Monday As I enter the great gates of Lisburn Academy, I “You can just show the letter to the librarian

er to the librarian ‘til we find

promise myself that from now on things will be different. It wouldn’t your ID.”
be that easy but I’ll definitely give it my best shot. This day marks It’s the ID I found. “Excuse me, but I seem to have found
the start of the life I plan to cherish forever. These were the thoughts your ID.” Jo stood and held out the ID.
running through Jo’s mind since she woke up this morning. Her “Hey, you did.” The girl was delighted to find what she was
determination rose even more when she finally entered the school’s looking for. “Thank you so much. Sir, I think there would be less
vicinity. trouble for you now”, she said with a smile to the man at the table.
This place is really… Her thoughts were interrupted by a “I found it by the gate.”
something she stepped on. “Hmm, must be where I dropped it. I was really in a hurry,
Uh, what’s this I stepped on? An ID. you know, to finish some things for class.”
“Elizabeth Birch”, Jo said aloud. Hmm, better take it to the “Thank you dear for the effort of taking it here.” the man
lost and found section and quick. said to Jo, delighted as the girl, Beth, was. “I’m Mr. Gerald and if
She walked to the main building of the Academy. It was you need help… lost something, you can come to me.”
huge with blue glass walls. As she was approaching the door she “I’m Jo Martinez, by the way”, Jo introduced herself
could see her reflection on the blue-tainted glass. The door opened cheerfully. “I’m new here.”
automatically as she walked in. Inside, the place was big and “Oh. Great, then I can show you around.” The girl was still
spacious. There were lounges on the right side and a desk was on the smiling. She had blue braces which matched the blue color of her
left side of the door. On it was the sign ‘INFORMATION’. eyes. “We’ll leave now sir. Thank you for the time.”
“Good morning. I’d like to take this ID to the lost and found “Ok, no problem.”
section.”, Jo asked the girl who was sitting in front of the
information desk. “I bet you know my name already.” Beth laughed at her
“Just go straight down the hall, and then turn right. The lost remark which made Jo giggle at the same time. “Anyway, I’m a
and found section is the 2 nd door you’ll see.”, the girl answered with junior, section A. You mentioned you were a transferee?”
a sincere smile. “Yep, I’m from Donegal.”
“Thank you.” “Whoa! Cool, so you came a long way. Why’d you
Many people had been passing around the wide hallway. It transfer?”
seemed like it’s a busy day for everyone. There were students in their “To see new places.” And with that she smiled then they
uniform and also teachers. both laughed at her silly answer.
When Jo reached her destination, she straightened herself “Really, I wish I were as brave as you.”
first then opened the door. A girl was already inside talking to the Jo sheepishly smiled at the answer. “Aw, don’t really think
man by the table. The man seemed to be the head of the section. He so much.” She was now swooshing her hands awkwardly,
noticed Jo as she entered and gestured for her to sit down. Jo emphasizing how she was taken aback about the remark.
overheard their conversation. “Well it’s true. So, let’s talk about your class.”
“Ok Beth, we’ll post some signs around the campus. Good “Uh well I’m still a freshman and I’m…” she looked at a
of you to tell us immediately.” blue form which she took from her pocket “…I’m in section B.”
“Thanks sir. I think I’d better go now.” “I’ll take you there. I believe you’re first class is 8:30.”
 “That’s right.” Jo, stop quivering! Stop quivering… stop…It’s no use! I’m
“Well I have my brother in that class. If he starts bothering gonna be dead.
you, you can tell me right away.” Beth chuckled. “I’ll give you my “I’ll let you know, that I’ll let it pass now since you seem to
number, so if you’ll need me…” she took out a card from her sling be new here. But if this ever, happens again…” the boy stopped
bag and handed it to Jo “..ah, here it is.. don’t hesitate to tell me.” threatening. The teacher was now inside the room.
“Thanks.” Jo smiled gratefully. “I think this is the room.” He sat at the chair by the center aisle, just in line with Jo’s
“Yep, good luck on your first day.” row. This made it harder for her to look at her right side. She had to
avoid his wretched face at all costs. It was burning for heaven’s sake.
Jo settled at a chair by the center aisle at the second to the
last row. She looked around at the neat room, with white painted The teacher’s name is Mori Suou and he’s the Algebra
walls. Everything inside looked good, even their uniforms too. teacher. He is half Japanese and actually lived in Japan ‘til he
The students in this class sure are varied. They look like they graduated college. He liked his students to call him Mori-sensei,
have very different personalities. I just hope I fit in with them. Well, I which meant ‘teacher Mori’.
made a good start. Nothing bad could ever happen. “Mori-sensei, do we have to start classes now?” a girl in pig-
Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder, and it was heavy. tails asked.
“Hey, stranger you’re on my seat.” “Well, ideally we should” Mori said in an obvious Japanese
The voice was calm and indifferent. tone. “But well since it’s the first day, I would want to take it
Jo turned around slowly. First she looked at the hand on her lightly.”
shoulder and then to the face of the boy in royal blue jacket. At his And the class burst out a joyous ‘Yehey’. No one seemed to
back were three other boys also in the same jacket as he was. The be in the atmosphere of sticking their brains with numbers especially
boy with the hand on her shoulder seemed apathetic but the other on the first day after the long vacation.
three sure looked like rabid dogs. “Mori-sensei did you have your vacation in Japan?” asked a
At that instant she bowed her head and could feel cold sweat boy who had a cute face and guile smile.
breaking in her brow. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know… I thought… “Sadly… no Sedricke. I was just somewhere here in this
well, it’s because I just came here and…” she struggled for island.” Mori sighed. He sure missed Japan even after four years of
something to say staying in the island. It wasn’t entirely homesickness. He was too old
Jo what are you doing. Once again you’re an obedient for that. It was something else. “You guys are trying to trick me to
sheep, a whimpering dog! Stand up for yourself will you. You spilling, aren’t you?”
promised yourself something. “No… ‘course not.” was the snickering answer in unison.
“What I want to say is, I had no idea this seat already had an “Oh, we seem to have someone new in the class.” Mori-
owner. As far as I’m concerned it’s the first day of school.” sensei noticed Jo, who seemed to be self-absorbed, then looked at his
The hand suddenly withdrew from her shoulder as if it were class record. “Miss Martinez, can you please introduce yourself?”
burned. Two of the boys know settled on the chairs behind her while Uh?? Did he call me? Well, of course he did. Stand up quick
the other one was on the adjacent row. They boy with the heavy hand you idiot.
leaned forward. His face was now near Jo’s and his mouth at the
level of his ears.
 “Hi, I’m Joana Martinez. You can call me Jo.” She smiled to The shirt they wore had skull prints and they had chains and
everyone but still avoided her glance from the four boys he piercings all over.
encountered awhile ago. “I was formerly from Donegal Institute.” It wouldn’t be a good idea to sit there; those guys look so
The last statement sent some ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the gothic. I can’t even dare go near them. They’re not even wearing the
other students. The man with the heavy hand was now staring hard at prescribed uniform for a start. That sure is bad company.
her. How about this one on the left? Those girls look friendly and
“My father decided to transfer me after the 1 st semester. I’m cheerful, maybe I’d sit with them.
really looking forward to my year here in Lisburn.” What else to So gaily, she headed to the said table. She was so optimistic
say… what to say… and was already readying a big warm smile. A girl in a ponytail
“Thank you Jo. Welcome to Lisburn.” wearing glasses walked near the table where she was heading. The
She smiled gratefully to Mori-sensei. At least that’s the first girls called out on her. Then they shoved some paper on the poor
warm welcome I had since I entered this room. The one I had a girl’s food. They told her something that made her whimper and then
while ago was by no means warm. It was cold and at the same time the girls sitting on a table gave out big cute giggles. You wouldn’t
burning with contempt. And as she thought of this, her face was like know they were simply evil.
one big blank with 2 bold X for eyes and one short line for a ghastly Jo was shocked. Her mouth fell open and her face in utter
smile. confusion and panic. She quickly changed directions like a car
suddenly taking a sharp u-turn.
Lunch break seemed to Jo a time to step out and find some Abort! Abort! Not a good idea to sit with them. Phew… it
peers. But, basically it didn’t go so well. At the start of the line by could have been me back there.
the counter, it seemed that some people had noticed her, and too Then she noticed another girl who had such an eye catching
much by the way. Some had been staring for a while and whispers hat. She was sitting on a table with a boy. They were enjoying
could be heard. themselves. Both of them were her classmates and so she decided it
This is really awkward. I’m like an animal in a zoo being would be much better if she sat with them.
watched by all these people. Oh Jo, you’re probably imagining stuff. “Hi, I’ve noticed the two of you from the class I’m in. I’m
Being paranoid and all won’t help you a bit, you insecure creature. Jo. Can I sit here with both of you?”
She was too absorbed on her thoughts she didn’t even notice “Sure! You’re the new girl.” The fair skinned, blonde boy
that the cafeteria lady had already asked her twice about her order. offered a seat beside her. He was obviously dismayed when Jo sat
“Hey! I said what would you want?” called the lady, half beside the girl in the glasses. The girl secretly grinned at her.
shouting and obviously angry. “I’m Jean and this is Vince. He’s lost his manners so don’t
“Oh, white salmon and Caesar’s salad please.” She said this mind him.”
with a hint of nervous laughter. Jean and Jo laughed while Vince was ashamed, that’s for
The order was taken and the lady was in no way pleased sure. The pallor of his skin and the embarrassed smile showed it all.
with her. It made her worry that she already had found two mutual He was shaking his head and making hand gestures, trying hard to
enemies on the first day of the semester. convince the new girl that the accusations were unfounded. This
Now, the table. She thought about where she would sit. The made them laugh even more since he seemed goofier.
first table she fixed her eyes on had a bunch of guys with black caps.
 Two tables away from them sat two boys. The taller one is “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” She bowed to the old
well remembered as ‘the one who had the heavy hand’. He goes by butler repeatedly and was all but graceful. It seemed more like a
the name David Lombard. His look was proud but his eyes seemed chicken pecking on grains.
deep in thought. You could be lost inside its depth if you dared to “Ma’am, please stop. It’s annoying and… it looks ugly.” The
venture inside it. For quite awhile now he had been looking at Jo’s old butler remarked bluntly.
table. She was totally taken aback by the answer. Poor Jo –
The other one, Mike, was leaner in contrast to the bulk of the ungraceful and clumsy. The expression on her face was more than
first one and seemed more cheerful. His brown eyes shone happiness hilarious.
towards everything he looked upon, even on the face of his apathetic She went inside the large house. Despite the people inside
companion. Those two make an odd pair, but they were a pair. who tended to it, day-in and day-out, it seemed very quiet. She could
“If you want… you can stay at my house tonight.” Mike said hear the sound of her shoes as she walked inside the exceedingly
with hope of catching David’s attention and maybe be given even a spacious living room. The stairs were huge too, and was at the center
hint on what his friend has been thinking about. of the room so that whenever someone went down she could well be
“No, I’d have to talk to him sooner or later. Better do it seen by everyone inside. The entire house – so large and full of stuffs
sooner.” This was the only cold answer. And silence draped around too wonderful for description- in its enormity seemed to Jo always
the two isolating them from the noisy world of the cafeteria. hollow. There was something missing in it.
I’m going to fill this house up, I promise…
The sleek black limousine drove smoothly through the street.
It slowed down when it reached a black gate, which stretched for Lying on his bed with headphones on, David let his thoughts
almost a kilometer. The car turned and entered a road lined with be drowned by the sounds of drums and electric guitars. A knock
enormous king palms on both side. This road was fondly called the came from the door and he heard not a single sound.
‘Majestic Palm road’. After a while a huge white house could be A lady went inside and told her something. He could only
seen. It was made of marble and its roof black as asbestos. The car see her mouth moving. Though he had not heard a single word from
stopped in front of the house and a man was already waiting for it to Mary, the housekeeper, he already knew what she said.
arrive. Gracefully, he went to the car and opened the door. After the housekeeper had left, he hesitated before he finally
“Good afternoon Ms. Martinez.” The man in black suit decided to go out of his room. He sat by the edge of his bed and
curtly bowed. caught a glimpse of the night sky. It was without stars which made
Jo still sat inside, almost dazed and just gazing at the bowing the atmosphere melancholic.
butler. Oohh… I can’t ever get used to this. How gracefully he does David strode towards his father’s study. His face had that
it all the time. It’s so amazing!!! determined grin. Those deep eyes now stared straight towards the
“Most respectfully ma’am, but would you be kind enough to closed door with the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign. As he turned the
step out”, the old butler broke the silence. “My… back hurts knob he saw a glimpse of Dr. Lombard writing something.
already.” “Sit down. I want to be clear with something.” Dr. Lombard
Jo suddenly shook out from the state of animation and said coldly without even looking up.
hastily went out. David took the seat in front of the mahogany table. He didn’t
bother to answer. For him it was pointless.
 “I don’t want you to get involved with that rebellious club. I And as she walked towards the door, Mr. Martinez sat there
will have no more of it. I’ve been working my guts out all this time mesmerized looking at her.
and that’s all I get from you.” His father was now staring hard at
him. There was a long pause. Then Dr. Lombard continued. “Today we’ll learn about simple conversations.” The
“Get your priorities straight boy. You’ve been so much of a Japanese teacher informed the class of the lesson. Japanese class was
disappointment.” one of the two electives freshmen students are allowed to take. Jo
“Yes, I will sir.” The answer came out automatically, like it enrolled in it since she was fascinated with it ever since she had been
was programmed to his system. 10 years old. She loved watching Japanese anime shows and enjoyed
“You may go now.” reading manggas.
And he just stood and went out immediately. He thought it “I’m so excited; this is going to be fun!” Jo exclaimed, her
was better this way. Not much words from both of them. eyes like twinkling stars.
“Hai!1” Jean answered beaming with delight. Jo nodded in
return.
Tuesday “Wow!! This is the best breakfast I’ve ever had.” Jo
exclaimed, her eyes twinkling and her hands clasped with A couple of the students from section B were in the class,
immeasurable delight. and David and Mike were among them. The teacher began the lesson
“You say that every morning dear.” It was Mr. Nelson by calling on someone.
Martinez. He was walking towards the dining table and smiled at “Akira-chan, let’s have you first. This should be easy for
how silly her daughter was over just a breakfast. you” the teacher pointed out a Japanese girl. “Ohaiyo gozaimasu,
“Oh, good morning daddy! The food’s very delicious, Akira-chan.”
really.” “Ohaiyo, Langdon-sensei.”
“I know.” Mr. Martinez sat at the head of the table. “How “O’genki desu ka?2.”
was your day at school?” “Genki desu. Anata wa?3”
She was about to shove a spoonful of food into her mouth “Daijobu desu.4”
and then she suddenly froze. Do I tell him everything? Well, I’ll just “Well done. Yoku dekimashita!” Mr. Langdon gestured
leave out the nasty parts. Akira to take her seat.
“It was great daddy. I’m at class B and I already know all Mr. Langdon taught them how to converse in Japanese. The
my classmates and my teachers. I’ve a friend who is already a junior, class had been fun and full of laughter since Mr. Langdon himself
Elizabeth Birch, and two from class. They’re Jean March and was quite a comedian.
Vincent Birch, Elizabeth’s kid brother.” “Now the rest will be group effort. A group of four members
And so she kept on talking about how her first day was fun will be assigned a topic and present their conversation in front of the
and silly at the same time, leaving out the nasty bits of course. His class next meeting.”
father smiled with every story, though he was only half listening. He
was just glad her daughter had such a great time. 1
Yes!
“I’ll go now daddy, I don’t want to be late you know.” 2
How are you?
3
I’m fine. How about you?
4
I’m alright.
 The students were now up and about finding group “Well that’s pretty interesting.” Mike felt the sudden tension
members. and tried to save the conversation.
“Jo, we lack two other members.” “What do you suggest guys?” Jo asked.
“Uh? Right, but who do we ask to be our group mate?” The heck with this baka, if I feel like talking I will. Staring at
“Ah Jo, about that”, Jean faced her “I’m not really good at me like a rabid dog; who does he think he is? “I suggest we do a
approaching strangers. He..he..he..” play, huh?”
Jo suddenly felt a surge of annoyance, she was looking “Role playing? Well…” Jean still was musing about it. Jo
straight into Jean and she felt like her head was hit by a baseball bat. turned to Mike.
Well, let’s see. Everyone seems to already have groups now. “Ahm, it’s not exactly what I’d like to do” Mike started
oh, how about those 2 at the corner. slowly but then avoided the topic. “What do you think David?”
“Jean, I’m going to ask those two senpais at the corner.” The three of them looked at his direction. Jean was still
“Oh no, not them. They’re bullies. I’ve seen them do such musing, Mike earnest to hear his opinion, while Jo was very
vile things. I wouldn’t want to be near them.” optimistic in hearing a ‘yes’.
“You’re right. Me neither.” Jo nodded in agreement. “Hey, “I think”, he looked at Jo “it sounds dreary.”
Mike’s approaching us.” The answer was like a big punch that hit Jo straight on the
“Hi, we just came in. The teacher said there’s some group face, sending her straight to Mars and back again.
activity?” “Well, he’s got a point.” Jean added. There it goes again,
“Yeah. Do you already have a group? Jean and I need two another punch in the face for Jo. KO. Jean… how could you be so
more members.” cruel.
“No I don’t. Well, David and I would love to join your “So, how about we hear what you have in mind.” Jo stared
group. Arigato!” He ran back to where David was. hard at David, burning challenge so apparent in her eyes.
No!! Calm down Jo, if you don’t talk too much you’ll pull “It’s not for you to know, baka.”
through this alive. “Hey who’re you calling stupid!”
“Jo, are you alright?” Jean asked when she saw the shocked “Whoa, guys get a hold of yourselves.” Mike tried to thwart
expression in Jo. She looked like she was time travelling or the impending fight.
something. “Hey!!” Jean shook her hard to return her back to the Jo suddenly realized the trouble she had gotten into. “I’m so
present. sorry. It’s my fault.”
She jolted back to reality. The four of them sat on a circle. David looked away. It was weird how he always tried to hide
She couldn’t fix her eyes on one place afraid that it might come in his eyes from everyone.
contact with the burning ones of David.
“So I already picked the topic. We are supposed to talk about
what we love to do.” Jean read aloud their task.
“Ooohh!...” Jo started enthusiastically but suddenly stopped Wednesday The dried leaves crackled as they were stepped
and went back to being as silent as a log when he noticed David look upon. It was cool in that part of the school grounds and many
at her. What’s with him! Is he possessed or something? students had also been taking leisure walks. It seemed like a blessed
day and the sun was hiding behind white fluffy clouds. The day was dreamed of flying to Hollywood, I was listening to the songs of
perfect. Brittany Pierce.
“Quite my luck Langdon-sensei didn’t hear me yesterday.” “We could study together if you like. Mori-sensei won’t be
David was no longer in a rotten mood. coming to class since he had to attend to something.”
Mike laughed. “It seemed you had released all your anger on “Thank you.”
the poor girl.” Reluctantly, Jo picked up her book from her bag and
“I’m really sorry for her, you know.” skimmed through the pages. This would be one heck of Academic
“Huh?”, Mike’s reaction was inaudible. suicide.
“I couldn’t help it. She just is simply annoying. It’s just bad After blaming herself, Jo finally succumbed to the fact that
luck of her to always approach me on my bad side.” she must start reading if she were just to get even the passing grade.
They both burst into hysterics, thinking about how Jo had She literally buried his nose under the thick book. Two boys started
seemed so obviously petrified with David’s cold stare. towards her direction.
“Father told me to quit the club.” David recalled his “Hey about the idea you asked me.” Jo heard a voice call out
conversation with Dr. Lombard the other night. on her. She looked up and was taken aback. It was David, and he had
“Well, it’s no big deal. It was just a club anyway.” with him a warm smile. She was totally caught off guard and her
David did not answer. He returned into the silent mood and mouth fell open.
thought about a lot of things. “Jo, close your mouth. Flies might get in.” Jean nudged her
It was more than that. I had my ideals in that club. It might quietly. She shook herself to awareness.
have seemed trivial but it was one way I showed my resistance. And “So, what about it?”
it was where I had met her. “We thought that maybe we could have a group meeting this
“Hey, you rotten man! You’re spoiling the beautiful day you Saturday at my house and talking about what we’ll do.” Mike
know.” Mike slapped his shoulders. cheerfully answered.
“Whatever you say, stingy. Let’s head back to class.” “And by then you’ll know what’s cooking inside my mind.”
The sun went out from its hiding behind the cotton-like David smiled.
clouds. Everything would surely be fine after all. “Ahh..” Jo was utterly delighted. “Group meeting? That’ll be
awesome! Are you in Jean?”
“Jean, have you already thought about our presentation for “Sure, whatever they said.” Jean was basically absorbed in
Japanese class?” Jo asked Jean who was reading her textbook. her studying.
She hesitated before answering her. “Well, not really. I had “Ok. We’ll be picking you up 10 in the morning, Saturday.”
to study for our science test this afternoon.” Mike was the one who answered.
“What!! We have… a test?” Jo’s face was shocked as she “Thank you” Jo and Jean answered, the former flushed with
staggered towards the chair beside Jean. delight the other still engrossed with her book.
How come I didn’t remember? What have I been doing last “No problem!” the pair answered. They looked like a happy
night? Let see. After I doodled the name of Orlando Plum5 and pair. Their warm smiles and their mischievous grins betrayed the
truth. They walked away in high spirits. The day had definitely
5
Orlando Plum is a famous American actor who starred in blockbuster hits turned out pretty good.
like Band aids of the Caribbean and Lord of the Wings
 interested just approach the student council office.” She looked at the
attentive faces of everyone. “If everything is clear, then have a nice
day everyone!”
Thursday “Un, deux, trois!”, Vince counted as he handed “Vince, isn’t that you’re sister?” Jo asked.
presents for Jo and Jean who were blindfolded. “Oh, that big headed girl? Unfortunately yes.” He was
“Wow!!! Thank you so much Vince.” Jo exclaimed holding making some sort of goofy swishing of the hand like dismissing a
a pink box and not taking her eyes off it. Oh my, I act like a pauper. fly.
She turned abruptly to Vince and bowed like he ungracefully does, A hard knuckle pounded on his head. “This is what I call a
like chicken pecking grains. “I’m so sorry for my abominable big head.” Beth was grinning at Vince, her fist still over his
manners. I’m really grateful for this gift.” throbbing head. “Anyway, the two of you can be perfect candidates I
“Je vous en prie!6” Vince was shrugging and stopping her presume.” She was looking at Jean and Jo.
from the pecking motion. “Huh?” Jo was thinking. Freshmen representative? It sounds
“Just so you know I won’t be indebted for having received a intimidating and hard, but if I do it… and I win, it will be a new
gift from you. After I went into so much trouble excusing you from experience for me. I can be somebody, a whole new Jo.
all your classes, we’re already fair.” Jean said this without a trace of “Oi!!! What are you staring at?” Vince was waving his hand
emotion. in front of her face. “You do that quite often, you know, suddenly
“Nyaa!!! Aaa… ahh…” chorused Jo and Vince in surprise. becoming self absorbed and all.”
“So how was your travel to France?” Jean was now beaming. “I thought elections took place during the first semester?” Jo
Jo still was in the state of surprise. Talk about fast recovery. asked Vince.
“Well France is still France, lonely and cold. If only I had “The past representative and councilor had to transfer
someone with me who could put some flame in this dull and dark school. Family issue... The two were brothers.”
life.” “How about you Jean? An honor student like you would
“Sheesh… you’re such a drama king.” Jo and Jean blurted surely want some extra-curricular activities ei? So?” Beth was now
out. putting the pressure on Jean.
“Qu’est-ce qui t’a donné cette idée?7” “Ah, he, he, he…” Jean burst into her nervous laughter.
The two girls just looked at each other. “Freshman representative, campaigning, meeting strangers…
They talked all through out that lunch break about stories speeches…” She was now sweating. “I think I’ll pass, ha ha ha.”
from France. Half of it was true and half was embellished by the “Hey sister, how come you never asked me to run?”
mischievous mind of Vincent. Suddenly a group of higher year “Oh??” Beth turned to his blonde brother. “Ok, 5 kilometers
students came to the platform. The lights and the microphone were around the oval in 45 minutes.”
turned on. Elizabeth stepped out confidently. “What!!!” Vince shouted at her obviously annoyed.
“Good day students of Lisburn Academy! As we all know “Hey, I’d run”, Jo interrupted. Beth was delighted to hear it.
today is the start of the filing for candidacy for the position of Jo continued. “But I’d like Vince to be my running mate.”
freshman councilor and representative. So if any one of you is The delight in Beth’s face was now turned to shock.
“Nyee!” Vince stuck out his tongue to his sister.
6
You’re welcome! “Are you… sure?”
7
Whatever gave you that idea?
 “Yep!” “Joana, I am Kei Kardon. I am honored to be your opponent
“In that case, I’ll accompany you to the council office.” And in the position of freshman representative.”
Vince and Jo together went to the main building determined. Beth This guy’s got problem. Jo was scratching her head.
followed them, no longer shocked nor annoyed. She just couldn’t “Thanks. Vince will be my councilor.”
help but smile at how funny things have been turning out. Kei and Scott bowed their heads abruptly. They were
“Hey, wait up! I’m coming to be the official campaign keeping themselves from bursting into laughter. They grew redder by
manager…” Jean ran towards the three. “I guess I can handle it.” the second.
“You heard that right.” Vince exclaimed annoyed.
All the students of Class 1-B were already in their room “Enough of this. I just want to say good luck.” Kei said.
waiting for their teacher. Some were playing cards in the corner and “May the best man… or, woman win.”
others were noisily talking. It was almost a jungle inside with each “Bye Jo, Vince.” Anya smiled at the two.
student doing different things. The afternoon sun was scorching “Whatever.” Vince and Jo murmured.
outside so nobody even wanted to play or walk in the grounds. Basically, the whole class had overheard he whole
All of a sudden, the door opened. Everyone froze thinking it conversation but kept quiet about it. For sure trouble will be coming
was the teacher. They had been caught unaware. But instead of the if someone meddled with this troublesome affair.
slender Ms. Honey, the section’s adviser, there were three students “So the new girl wants to be our representative.” It was Mike
framed at the doorway – two boys and a girl. Everyone went back to talking to no one in particular.
their business. “Wrong move.” David whispered.
The boy at the middle was Kei Kardon and the one at his
right was Scott Harman. The girl was Anya Irving. The three were
students of Class 1-A. Friday
“Hello, I’m Anya from Class A.” The girl introduced herself “Jean! It’s no use, this one’s too long.” Vince was now
to Jo. complaining on the speech Jean had written for him.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Jo.” “Quit complaining and start memorizing.”
“And I’m Vince, a close friend of Jo.” “But” He stopped as Jean slammed the paper on his face “If
“Great to know both of you.” The girl was undoubtedly I must. Why can’t I just use my own speech, the ones that are full of
charming. the services I will be rendering the entire school?”
The two boys went inside, ignoring the others who stared at “Because it’s full of impossible promises and with that I’d
them. be surprised if you ever get even a single vote.”
“David…” Mike whispered firmly at David. He was “Impossible isn’t even in my vocabulary.”
gripping his arm hard. “Baka!”
David was standing motionless as the two boys walked “Ok, si vous le dites.8”
through the isle between rows of desks. As they were near David’s “Argh! You’re despicable.” Jean murmured, her blood
desk, the two stopped. The other one, Kei glanced coldly at David already boiling.
while the latter glared at him. Then the two boys proceeded to where
Anya was.
8
Ok, whatever.
 Jo’s mind was wandering. She thought of a lot of things, but annoyed him sometimes to be his closest friend yet not knowing
they were all disorganized. She didn’t even know what to think of most of his thoughts, he already got used to it. That was the way
first. Well, of course there was the election next week and she must David was and he is thankful he has a friend like him.
think of it. But it does not completely fill up her mind. She thought “I’ll be late for tomorrow’s practice. My brothers are coming
about her new life – how happy it seemed. Days like they seem like home.” David said matter-of-factly.
they would never end. “No problem”, Mike said with a guile approving smile. “You
“How are you doing guys?” She snapped back to the present. done with that?” he continued gesturing at the food.
“Not good.” Both answered. “Yeah.” David pushed it away.
“Hmm, too bad. We won’t be winning with those attitudes.” “Ah, hehe… would you mind if I finish it?” Mike laughed.
She tried to bring back the energy from the two but the effort was in “I’m still hungry you know.”
vain. “Whatever, pig.”
The science teacher entered the room and the students were “Just so you know, I don’t mind being called a pig just by
now in their proper seats. He was a strict looking man, by the look, finishing your left-over food.” Mike said barely saying the words
would pass for being in his early thirties. audibly with his mouth full of food.
Classes were classes. And one thing’s for sure; Jo was not “Still the same… pig!”
one who could put the A’s straight in the mark but she always did
her best. She felt like she owed it to a lot of people to at least have The drive to the airport was silent. David and his father, Dr.
done her best, though she really still is struggling. Don’t get it wrong Lombard, sat beside each other but didn’t bother to talk. It was not
for she is not stupid. It’s just that she lags behind those who bury that they were not in good terms; it was just that it had always been
their nose in books and burn the midnight candles. that way. In fact, David respected his father so much he didn’t want
Ahm, if protein is composed of amino acids, where does to be called a disappointment. He had always excelled in things he
DNA fit in? Mr. Sancho said everything is composed of atoms, so it placed his mind on, even though his heart was not in it.
would eventually mean even DNA are composed of those minute David was 18 years old though he was even older than his
atoms. Hmm, I don’t really get the hierarchy from atoms to age. He was more independent than the average teen. He planned on
compounds to DNA, proteins and eventually to humans. Ahh!! things and the plans came to fulfillment. In his life he somehow
Ganbatte! learned that one has to do things. Many circumstances in his life had
taught him how to be steel and being the type of boy that he is now
“Game over!” Mike said as his ninja character in his kept him from breaking apart. He seems like one complicated person
Nintendo-Wii was crushed by the enemy. but he just likes to be hidden from the critical eyes. For him, less
He noticed David thinking deeply. That look that always talking would mean fewer mistakes. He is a doer and sometimes,
betrayed his ‘it’s nothing’ answer was there. He toyed with his food. sadly, an island.
“Penny for your thoughts”, Mike said. His nanny always told him a story, which he always
“It’s nothing.” delighted to listen, about a boy who had blonde hair and blue eyes.
“Hmm, could have guessed your answer”, Mike remarked The boy loved to play the piano and he always practiced to become
already knowing what David’s reply would be. He never pressed better every day. The boy came from an average family – his father
David to say something he had no intention of sharing. Although it an accountant and his mother a teacher in a public school and he had
3 younger sisters. In order to have extra money, he would teach other I’d love to watch all of you eat and hopefully get
into an engaging conversation. Maybe I’ll come by,
children to play the piano. until when will he be in the island?
The boy was very talented and excelled in things he did for
he always made sure he gave it his best. When his father died of
kidney failure when he was a sophomore in college, he was jolted to
the cruel realization of becoming the one to stand for the family. He
balanced work and studies at first, but was forced to stop. His family
had been very supportive and together they struggled. “Dr. Lombard!” A tall pale man called out.
Because of his passion and dedication, many noticed his Two head’s turned to the direction of the voice, one was that
abilities. It was not long before he was given high positions at work. of David’s father and that of a young man in his late twenties. His
Slowly, he paved his way to the top. And when time came, he eyes were brown matching those of his hair. He had a striking face
returned to his studies and now he’s one of the richest men in the and it was mesmerizing. Looking closely, he seemed like an older
island. He is now a well known and well loved doctor who is an version of David.
inspiration, sometimes a legend, to the eyes of many. Most of all he, The tall pale man, who was Mr. Jones of Cole-Parker
know, is a father, and a good one, of two brilliant sons. Corporation, came to both Dr. Lombards who were talking to each
Of all the stories he heard about his father, this one was other.
David’s favorite. He never really knew anything about his father than
what the television, magazines or other people say. But for him, what
old Ms. Higgins says is more reliable than any other book.
Sometimes, when he was alone in his study, David would
hear him play the piano. It was always a sad tune. The melody was
always melancholy, and each note was heart-piercing. When David
would have the courage to peep unnoticed, he would see the face of a
strong man. His hands moved gracefully through the keyboard and
his body moved with it. It was simply breathtaking, almost like a
century-old portrait coming to life.

Saturday

It was already 8 am and Mike was up an about. He was

eating breakfast when his phone vibrated beside his plate.
The message was from David. It read:
Breakfast with Dad and Xylus. What a sight! Xylus
looked good, you should see him.
Mike smiled and answered back.