The Rise

After the conversation with his father, Leon went back up to Justin's room. They were in the middle of a conversation before Leon entered.

"All I'm saying is looking at you up close, I don't see how you two are twins" said Taylor to Veronica and Justin

"We're non-identical twins you idiot" said Justin

"What does that even mean?! Twins are twins how can they be non-identical?" said Taylor placing his hands on head

As Leon enters they all turn towards him ending the conversation immediately.

"Welcome back Leon!" said Taylor

"What did he want?" asked Justin

"Nothing important" said Leon as he stayed by the door. He wasn't planning on staying long and the rest could feel it.

"I'll keep this brief. My first biggest move will rely entirely on the presidential speeches on Tuesday and the school newspaper" said Leon

"I know you said you needed me cause of my position, but you should know that the newspaper club is huge, we have dozens of editors all trying to make the final cut and my vice principle is head over heels for George. It's not going to be easy to control what the school newspaper says about you." said Veronica interrupting Leon

"That's fine. We can control popular opinion differently. For the first time, the newspaper club will be taking polls. At the start of homeroom, on Monday, you will have your club members hand out short surveys to poll the school population. They will fill in their names, and they can check the box for the candidate they plan to vote for or they can check the box for not voting."

Taylor gets up and opens the laptop in front of Leon showing him the social media feed again.

"I know. The polls won't favor me, but we will still publish them before the presidential speeches. Then, after the speeches, you will take another poll."

"What are you planning to do for the speech?" said Justin

"Like Veronica said, something ambiguous. And when people don't know what to think about my speech, the polls will do that for them." said Leon

Veronica smiles excitedly

"So you want me to fake the second round of polls in your favor so that everyone thinks favorably about your speech." said Veronica

"Can you manage it?" asked Leon

She crosses her arms

"Of course." she replied

"That's it for now" said Leon

"Wait, the speeches are on Tuesday, but what are you going to do on Monday? You can't just go to school and do nothing." said Justin

"I'm still working on it. We still have Sunday to plan for things. I'll keep you updated." said Leon

"And thank you. I won't-"

"Boo!" said Taylor throwing a pillow interrupting Leon

"Don't thank us, that goes without saying" said Justin

Leon smiled at their unconditional support, then he looked at Veronica and the smile disappeared. She noticed and shook her head slowly and subtly as if telling him 'Don't think about telling Justin at a time like this...'. Leon looked away then abruptly left the room.