The Great Hall is a sight to behold, with tables adorned with delectable food and towering glasses of alcoholic beverages, welcoming both finely dressed teachers and students.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? For tonight's program, there will be two parts:
First, we will have SOCIALIZATION wherein students and teachers are allowed to get to know one another. That includes chatting or dancing. For introverts like me, we thought you'd need help, so alcoholic beverages are provided to boost your confidence. Just don't strip naked when you get intoxicated, please!"
A burst of thunderous laughter echoes in the room.
"For the 2nd part, everyone will take their mask off~ a surprise is waiting for you."
Sophomore to senior students cheer. Some whistle while freshmen look confused.
"Freshmen, don't worry. We will not exploit you."
Laughter.
"The night is young, enjoy the rest of the evening. The ball is formally opened."
The evening's program was announced in a casual and lighthearted tone, setting the stage for a night of socialization and surprises.
As the event unfolds, the room buzzes with excitement and anticipation. The atmosphere is filled with mystery as everyone dons elaborate masks, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the festivities.
Conversations flow, and laughter echoes through the hall, setting an unforgettable evening. Amidst the revelry, chance encounters and unexpected connections unfold.
"Hi, can I have this dance? Uhm... I've been looking at you from my table. And may I say, you got me, miss!" a dashing gentleman in a grey suit asks.
"Sure! How can I resist a gentleman like you?" I answer. Then, he takes me to the dance floor where many pairs are already dancing.
"The name is Marco and I am a Law student. It's my final year, so I'm trying to make the most of it. Actually, I don't usually join parties like this. 'Bout you?" he says as we sway with the classical music.
"Hmmm. You're a smart young lad, I would say. I'm Khaeli Sp~"
"Khaeli Spencer? Oh my god! I am dancing with the famous Khaeli Spencer?" he says without masking his adoration and excitement.
"Deep breaths, darling. That's it," I tell him as he hyperventilates. I chuckle in my mind.
"I heard so many things about you, Lady Khaeli."
"Mostly not good, I suppose. And drop the "lady"... besides, only two people know I am here~"
"Err.... some are not--- to be honest. So, the Founder doesn't know~"
"Nope~"
"Whoa. What a crazy family~ Oh sorry... I didn't .... err...~"
I laugh.
"Don't worry. I'm not gonna kill you. At least not just yet~"
He gulps.
"I am just kidding..."
He lets out a relieved breath and smiles nervously. I give a twisted smile.
"So~ why did you come back?"
I remain quiet for a moment.
'Why did I really come back?' I think.
I clear my throat.
"I~"
However, the real surprise comes when the lights suddenly go out, prompting everyone to remove their masks.
"Ladies and gentlemen, no need to panic. This is the moment that each of you must take your mask off. In three, two, one..."
The lights are back on.
The ensuing chaos and revelation of hidden identities added a new dimension to the evening, leaving some love-struck and others taken aback. Amidst the clamor, loud knocks--- more like bangs on the door, are heard.
There is a deafening silence when the door of the Great Hall opens, revealing a stoic man in his 60s, and behind him are five young and good-looking gentlemen.
I hold my breath as I watch them walk to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's all welcome our Founder, Gibson Spencer, and his gorgeous grandsons."
We clap. Women swoon over the dashing young men. And most male students feel disappointed by their presence. And I can't help feeling a sense of pride knowing how they are adored.
"Oh my gosh! Have you seen Jay Harrison? Shit! I think I am gonna die," a female student gushes.
"Uh~ sorry....but who are you talking about?" another female student answers, apparently unknowing of what she's talking about.
"Ei~ whatever. Why did they even come?" a male student answered.
Everyone remains quiet when the Founder stands in front of the podium while his grandsons sit on the chairs prepared for them on the stage.
They look like kings by the way they sit down. Just give them a crown, a scepter, and a ceremonial robe and they would perfectly fit like kings on their thrones.
"Good evening teachers and students, thank you so much for coming. I hope you are all having fun. I could see old and new faces. For those of you who are new here, welcome. Your journey awaits. Remember that every choice you make today designs your tomorrow. So, choose wisely. Once again, thank you, and welcome to Khal Gibson International University!"
The audience claps.
"Thank you, Founder! Now, may I request all the freshmen to gather on the dance floor."
"Okay. Divide yourselves according to your department."
"We will give you five minutes to come up with a presentation. And your time starts now!"
Students and teachers cheer for them. Some older students in the same department try to help.
The room is filled with joy and excitement when each representative starts to showcase his or her talent.
"Alright... don't be scared! Tell us your name and your department~"
The nervous pitiful woman looks shit scared. Her hands are shaking and beads of sweat begin to form on her hairline making her face glisten against the spotlight.
"Uhm... I think I need more alcohol~"
She says while holding the mic tight.
We laugh.
"Alright~ alright--- can anyone bring her something to drink? I think she needs the strongest one~"
Ladies scream and the room goes wild when one of the grandsons stands and offers her his shot of whiskey.
She hesitantly takes it and drinks it straight. She coughs. He smirks.
"Thank you so much... err...~"
He whispers to her.
"Uhm... t-thank you... George Cameron Spencer~"
He whispers again.
"Oh... s- sorry~ Lord George Cameron Spencer~"
He nods and gestures for her to perform.
The ladies can't hide their envy as we watch them.
"Good evening, fellow students and teachers. And to our Founder and his grandsons..."
She clears her throat.
"My name is Camille Elizabeth and I am representing the English Literature department~"
Her co-departments cheer.
She then puts the mic down and asks the music operator to drop the beat.
Then... we are all blown away by her performance. She transforms from a nervous lady to a captivating dancing machine. We are all stunned as she dances like no one is watching.
"Where did that come from?"
The host asks when the magical moment is already over. From where I am standing, I curse as I look at the exchanged look and the playful smiles on the grandsons' faces.
The Great Hall is filled with energy and excitement, leaving everyone with a sense of wonder and anticipation for what lies ahead at Khal Gibson International University.