“Who the knows the answer?” the teacher asks the class. It’s math and everyone despises math but it’s simple and easy if you only understand. And you do. You look at Ada, your class rival. You two always compete to get the higher grade point and always compete through everything.

She looks at you the moment you stare at her and your hand is up to your head. Hers goes higher. Then yours, then hers, then yours. Now the two of you are extending your arms up and up.

Your teacher waits and looks up and scans the room. “Chris!” they call with a smile. He was just stretching. You and Ada slump in annoyance, looking at each other still with flame. He groans, “21…?” The teacher sighs and looks at the two of you.

You two already know. “27!” you two shout and look at each other. After class, Ada nudges you. “I got that answer first,” she scowls.