Chapter 8 - Mariam Takes the Stage: A Day in the Life of the Vice President

I sat in the office with Melissa, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and reports from Priscilla. As the delegated program maker for school activities, I had my work cut out for me. But my mind kept wandering back to yesterday's events, courtesy of Sylvia's rough handling.

"It's like a nest of cockroaches," I muttered. "You can't just get rid of one problem without sanitizing the whole thing.”

Melissa nodded in agreement. "As leaders, we need to set an example. But with my cousin's antics, new issues keep popping up.”

"The elite class problem still lingers, like bacteria," I replied, frustration creeping into my voice.

Melissa's expression turned serious. "Sylvia may have addressed the culprit, but it's only dormant, waiting for someone to stir things up again.”

I couldn't believe timid Sylvia had taken a stand, channeling Alex's style. "The bullies may have backed off, but what about the new kid?" Melissa's concern was palpable.

I frowned, recalling Mr. Akira's warning. "He's uncontrollable, and with the recent commotion...I fear he might do something dangerous.”

The atmosphere in the office grew tense, the weight of our responsibilities as leaders settling in. We knew we had to navigate this complex web of school politics and personalities to maintain peace and order. But for now, the uncertainty lingered, like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

Priscilla burst into the office, her energetic presence commanding attention.

"G'day, ladies! Sil's taken down the troublemaker, but now I'm worried they'll just lie low like a storm brewin' beneath the surface, savvy? And what's the deal with Shinji, mate? He didn't show up to school, did ‘e?"

I furrowed my brow, struggling to decipher Priscilla's thick Aussie accent. But I grasped the gist of her concern.

"Exactly," I replied, "our plan was to let them build up steam until they unleashed their full fury. But with Sylvia taking down the ringleader, everyone's scattered. Now we wait again, until they're ready to strike...thanks to Shinji's presence, that is.”

Priscilla nodded, her expression serious. "Fair dinkum, we can't let our guard down. Not now, not ever."

Priscilla's question hits me like a bolt from the blue. “Blimey, mate! Did that bloke have a yarn with ya recently, eh?” She asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“That idiot? I think. Or is he just busy...? Maybe I'll get the scoop from my contacts at his school”

I quickly dial the number, my phone ringing until someone picks up.

"Hey Mar...?" My cousin's voice answers, and I realize I didn't fill him in on Alex's latest antics. I wanted to see how he'd react without my surveillance.

"Johan, it's me, your cousin. What's the haps?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Alex...that Playboy Ogre...he's making waves!!" Johan exclaims. "You didn't tell me he was that strong!!”

I facepalm, my eyes widening in disbelief. What in the world…?!

"Don't tell me..." I trail off, worry creeping into my voice.

"Well, his own cousin started it, but Alex is holding back. He's not going berserk like you always said..." Johan explains, and I feel a mix of relief and confusion.

I take a deep breath, trying to process this new information. "Keep me posted, Johan. I need to know what's going on.”

"Will do, cuz. But you have to tell me - what's the deal with Alex? Why is he so important?" Johan asks, his voice tinged with curiosity.

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say he's a key player in our plan, Johan. I'll fill you in later."

Johan's words send a shiver down my spine. "The principal has an agenda with Alex, and now he's suddenly involved with the sports track and field." I know that muscle head, our principal, is up to something. He seems to know Alex, and I need to get to the bottom of it. I decide to meet with Mr. Rahman, but as I approach his office, I realize he's in a meeting with someone.

I eavesdrop on Mr. Rahman's conversation, and a woman's voice catches my attention - it's Alex's mom.

"About Alex...has he changed since coming to this school?" she asks, her voice laced with concern.

Mr. Rahman's response sends a chill down my spine. "In my opinion, Alex seems like himself, but he's hiding something...another agenda.”

Alex's mom presses on, her voice trembling. "I know my son, and something's not right.

He's changing...developing a double identity. The real Alex isn't the cold, inhuman person he seems to be...I've known him since he was little...ever since that day…"

Mr. Rahman's expression turns grave. "You know what's at stake, Mrs. Alex's mom. You have no other choice...it has to be done...or else...it's either him or her…"

Alex's mom chokes back a sob. "You don't know how painful it is...I have to make a choice...it's horrifying...I can still feel it…"

Mr. Rahman's voice remains serious. "When you told me about Alex joining gangs in LA, it indirectly awakened him...or was it your husband's abuse that triggered it?”

Alex's mom hesitates, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know...but I know my son's in danger. Natalie and Sylvia...they're the only ones Alex can control himself around...but Frederica still lingers in his mind…"

I feel like I'm uncovering a dark secret, and it's getting out of hand.

Mr. Rahman's eyes narrowed. "You mean…?"

"Yes...but at the same time, they wanted to know the status of Alex..." The mysterious "they" sent a chill down my spine. Who were they, and what did they want with Alex?

"Originally, this school was built by them...but when Alex started that commotion during the gathering, it created a chain reaction that broke down that notion...seems all of this project was your idea, Rahman...in countering them...making sure Alex doesn't awaken to something else..." Mr. Rahman revealed, his voice low and serious.

I felt a surge of urgency. Did Alex know about this? I needed to talk to Natalie, pronto!

As I turned to leave, Alex's mom dropped a bombshell that sent shivers down my spine.

"Rahman...if anything happens to me...I know deep within my heart, Alex will not hesitate and will exact revenge for me...the most important thing is making sure Hana and Sam are safe...including my husband…"

Mr. Rahman's expression turned grave. "Because Frederica was originally designed as a weapon...is that why you kicked me out of the research team before you destroyed the facility?”

Alex's mom hesitated before responding, "Yes...I thought it was destroyed, but it seems like...it's maintained. Recently, I've been called for an emergency meeting that the facility had been destroyed and seized by the Malaysian Police...with the help of someone..." But who was that someone?

Mr. Rahman's eyes widened in shock. "That facility? You mean you knew it would happen?”

Alex's mom remained silent, her expression unreadable.

"Then why did you send him to MCKK?" Mr. Rahman pressed on.

Alex's mom continued her silence, as if hiding a dark secret.

"I can help you...but if you remain silent..." Mr. Rahman trailed off, his voice laced with frustration.

Suddenly, a paper rustled, and Mr. Rahman's eyes scanned the contents. "This...no...it's really risky...you...tell...me...that...all of this...including involving them? Is that why?...Senior...you are cruel...how could you do this to your own son?”

My mind raced with questions. What was going on? I needed to talk to Natalie, now.

"It's the only way...they are dangerous, using my husband's family to convince me..." Alex's mom finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Ever since that incident during the festival...you knew? And you let your own son settle it?" Mr. Rahman's voice was laced with incredulity.

Alex's mom explained, her voice laced with a mix of fear and determination. "That was an unexpected decision from my son...I let him into the lion's den...that horrified me, but at the same time, I managed to call Usman when Alex approached Mr. Haqeeb...that's when everything fell into place…"

Mr. Rahman's eyes narrowed. "Then, when in America last year...that man Maruk...is that…?"

Alex's mom hesitated before responding, "That was the suggestion from Mr. Haqeeb...because the only way Alex is really safe and protected is to be with them..." But who were "they", exactly?

"Anyway...I trust you, and you're doing well for all of us...now this school is a better environment for everyone...plus for your son..." The words echo in my mind as I know I need to leave and make a phone call to Natalie. I need to find a place where no one can hear me, a place where I can unravel the truth.

I quickly head down, my heart racing with anticipation. Melissa calls out to me, but I brush her off. "Nope, I need to go somewhere...I'll come back okay." I can't afford to waste any time.

I seek refuge in the safest place I know - the library. I venture deep into its depths, finding a secluded spot where I can finally call Natalie. The silence is palpable as I dial her number.

It's daytime here in Malaysia, but I know it's nighttime in America, where Natalie is studying at UCLA. I hope she's still awake.

She picks up on the first ring. "Hey, Mar...what's up? Anything happen with Alex?" I cut her off, my urgency evident.

"Nat, I really need to hear from you..." I plead, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Seems like there's something going on...what's happening?" Natalie's tone shifts from casual to serious.

I take a deep breath, recounting the conversation between Mr. Rahman and Alex's mom.

Natalie listens intently, her silence a testament to the gravity of the situation.

"I need to find a safe place too," she whispers, her words laced with fear.

My heart sinks, realizing we're both entangled in a web of secrets and lies. What have we stumbled upon? And who's behind it all? The questions swirl in my mind like a vortex, pulling me deeper into the abyss.

Natalie's voice drops to a whisper. "They're what I presume to be the Brotherhood of Mason…"

My mind races as I connect the dots. "Brotherhood of Mason? Is that the same emblem I saw at the facility where Alex's mom used to work?”

Natalie's response sends a chill down my spine. "It must be. Plus, I know Alex's mom's true background, courtesy of my dad…"

"Mr. Hawk, you mean?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yep...all the details now...it's just that Alex already knew this, but what he's really concerned about is the spirit within him...because my dad did talk to Frederica...I know you won't believe this, but it seems like there's something big going on, and Alex is at the center of it...I'm still trying to figure it out, but every time I dig deeper, I hit a dead end...one thing I'm trying to figure out is Alex's dream or vision...he keeps seeing a woman who calls herself Lilith…"

My brain reels as I struggle to process the information. I'm just a VP, and now I'm entangled in Alex's personal conspiracy theory…

Natalie senses my distress. "It's okay, but...I need to know now...are we all safe?”

Natalie's response brings me a glimmer of relief. "With Alex's recent actions, they'll think twice before taking advantage of you guys...even now.”

But the questions still linger...what secrets is Alex hiding? What's the truth about the Brotherhood of Mason? And who is Lilith? The mystery deepens, and I'm trapped in the midst of it.

But just as I thought I'd cracked the code, Natalie abruptly changed the subject, dodging my questions like a pro. That's it, I'd had enough!

"Nat, spill the beans or I'll show Sylvia all your pictures!" I threatened, knowing that would rile her up.

Natalie smirked, unfazed. "You think that'll work? That'll just piss Sylvia off..."

I pulled out the big guns. "You owe me, Nat. Remember that music video we made together?”

Her eyes widened in horror. "Haa? What are you talking about? Don't you dare!”

I savored the moment. "Yep, I'll call Lil Lim to arrange it. Can't wait to see your face alongside Mika’s...kukuku..."

Natalie growled, finally caving in. "Fine, fine…"

She took a deep breath before diving into the mystery. "Dad had an incident with the clones when Alex fought the Spanish community, remember?”

I nodded, recalling the chilling clone. "Yeah, that was scary…"

Natalie continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dad explained to Alex that he and his uncle researched the clones and met this Lilith girl in the late 70s, deep in Borneo's jungles…"

My eyes widened. "Whoa, Alex never mentioned that!”

Natalie's expression turned serious. "Plus, Dad muttered about Alex's mom and a forbidden experiment on Alex...I still haven't gotten the full story from him.”

I sensed a hidden truth. "There's something you want to tell me, but only me, not even your dad knows?”

Natalie's voice dropped to a whisper. "Did Sylvia faint recently?”

My heart skipped a beat. "Uh, yeah...don't tell me?”

Natalie's scholar mode kicked in. "So this connection thing is fascinating...does it have something to do with human emotions? Could it be because of…"

I snapped her back to reality. "Uh, earth to Nat..."

She refocused, her eyes burning with intensity. "Huh, sorry! It's not a coincidence then...Mar, tell me more. I need to know...did Alex start his training again?" Now she was the one grilling me with questions!

"Uh...he said he's been training with our physical teacher, but recently, Amin and I noticed something off about Alex. He's changing...like he's becoming someone else. He can jump off roofs and land perfectly without injuries, and run like an Olympic athlete. It's like he's a superhero or something…"

I could hear Natalie's heart racing over the phone.

"Mar, please...just keep me posted. Me and Sylvia have seen something dark in Alex, and it's scaring us…"

"Don't be like Sylvia, she's been asking me about Alex too…"

"This is going to push you out of your comfort zone...just bear with me, okay?”

"Huh? What are you talking about, Nat?”

Natalie's words sent a chill down my spine. "It's because me and Sylvia met Frederica…"

My mind reeled. "Uh, this is too much...can you brief me in simple English, Nat?”

Natalie's explanation freaked me out. "Alex's body isn't just possessed by Alex's spirit...it's as if he's possessed by someone else...Frederica. He has a double personality, and he's not even aware of it…"

I couldn't believe it. "Don't tell me...all this time Alex has been an idiot?”

Natalie's response was eerie. "Seems like it...because what my dad said about Frederica is true...he's communicating with her inside Alex's body...like he's possessed…"

Yikes, this was getting scarier by the minute.

"So that means what Alex's mom said is true...so now..." I trailed off, realizing I didn't want to dig deeper. This was between Nat, Sylvia, and Alex...I didn't want to compromise my own mental health.

"Anyway, I think I've had enough of Alex's crazy conspiracy theories for now. I need to focus on being VP, not an investigator...but I'll keep you posted if anything arises, Nat."

Nat's response is laced with an unsettling intensity. "No, every detail, please. I'm researching Alex, and I've discovered something about Frederica...from the Vatican, of all places. I have contacts there, and they're sharing old files about Lilith. I'm creating a diagram of connections…"

I feel a shiver run down my spine as Nat's words paint a picture of a vast, intricate web.

"Uh, I'll leave it to you then. I need to focus and be prepared if anything happens to Alex..." I trail off, feeling overwhelmed.

Nat's parting words are laced with caution. "Yep, be careful with the school's sponsor...there's a reason this school was formed, Mar. All of this is connected..."

I bid Nat farewell, my mind reeling from the conversation. "Yeah, see ya, Nat...my brain is tired from all of this…"

As I leave the library, I can't shake off the feeling that I'm now entangled in a massive conspiracy. The school has two problems: Shinji, the new troublemaker, and Alex, the unpredictable wild card. Is he with us or against us?

I scratch my head, feeling like a maniac. Why am I stuck in the middle of all this?!

As I walk out of the library, my mind races with the tasks ahead. I need to prepare the year's program, but first, I have to focus on the IGNITE night gathering next month. And with Alex and Shinji's unpredictable behavior, I need a safety backup plan in place. I'm glad I have Amin, my boyfriend and the school council secretary, to rely on.

I quicken my pace, my heels clicking on the floor, and head to the student council room.

Amin's already there, typing away on his laptop. He looks up and smiles as I enter.

"Hey, Honey. What's up? You look like you've got a lot on your plate.”

I take a seat next to him, leaning in to kiss him briefly. "IGNITE night is next month, and I need your help to make sure everything goes smoothly. Plus, I need a backup plan in case Alex or Shinji decide to go AWOL.”

Amin raises an eyebrow, his expression concerned. "You think they'd do that? I've been noticing some weird behavior from Alex too.”

I nod grimly. "I don't know what they're capable of anymore. We need to be prepared. As the secretary, can you help me get access to the school's security protocols?”

Amin nods, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "Already on it. I'll get the plans and we can go over them together.”

Together, we start brainstorming, our minds racing with possibilities. We need a plan, and we need it fast. The clock is ticking, and I can feel the tension building up. But with Amin by my side, I feel more confident that we can handle whatever comes our way. Little do I know, this is just the beginning. The storm is coming, and we need to be ready.

Just as Amin and I are getting into the planning zone, the student council room door bursts open and a horde of club leaders descend upon us.

"Mariam, we need to talk about the budget for the cultural festival!" exclaims the drama club president.

"Yeah, and what's the agenda for the IGNITE night gathering?" chimes in the debate team captain.

The room is suddenly filled with the chatter of club leaders, all vying for my attention. I feel like I'm being attacked from all sides.

Amin chuckles and whispers, "I think you're in demand, honey."

I shoot him a frazzled look. "Help me out here!”

Amin stands up, holding up his hands for silence. "Okay, okay, let's take this one by one.

“Honey, why don't you handle the agenda requests while I work on the budget?”

I nod gratefully and dive into the sea of club leaders, Amin by my side. We spend the next hour juggling budget requests, agenda planning, and mediating disputes.

As the chaos dies down, I let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks for the backup, Honey.”

Amin smiles and wraps his arm around me. "Anytime, Honey. Now, where were we with that backup plan for Alex and Shinji?”

I grin mischievously. "Let's get back to that. We have a storm to prepare for.”

Amin and I huddle together, pouring over the school's security protocols and emergency response plans. We need a contingency plan in case Alex or Shinji go rogue.

"Okay, so we have the school's security team on standby, but we need something more," I say, tapping my pen on the table.

Amin nods. "I've got an idea. What if we enlist the help of the school's martial arts club? They're trained in self-defense and could help subdue Alex or Shinji if needed."

"I could offer this to Priscilla, our disciplinary council member," I whispered to Amin, my eyes scanning the surroundings. "She'll need all the help she can get, considering this is our first program of the year as student council members…"

Amin nodded in agreement, his voice low and urgent. "Yeah, Priscilla needs every advantage she can get. We can't afford to have Alex slipping through our fingers…"

I bit my lip, my mind racing with the possibilities. "I really hope Alex is joining us, not running away from us...the consequences would be catastrophic.”

Amin's eyes locked onto mine, a sly grin spreading across his face. "You could use leverage on him, you know what I mean…"

My heart skipped a beat as I realized Amin was thinking along the same lines as me. "That would put him right in my pocket!" I exclaimed, a thrill of excitement running through me. "Thanks, honey! You're a genius!”

Amin chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Anytime, Honey. We make a killer team." Little did we know, our plan was about to set off a chain reaction of events that would change everything.

The door to our office burst open, and Mr. Rahman strode in, his eyes fixed intently on me.

"Okay, seems you've handled it well...for now," he said, his voice dripping with a hint of skepticism.

Melissa, our president, sauntered in behind him, a sly smirk spreading across her face.

"Looks like I can let you handle this...after all, you're so capable, Mariam," she said, her voice heavy with sarcasm, her eyes glinting with a challenge.

I felt a surge of irritation at her tone, but I kept my cool, meeting her gaze head-on. "I'll take that as a compliment, Melissa," I said, my voice even, my eyes flashing with determination.

Mr. Rahman cleared his throat, his expression unreadable. "Let's just hope you can keep it up, Mariam. The stakes are higher than ever now."

I threw up my hands, exasperated, and gave them a sarcastic middle finger. "Look, if you all keep yapping, why don't you help me, okay? Got it?!" I snapped, my patience wearing thin.

To my surprise, they burst out laughing, and I felt my face heat up with embarrassment.

"Oh, Mariam, you're so cute when you're angry," Melissa teased, chuckling.

I scowled, trying to maintain my tough exterior, but it was no use. They just laughed harder, and I couldn't help but join in, my frustration melting away.

What a day, indeed. As VP of the student council, I'd had my fair share of drama, but this took the cake. And now, my mind wandered to Alex...what was he up to now? Was he plotting something? I wouldn't put it past him.

I shook my head, chuckling wryly. Only in this school…