// Beginning of the chapter //
One week later in the series...
Setting : Grandstand
At three o'clock : twelve on the afternoon, the grandstand which is resided near the west side of the wall, many students hang and sit in the grandstand where it is a popular location to watch soccer trainees on the soccer field or other students and teachers walks on the grassy field, from the higher rows in the middle.
Kate is sitting, face appears to be sorrow but not eyed teary and a tuck in sitting position. A girl notice someone from the higher rows and then she walks up towards her.
Miss, why are you sad ? - Shiena ask politely to Kate.
Never been better... *gloomy*, why are you worried to an idiot like me ? - Kate teases herself to feel better towards Shiena.
Shiena sits slowly on the right side next to Kate.
I know how you feeling... - Shiena said it calmly straight forward.
Kate looks to Shiena out of curiosity.
The feeling of... after a college graduation, in where life will be... imaginably harder right ? - Shiena said it of somehow related to Kate's situation.
You're right *sigh* it feels empty.. if all of that hardwork leads to nothing, I'm surprised how common this is... *Changing the topic*
So... What grade level are you ? - said by Kate.
First year of pre-college, I believe you are a... second year pre-college, am I right ? - Shiena said in a medium to high pitch tone.
Kate nod in respond, she stands up with the bag on her back and then something caught her attention .
Oh look... *pointed her finger to the soccer field *, an idiot is being chased by the assistant principal !!! - Kate said it when she notice Elmo from a far.
In the soccer field
Mr. Remle, you are in detention ! - shouted by Mrs. Krystel Attorna, the assistant principal while chasing Elmo.
For what kind of lawsuit !? - shouted by Elmo.
Subject Rebellion ! - Mrs. Attorna respond shoutedly.
In just a few seconds later, Elmo suddenly starting to slow down, appears to be that there is a transition of running to jogging becomes noticeable and he finally drop fall on the grassy field, drained out.
I object ! *pants* I'am the law ! *Tirely laugh* - Elmo said it loudly.
The law is not a person, it's a system - Mrs. Attorna replied it in realistically while also catching her breath from all that chase.
Back to the grandstand
Well look at that... *laugh* - Shiena said it jokingly.
Gotta go to my next class... you wanna hangout with a bunch of idiots later ? - Kate said it smiley.
It depends when the time comes - Shiena said it positively.
Skip forward to four o'clock : one on the afternoon, Kate arrive on time in one of the classroom of the STEM building, this building is located between the ABM building in front and the horizontal parking lot is near the southeast of the wall. In the same class she is once again coming in full circle.
Thomas my man ! - Kate doing the pointy pointy to the quiet and behave Thomas.
Yeah... what's up. *screaming in the inside* - Thomas awkwardly respond.
Not even a waste of time, the class in the fourth period appears to be noisy, because it is a common trend for types of students for their age when after the fourth class period ends are too excited during and after like returning to their homes and apartments to chill from the stressfull learning.
The STEM teacher, Miss Shinjela Allegna notice the commotion, she picks up a long meter stick on the desk then she struck on the green colored board which is a sign for every student in the room to shut their mouths.
It's been already a week and the results never change - said by Miss Allegna getting bored of all this nonsense.
Kate laughs hysterically while Thomas is still embarrass of the outcome.
Miss Allegna pulls a drawer under the desk then grabs a pile of the first weekly test, she pass the papers to students from highest to lowest.
After the STEM teacher pass all the papers to her students who are present, she returns back to the teacher's desk that is in front of the class and sitting seriously but with a positive attitude subtle with a smirk.
I already recorded the test results *sigh*, anyway... if you are disappointed of your results, just try to give it your all next time. It's like echo location, rely on the teacher's words of guidance as your survival instinct, understood, my fellow periodic elements ? - said by Miss Allegna encouragely.
The class shouted "yes ma'am !" with different tones and motivations like there is a rally.
Hey Thomas, what ya got ? - whisper by Kate while playing on her friend's back.
Just barely pass *sigh* how about you ? - Thomas whisper it with unsatisfied.
Not bad at all - Kate shows her perfect score while being calm.
What... you kidding me, I though you would not take it seriously ? You told it to me with your own words - Thomas whispers at aww, both in denial and jealous.
Doesn't mean it's not my favorite subject, doesn't mean I would try to at least put some work in to it - Kate whispers it encouragely.
Since I got a higher result than you do... how about that bet we promised, I won, Mr. Site ship - Kate whispers it with charisma while smiling innocently.
What kind of bet are you talking about ? Have you forgotten that it's not part of the script ! - whispered by Thomas in a weird way out of context with a little temper.
So are you saying that it happened, off script ?, That's the best and only truth, am I right ? 😅 - Kate whisper in the most logical way as possible.
She is right, a few days ago... I saw you two alongside the other guy talking about some bet while walking to the library - Miss Allegna said it in agree of Kate's fair and square win while doing a paper work of the attendance.
Thomas is tapping his head with his right hand, remembering something.
Oh yeah... *laugh* sounds like a bad idea, of all the bet you choose... You chose "that", you really wanna talk to a friend ? He is not really what would you expected and he is very unsocial - Thomas said it calmly and describing at least some pointers about his friend.
Why not ? He sounds like a cool person - Kate said it positively.
Cool is not what would I describe that madlad *laugh*, I'll try to talk to him first, if he doesn't agree... you have to deal with it, ok ? Thomas reply.
Well... alrighty then - Kate said it unamuse.
Alright class, I'm done recording this day attendance, I will be teaching the next topic for tomorrow, so right now... I want you all to write this on your notebook about the laws of nature. - said by Miss Allegna in a tone of a teaching mentor.
Miss Allegna once again pulls the drawer then grabs the folded manila papers and plaster all three on the board with the help of few pieces of tape, the information is detailed to the brim while the appropriate use of text compliments the reading experience which some students look at aww while some are shock of how long to write all of that information.
This is becoming a bit interesting... - Thomas said it in interest while writing on his orange notebook.
Hey, have you notice any news lately ? - Kate said it to Thomas out of curiosity.
Nothing special.... as always, I have nothing to recall about - Thomas said it truthfully while writing.
I see, so the public doesn't know what happened yet ? - Kate said it in her mind worringly while grabbing a green notebook out of her bag.
FAST FORWARD at five o'clock in the afternoon, one of the guards opens the gate from the East wall while he is doing that, the numbers of students increases from just a minimum, some of them were waiting before five and others are slowly walking towards the opening gate.
After like one minute, the gate is fully open to the outside direction. The wave of students begun their quest to their weird homes to achieve relaxation, lol.....
Meanwhile back to one of the rooms of the STEM building called "Sector ll Basyaw" inside the room, Thomas and Miss Allegna are the only ones, just talking while Kate is outside somewhat stealthy and stalky.
Sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Bangwowsky - Miss Allegna said it while holding a folder.
Not at all, I'm not in a big rush anyway - Thomas reply with manners to his superiors.
Since your friend was in a hurry, would you give this to Mr. Win Cho tomorrow, cause I'm a bit in a hurry to... *thinking* doing some errands from the principal - said by Miss Allegna in a soft but mature tone.
Yes ma'am, I'll give it to Mr. Win tomorrow morning - Thomas said it with little determination.
Miss Allegna handed the folder to Thomas, once Thomas is outside the room, Kate immediately runs and hides somewhere without making a noise.
Thomas runs quickly outside the STEM building then runs to the left towards the cafeteria, Kate saw him running, she was hiding near the side of a garden.
That is suspicious ! He only runs like that if he was, hiding something... Is he ? NO WAY !!!, YES WAY!!! - Kate said in her mind very loudly, then follows Thomas in pursuit.
Thomas runs outside the borders of the soccer field passing by the supply room then grandstand towards the PolSci building. While Kate make sure that Thomas doesn't notice her behind a supply room, out of nowhere... Mr. Win Cho is behind of Kate in which she noticely responds out of shock.
Sir, what are you doing here !? - Kate said it shoutingly.
I was just sitting here near this area while I'm just doing my own thing, I noticed that you are acting weirdly and possibly... stalking Thomas - Mr. Win respond to her with his own perspective.
Well yes I agree of what you said sir... *realizing* which reminds me, Thomas has a folder from Miss Allegna to give it to you - Kate said it in a slow to quick pace.
*Eyes widen* Good to know, I'll get that folder tomorrow, if I do it now, I might intervene into.. of what Thomas is doing at the moment like a secret talk with a gf for example, besides... it's not a good idea to waltz in just to "Hey, I'm Thomas' good looking teacher, can I join with you fellow students ?" it would be more awkward for him exceptions from you.... What are you waiting for ? Go after him ! - Mr. Win said it enthusiastically with a mischievous smirk on his face.
Wait sir, I have one question... Have you may listened any news recently ? - curiously ask by Kate to Mr. Win.
Uhmmm... maybe, some of my colleagues in this school knows a thing or two, well... according to the assistant principal that there are rumors of a recent college graduate, I don't know the full details or anything what actually happens, although it sounds like one of Mr. Raulence's pupil or someone from the PolSci Department - Mr. Win said it in a confusing way, but understandable to Kate.
Good to know *sigh* - Kate said it in a dull tone with a little hint of sorrow.
Cuts to a different scene.
Somewhere from the northeast side of the school, another cafeteria is located surrounded by umbrella like roof structures with seats made of concrete or wood under the umbrella like roofs. Under one of those structures that is where Thomas and his friend found talking like old chaps.
Kate at the other hand is once again behind a bush stalking a conversation, in her first person perspective, she sees Thomas clear as day, bit can't identify the other guy's face, because his face is behind of of Thomas.
So how is your is your first week ? - Thomas said it curiously.
Well.. it's alright I guess. Sadly, I am always pick last on any group activity - ???
At least you made some progress - Thomas said it with some positivity.
Yeah - *deep voice*
Since you're doing fine on your own without my little help for a week, I'm going back to my apartment. I hope you made some friends - Thomas said it calmly with a little hint of politeness.
Thomas stands up with folder at hand and then he walks slowly out, in just a few steps away from his best friend, Kate jump out when Thomas is walking at the opposite direction and confronts his friend.
Hello weirdo, I'm Kate Minkle, Thomas bff - Kate said it spontaneously loud.
Thomas' eyes widen with shock, he slowly turns around seeing Kate looking at him with a bubbly expression on her face. At his back he sees his friend acting like a statue.
Hey that trick doesn't work, Thomas already did that a week ago - Kate said it in a realization and dumbfounded about it.
How ? It always work... - ???
I believe they don't give a hoot about you *sigh* - Thomas said it embarrassingly.
"Why did I listen to him to him !?" - Thomas said it in his mind furiously regretting the decision from a week ago.
Mr. Win flash steps towards Thomas in blink of an eye then grabs the folder from his hand.
Thanks for the folder ! - Mr. Win said it in a quick move.
Mr. Win quickly exits before someone starts blaming him.
Alright... *sigh* there is no point of arguing, Kate since you introduce yourself, this is Iron Shien, a first year Senior high student - Thomas said it calmly with a little demeanor.
The right word would be... nevermind of what I just say! * nervous laugh* - said it by Iron while scratching his head.
Nice to meet you savage one - *deep voice*
*Giggles* What... - Kate said it in a little discomfort.
A moment of silence
Let's just walk then, why are you guys quiet all of a sudden ? - Thomas stops the silence of awkwardness abruptly.
The three starts walking towards the gate, while walking... they saw some basketball enthusiasts loudly cheerful and energetic, meanwhile the tennis guys are seen going towards the gate, since last chapter where the gate was completely overrun by home resort idiots.
At this time of hour, the location where students and teachers enter and exit, it appears that the overcrowding diminishes in a handful of numbers. While they are walking Shiena's eyes lock on Kate waiting outside the school wall.
Hey ! - loudly said by Shiena.
Hey ?... - Kate said it in a tone of confusement.
So... I guess they are your friends, well I'm here - said by Shiena to Kate.
And you are ? - Kate doesn't know her name.
Oh yeah... we haven't know each others names yet 😅, the name is Shiena Rene, well any plans ? - said by Shiena politely.
Well my name is Kate Minkle, maybe next time... - Kate said it in a promise.
Sure... - Shiena said it mundanely agree yet ok with it.
They continue walking home on the right side of the road, the farther they walk, Shiena disappeared in the scene when a random car covers the view.
Same as always, would you stop making anymore friends ? When I'm not around, you always meet with random idiots minus Iron... you start acting like being part of the society's standards. - Thomas share his fair critic to Kate.
So what Thomas, I just like meeting new people - Kate said it in a stoic face.
Anyway... my place is nearby - *deep voice*
You mean the DHBL ? - Kate said it knowingly.
Yes... The Discount.. Home.. Base for Learners - Iron respond correctly.
After like a few step walks and turns, they finally reach the dedicated rented apartment service called DHBL. It's main purpose is for students who can't afford to live near the school especially the ones who stransfer or lives far.
The whole place is huge, the building is consist of five floors , each floors consist of at least hundred rooms. Kate and Thomas eyes widen of how lively the place is, inside those eyes are filled with good memories and nostalgia.
The good ol' times... - Kate said while looking to Thomas.
Same here - Thomas said it softly.
I think you two should go, it's getting late - Iron said it concerningly and awkwardly.
It's only like a quarter before six o'clock, just why not... - Thomas said it in not a hurry.
That's unlikely of you, you always get home this early, why the sudden change ? - Kate is surprise and said in assumption.
Do I look like a robot to you ? Sometimes there are changes in our daily routine whether it is either big or small, the important thing to know is that life can be linear with a lot of pitstops, do you understand my friend ? - Thomas calmly argue with some soul inspiring understanding.
Hey ! don't use those words, my mind can't handle it ! 😅 - Kate truthfully and loudly said it.
While Thomas and Kate are busy viewing, they suddenly notice Iron is already walking towards and near the entrance, the two quickly walks inside.
Inside DHBL, the two are greeted with a very spaceous living room, they only saw a random first year senior student reading a book about "Foreshadowing and Subtle things in the World of Knowledge".
At the far corner, two boys appear to be first year seniors walks towards near them passing by from their left side talking about some weirdo eating aggressively in the cafeteria, Kate is curious about the primary information then she run towards the source.
Wait ! Iron is over here ! - Thomas shouted.
Quiet, how subtle of you to shout here.. - she said it calmly with a little temper.
Thomas walk towards her to apologize, after that.. he quietly went o Kate's direction. In the hallway looking a bit clean, he saw Kate somewhat spying outside the cafeteria room. Thomas is wondering of who is she looking at, so he does what she does , he found out who it is.. it is none other than Kevin carbo loading.
Ah.. he was the weirdo that those guys talking earlier - Kate whispers with some gigglish mannerism.
From Kevin's surrounding, a student was disgusted and was seen walking away the cafeteria towards Kate and Thomas, the students reaction was a bit off and out of nowhere when seeing Thomas and Kate just being there.
Iron enters the scene, outside the cafeteria.
Hey... my room is on the second floor, are you two gonna come or not ? - *deep voice*
If you guys feeling hungry, I have some food, my treat - Iron said it caringly.
Sure, K- - Thomas' dialogue was cut of shock.
He saw Kate under the table where Kevin is eating, she took two chicken drums from the unknowing carbo loading Kevin.
Kate silently runs back to Thomas with a mischievous smile drawn on her face and a little chuckle from between seconds.
Lead the way - Kate whispers to Iron.
Iron nod with a little glee smile, trying not to laugh cringely, the three take the spiral staircase while eating the chicken near the living room and reach the second floor.
Back to Kevin
I swear I had two chicken drums on my plate - Kevin said it in confused.
Meanwhile back to the second floor, Iron opens the with a Fe sign written on the door. The first Kate and Thomas saw is a Genesis console connect to a old television, when the three of them are inside the whole room, the surrounding feels cramp and a bit messy to look at. The two windows compare to other windows of this building which are sliding windows, these windows consist of rows of folding plain wood that can open and close with little joint sticks on the sides of each windows.
Please sit down, the food is in the cooler - Iron said it both jittery and mannerly.
Thomas and Kate sit down on the floor near a short table from the right side of the room, while Iron is grabbing some food inside the cooler near his one man bed from the left side of the room. He returns to them with three cup noodles all three are beef flavors on the table.
Let me help you out - Thomas said it while grabbing the kettle to boil water.
Hey Iron, I was wondering... why are you Abit off - Kate said it in a odd feeling.
You mean the way I look, yeah it does concern people in just... first impressions - Iron honestly said it.
Well you have a point... BUT, I'am talking about the way you act, sometimes you talk like an idiot and sometimes, talk someone who is so.. the opposite and there is no consistency.. - Kate explains in a relatable manner while her hands express and highlight her thoughts.
It's a long story... - *deep voice*
Then Iron proceed to awkwardly laugh a bit.
Kate, it's not the time to ask him about this topic yet - Thomas said it in concerned.
Alrighty then... sorry, I should be less aggressive - Kate humbly said it.
Yes indeed, to me as well 😅, you've been pestering me since elementary- Thomas replied in hosnesty and a bit humorously.
Speaking of elementary, hey Iron ! Do y- - Kate
Let's not talk about the other "that" - Thomas cuts off Kate's saying embarrassingly.
Thomas opens all three lids of the cups then pour all three with boil water and all close for five minutes.
You knew that bet you said earlier in our fourth class time ? Its all made up, right ? - Thomas added.
Yeap, it was all made up, even without that bet, it will not stop me to meet up with Iron - Kate said in confidence.
I should have known.. - Thomas looks at the other side, opposite to Kate yet in reality, that was just something to avoid burst out laughing.
All this talk concerns me - *deep voice*
Five minutes later, the friends open the lid and spoons ready to eat the noodles smelling tasty and seasonings floating on the hot soup. While eating, Thomas looks at the clock on the wall then his eyes widen.
Kate are you okay going out alone, I need to go back to my apartment - Thomas said it while holding his cup noodles and drop the spoon on the table.
Sure, you have homework ? - Late ask in response.
It's more of a... thesis - Thomas answers.
That's a bummer, good thing I have none today - Iron said it in relief.
Thomas silently exits with the cup noodles on hand.
Why you didn't join with him ? - Iron said it to Kate.
It's a bit too early for me, besides... I saw you have a console - Kate look at the console while talking to Iron.
Oh, I see now... you wanna play Sonic ? - *deep voice*
Sure ! - Kate respond eagerly while eating noodles.
Good to hear, Thomas is always caught up with his studies, it is a shame that we don't play videogames together that often - *deep voice*.
That is Thomas for ya, yes I also value studying, yet it is not wrong to at least just live in the moment. Plus.... it won't get better than here, though - Kate casually talk her things out.
Hey... have you hear about the news lately ? - *deep voice* *eating noodles*
The early morning sports announcements ? - Kate respond to his question.
Yes and no, *👀* I'm talking about that one week ago incident - Iron said it softly.
A moment of silence
Oh, sorry about that, if it is a... personal one it- ! - Iron loudly jumbles of what he was saying.
It's fine , he might be alright, I just know it ! - Kate tries to hide something that bothers her with a bit of inconsistency.
Are you friends with Rey ? - *deep voice*
More like motivated Chad - Kate honestly said it.
Same here, hearing his name from Thomas gives me some encouragement and at least, try not to repeat of what had happened. It's definitely a hard blow to recover - *deep voice*
*Cough* Anyway, I'm done eating my noodles, let's play Sonic - Iron change the topic quickly.
What version ? - Kate said curiously.
The hermit with a white crescent on his chest ! - Iron loudly said it.
Cuts to a first person perspective :
Hey It's me again...
You may not know or vice versa...
The way I'm saying...
As of now..
I maybe still the same from where I was...
I just don't know why ?...
If it is somewhat... more relevant ?
Don't worry it's not the kind of...
Very noticeable...
It has it's own container...
Which is not seen by many..
Not even her..
Nor him... not completely sure.
Anyway...
That or the other...
I have feeling...
Something exciting will be appearing...
Bye everyone, please don't interrupt me..
I'm doing a school work over here..
// - To Be Continued - \\
End of the First segment out of three segments.