Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 07:58:27 +0000 From: Draiodoir Draiodoir Subject: The Gatekeeper: Stigmatized/ Chapter 1 All rights reserved. Copyright by Fritz D. Ilagan s. 2007 Chapter One: Senior Year Opening his eyes, Osiris looked up the dark ceiling. He blinked back tears as he recalled the dream. He didn't know what it meant but that memory kept recurring in his sleep... images of his mother appearing after he close his eyes as if wanting to tell him a message. Os sat on his bed, frustrated. It had been a week now and he was getting less sleep each time. It hurt to be reminded of her face in a dream so vivid as though he just experienced it again... as though seven years hadn't passed. It was the crack of dawn; the sky was just beginning to light up and there were still some stars struggling to twinkle. Looking down his bedside table, the alarm clock showed half-passed five on a Monday morning... two more hours before he needed to go to school. He knew that going back to sleep was out of the question so Osiris got out of bed and went down stairs to the kitchen. Preparing coffee was never his thing as he was never been a morning person and more to that, he hated Mondays. But the dream gave him no choice but to wake up, and with nothing to do, the coffee machine was something to preoccupy his mind. "Hey," Os heard from behind as he started slicing a loaf of bread. Turning around, he saw his Aunt Celina standing there by the stairs, still looking sleepy. She often reminded Osiris of his father as she looked very much alike to her brother. "You're still having trouble sleeping?" asked Aunt Celina as she sat at the stool by the kitchen counter. Os handed her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that she accepted gratefully. "Yeah. I'm still dreaming of mom," Osiris said casually, trying to evade Celina's eyes by busying himself in preparing his sandwich. But for years of living together, Celina knew whenever her nephew was trying to sound brave. She took another bite of her sandwich before asking, "You want to talk about it?" Osiris smiled as he poured two cups of coffee then handed one to his aunt. "It's okay. It's just a dream probably my subconscious is telling me to visit their grave or something." His tone was so careless that Os felt strange talking about his parents' death as he appeared to be so relaxed even though he never got over the incident... even after many years of mourning... but that was something you can never tell other people; you can never tell you miss your parents so badly you got trouble sleeping. Anaely Rites, Osiris's mom, was a historian and linguist specializing in dead languages and ancient civilizations while Raphael Rites, Osiris's dad, was an archeologist. Working together, they had plot an expedition that would have promised a much thorough understanding of ancient Mayan civilizations. But their voyage never arrived in Mexican shore as their ship got ravaged by an unsuspected storm. The graves Osiris and Celina visit were empty as Anaely's and Raphael's bodies were never found. Of course, Osiris's first instinct was to hate his parents for leaving him alone. How could they die and just abandon him on his own? At eleven years old, he was oblivious of how he will manage to survive without his parents. But Celina reached out for his hand and comforted him. She took care of Os and explained to him that it was an accident; that his parents wouldn't have chosen to leave him yet it was fate... inevitable... unavoidable. And with her help, Os learned to accept and hope for the best and managed to be on the top of his endeavors. Seven years had passed and it was enough for his wounds to be healed by time. Enough to move on anyway... "It's okay. I haven't been thinking about them for quite a while," said Osiris, sipping his coffee. "I guess I've diverted myself enough with school work." He sounded ashamed and Celina didn't miss it. "It's natural for us to try and distract ourselves with something else," explained Celina empathically. "By doing so, we can cope with what's bothering us little by little. People crash sometimes because they tend to handle the stress all at once." It must be a trait, thought Osiris while listening to his aunt. His father sounded like that too, as though he was more of a psychologist than a scavenger of ruins. He never realized how he missed them even after the years. After breakfast, Os prepared himself for school and after another hour, he threw his backpack over his shoulder and bade his aunt goodbye. "Hey, don't forget to buy milk on your way home," called Celina. "I might not get off until late this evening." "Okay, bye Aunt Celina," said Osiris as he disappeared through the back door. Celina just looked at empty space, hoping that the Goddess bless her nephew. * * * Jaypee Ramos was at their usual spot by the bus stop when Os arrived. Jaypee had been Osiris's best friend since sophomore and it still made them roar in laughter whenever they think about the first time they met. Os was a bundle of nerves that day, a skinny kid who knows no one being a transferee and all. Due to a rough first day, he was clumsily walking towards a table to have lunch when he tripped and splashed soda all over a guy's head, Jaypee, one of the coolest kids of New Valley High. Osiris went as pale as an anemic slug and was about to have a stroke. He just stared at Jaypee whose head was bowed and soaking wet. It was only to Os' relief, when Jaypee raised his head, showing that he was smiling. Osiris apologized fervently and Jaypee started to laugh and said it was okay. They became the best of friends even though they were complete opposite of one another. Jaypee was into parties and daring things, has a defined stocky body formed by playing many kinds of sports and got a ruggedly handsome face with a tanned complexion that last all year. Meanwhile, Osiris likes to study and do "intelligent" (many will call nerdy) things, got a lanky and fragile frame due to lack of physical exercise and even though he looks cute, according to few girls, he was too shy and lacks the self-confidence that makes the girls have a second look. "You look weird," said Jaypee Ramos while he and Osiris waited for the bus that as always was late. The bustles of people around the two students were getting louder now as people rushed to get to their jobs. "Why do you say that?" Os said while rummaging his bag for his science notes. "You seem... I don't know... have a glow." Osiris looked up and gave Jaypee a what-the-hell look. "Glow? That's all you've got. I have a glow." Jaypee glared. "Sorry for my diminished I.Q. Mr. Walking Dictionary. Maybe you'll appreciate it more if I say you scramble every time you see some girl by the name... well, I don't know... Angelina Reyes?" Os smiled as he triumphantly pulled out the pile of papers but dropped them all at once when Jaypee said Angelina's name. He was blushing profusely and it was not due to clumsiness. Jaypee smirked. Of course as best friends, they knew everything about one another and Osiris' attraction to Angelina Reyes had been transparently clear to Jaypee even before Os admitted his feelings. But as Osiris was no "man's man," he was totally clueless on how to approach his dream girl and no book in their library will give him a step by step guide on how to ask a girl out. Being a friend in need, of course, Jaypee extended his helping hand and tried to coach Osiris. But even he, a playboy by reputation, was having a hard time teaching the ropes to his nerdy friend. "I told you, you should just ask her out or you're going to graduate a virgin, my friend," said Jaypee looking down as Os tried to pick up at least fifty pieces of his notes on the pavement. "Will you shut up and just help me or I'm not going to be able to review these and you will have no one to copy off with," said Osiris crouching stupidly. Jaypee scoffs. "How sure are you that Mr. Michael will have a surprise quiz anyway?" He crouched down and picks up the scattered notes too. "It's just one of my strong feelings, you know," said Os finally clutching all the notes in both hands. "I just had this thought in my head before he dismissed us last week... as though my subconscious was urging me to study." Os shrugged as he arranged the stack of notes. "Hmm... your subconscious... Well, who am I to question your great psychic ability to know these things. If it wasn't for this hunches I wouldn't have survived sophomore and junior year," said Jaypee just when the bus was coming to a stop in front of them. The two got in and went to sit at the back where Osiris can review his notes while Jaypee exchange text messages with his girlfriend, Lara Pinemoore who attends St. Christian's Academy, a private school just a few blocks from New Valley High, Osiris's school. Staring at his notes, Os thought about what Jaypee said... a girl's beautiful face float in his mind and he blush in thought. Am I really that obvious? * * * After Osiris left, Celina began washing the dishes when a crash from the living room startled her. Feeling annoyed, she went to see if Railey, the cat, broke another one of her vase. He is quite a handful sometimes, thought Celina as she turned to the corridor before the living room, more than Os! But the scene that greeted her made her stop in her tracks. The small brown feline was at the floor, barely breathing and drenched with its own blood. A leering woman holding a long silver dagger was sitting by the sofa, looking at Celina's stunned expression. "Your familiar got some claws," said the stranger, showing a gash on her arm, "But I didn't really liked cats." Celina kneeled to the floor touching the cat with her hands. It was still alive but she knew it needs attention immediately. The wound appeared to be deep and bleeding profusely. "You'll pay for this," muttered Celina as she stood and faced the stranger, who got to her feet too, the dagger ready. Celina watched the front door for anyone that might be standing guard outside but it look as if the woman was working alone. Then, the woman jumped forward, dagger raised to attack but Celina swiftly moved out of the way. A ball mysterious light appeared on the woman's other hand and launched it to her opponent. Celina ducked and the energy ball hit one of the curtains that burst into flames, and blasting the windowpanes. "Who sent you?" Celina asked, as another ball of light got hurled her way but got caught to the sofa as she stooped behind it. "The Hand?" "You're not as stupid as they said, aren't you?" said the woman throwing more energy balls. "Yes, the Hand sent me. Someone wants you dead... I don't know why he's bothering to kill a weakling like you." The living room was starting to burn badly as the balls missed their mark and thick black smoke started to make it difficult to breath. Celina knew she needed to stop this quickly as she dodged another ball of light. Damn, that was my favorite painting! "I'm not as weak as they say too." Celina stood fast and extended her right hand to the woman. A tongue of fire burst from her palms and hit the enemy who howled in pain. The howling continued for some more seconds but stopped as the woman began to incinerate. She turned to ashes in no time. Celina hurriedly picked up the unconscious cat. Not wanting to get the neighborhood's attention, she held up her available hand to tame the fire, silently thanking the Goddess for blessing her with pyrokinesis. The flames abated leaving blackened ceiling, scorched curtains and peeling walls that Celina ignored as she went running to her room. She picked up a cell phone then went out of the house through the back door. It would take probably hour before anyone finds out about the body in her living room. "Hello Caleb?" asked Celina after dialing the number, her cat still unconscious on her left hand, soaking her dress with blood. "Hey Celina! Long time no talk!" a gentleman's voice answered on the other line. "I just got attacked. The Hand sent a Plighter in the house. I burned her and I'm running right now. It'll only be a matter of time before anymore comes looking. Listen, I need you to take care of Os." Celina run hurriedly to the streets and it was a good thing that no people in their neighborhood bothered waking up early. She continued talking to the cell phone, "Unbind Os, he'll need his abilities with him." "Okay. Where are you going?" asked the man on the phone. "I need to take care of Railey. That witch stabbed him. I need to go. Take care of Osiris." Celina pocketed the phone. She knew it was only a matter of time before others came to get her. She just hoped they don't get Os. Celina rounded a corner, still holding her cat then stopped on her tracks. A face of a man that Celina long believed dead looked at her. "Raphael," Celina breathed ruggedly, not believing her eyes. The man raised both hands and a bright flash of gold light hit her eyes, blinding her. * * * The bell rang through out campus and the fourth year section-A settled down as Mr. Michael walked towards the teacher's desk in front of the class. When everyone was seated, he roll called and checked for absences. Then, to Jaypee's surprise and to the rest of the class' dismay, Mr. Michael announced that he will be giving a pop quiz today. Jaypee looked at Os as though giving him a silent message, I will never doubt your instinct ever again. "Thank you," whispered Osiris to Jaypee. Jaypee frowned a little. The test was simple, given that they were only in the basic principles of Physics. They were asked to identify branches of Physics, enumerate the Scientific Method and write an essay with a topic: The Importance of Physics in Ordinary Everyday Life. The test was so easy Osiris felt he got carried away in reviewing his notes. He was already half finish on his essay when he decided to spare a look around. What he saw was both funny and sad as many of his classmates obviously neglected to read their notes. And one of them was Jaypee, who now looked disheveled, his hair askew because of unconscious scratching with his hand due to frustration. Mr. Michael was talking to someone outside so Osiris tapped Jaypee on the shoulder and asked, "Need help?" "What's the study of elementary particles and their behaviors?" whispered a very agitated Jaypee. Os pretended to think for a while then smiled, "I forgot." Jaypee glowered at him. "You—" "Its particle physics," whispered a girl behind Jaypee. Both best friends looked around and Osiris gulped. It was Angelina Reyes. Jaypee looked at his friend and Os nodded affirmatively. Jaypee wrote it down, checked for Mr. Michael then turned to Angelina again. "You don't happen to know the study of heat in terms of molecular motion, do you?" said Jaypee, giving flirting smile. Angelina stared at Jaypee looking amused then turned to Osiris. "I'm surprised you forgot particle physics... you reported it last week." Osiris made a gurgling sound. So to save his friend from shame, Jaypee stated, "He was just pulling my leg"—then he glanced at Os' paper—"See? He's already on the essay." "Then I guess Osiris can answer your question," said Angelina, who smiled for the last time and returned to her paper. Jaypee rolled his eyes when Os appeared to be transfixed to Angelina. He hit him on the shoulder and whispered, "Hey! Close and wipe your mouth. Do you know the answer or not?" "It's thermodynamics," said Osiris breathlessly. He was about to glance back to Angelina when Mr. Michael's voice said loudly, "Fifteen more minutes guys." Os continued his essay, having a hard time concentrating but finished it just in time. After the lesson, everyone piled out of the room and Jaypee taunted Osiris about his gawking to Angelina. "Man, can you get any worst?" "Well, I'm sorry if I'm not like you, Mr. Suave. I'm having a hard time," said Osiris fuming. Jaypee imitated Os' gawking expression and started stuttering. "Ah... Angelina... ccan—you..." "Oh shut up," snapped Osiris. Jaypee was about to retort back when Mr. Brine, their teacher for the next subject, English, called out to Os. "Osiris, can I talk to you for a minute before the start of class?" Jaypee shrugged his shoulders and went inside the room while Os waited for Mr. Brine. A bachelor of twenty-eight years old, Mr. Brine was considered to be the coolest teacher around. Many senior girls like to go to his class, not for the subject, but for the excuse to gape at his face for an hour or so. He was tall with a good physique, tanned with short black hair and piercing brown eyes and even though covered by thin-framed square glasses, Mr. Brine still looked strikingly handsome. Osiris envied his teacher for managing to look attractive and intelligent at the same time. "I want to talk to you Mr. Rites," said Mr. Brine, taking off his glasses. "As you know, I'm the school paper adviser and as many of the staff graduated last year, it left me with a shortage of writers." Os stared blankly to his teacher and nodded. Mr. Brine continued which sounded to be a well prepared speech like the ones call center agents use to attract buyers via telephony. "I would like to invite you to join the paper. I had talk to many of your teachers from sophomore and junior year and they said that you are a superb essayist and as Miss Angelina Reyes just reminded me this morning, it is necessary for the club to start recruiting members as soon as possible, so here I am shamelessly inviting you." Mr. Brine smiled warmly after his speech and looked at Os' reaction. "Angelina's a member of the paper?" asked Osiris, feeling hot on the face. "Yes, as a matter of fact, she's my new editor in chief," Mr. Brine said cheerfully, with a hint of pride in his voice. Blinking a few times, Os got totally taken aback by what he just heard. It was a surprise that he was getting invited to a club that was considered as an "elitist crowd" but Osiris was more stunned by the point that Angelina was the editor-in-chief of the New Valley Chronicle. "Um...I guess it would be worth a try," Osiris said, hoping that he was not looking too excited and it took him a great sense of self-control not to whoop in the air. "Good then young man," said Mr. Brine who smiled brightly, "We will be having a meeting this afternoon. You should come, get acquainted and maybe some of the remaining staff will start training." Os still couldn't believe that he will be able to spend many afternoons with Angelina Reyes and for a legitimate reason this time. Jaypee gave him an inquiring look and he told him the great news. "That's good!" said Jaypee approvingly, while Mr. Brine told them to open their literature books to page twelve. "You will be able to get to know her more and have a valid reason to gape at her... well at least if you manage not to stutter. And now you don't have to look like a stalker too! Unlike that time last year when you followed Angelina—" "Hey! Could you not remind me of my past futilities?" said Osiris, pretending to get annoyed to Jaypee's insistence but couldn't stop smiling all the same. "I can recall them without your assistance, thank you!" Chuckling slightly, Jaypee just turned his head to Mr. Brine but couldn't help thinking about that time last year when Osiris nearly got slapped on the face by a sophomore just because he went after Angelina to a room without looking to the sign pasted on the door. It was the girl's bathroom. * * * Lunch time was synonymous to bonding time for Os and Jaypee. It was the only time they can really talk uninterrupted by the boring teachers. Also, it was their chance to catch on to some of their friends that they don't get to hang around with because they were on the other class or section. The two friends got their usual benches and table by the school quadrangle but Jaypee needed to go and buy something to eat from the cafeteria. Osiris who got enough of the craziness in the canteen, brought himself a packed lunch everyday, he knew how wild hungry teenagers could be in the canteen. So while waiting for his other lunch buddies, Os decided to look around the school for this will be his last year... his senior year. New Valley High was a public school that had its share of undesirable traits. Osiris's eyes watered the first time he walked pass a comfort room with its door open. The smell was like a hundred roses... rotting ones. Also, the flimsy and feeble looking buildings really made him think twice upon going to the biology lab, which was on the top of the science building. The structure appeared as though a slight gust of wind will make the whole school collapse. But all in all, his stay in New Valley was the happiest experience that he ever had in his entire academic life. Spoiled by his parents when they were still alive, Osiris got everything that he ever needed and ever wanted, giving him only the best for him; though they did explain to him the dangers of excessiveness. Still, due to the fact that Os didn't have any siblings, which means he had his parents' full undivided attention and this in turn made him relaxed... too relaxed and dependent to his parents. His aunt tried to raise him like they did, enrolling him in a private institution on his first year of high school. But when his aunt noticed Osiris's cavalier attitude about the future and when his grades started to drop after the first quarter, Aunt Celina made a deal with her nephew. "Os, we need to do something about this," said Celina while peering to Osiris's report card. "It seems you are... uninspired by the looks of your grades." "Aunt Celina it's not that I'm uninspired," reasoned Os, though very unconvincingly. "I just feel... something's missing." With an eyebrow raised Aunt Celina said, "I see. I guess you would have to find that missing piece and bring your grades up. Os, school doesn't just teach you mathematics and science... there are more important things to be learned than that and I'm afraid you are not aware of this." She paused for a bit then gave a half sympathetic, half challenging smile. "I know you are smarter than this. I challenge you to be the top of your class this year or you will go to a public school." Osiris's eyes grew in shock. "What?" he stammered. "But... I can't do that... I mean..." "Why not?" asked Aunt Celina. "You're intelligent, you are talented. What's stopping you from doing so? Here are your choices Os, do all your best and be on the top or you will have a crash course in life." It was a decree and Osiris knew he will not win. He tried yet, he still slacked and by the time of the recognition ceremony, he only got the silver; so goodbye private institute and hello public school. Getting into an unknown territory always scare many people and Os was frightened into going to his new school due to the stories and rumors he heard about public high schools. "Aunt Celina please..." he begged nearly kneeling in front of his aunt. "I promise I'll do my best in my sophomore year. Please... I can't go to a public school. My classmates said students there are rude and obnoxious and they're members of fraternities and gangs. You can't send me there!" But Aunt Celina's decision was unyielding as she herself graduated from a public school so after that summer, Osiris didn't have any choice but to go to New Valley High School or he will not study at all. But looking back, Os thanked his aunt for her decision. In a private school, you can see faces but not the people they belonged to... everyone hid in superficial masks like new clothes, fancy cars or full ATM's; trying desperately to be cool and impress the people around them even if they lose their selves. Osiris saw another side of life, the real side of life when he arrived in the public school. He saw that brilliant people can't buy their way in; it was pure intellect and strong conviction that made students graduate in New Valley. He was proven wrong about the people in there... not all of them where rude and obnoxious for he found wonderful people, real people worthy to be called friends. Jaypee came back from the cafeteria, and Osiris noticed he looked rather haggard; probably because his best friend virtually wrestled people at the queue just to get some lunch. Os was just about to place a spoonful of food on his mouth when a girl waved at him from behind Jaypee. His best friend looked around and smiled as the girl approached. It was Rebecca Regain who was also on their year but in another section. A cheerleader, sexy and coveted, Rebecca befriends Os when Jaypee dragged him one night to some party. "Hey guys," Rebecca greeted them brightly as she arrived by the table, her lunch dangling on her left hand and standing beside Jaypee. Osiris watched Rebecca unpacked her lunch which consisted of greens and tofu as she was a self-proclaimed vegetarian. He just rolled his eyes; Osiris knew that Rebecca was just trying to do all this kinds of diet just to get Jaypee from Lara. It was very unfortunate that Os discovered Rebecca's secret after he caught her smelling Jaypee's shirt one afternoon after gym class. "What are you doing?" asked Os wearily but raised an eyebrow to her. Jerking in surprise, Rebecca stared at him with big round eyes. "Nothing," she said defensively, still clutching the shirt. "I thought you were sleeping." Frowning to Rebecca, Osiris asked again, "No, I was just resting. Why are you smelling Jaypee's shirt?" "What? No, I just... um... I was..." But of course, Os knew that kind of reaction all too well because it was how he looked like whenever Angelina was on the vicinity; Rebecca was blushing really bad. "... I just picked it up from the ground," she said unconvincingly. "And I was checking for stains... when you... saw me." Smirking heavily, Osiris said, "Riiight! So did you smelt any stain?" "No it's clean... I mean—I wasn't smelling it," snapped Rebecca indignantly but her voice said otherwise. "Okay, if you say so." But Rebecca suddenly put down the shirt back to its original place then hurriedly sat beside Osiris making the guy instinctively draw his arms near his chest. "Okay fine you got me," Rebecca said in a nervous yet excited tone as though she was dying to tell someone about her secret. That day, Osiris nearly smacked himself for being so nosy. Rebecca made him swear never to tell Jaypee about her feelings then she got into a very boring monologue on how her infatuation started while Osiris was listening even though it was totally against his will. "Do you think he'll ever like me?" she asked Os who just shrugged vaguely. "So Ryan's still isn't here? Don't tell me he's absent again?" said Rebecca snapping Osiris back to the present. Jaypee attacked his burger then said, "We don't know. We haven't seen him yet—wait... here he is." He pointed again behind Osiris. A short pale skinny boy was strutting towards them, looking rather sickly but still had a grinning handsome face. "Hey Ryan," Rebecca smiled, "thought you're missing in action again." Osiris patted the space beside him and Ryan McBright took the invitation and sat down, putting his lunch box to the table, panting slightly. "Sorry, it's just that Mrs. Walker asked me about my health, you know what she's like, mothering everyone and all. Though I appreciate her concern, she droned for so long I nearly fell asleep while standing in front of her," Ryan joked and everyone laughed. They continued eating their lunch while talking about interesting events that happened over the weekend. Jaypee dragged Os to a party at Zack Riles' house and upon hearing this, Rebecca pouted telling them she got invited on that party too but her dad grounded her for failing her Trigonometry test. Ryan didn't really say much and just listen to the conversation as the only thing remotely exciting about his weekend was his doctor's appointment for his cancelled chemotherapy. "So you still need chemo then?" Jaypee asked while Ryan put at least five different capsules in his mouth, then washing the pills with his bottled water. "The doctor said it isn't really necessary now that I'm taking these," he answered, putting the bottles back to his bag. "Dr. Parian said the tumors shrunk. I was really thankful for these pills, they really helped." Ryan was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago and doctors expected him to have not much time. But Ryan still remained strong and didn't accept his doctors' opinion, one of the reasons why Osiris was rather proud to be his friend. Ryan's determination to live and prove the prognosis wrong and made Ryan's parents do everything they can to find a cure for their son. "That's great," cheered Os, "at least MacFacius Pharmaceuticals is doing their job right—" Then suddenly, Osiris stopped dead, mouth hanging in mid-sentence, staring beyond Ryan. His friends followed his gazed, then, like a three heading entity, they shook their head in unison, giving Os a considerate look. Rebecca took the liberty to save Osiris's remaining dignity by waking him from his hypnotic trance. "Os, you know that ain't cute anymore now that we're seniors," she said scornfully. "And it's more dangerous when you aren't aware you're doing it." "Huh... what are we talking about?" asked Os after snapping back to reality. "You and your..." said Rebecca then imitating Osiris's blank drooling expression making Ryan and Jaypee laugh while Os' face burned. "I don't look like that!" Os snapped indignantly. He rounded to Jaypee who said, "Hey don't look at me." Then to Ryan who gave him a thin smile. "You kind of do," Ryan muttered timidly. Osiris gave them all a grimace. Rebecca took pity on him. "Os, you aren't an unattractive dude. You have all the tools, just be yourself and use them." Rebecca stood then checked her watch. It was nearly time for their next period. "Listen, I got wind that Angelina's the new editor in chief of the school paper and they're having a meeting this afternoon. Why don't you go and get to know her there?" Osiris, Jaypee and Ryan stood too. "I already know that. Mr. Brine invited me. But I'm already worried... what if I make a fool of myself?" "You won't. Just relax." And by that, all three of them parted ways as the afternoon classes started by the ringing of the bell. * * * After a long day of lessons and lectures, Osiris can't help but feel that his day was only beginning as he and Jaypee stood in front of the New Valley Chronicle office. As a faithful sidekick, Jaypee promised Os that he will accompany him to the meeting but won't stay long as he and Lara have a date that afternoon. "Can't you postpone it?" asks Os, sweating coldly. Jaypee gave him a ridiculous look. "What? You want me to tell my girlfriend I can't make our date because you need me? She won't mind but she'll also think that we're both gay and so in love with each other." Osiris scowled so Jaypee just said, "Don't worry. I heard Agnes and Cynthia are joining this year too. You're not alone." Agnes Blight and Cynthia Roothold are two annoying girls that appear to have a crush to Os. Both girls have thick glasses, braces and horrendous hair styles. And they were Osiris's classmates who see him everyday but acted as though they missed him so much every time they lay their eyes on him. "I'm ecstatic," said Os gravely. "I need to get going bro," said Jaypee as his cell phone began to vibrate. "Good luck." Os went in and got greeted by Agnes' shining smile due to the metals on her teeth. She was waving wildly. He gave her a small smile and decided not to get too hard on the girls. They were kind to him after all. He noticed that the office was like any normal classroom with black board and armchairs. At least thirty people were already in there but there was still no sign of Angelina or Mr. Brine. But only after a minute, Mr. Brine smilingly walked into the room and behind him was Angelina holding last year's issue of the Chronicle. Calling out for their attention, Mr. Brine began, "Good afternoon to you all. To those who don't know who I am, I'm Mr. Caleb Brine and I will be your adviser, mentor and friend. I am happy to see that freedom of expression hasn't died in our school as many students are still very enthusiastic to join the club." He paused and beamed to the students. Then he pointed to his side with an open hand, to Angelina and said, "So to assist me on honing all of your talents, a Feature Writing first prize winner for three consecutive years in the National Level has been appointed to be your editor-in-chief, Ms. Angelina Reyes." The room clapped and cheered (mainly lead by the boys) as Angelina stepped forward and waved for silence. "Thank you all. I am very grateful to Mr. Brine for giving me this post and I hope I don't disappoint anyone in this room. I know by experience that any thing created using fortitude and determination shall always be successful. I will give you all the things that I can give and it's the only thing that I want in return. So let us begin..." Angelina took an index card from the folds of the paper she was holding then continued. "I will be assigning apprenticeship to the remaining staff so that the newcomers will be able to pick the area in which they want to learn to write. This will, of course, maximize learning because you will only be specializing in one area. I will be teaching the feature writing, while Zack Riles will be teaching how to make editorials. Miriam Torn will be in charge of news writing while Dominic Lapuz will be handling cartooning and caricature. Mr. Brine will be teaching copyreading and headline writing plus photojournalism." As Angelina enumerated these, the people she mentioned stood up and got in front of the room so that students will know who to approach for their field of interest. Osiris knew at once what field he's going to try and learn. "Okay," Angelina kept the card and brightly gazed to the room, "You can now follow the mentors that you like and let's start." Students rouse from all directions and greeted their mentors. As the students scattered, Osiris observed where Angelina was going and when she sat by the right corner at front, he immediately darted that way. At least three students were sitting with Angelina when Os got there. He noticed that he's the only senior in the group. Angelina looked up and Osiris gulped as he was greeted by the girl's brilliant smile. "Osiris, nice to see you here," she said, while placing a book of journalism on her lap. He nodded in response then picked a seat and placed himself on it silently. Angelina watched her four students and said, "Okay then, I'll have four feature writers. All right then. To start, feature writing is not hard to learn. It is also known as free writing as it doesn't really have rigid or technical rules unlike news writing..." Osiris stared at Angelina in fascination; her graceful speech, her silky hair and strong leadership skills; he can't stop himself from ogling and Os didn't notice that he was drooling to himself. "...Okay. Now that you understand the basics of features, we can have a little practice session now. Get some pen and paper and let's see how well you listened," Angelina said, while Os continued to stare. The three other feature students stood to get their stuff. Angelina touched Osiris's hand making him jolt in surprise. "Os are you all right?" the editor-in-chief said sounding worried. Osiris tried to compose himself again. "Yes, I'm okay. Why'd you ask?" "You're drooling," she said carefully. Reaching to his face, Os touched wetness then blushed furiously. Wiping himself, he hoped no one else noticed. Angelina didn't appear to mind. They started to practice writing features after Angelina told them their topic: Education: Key to Our Evolution. Trying all his best to get back some dignity, Osiris concentrated upon writing his feature which came rather easily and enjoyable to do. Plus, the little smile on Angelina's face every time Os look up gave all the inspiration that he needed. Now I know why people think this club is elite, he thought. To be continued...