The entire food court was packed with parents, teachers, and students. The teachers were more eager to hear the results than the students. Some of the teachers wanted the bragging rights more than they wanted the students to have a quality education. Many values fly out the window when winning and losing is involved.
Mrs. Tyson approached the microphone again for the final time.  She had the results. “I want to thank all of the parents for showing up. I want to thank the students for participating. Lastly I wanted to thank the teachers that went that extra mile a round of applause,” Mrs. Tyson stated. The food court erupted.
Devanté patted his teacher on his back playfully. “Mr. Randall! Heritage what!” Devanté and a few other classmates chanted.
Mrs. Tyson continued after everyone fell silent. “I’m going to call only three people up from every department. The first person I call finished in third place, the second in second, and the last in first. Only the first place winner will go on to Richmond for state competition,” Mrs. Tyson informed.
Devanté’s heart was pounding out of his chest. He looked over to Mr. Randall. He couldn’t even return his teacher’s smile because he was so nervous.
“They do marketing math last. You got a long wait,” Mr. Randall informed.
“Let’s start with marketing sales,” Mrs. Tyson began handing out awards. By the time she got to marketing math not a student from Heritage had finished in first, second, or third. Devanté wasn’t the only one sweating now Mr. Randall was feeling the heat. He clinched his teeth as Mrs. Tyson started giving awards for the last department.
“For third place in the marketing math department Kelsey Thomas from Tabb with a 92 percent score,” Mrs. Tyson announced.
“92 percent,” Devanté mumbled. Doubt crept in his mind he was no longer sure he won. A knot the size of a golf ball was inside his throat.
“At second place we have Chris Canton from Jamestown with a 98 percent score,” Mrs. Tyson read from her note card.
Marcus and Devanté looked at each other puzzled. Basically the first place winner was a genius. They both looked at each other as to say, ‘well we tried’.
“Oh my God,” Mrs. Tyson held her chest. “For the first time since the marketing math department has been a part of the DECA competition we have a perfect score,” Mrs. Tyson announced.
Everyone was at attention. Heritage students were nervous for Devanté. They all wanted to see him win.
“From Heritage High Devanté Williams,” Mrs. Tyson announced.
Heritage students shouted loudly. Marcus stood and clapped as he looked at Devanté. Devanté was shocked and still; he couldn’t believe he had won. His mother cried and held her hand to her mouth; she wanted to hold him but knew he had to accept his award.
Marcus helped Devanté to his feet; Devanté hugged his mother then his teacher. Out of excitement Lynette jumped in his arms. If it was a movie Devanté would have kissed her then rode off together in the sunset. Instead he gently tapped her on her back then started his journey to center stage.
When he got on the stage Mrs. Tyson handed him a certificate that was rolled up like a diploma. He shook hands with everyone. Chris who scored the 98 percent took a servant’s bow to Devanté.
            Mrs. Tyson had to ask him a question. “How did you get a perfect score, Mr. Williams?” Mrs. Tyson asked.
Devanté walked towards her and took the microphone as she extended it to him. “Well I have the greatest teacher and mentor Mr. Randall. I just want to thank him and my mother,” Devanté handed back the microphone. He felt himself about to be in tears.
Everybody wanted to shake his hand. He never saw so many disbelieving smiles in his life. They couldn’t believe this boy with cornrows had just aced the marketing math test. When he finally made it back to his table his mother grabbed him by the waist.
“Boy, you made me more than proud today,” Ms. Williams stated.
“Awe man, a perfect score, a perfect score,” Marcus repeated himself.
Students began to disperse. Marcus had to take some students back to school. He gave Ms. Williams and Lynette a hug then he dapped up Devanté. “A perfect score, man I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Alright everybody, a perfect score, “Marcus couldn’t get over it.
Lynette walked with Devanté and his mother. Their aura was too positive for her to depart their company. When they got to the exit door her ride awaited.
“Lynette,” Precise yelled then approached.
“Oh hey Theo, my friend Devanté just won. He got a perfect score,” Lynette immediately felt uncomfortable but didn’t know why.
“Oh that’s big, congrats, I hope you the best,” Precise congratulated then shook Devanté’s hand.
Devanté gave Precise a firm handshake. Firm enough to make Precise’s hand throb. “Thanks,” Devanté said with an empty tone.
Lynette definitely felt uncomfortable now. She could see Devanté’s hurt. She could see he felt like he wore his heart on his sleeve, and he had just became sleeveless.
“Well baby are you ready to go,” Precise said with an emphasis on the word, baby.
“Yeah, it was nice meeting you Ms. Williams. Congratualations again Devanté,” Lynette gave Ms. Williams a hug but made no physical contact with Devanté.
Devanté felt dissed as his mother said goodbye to Lynette. As Lynette got into Precise’s car Ms. Williams looked at her son stared at his dream girl. “Boy, you can’t win everything. Let’s go shopping,” Ms. Williams stated with a smile then began walking to her car. Devanté laughed then thought new clothes was a good way to mend a broken heart.    

 

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