The grand hall that doubled as the Student Council chamber buzzed with chatter. Banners from Freshers Week still hung limply across the walls, the remnants of color and excitement now replaced with the hum of responsibility.
Alice sat near the center of the long mahogany table, her notebook open, pen poised. As Vice President, she had grown used to the weight of expectation but today felt heavier. This wasn't just about club fairs or casual assemblies anymore. This was their year. Their prom. Their graduation.
Miss Tracy, the principal, entered with her usual quiet authority, her heels clicking against the polished floor. The chatter ceased almost instantly. She carried a folder, thick with papers, and her expression gave nothing away.
"Good morning, council," she began, her voice smooth but commanding. "I trust Freshers Week was handled well. Now comes the bigger task. As third-years, you will take the lead in organizing both Prom and Graduation. These events will not only define your year but will also be a legacy for the students who follow after you."
Alice felt her chest tighten. She glanced briefly at Josh—President, basketball star, and effortlessly calm. He gave her a small nod of reassurance, as if to say, we've got this.
Miss Tracy continued, sliding the folder to the center of the table. "Here are the initial guidelines. Venue, theme, catering, security, decorations it all falls on your shoulders. The budget from the school, however…" She paused deliberately, her gaze flickering toward Luciana. "…will be limited. You will need to prioritize carefully or request support from the Council of Appeal."
At the mention of the Appeal Council, Alice's jaw tightened. That meant Liliana's team. Memories of their last clash still burned in her mind. No, she would not give Liliana another chance to make her look small.
When Miss Tracy finally left, the tension exploded like a shaken soda bottle.
"Well, isn't this fun," Marga muttered, rolling her eyes. "A whole prom and graduation with what? Pocket change?"
Luciana straightened her glasses, her tone crisp. "We'll make do if people stop wasting money on unnecessary frills. Themes, for instance. Do we really need an extravagant one? A simple ballroom style will suffice."
"That's boring," Marga shot back. "We're not hosting a funeral, we're hosting prom."
Lois giggled under her breath, while Marcus leaned forward, interest sparking. "Actually, a bold theme could bring in sponsors. Hotels, designers, maybe even alumni. People would pay to have their names tied to something grand."
Michael, ever the quiet observer, finally chimed in. "But sponsors expect visibility. We'd need posters, social media campaigns, events leading up to prom. That takes manpower."
Josh raised a hand, trying to calm the storm. "Let's take it one step at a time. Venue first, then theme. Luciana, can you present the budget?"
Luciana flipped open her ledger. "We have enough for essentials chairs, a hall, modest decorations. But for anything beyond that, we'll need funding from the Appeal Council."
The word "Appeal" made Alice's stomach twist. She leaned forward, her voice steady but firm. "We're not going to Liliana. Not after last year."
Marga arched a brow. "Then what's your plan, Vice President?"
The room stilled. Alice felt every gaze land on her. Her heart raced, but she met Marga's sharp eyes without flinching.
"I'll raise the funds myself," Alice declared. "We'll organize a fundraiser, we'll use connections, we'll work harder than ever but we won't crawl back to Liliana."
The council broke into whispers, half impressed, half skeptical. Josh looked at her with a mix of admiration and worry. "That's ambitious, Alice. But… doable."
Marga smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Fine. If you fail, don't say I didn't warn you."
Alice tightened her grip on her pen. Failure wasn't an option. Not this year.