Ethics class was interesting. The days of debates and lectures was kind of fun. Even watching Alfred argue with passion was amusing. If he didn't know Alfred beforehand and if Wendy did not reveal Alfred's part in his suspension (Alfred took the wallet, placed it in an old bag, placed the bag in Vince's chair and notified his mother about it), maybe Vince would've thought of Alfred as a nice kid.
One time, the teacher proposed to discuss the idea of money being the root of all evil. The class can choose to agree or disagree. Alfred took the side of those that agree. Wendy observed Vince before deciding.
Vince waited until more than half the class has chosen a side. Most agreed with the idea that money is the root of all evil. Seeing the opposing sides number being pitiful, Vince joined them. Wendy and a few undecided girls followed Vince.
"Money," says Alfred, "brings out the greed in people. It is the source of fighting between friends, family and relatives. It is only because of money that crimes happen."
Alfred knew this because he understood that the reason they hated the tourism project was because they were not able to obtain a piece of the pie. If only they were granted permits to run a business there, then they would become rich by tricking tourists out of their money.
Alfred tried to ignore random thoughts and added, "Check the news. Can you point out a crime that doesn't involve money?"
Similar thoughts were voiced by the other group. Even some of Vince's group members has expressed agreement. If no one opposes Alfred's group, is the lesson over?
Vince was amused by his this. He didn't notice when the entire class became silent and looks at him.
Wendy intervened before things became awkward, "Vince, what's your take on this? You're always silent during class discussions."
Vince looked at his classmates and then looked at Wendy. It feels weird having the whole class focus on him. It feels weirder seeing Wendy talk to him that way.
Ever since Wendy shared that little info about Alfred, she began acting that she's close with Vince. Not just being friendly. It's more like they share a secret. But Vince couldn't think of anything that would make Wendy believe that.
In fact, if Wendy didn't say it, Vince wouldn't have known that Wendy was his classmate in elementary.
He went to the blackboard and picked up a chalk. Then he wrote "money is the root of all evil" at the middle top part of the board. Next, he drew a vertical line to split the board into two. To the left, he wrote "Agree" and to the right he wrote "disagree".
Vince then wrote all the points that Alfred and other students said. After that he moved to the right and wrote some simple argument.
"If money brings out the greed of people. Then it is not the root of evil. Maybe just a catalyst."
"Imagine a small settlement where money hasn't been invented yet. Would it be devoid of crime/evil? Would killing or rape not happen in that setting? And if that does happen, is it considered evil if it did not originate from money?"
"If money is the root of all evil, would destruction of money turn this earth into a utopia?"
Vince went back to his seat and watched his classmates try to break down what he wrote. He observed them as they clamor on. Some wouldn't even acknowledge Vince's ideas.buy Alfred is silent. He admitted his defeat.
Vince has more arguments about the topic. Though he didn't think if fit to add more as just those few sentences has made it clear who's is the winner. Vince is pretty sure that in a minute or two, the teacher would say a few final words and dismiss the class.
Alfred watched as Vince sat back in his seat. He thought of his plan. In past month, Vince avoided him. Arriving seconds before class starts or leaving as soon asthw class ends. Alfred was unable to find time to try and befriend Vince. It didn't help that the few classes that they have together, there have been no group activities.
If he just ask Vince out of the blue, without forming some sort of bond, Alfred knows that he would be rejected instantly. He wanted a chance to show that he has changed. After that, it would be simple to argue that his mother has also changed. Besides, all he will be asking is to delete a certain video from Vince's social media account.
Alfred approached Vince. He practiced his greeting over and over in his head. When he was next to Vince, he extended his hands and spoke, "That was a great idea Vince. I admit my loss."
"Thank you, I guess." Vince muttered as he pretended not to notice Alfred's hand.
Wendy saw that Vince was rummaging through his bag as he was talking to Alfred. She was curious so she walked closer to hear them. But her heart stopped when the bell rang and Vince stood up. His books on his left hand and his bag, which was flipped inside out, was in his right hand.
Alfred was fuming mad but had to ignore Vince's action. He knew he deserved it. In fact he deserved way worse. And he is willing to insure his punishment as long as Vince deletes the videos.
But before Alfred could speak again, Vince walked out of the classroom. Alfred could only stare at Vince back and Wendy could only look at Vince's action. Clearly, he hasn't forgiven Alfred.
.....
"Hey", said a voice from behind.
Vince looked back to see Wendy jogging to him. He observed the little girl approaching him. Blond hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a red package. The weird (at least to Vince's eyes it looks weird) combination of red shirt, red pants and red high heels.
He remembered an old saying, "if you've got it then flaunt it". But he doesn't believe that that applies to idiotic fashion choices. Still, since Wendy has helped him by revealing the information about Alfred, he waited to see what's she up to.
"Can I ask you a question?" Wendy asks. Then she made the puppy dog eyes before adding, "Why did you do that? Can't you see that Alfred is trying to make nice?".
Vince looked at the girl and sighed before speaking. "I didn't even know him and he attacked me. That is his stupidity. But if I allowed myself to be friends with him then he can betray me. And that would be my stupidity. Do I look like you?"
Wendy can only look on as Vince walked away. Somehow she felt that she was insulted. But she was still trying to digest what he said. Clearly, Vince's thinking process is weird. Shouldn't one try to turn enemies into friends?
If Vince heard her, she would hear his tirade.
If logic dictates that I forgive others, will others forgive me if I hurt them? No. I would be sent to jail. If forgiveness is what logic demands from me, that means people need to hurt me so that I can practice it. Why would I live like that?
Why would you expect that from me, Wendy?