Inside the spacious halls of the assembly room, a mere hem will definitely reach the ears of those lounging in the corner. No spots are safe, considering how this room was built to contain noise. That's why when the principal walked on the platform, I could practically hear everyone gasping simultaneously.
His standard black shoes that is rotting on the sides created this daunting echoes, and as I shift my gaze upwards, I was welcomed by his combed out suit, veiny hands, dominant stature, and lastly, piercing black eyes.
The shade of his hair was neither black nor white. It's leaning towards grey, which complemented his already wrinkly face. A small rectangular plate is plastered on his ironed white shirt, half-covered by his black suit. I bet his name is written there.
After what I felt like an hour of him walking towards the mic, he finally stood before us, looked around with his creepy weird eyes, and spoke, "Good afternoon, students of Honeycreek. It has been a wonderful break, but now, we're ought to work together for yet another year of discovery, learning, and academic dissertation."
"Isn't that the same thing?" I mumbled to Dominic.
"I guess. He's all about studies and shit. The reason why there's no clubs in this school is because of him."
Principal Gourd began talking with his deep ass voice. I'm not gonna lie, I would've mistaken him for a robot at first glance if I didn't know him.
"What an ass."
"Yeah, I know. His stuck up attitude is probably the reason why he's still single in his 60s."
"He's in his 60s?!" i repeated Dominic's words a bit loudly. Students closer to us gave us the side eye, but I looked back at them with a 'do you mind?' look.
"I know right. It's surprising," Dominic said with a grin. Indeed, that's pretty surprising. Still, shouldn't he be retired or something? I was about to ask another question to Dominic, but the ringing of the mic blared through the speakers and then we all heard Prinicipal Gourd say, "Is there something you'd like to share with everyone, Keagan of Class 3D?"
My world paused at the mention of Dominic's surname. I felt my entirety burning as everyone stared at us. "Uhm… No, Sir. I'm sorry," Dominic's voice blared when he stood up to apologize.
"Will you care to repeat what I've said? Since you weren't listening, I figured you're already well-aware of the rules." Principal Gourd was persistent, and I couldn't get behind it. Honestly, being called out in front of students is the least of my worries. I don't give a single damn if I get humiliated here. I just don't want my records to be tarnished, if ever.
"No, Sir. I apologize for not listening. I won't do it again," Dominic's words diminished along with his smile. He looks down with a gaze I could only describe as embarrassment mixed with uncertainty.
"Then how about the gentleman next you? I think he's having a good time chit-chatting with you. Care to introduce yourself, young man?"
I slowly looked at the stage and met Principal Gourd's daunting eyes. Shit, looks like I'm gonna get in trouble. How did he even see the two of us talking all the way from the front? There's like… a hundred students in this room.
"Stand up, Jay." I heard Dominic whisper. So, I did what he said and wonkily propped my body up. "Joaquin Astley, Class 3E. I… I wasn't talking." I swear, I thought of hundreds of reasons, but I came up with none. Let me just deny shit until this old man gets out my ass.
"Hey, what are you saying? Just admit that we were talking." Dominic's panicked words blared my ears, but I gave no damn and kept my proud gaze on Principal Gourd. He's old, so maybe I can blame shit on his poor eyesight. Say that he's seeing things or something.
"You weren't… talking?" He repeats, ringing the mic and shaking the surround-speakers.
"I wasn't. I was listening to you this whole time. I don't know where you get that I was chit-chatting with Dominic. Maybe you're just seeing things, considering your age."
Where I got the confidence to spout such nonsense? I have no idea, but the echoing snicker of the students as I say those fueled my mouth to run. Even though I was all the way at the back, I could sense the anger coating Principal Gourd. He straightened his stance, lips still forming a straight line before extending his hand and calling me over.
"If that's the case, why don't you come on over here and repeat the rules I've just said?"
I shrugged. "You mean the rules which don't make sense?"
I could tell that his ears hurt from hearing what I said. "Would you like to elaborate which of the rules doesn't make sense?" He grappled the mic and rappeled down the stairs of the stage. Slowly, he approached the seats and made his way, pinning towards me.
"Man, what are you doing?" Dominic whispered-yell.
"I got this," I said back to him. Then, I scoffed and faced his approaching figure. "Take this as a hint or as an advice from someone who came from an elite school in the city. Your rules sucks, Mr. Gourd. Let's start with the easy ones. Seriously? Uniforms? It's hard enough for kids our age to express ourselves without you, prehistoric adults with the morals of cavemen judging us for what we do and yet, you want us to wear a single patterned clothing that is so uncomfortable, it's enough to make anyone sweat rivers amidst a scorching afternoon heat."
Some students nodded their heads, while most chose to whisper to each other. I even saw Natasha and Diana beyond us looking hella worried. The teachers on the side, especially Ron, also eyes me with apprehension.
Principal Gourd was halfway through meeting me, so I did the honors of walking towards him to let his cranky joints enjoy in peace. "Second, no clubs? So, how are we supposed to find ourselves and the things we really want to do outside our classrooms. Third, do you really just expect us to… read books, write notes, and go crazy with all the studying? Where's the fun? Where's the freedom? The rules of this school are garbage, and I find it quite ridiculous to listen about a speech regarding that. After all, it's in this old-fashioned booklet you lent my father's secretary when I enrolled here. It's 2010, it's time to revise the script and explore, Mr. Gourd."
When I finished my spill, I was already standing in front of him. He's just as tall as me, so we really met eye-to-eye. In other aspects, some students clapped and expressed their support. Wow, look at me dividing this once peaceful school.
"Is that so?" He asked me without usng the mic he was holding, so I was the only one who heard his cocky voice.
"Yes, sir." I whispered back to him, matching his supposed unbothered energy. He flashed a quick yet fake smirk and pulled the mic next to his mouth.
"Well, let me make things clear for you, Joaquin… Astley. The rules aren't there to accommodate your privileged city life. You are new here, so you have to obey. The uniforms? It's to promote equality as well as let the public identify students of HHS when they are outside of school. It lets me facilitate disobedient kids on the side." He told the last words like a personal warning for me. Then, he turned away and looked around the room filled with students. "No clubs? It's because clubs are a tool for students to conspire against the authoritative figure of the institution. You want to join clubs, Mr. Astley? Then run for the student council…"
He then slowly stepped back towards the stage, leaving me hanging. "Freedom? Fun? The real world isn't filled with fun, nor filled with you having such freedom. You all will always be enslaved by something, someone, a corporation, a higher person… We are not constricting you of your rights to enjoy life. We are merely preparing you for your future." He got back to the stage and I could only roll my eyes.
Future my ass.
"Mr. Astley, a spoiled kid like you who has constantly demean and bully others wouldn't understand because you are born pettily. Everything was given to you, yet you turned out to be a scum filled with ungrateful attitude not only to your parents, but also to the people around you. There's a reason why you're here, and we both know what it is. So, either you let me do my thing, or drop out of this school and beg your father to have you freed. I'm giving you the freedom to choose."
I was rendered speechless. I didn't expect him to know anything about me.
Principal Gourd, who the heck are you?