As the three of them entered the classroom, they were met with stares from the other students as if they had seen a clown. Sir Peter, on the verge of erupting in anger, instructed them to stand outside the classroom as punishment until the period was over.
They all exited and stood in the hallway outside the classroom, as instructed, waiting. Rey and Evan knew James wouldn't cease his antics; he began making funny faces, attempting to elicit their laughter. They nearly succumbed to giggles just as the classroom door opened and someone stepped out.
Upon noticing the person who had walked out, Rey and Evan promptly stood up straight, yet James remained confused, not understanding the situation.
"Oh, it seems Mr. James hasn't grasped my words and is enjoying himself," Peter remarked, standing behind James, who felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this. He turned to see Peter glaring at him with fury and quickly retreated to his original spot.
Mr. Peter stepped out of the classroom intending to invite the trio inside, believing they might be delayed finishing their assignment and deserving some leniency. However, upon opening the gate, he caught James pulling a comical face, attempting to amuse the others. This sight ignited Mr. Peter's anger, prompting him to instruct the trio to wait in his office for a discussion.
Afterward, he re-entered the classroom and resumed teaching. When Rey and Evan noticed James's gloomy expression, they chuckled softly and led him away to the office to wait.
After the Period, In Peter's Office.
"So, Mr. Zephyr, what actions should I take with everyone?" Peter asked, his gaze fixed on James, who stood before him in the center.
"Sorry sir, their tardiness was my fault because they assisted me in taking the bundle of sheets to the storeroom. During this, Evan lost consciousness and collapsed, so we had to rush him to the infirmary. If you have any doubts, you can call there to verify," Rey explained before Peter could speak.
"Alright, I expected you three to handle Rey's assigned tasks, but this talk of consciousness and collapse is new to me. Out of curiosity, I'll make a call to confirm," Peter stated, eyeing each of them.
Rising from his chair, Peter strode to the window and dialed the infirmary's number on his phone. He inquired about a student named Evan who had reportedly lost consciousness. Once he received confirmation, he ended the call, returned to his seat, and sat down. Fixing the trio with a piercing gaze, he sought further information. The intensity of his stare sent a shiver down their spines.
"Apologies, sir, we're late because Rey's stomach threw a tantrum, and he dashed to the bathroom to negotiate peace. He returned 15 minutes later, which added to our tardiness," James blurted out, his words tripping over each other in his rush. He was terrified of suspension and the dreaded call to his parents, who might just cut off his financial lifeline if they discovered his class-skipping escapades.
"Ah, that was the elusive detail I couldn't grasp, but now everything is perfectly clear, and I understand it all. But Rey, are you alright? Do you still have a stomachache? Please, feel free to tell me if you do," Peter expressed to the trio, his eyes reflecting a genuine concern.
Sir Peter's concern stemmed from his deep admiration for Rey's father, who he regarded as a role model. Upon learning of Rey's family's plight following his father's death, Sir Peter was among those who stepped forward to offer support. In school, he took a special interest in Rey, providing guidance to help him excel academically and improve his family's situation. This favoritism, however, was not well-received by the other students, but that is a tale for another time. For now, let us proceed with the story.
"Okay, you all can go now. Don't do this again, and make sure to prepare well for the final exam so you can take the entrance exam of your choice," he said after some more discussion, instructing them to leave. However, Evan remained standing there, unmoving.
When Rey and James conveyed this, they invited him to join them. He expressed a desire to speak with Sir privately and requested that they leave, assuring he would follow shortly. Upon hearing this, they nodded and exited the room.
"So, Evan, what's on your mind?" Peter inquired, neatly organizing documents on his desk.
"Sir, I need to ask for a few days off," Evan replied, his tone serious.
"May I ask why you need this leave at such a critical time?" Peter questioned, clasping his hands on the desk, his eyes conveying a mix of intensity and irritation. "I've made it clear that this is the final stretch of your high school journey. There won't be another opportunity for learning like this, and these days are crucial for both you and your peers. Could you specify exactly how many days you consider 'a few'?"
"Sir, I understand the significance, but I must request two days' leave because..." Evan's voice trailed off, and he bowed his head, lost in thought.
"Explain the reason for your absence as Evan mentioned, or consider your request denied. I cannot grant leave without substantial information and a valid justification," Peter stated, fixing his gaze upon him before turning his attention to a student's document.
'Apologies, Mom and Dad, but I'm about to seek your assistance, blissfully unaware of your whereabouts. Here's to hoping for your forgiveness,' Evan mused with a hint of mischief.
"Sir, yesterday while I was studying in my room, I received a phone call. Upon answering, the caller inquired, 'Hello, is this Evan we are speaking with?' I confirmed my identity and proceeded to ask who was on the line. Abruptly, another voice intervened, declaring, 'Son, it's me, your mother.' This revelation left me utterly stunned; until that moment, I had been under the impression that my parents were deceased, as they had failed to come for me. But now, confronted with someone claiming to be my parents, my mind went blank..." Evan paused on the verge of revealing more.
"Wait, you received a phone call claiming you're their child, and you believed it? I think it's a trap; they could be scammers out to rob you," Peter exclaimed, halting his work and looking shocked. He was aware that Evan was an orphan and that the government had been providing financial support for his sustenance until he reached the age of twenty, after which Evan would have to fend for himself.
"Yes, I believe that too, but they shared a truth with me that only I know—the details of my family pendant, which I've never disclosed to anyone except the orphanage head. They described the pendant so precisely, as if they had a replica, which convinced me that they are indeed my parents. We discussed everything that happened, and they've asked to meet at a coffee shop near my apartment. That's why I'm certain, and I assure you, I will bring them to meet you the day after tomorrow," Evan explained hastily, eager to prove his sincerity.
"Alright, I will grant you the leave, but you must promise to bring them to meet me and return to school in two days, or I will come to your house," Peter stated, breaking the silence. He then gestured for him to leave, as he had many tasks to attend to.
Evan thought to himself with a mix of elation and sorrow, "Yes, the first step of my plan 'To get myself kidnapped' is now in motion. I apologize to my unknown parents for using your names, but after this, I'll be gone and won't cause you any more trouble." His joy at the thought of his plan was tempered by the sadness of his orphaned life, feeling as if he were cursed to be without his parents.
He exited the office to find both of his friends waiting for him. With a slight smile, the trio began their walk towards the classroom for the remainder of their classes.
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Hey everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm working hard to get the next ones out swiftly, so stay tuned for Rey's epic climb to glory. Catch you later and have an awesome day!