The Knight and his Squire

It was a bright Wednesday, the sky was glowing gold and the wind was tame. I was grateful for this weather, it reminded me that a day like that would not necessarily happen today. I wished to paint a new future. A future where everyone in school will bow to my knees.

"Who's a good boy? Who's za guuud boy!" I tickled my pet dog, Lucky. She had been part of my family ever since I learned how to walk. Only now, she hasn't been active. She would always fall asleep in the afternoon, barely walking an inch away from her sleeping spot. Her old, wrinkled eyes, to her droopy face... She's a reminder that time is limited to us. Especially when that thought hit us when we are too late. Being close to her last days of living, I constantly worry about her leaving me. 

After giving my grandmama who was still asleep in the morning a hug, I went to school. The hot rays of the sun poured over my face, I was blinded by it, but, at the same time empowered. The walk to school would always give me a weird feeling. I'd always have an expectation for today, but most often than not, nothing really happens the way I want at Weststar.

Before reaching the school's front gate, I'd always pass by this particular bookstore downtown: Angel's bookstore. It was a polished store in black. It had an aroma of a cafe, at the same time, the nostalgic look of a library. This bookstore would always be at the back of my mind for a particular reason: I was tempting to buy a certain pen they had on display. It was this... sleek, black ink pen that had a golden nib to it. The price never bothered me, due to the fact that I've wanted to replace a certain pencil that was special to me: it was Lucas' pencil that I borrowed from him.

Lucas was one of my first friends in Weststar. He had a pure heart who would always help me in need, it was only until he suddenly disappeared. All I have is this pencil to remember him by. I knew a pencil would be worn out soon. So, obviously, I thought of getting a replacement. That's why I was always fascinated by that black ink pen. If I could purchase this for Lucas, he would be grateful. That's my way of returning a favour for a pencil, a pencil that had served me mental fortitude over my lonely days of high school.

Passing by that store gave a terrible aftertaste before reaching school, it gave me a bittersweet reminder of the good old days, and at the same time, a future that would never come.

#

School assembly has started and we all were gathered like herds of sheep in the school assembly hall. Everyone was trying to stand still and avoid falling asleep. Heads nodded, and screams came from the prefects around. Deep yawns were heard, loud farts from the senior lines too. It was a typical lethargic day for everyone at Weststar. The only ones awake were the typical few: Michael, our school maniac. Our sports teacher, Mr Liam who was particularly absent yesterday and surprisingly, me. Was it because I was knocked in the head last night and now I'm suddenly a well-motivated student? No, of course not. It was because Aaron was now away from Weststar. The throne is now empty, and I can see everyone's enthusiasm in becoming the new King. And obviously, I would soon develop new rivals. 

A light poke at my back suddenly got my attention. I was prone to be annoyed at sudden pokes or jabs from people, I blame Aaron for that. Surprisingly, it was the silent girl from yesterday. She had this tired look on her face. She looked like a tired, grumpy cat forced to move after removing her favourite sleeping pillow. While rubbing her sleep-deprived eyes, she handed me a handwritten note without saying a word. After unfolding it, I quickly read it:

"Dude... we can see your panties..."

-Michael

My face became steaming red after understanding exactly what it meant, I quickly checked the back of my pants and sure enough, my pants weren't pulled up and my undies were out and showing. Laughter was heard from my back, it was Michael. He was laughing his ass off alongside his buddy Johnny, while class monitor Mason was trying to force out laughter in order to fit in.

The girl who gave me the note simply shrugged at the immature display of Michael and soon went back to her spot in front of Michael, rubbing her sleepy eyes with her knuckles. "What a way to start," I thought. It is moments like this when I knew my day is about to be wild. It was an omen. The start of a curse.

I felt a poke once again behind me, it was the girl again, looking a little frustrated that she had to deliver another note from the Michael gang. 

"Don't forget your homework. Please pass it to me when we get to class."

-Mason Kennedy

I had this look of pure terror in my eyes. "Crap, Mr Sebastian is gonna kill meee!" were the words ringing in my head. I had totally forgotten about homework. After experiencing the absolute worst day of my life, the thought of homework was apparently thrown out of my memory. It was a state of an absolute lack of control, punishment from old Count Dracula that was Old Man Sebastian was totally unavoidable at this point. Seeing me turn from a state of annoyance to now a state of defeat, the girl now with a little energy in her eyes, gave a small chuckle and gave a little friendly slap on my shoulder before leaving.

#

I was now infamous. Everywhere I walk, I see funny faces directed at me. Eyes which were wide open, unblinking. When school assembly was finished, I exited the school hall and walked down the hallway. The chuckles of everyone walking past me gave me shivers. Being friends with Aaron, and the hottest chick in school Rosie got me well-known. But right now, after their departure to another world, I was left alone as a laughing stock. They all knew of what happened. And now they see me as prey, they were all vultures circling around me. All I could do is have my chin up and face the day head-on.

"BOY! Can I have a word with you?" a teacher stopped me in the middle of the school hallway. "Yes, Mr Liam, sir? What do you want?"

I faced the school's sports teacher, Mr Liam. He was tall, had two enormous shoulders and had a strong, bold chin. He could almost lift an entire school locker with just one hand. He was considered the Greek God of Weststar, from the girls especially. 

"Oh my. Did the ball from yesterday cause you to have attitude problems, boy?" Mr Liam lightly rubbed my forehead with the tip of his finger, which almost got me to fall.

"Tsk. What ball?" I said, trying to act tough.

Mr Liam let out a laugh. "Don't try to pretend. I know teenagers like you like to act tough. But obviously, you need more work. Work in your attitude that is."  

"Whatever, sir" I flailed my hands around and tried to walk away. But Mr Liam wasn't finished. "Aw, don't be such a baby. I will have lunch with the teacher's today. Apparently, it's Karen's birthday today."

"Mrs Kennedy? What's it got to do with me?"

"I could share with you some food they have there." Mr Liam nodded enthusiastically. 

"Why that offer?" 

"That's because I like you. Although, you need manners first if you want to be a true man."

I thought about what he said, it gave me an idea. The Greek God of Weststar, still a pathetic wimp on the inside but a Greek God nonetheless is offering me something I could never dismiss...

"Hey, uh. Sir. Mr Liam... I would like to ask you for a favour."

"No problem, boy. I'll be sure to be the first one for the buffet," he winked.

"No. No. Forget about Mrs Kennedy's birthday lunch. I need your help. I want you to be my coach."

Mr Liam's brows were raised. "Your coach? By the looks of you, boy. I think what you are trying to say is how to get girls, correct? HA-HA-HA-HA!" he chuckled wholeheartedly. His chest was raised high and he clapped with his hands widely in amusement. 

"No. Well. Yes. That's exactly what I want. I want to be popular, just like you, sir."

"Popular?" Mr Liam paused for a serious second. He scratched his chin that could very well dent a car door while pondering at the word he just heard. "Popular..."

After a long and uncomfortable silence, Mr Liam started to chuckle a little, his laugh grew and soon was now doubled the energy he had before. "HO-HO-HO-HO!" he clapped his hands like he was killing mosquitoes as usual. "I guess you are more mature than I thought. I was surprised that you value personality over body muscle. I respect that from you. You remind me of, well, me when I was younger!"

Right. Whatever he said, I was thinking about him being my gym coach... I guess that's down the drain.

"Alright, boy. I can be your 'personal trainer'. You'll be popular with everyone in no time," he went to my side and tightly wrapped his arm behind my back. "You'll learn something I've never learnt back when I was your age. See me at the teacher's office during recess. We'll discuss what I'll do with you."

#

Mr Liam is such a weirdo. People like him give me the creeps; those overly friendly people. I never remembered Aaron being overly friendly to me. The only thing I know about these people is that they would always have something to hide. They would always have a selfish reason to be friendly. If you haven't noticed already, I despise people who are pretentious. Even if it's not obvious, I would always have a bad feeling about a person like that. I guess in my current situation, all I have to do now is to just play along with whatever Mr Liam wants, only then I can get what I want. 

Everyone was now back in class. The grins of everyone reminded me of my unfinished homework. These people are so carefree. They are all sheep, blindly trusting the system and would soon be slaughtered; I'm not that kind of person. "Mason!" I raised my hand, getting the class monitor's attention. "Y-Yes...?"

"I have a stomach ache, I'll be back soon." I lied.

"A-Again? Okay..." Mason groaned silently, unsure what to tell of Mr Sebastian once he noticed my odd absence.

Before I broke a run out of the God-forsaken classroom, my tracks were immediately halted by a strong pull on my sleeve. The near fall gave me a heart attack. The History textbook was slammed down on my desk, the girl who pulled my sleeve gave a stern look on my face, she shook her head and pointed towards my chair.

This girl... who even is she? It was the same girl from the school assembly, the same bookworm from the bleachers... Even with eyes that barely had enough sleep, she looked to be the real class monitor instead of Mason.

"U-Ugh..." Mason stumbled with his words, "O-O-Orchid... I think it's fine..." he fidgeted his fingers while his glasses were sliding down his nose.

I snapped my arm away from the girl which got her pincer-like grip to be released from my shirt.

"Y-You know... being a deputy monitor... you don't have to be so harsh..." said Mason timidly, cringing at being unable to help.

The girl, Orchid shook her head and pointed towards my desk a second time. At this point, she is bossing me around as though she's my mother. This was all the more embarrassing for poor Mason, it's not a secret that O-Orchid is the real class monitor at this point, Mason really can't do his work right.

Well, just like all mothers, I had to comply: "Fine. I'll do my History homework. Fine," I sat down and faced the empty page of my soon to be handed in homework. Orchid looked happy and turned away, but once she did, I made my way out of the class. "...in another lifetime!"

#

I finally made my way down to the toilet stall- I mean sanctuary. It's called the sanctuary! And I stayed there. The smell of someone's dinner from yesterday lingered in the stall, a pungy smell came from the other stalls made me realised a school's restroom is still a school's restroom.

The words 'Aaron stinks' were still in front of me. Only now, there were new words after it. It now says: "Aaron stinks and so do you." I chuckled for a bit. I honestly do think I stink as much as Aaron. But the positive vibes died as soon as I turned to see the other melancholy graffiti that I wrote on the wall beside me. The heart-shaped message with the words: "Rosie + Me" were scribbled over horribly. Someone had used a marker to ruin the perfect heart shape I've drawn. The words "LOL" and "Loser" were written around it, with arrows pointing straight at it. At this point, maybe I did had a stomach ache after all... or maybe it was somewhere else.

I walked out of the toilet stall feeling beaten down, totally forgetting why I was there in the first place until I noticed the person waiting for me outside. It was Bookworm Girl, deputy monitor and Mason's true potential as a responsible human being: Orchid.

"What do you want...?" I asked lethargically, hiding the fact that I feel a little hurt inside.

Orchid gave me a paper note, it was a little crumbled, most probably it was fidgeted with by her while she waited. I gave it a read: 

"I requested Mr Sebastian to give you more time with homework. Due to tomorrow Thursday."

Shit. Wasn't Thursday Aaron and Rosie's date? The thought that I would have to face this load of donkey poo while Aaron and Rosie would... you know. I rather not talk about it. I felt a little relief at first after reading her note. I thought I was free for a second, only to have my brain processed what it actually meant; I felt like I really needed to go after this.

"Honestly, Orchid. You could have just brought Sebastian over and let him finished this with me with his cane. I would be happy afterwards."

Orchid rolled her eyes and soon let out a long exhale. It was obvious that class was still underway, and I'm clearly absent from it on purpose. I would just be wasting Orchid's time at this point.

"No offence, Orchid. But go away. I really don't want to be in class right now..."

Choosing to not face her, I could tell she looked concerned when I said that. Whether I offended her or not, I don't care. All I want is to be free from this mess, I never liked the idea of finishing homework in time; abiding by the norms of a classroom and being punished if you can't do any of those. "I don't see why I should do his homework. You saw the way he treated me that day...

"It's just so frustrating that everyone in this school is so mindless. Whenever something happens, it appears to be only affecting me. Whether it be being humiliated in public, or being scolded for poor memory... it appears to only affect me. Everyone else is too good for that. They have never gone through the same thing as me before. So now, why should I go back and try to fit in? I just don't understand."

Without turning my back, I quickly sprinted away and ran down the school compound. After pouring out my true feelings, I chose not to see her reaction. I don't want to. 

With the sun still shining brightly, with beams of silver lining through the thick, grey clouds, I sat by the bleachers alone at the school's volleyball court. "The day when it all happened," I thought. The only sound that accompanied me was the rustling leaves and the cold howl of the wind in my ear. It was calming, it was relaxing. Being alone feels good at times like this.

My eyes couldn't stop staring at the spot where I laid down after I got hit by the ball, where Aaron and Rosie were at my side. I hated them with my guts, yet I missed them. I wished they were here to comfort me. I wished someone will. I took a peek behind me to check if there was someone. No, there wasn't. Secretly, I hoped for her to come down to check on me. That thought made me feel so pathetic. "Maybe all I really want is the attention..."

#

With a few knocks on the door, Mr Liam warmly welcomed me into his office. "Hello, dear boy, I-" POP. A confetti popper was shot in front of Mr Liam, giving him a scare. "Got you, sir," I said with a childish smile. "I'd always bring one of these when I want to make an entrance."

Mr Liam breathed heavily for a second, his eyes stared at me for a solid second. "T-That's... how very original."

"My old pal Lucas taught me this trick, do you know him, sir?"

"Lucas? I've never heard of him," said Mr Liam. It surprised me because Lucas was a popular person before he left Weststar. He was especially friendly with the teachers, I'm guessing Mr Liam was the few who had never talked to him before.

"Anyway, he sounds like a funny person. Giving you ideas to use confetti to surprise people. I find it hard to not know a person like that." Mr Liam sat back down on his chair. "Have a seat. Your lunch is right there on my desk, enjoy."

I sat down and took the blue-coloured container that was sitting on the middle of his desk, looking very conspicuous. After opening it, I drooled at the sight of the mixture of weenies, spaghetti and a fried egg all carefully placed to produce a swell sight. I devoured it all within a minute, choosing to forget the presence of the teacher who had prepared it for me in the first place.

"So. I heard you have been interested in the act of truancy by some of the teachers... is that right?"

I stopped eating. I could almost tell that my heart stopped beating altogether.

"HA-HA-HA! No worries, boy. I'm not mad at all. It's just an interesting thought to think about." Mr Liam smiled as wide as the windows in his office. The sense of relief rushing through my veins felt as if I've chugged down a 7-Eleven Slurpee in one go.

"All I'm worried about is if you enjoyed the food. Though I was late and I didn't get much; that was all that's left."

"Honestly, thanks... sir." I wipe the remains of the bolognese sauce off my lips, placing down the empty blue container down on Mr Liam's desk.

"Not a problem, boyo. After the meal, I'll be giving you a little trip around school as your first day of training. Call it a little tour."

"A tour? I'm no tourist, sir."

"It's not just any tour, it's a wilderness tour! You'll learn about the school's ecosystem and food chain inside and out. You'll get to understand your surroundings. And most importantly, you get to know more about yourself." Mr Liam gave my back a hard slap before leaving the office with me.

We walked down the dusty, creaking corridor and out from the sweatshop office that was the teacher's side of the school. "Watch out, boy. Do you know who Jimmy and Nick are in this school?"

"You mean those snobbish-looking guys over there?" I pointed. From the entrance of the teacher's office, down into the schoolyard where the boys would park their bikes, there were two students, both with a messy look on their face and their uniforms.

"I know boys like you would stay quietly in the canteen during recess. But bad boys like these would hang around where they weren't supposed to."

"Aren't you supposed to go give them a warning?" I asked.

"Mr Jimmy Kassidy and Nicholas Jones are a wild couple. Of course, I did give them warnings to not stay around the schoolyard..." The two backstreet boys suddenly noticed Mr Liam and I, even from the long distance. Frightened at first, until Mr Liam and the two gave each other wave before continuing on with their own business. "How do you feel? Dare to approach them?"

I stood there all frightened at the thought of approaching the two.

"Hm... I think not."

With the birds chirping on this sunny day, we made our way to the centre of the school: The School Gardens. It was an area where the school janitors would water the plants before school assembly and after the bell rings for lights out. There were benches littered everywhere for whoever to sit and relax. A short concrete walkway split the garden in half, making it a popular place for couples to walk. Everything I pass by here, I would always see the same couple from my senior year sitting here, staring at each other's faces till the sun dies.

"Ah, those two lovelies are Mr Brandon and his fiancee," Mr Liam pointed at the two embracing each other on the bench. "Finance?!" I asked in shock. "Well, they wish. Couples like these never work out..." Mr Liam said that with distaste in his mouth. I wonder what made him say that?

"Anyway, boy. I'm sure you are already familiar with this place. Weststar Garden: a perfect place to read, and a perfect place to slack off. I'll never know why did the school funded a garden in the first place when no one has the time to use it..."

I'm starting to have a feeling that Mr Liam hates this place. I have never seen him feel uncomfortable at a place before. This is the same person who would be friendly with the school bullies and jocks. "What do you think? Does this place ring well in your little tummy?"

"I guess not."

"Good."

After leaving the flower-filled garden, Mr Liam and I entered the school block. Through the glass door entrance, we were now faced with the long, ever so extending school hall. It could very well be the longest school hall in the world. It was a passageway that diverges to many other rooms, stairs and more corridors. Compared to the classrooms, Weststar's Hall overpowers them in terms of claustrophobia. 

"The path to Heaven and Hell," Mr Liam said with a dramatic voice. From the corner of my eye, I noticed two girls watching past the both of us, they were giggling at the mere sight of Mr Liam beside me. "What about them? Who are they?" I pointed at the two girls when their backs were facing us. "Them? HA-HA-HA!" Mr Liam gave a strong slap on my back, which I'm starting to hate. "You are one funny man." All I asked for was their names... Maybe he didn't know who they were?

"Mr Liam. In all due respect. What on Earth is this tour going to do for me?"

"Patience, boy. You'll know why this is important eventually..."

We then stopped at an entrance that resembles the front of a cold meat store.

"There, the school library. You're the type to go there, eh, boy? I can tell you're the nerdy type." He can't tell a single thing about me at all. "Sir. Can we not go to the library?" my lips retracted like a dying worm. "It sounds like... a huge waste of time."

"Why, it won't be a waste of time. Come on, boyo! As I said, this will be good for your growth as a man."

After a short trip, we arrived at the entrance of the school library. It wasn't an exciting sight to behold. From the signs littered around to the glass door leading into the library itself... it made me feel like I'm at the dentist's again. 

A familiar face soon appeared beside me, about to enter the library as well. She held a book and took a glance between me and Mr Liam. Her eyes were darting between me and the sports teacher's. "Orchid? What are you doing here?" She gave a little shake in the head and went into the library.

Expecting Mr Liam to say something, I was surprised that he didn't say anything about her at all. Mr Liam's eyes gave a roll and brought me into the library. As we entered, a blast of cold air was released from the library. It was as if we entered a huge refrigerator.

"As you can see," Mr Liam started to speak. "If you ever entered into the school library before, which I doubt you do.., you might notice the usual faces here. The thing about the library is that you'll see the same faces every day, all the time. So, do you recognise anyone here, boy? Does anyone leave a mark in your chest?"

The only person I had my eyes fixated on was the girl, Orchid, who would also turn to take suspicious glances back at me.

"Mr Liam. I want to go, now." I spoke abruptly. "Why?" he asked in a genuinely shocked face. "I think this is a waste of time." I started walking away before Mr Liam grabbed my shoulder, preventing me from leaving. "Come on, don't be such a sad puppy." Feeling irritated, I pushed my shoulder, escaping Mr Liam's grasp, and walked away.

#

Long, droopy eyes followed me as I walked down the school hallway. Every time I took a peek to see if I was being followed, I would see people with their necks stretched almost at a 180-degree turn to stare at my soul with large, white eyes and a huge cut through their cheeks that was their grins. There is no way I can become stronger than them. The tour Mr Liam gave me only reminded me of how powerless I am being alone. I have never do anything right without Aaron nor Rosie. 

Those eyes... those eyes that follow me, those long arms and fingers that dragged through my shirt as I walked past these... people. It frightens me. It is me against them. I see becoming King of School as a fantasy I can never achieve. This is way out of my league. I just wish for my friends to be here now.

Large footsteps were heard behind, they were like a horse riding down the hallway. No, it was like a raging bull about to ram me with its horns. I could see blood-red eyes, full of hate. It was getting closer and closer, I panicked and quickly went to the nearest door and pulled with all my might. It was locked. Locked doors everywhere. I felt my heart sinking into the deepest part of my body, it was being twitched and fiddled with. 

"Hey. Hey! Get yourself together, what has happened to you?" Mr Liam grabbed my shoulder and shook the life out of me. My eyes opened groggily like waking up after a bad dream. A whole crowd surrounded me, and the big-chinned sports teacher was squatting right in front of me.

"W-W-What happened?" I struggled to speak. "You had a panic attack when I ran over to you. Has this ever happened to you before? Is there a mental disability you have hiding from me?"

"No, sir. Although I have been quite forgetful lately. And I had bad dreams every single night since a few weeks ago. I don't think it's anything serious."

"Bad dreams?" Mr Liam pondered to himself. "You're not acting normal, boy. I suggest you come to rest at my office for the time being."

"You're office? What about class?"

"I'll just report to the principal that you're sick. You can rest at my office until school ends."

I gave a smile of relief. My heartbeat with excitement at the thought of escaping class. I looked up from laying down on the dead, solid floor while leaning against the freezing cold lockers. Mr Liam truly was like a brother, or maybe a father to me. Maybe he truly does care for his students, unlike the rest of them, Mr Sebastian especially.

Before I got to stand up, I noticed the same presence from the library before. Over the many people gathering around me and Mr Liam, curiously wondering why on Earth am I on the floor looking half-awake, she stood there in the corner with her book wrapped around her arms. Being quite distant from the scene, her eyes spelt... "concern?"

#

"I heard you have homework overdue, boy. You are planning on completing them are you?" Mr Liam asked over his desk with his leg crossed and his arms behind his head.

His office was dusty and warm. The air conditioner was broken and all we had as ventilation was the opened window and a cheap mini fan Mr Liam bought a few days ago. I sat opposite his desk on the guest chair. A lot of thoughts were swirling in my head.

"She told me to complete them. She requested from Mr Sebastian directly to give more time."

"Who is this 'she'?" Mr Liam raised his thick, brown brows.

"My class' deputy monitor," I slammed my hands on Mr Liam's desk, giving him a jump. "Sir! Why do people like her exist?! I deliberately chose to not do my homework, but it seems like that girl had sold her soul to be a slave to the school. Now she wants me to do the same."

Mr Liam chuckled at my immature reaction. "Settle down, my little horsie. She's just doing her job. She's the deputy monitor after all."

I scoffed at his statement and fell back into my seat. "That's exactly my point, sir."

"No, boy. You're missing out on what I'm trying to say," Mr Liam leaned forward, his hands were folded together and rested on his desk, his eyes stared powerfully into mine. "Listen, sometimes it's fine to be pushed around here and there. In my eyes... I think your deputy monitor friend here is doing yourself a favour."

"She's just helping me? I seriously doubt that, sir." My eyes gave back a jab at Mr Liam's stare. "We had a little chat before recess, I told her exactly what my situation is, she didn't listen. If she really wanted to do me a favour, I think all she could do is leave me alone with my own plans. But she had to tell Mr Sebastian to give me time for homework!"

"You told her your situation? Then what was her reaction then? I doubt someone would just leave a person alone after confessing pain, you know..."

"I... uh." My tightened my teeth after recalling the scene I had with her outside the restroom. "I ran away. I didn't see her reaction."

"You ran? Why? There's nothing to be embarrassed about to be feeling vulnerable, boy."

"In all honestly, sir. I have no idea why I ran."

Mr Liam's permanent smile now widened. He looks like a middle-aged man who had finally completed a jigsaw puzzle and was feeling younger again.

"HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!" Mr Liam clapped his head, his teeth shined brightly as soon as he opened his mouth. His tongue popped out like a party horn, his eyes shrank like an old man after delivering his poor jokes to his grandchildren. "I used to do that when I was your age, boy. I would often cause trouble and run away. Even when it wasn't me who did it. So, I ended up being the main suspect for every single incident in school possible: Stealing. Climbing over fences. Peeking into the women's restroom. And even murder."

"M-M-Murder?!"

"HA! I'm just pulling your leg, boy. Of course, I did none of them. I only watched my friends do it. Whenever old Ms Nancy would show up, I would just RUN! Those were the good old days..."

"Sir. Mr Liam... you're not taking my situation seriously, aren't you?"

Mr Liam gave a huge smile as a reply. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I?" He pulled his chair forward. "I honestly just think you had the attention of someone in particular. Didn't you?"

"What does that mean?"

"She has an interest in you obviously! Girls always try to show their affection to someone they love by teasing or giving their sweetie-pie a bad time! Just so you would think about them wherever and whenever!"

My entire face became steaming red. I could feel smoke rushing out of my nostrils and mouth as I tried to speak. "That's not the case, sir! You're wrong! You got the wrong idea!"

Mr Liam had none of my seriousness and just laughed at my reaction. "Priceless! Priceless! You are in denial, aren't you? Aw, you are in love!"

I gave another slam on the desk, this time it wasn't as hard as before. Before I felt like fainting in the sudden barrage of embarrassment from the sports teacher in front of me. "I... I" I stopped,  deciding that it was pointless and sat down. I gave an obvious frown and waited until Mr Liam decided it was enough.

"Oh my... I didn't mean to make you mad, boy..." he wiped the drop of tear off his eyes. But then, all of a sudden, it was as if all the joy and fun from Mr Liam's expression had vanished. He stared at me with his bright, but cold green eyes, which shook me to my core. His smile was still fixated on his face, but this time, I'm pretty sure he is smiling out of pure habit. A judgemental look radiated from those emerald eyes. That was when his large physical body was prominent, I was reminded again that this man wasn't just some jester. He is the most popular teacher in Weststar for a reason. "Listen. Of course, you wouldn't waste your time with love. Love is blind. Be sure to remember that."

I gulped at the sudden serious statement coming from him. The amount of authority from his voice is enough to make me decide not to slam his desk ever, ever again...

"I'm doing this for your own good. You don't need to date, nor find love. That's something that doesn't exist. It's a hoax. A lie. A myth. Boys like you need to learn to grow up and live life strongly without being weak. 

You said you ran away from her, correct? Well, before we talk about that. Let me explain why I subconsciously ran away all those times when trouble arises. I've always been a different boy, just like you. I felt like I was the only one, I felt as though I had to pretend to be nice, pretend to me like them and learn to be funny in order to fit in. That's why I'd always follow my gang to cause trouble. But, I was too weak to steal whenever they asked me to, I was too afraid to tease the girls whenever they dared me. I used to hate myself for that... for not being able to act. BUT! There was one thing I've always done. That's running away. That's it, running away. All I could do best is run away. 

I hated that fact. The fact that I'm a wimp who can only run away is ridiculous. But, after the many days of being accused of my friends' wrongdoings. I realised why I had run. The real reason why I'd always run away: I subconsciously avoided the 'false life' of mine. I always wanted to be a gangster like my buddies. I wanted to be cool. I wanted to be funny. But, I'd still run away. Why? That's because that's not my true self. I was hiding away who I truly was. They all laughed at my real self before, but after realising that shying away from your true self is meaningless, I decided to embrace myself.

Boy, I see myself in you. I really do. You are like me, a boy who craves to be popular, a boy who would run away for no apparent reason. That's why looking deep into yourself is what you should focus on, not your physique, but your personality and spirit.

When you ran away from your deputy monitor, that's your inner instinct telling you to stay away. You are running away from the false self you might become if you don't."

Mr Liam gave me a painfully uncomfortable stare into my face, and then he said: "Stay away from her at all cost. Then only you can be your true self. That's what I want you to do."

#

The bell has soon rang and the sounds of an animal stampede came rushing down from the top floors to outside the office. 

"Ah! I guess time is up!" Mr Liam opened his arms, "Time really does pass when you are having the time of your life, doesn't it, boyo?"

Mr Liam, ignoring the painful expression on my face, directed me to the exit of the teacher's office. My mind was dancing around at the words Mr Liam has told me. I felt so conflicted and so confused. "Run... away? From her?" That thought felt so uncomfortable to think of. How can someone just run away from someone else? Is the reason for running away in order to be true to your right path justifiable for such an odd philosophy?

Mr Liam gave my back a strong pat, waking me up from the orchestra of words that was playing in my head. "Do remember what we've discussed. This is your true path. Your instincts never lie..."

I looked back and had the stare of his green eyes striking a cold all the way down my spine. "She won't make you popular, trust me."

I walked forward and away from him, like a son who had just been taught the awful truth of reality by his authoritarian dad. I walked forward and towards the bus stop, where hundreds of students were littered all over.

"Fehehehe... guess who's here..." Michael sneered as he noticed me walking past. "Why the long look? Too much homework pulling you down?"

"I think he just had a bad day, Michael," said the much taller Johnny.

"That's none of your business," I said, turning my attention back to my front, which almost got me to bump into the shyer, timid mouse that is Mason Kennedy.

"Ah! Sorry for that..." said Mason, cringing under his teeth. "Pleaseee! That was an accident!"

"Okay! Okay! Now let go of my shirt!" I dragged Mason around, unintentionally attracted the attention of everyone towards our direction.

"Honestly... I'm so-so-so sorry for being unable to let you go without Mr Sebastian knowing... Deputy Monitor Orchid thought to make sure you did your homework..."

I pulled my lips at the mere mention of the name. Both of them.

"Where is Orchid? I want to speak with her. Her idea of sadistically tormenting me will soon be over."

"T-T-Tormenting?" muttered Mason with his glasses shining in the orange glow of the sun.

"Tahaha! He got bullied by a girl? Isn't that something?" Michael elbowed Johnny in the belly, his abs absorbed it all, causing Johnny to not notice.

"I really don't care. Just leave me out of this," Johnny turned his back with his arm behind his head. "Drama's a waste of time."

"Y-Yeah... I agree..." said Mason. "H-Hey, I think you shouldn't have harsh feelings for O-O-Orchid... she's just doing what's best for you... I think you should just leave her alone..."

"Leave her alone?" I grabbed Mason by the collar. "She should have left me alone! And I'll make sure that happens!"

I turned my head to my side and notice the same girl, with the same book in her hands. She, of course, had that same suspicious glance at me throughout yesterday and today. "H-Hey... p-please..." Mason timidly waved his hand to get my attention away from Orchid, it didn't work. "There must be a misunderstanding... I'm sure you can talk it out with her..."

"Oh, I'll talk it out with her alright," I released Mason from my hands and marched my way towards the girl. Everyone had their eyes on me. The whole crowd gave way and eventually I could see Orchid clearly, out like a squirrel without a bush to hide in, about to be shot to death.

Orchid's eyes widen in shock at what's about to come. She looked absolutely terrified and was left standing stiff like a cornered rodent. 

Soon, I came to a stop. I was now standing mere inches away from her face. Her eyes were barely able to maintain eye contact with me while I absolutely dominated the competition. Orchid's eyes constantly darted from mine to the crowd surrounding the both of us.

"Well? Aren't you going to say something?" I asked, in the most aggressive tone I've ever made.

Orchid's breath came out deeper and faster. Everyone suddenly had their mouths closed at what I've just said. All I could think of was: "Damn. I'm really in the zone here. Here I am with the school's attention and I'm about to show this deputy monitor what she deserves for messing with me."

"You're not going to speak? Are you that shameless?"

The people around me gasped unanimously. Not going to lie, I felt great at leaving a mark on everyone like that. It feels great!

"P-P-P-Please... STOP!" Mason shrieked, getting the entire crowds attention. "That's... very very mean of you..."

Michael was trying to hold back his laughter, while Johnny, who hated drama was uncharacteristically attracted to the whole incident I've just created.

"Y-Y-You're b-b-b-bullying here!" Mason cried.

"Bully? What does this have to do with bullying?" I looked around and saw faces of disgust from everyone around me. "You all have no idea what's going on here, dammit!"

I turned my attention back to Orchid, who was still trying so hard to maintain her composure. She looked like she was either about to break into a fury, or down in tears.

"JUST SAY SOMETHING ALREADY!" I raised my arms. Until Orchid gave a solid hit on my face with her book, causing me to fall onto the ground. The crowd went silent and I was left dazed onto the floor. Orchid was left with fury in her eyes. I could see her hands forming a fist, gripping itself so hard, she might almost break the bones in her palm.

That was it, that just happened in front of everybody. The moment where I've just become a fool in front of the whole school. It was a feeling so similar to what I had yesterday. The effort to impress the whole school had brought me to a level so far down I could not comprehend. 

I quickly lifted myself up, knowing that I won't go down without a real fight. My face was slightly wounded after falling down onto the concrete floor. I then walked forward and grabbed Orchid by her collar, her expression on her face didn't change at all. "I'll never forgive you. You dared to cause me trouble with Sebastian, now make me an embarrassment in front of the whole school? And you wouldn't even dare to speak a word back to me?!"

I tried to hold my grip, but I couldn't hold back the painful feeling of embarrassment from the whole school. I know what I just did, I know I've made a mistake. Now everyone has seen it. The only thing I could do now just finished what I started.

"Let her go!" Mason pulled the back of my shirt. Due to my pride, I held on, facing this cold, heartless girl with her crocodile tears and pitiful look. I must get her to at least say something... I must. I MUST.

"Orchid can't talk!" Mason yelled. "O-Orchid can't talk... Orchid can't talk..."

I stopped instantly after hearing his words. I looked around, everyone wasn't amused by the spectacle I've given them anymore. Everyone was frozen and shocked. They all looked at me with eyes... this time it felt different.

I looked back towards Orchid, now with a lighter grip around her collar, her lips were sucked into her mouth tightly, her eyes squinted, but were looking at me strongly, it was now I who cannot keep eye contact with her.

"Orchid can't talk... S-So let her go..." And so I did, both Orchid and I had the most uncomfortable and painful look on our faces. It was as if, all aggression had disappeared.

"You. Can't. Talk?" I asked her. Orchid shook her head in silence.