I am the Bomb

My costume was the bomb. I mean, how many twelve-year-olds actually think of something like this? I was so sure I was going to win. There was no way I could lose with this bomb costume. Did I mention it was bomb? Oh yeah. I did. A couple times.

So there I was, in line, waiting for the announcement of the winner. I was smiling, because of course I was going to win. It was just going to happen. I could feel it. Then this little girl- I have no idea how she was twelve- she looked, like, nine- sneaked around the corner towards the judges. I see this little hand sneak out and put something on the table. The judges- who were all juniors in high school- grabbed the thing off the table and stuck it in their pockets. They nodded to the little girl and she turned and ran back to her place in line. She was dressed like- you guessed it- Miley Cyrus. I mean, really? How old are we here?

I have no idea what she gave the judges, but it doesn't bother me. I'm still going to win. Nothing can make me lose. I mean-- bomb costume, remember.

Then the judges make their announcement. I'm waiting for a "Cade Stinson!" to ring out, telling everyone just HOW bomb my costume is, but instead I hear the judges all clearing their throats and kind of "um"-ing, you know? Like they don't want to announce the winner! What is that all about? Finally, the really tall guy gets up and hold the microphone up to his mouth. He opens his mouth and says, really slowly, "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you this year's sixth-grade Halloween Costume Contest winner. Please give a round of applause for Jenny Roth!"

WHAT?

There's a stunned silence. I think everyone was expecting me to win, too.

Jenny steps forward. Holy cow, it's the Miley Cyrus girl. I think...I think she bribed the judges. I lost because she...I glance at the judges. They're all pulling candy out of a huge zip-lock bag. I lost because she bribed the judges! How can that be fair?

And what can I do about it? I'm just a twelve-year-old in a bomb costume.