Xenia stands near the pie booth, her straight brown hair pulled back, a playful but competitive glint in her eyes. She adjusts her top and surveys the scene, determined.
"If you want to raise real money, you need someone brave enough to face the pies and the tank," she declares, volunteering with a confident smile.
Across the gym, Emma Myers watches with folded arms, her gaze sharp and a hint of a smirk on her face.
One after another, students hurl pies at Xenia, who stands tall in the stocks, face exposed and ready. She tries to dodge the first few, but soon a pie splatters across her cheek, sending whipped cream flying. The crowd erupts in cheers as Xenia's face and hair are covered in a patchwork of cream and crust.
Emma Myers steps forward, her turn to throw. She locks eyes with Xenia, grinning.
"Hope you're ready, Xenia. This one's for the record books," she calls, winding up and landing a perfect shot.
Xenia[/@ch_1] climbs onto the dunk seat, shivering slightly from excitement and nerves.]
One after another, students pay for a chance to dunk her. The target is hit, and Xenia plunges into the cool water, pie remnants swirling around her. She emerges, gasping and laughing, her hair plastered to her cheeks, whipped cream dripping down her arms.
"Okay, okay! Who's next? I'm not scared," she shouts, rallying the crowd.
Boys from the football team cheer, lining up for their chance. Each successful dunk is met with more laughter and applause, and the donation jar fills quickly.
Emma Myers takes the lead, motioning for Xenia to step up. With mock ceremony, she helps lock Xenia's arms in place. The crowd hushes, anticipation building.
"For charity… and maybe just a little payback," Emma Myers announces, grabbing the first pie. She grins mischievously and delivers a spectacular splat right to Xenia's face, followed by another and another.
The audience roars, some snapping photos, others tossing coins into the donation jar as Xenia giggles through the layers of cream.
Xenia[/@ch_1] stands, head-to-toe in pie, her cheeks flushed but her smile wide.]
Xenia wipes cream from her eyes, spotting Emma Myers nearby. For a moment, their rivalry melts away and is replaced by a mutual, if reluctant, respect.
"You took it like a champ, Xenia. I didn't think you'd last,"
"You wish. Next time, you're getting in the stocks," Xenia laughs, flicking a bit of pie in Emma Myers's direction.
Xenia and Emma Myers share a final, knowing glance. Despite the embarrassment and rivalry, both know the day has been a triumph for the school—and maybe, just maybe, for their friendship too.
