that things wouldn't turn out as I planned.

Of course, the Basketball Championship will be held on the same date — and in the same state as the contest. And that's so ridiculous and funny that I don't know if considering it a fluke, a mere coincidence, would be convincing enough.

Now that I'm walking beside Mr. Thompson to the bus, I see that all twelve players on the basketball team, the eleven cheerleaders, and the rest of the team are getting on as well… On the only bus I see.

“I forgot to mention… since it's just the three of us, we'll be going with the basketball guys.” Mr. Thompson says with a bright smile.

Great, and here I'm thinking it couldn't be worse.

I bite the inside of my cheek and take a deep breath, glancing quickly at the other student who has been invited to participate in the Math Contest. He's older than me… a third year, and this will be his t