The Contest

1

"You'll never do it, you can't win," said Akino, his blonde hair neatly swept away from his blue eyes.2

"I think she can," said Hoski. His hair was dark and his eyes brown.3

"There's never been a girl who's won the Archery contest, you shouldn't encourage her," Akino returned.4

Malika frowned and said, "It costs a hundred dollars to enter, it doesn't matter if you are male or female."5

"I think you should save your money," said Akino.6

Malika brushed her beautiful dark hair out of her big blue eyes, her pretty face still in a frown, "Why can't a girl win?"7

They were outside the red brick, school building. "Boys are stronger and more athletic," stated Akino.8

Hoski repeated, "I think you can do it!"9

"Thanks, Hoski. I appreciate you're confidence. You're not like some people," she said glaring at Akino.10

All three were sophomores and sixteen years old, but Akino was about to turn seventeen. Akino and Hoski were about the same height and a couple of inches taller than Malika. Hoski had been friends with Malika since grade school. Akino had only known them for a year.11

"I just don't want you to be disappointed, Malika. Girls just can't do some things as good as guys."12

"I think girls can do almost anything," said Malika.13

"I agree," said Hoski.14

Malika practiced daily for two or three hours. She was quite skilled and her dedication great, but the competition would be tough. Malika was practical, she knew she would have to work hard and she did.15

Hoski often watched Malika practice. He continued to encourage her and to be supportive. 16

Akino came around, but continued to be discouraging. "If you can't support me in my efforts to win, I'd rather you not come around. I'm sorry," said Malika to Akino. "But this means a lot to me." Akino stopped coming around her.17

The weekend of the archery contest came. More than a hundred people were competing, including about twenty girls and women. The wind was heavy and was going to be a problem for all the competitors. Akino and Hoski watched the competition. Malika barely made it through the first round. The wind nearly got the best of her and her first arrow completely missed the mark. Miraculously she managed to strike well with the rest of her arrows. She had compensated for the wind.18

Malika made it to the last twenty-five contestants. It came down to the best ten and she was still a part. The top five woulld win prizes. She could taste success, but the others were so good. Finally she got to the last three of the competition. She fired her arrows almost perfectly, striking the bull's eye. On her last arrow, a gust of wind caught it, throwing it off the mark. She got third place and $500.19

"You were great!" Akino said.20

"Absolutely fantastic!" said Hoski and he kissed her on the lips.21

"I almost did it," said Malika with excitement in her voice.22

"Sorry I doubted you," said Akino.23

"I'm sorry I had to ask you to stay away," said Malika.24

"I understand and you were right. I was being a wet blanket."25

Malika smiled at Hoski and gave him a big kiss. "I can always count on you," she said. "Next year I'll win it!"26

"I believe you will," said Akino.27