Have you ever watched a movie or series where the plot is someone pretending to like you because they lost in a gamble? Well, I thought it was fake until it happened to me.
"Fuck, of all people to see!" I slammed the desk when I saw someone I knew.
Her name is Maica. We studied in the same elementary school andj the same high school. I had a crush on her back in the day. You can say she was my first crush.
I even gave her a flower on Valentine's Day during my 6th grade in elementary. She accepted it with a smile, so I was really happy back then.
Then in the 2nd quarter of my 1st year in high school, she suddenly asked me out, saying she likes me too. I became so happy at that time. After all, I was being bullied in school and people made fun of me. To have someone accept you for who you are is something that I truly need.
For a month, I bought her gifts from my allowance, paid for her meal during break time, and we even dated outside the school.
Then suddenly.
"Let's break up, it is not working." She suddenly said that to me. I had no idea why. For months, I've been thinking of what I have done wrong, up until someone's tongue slipped and told me she just lost in a spin-the-bottle game and she was dared to date me for months.
This news spread throughout the whole school. She admitted what she did and just laughed at how stupid I am.
For months, I kept replaying it. Every word she said… I tried to find where it became fake
"Fuck, to think that I fell for that bitch back then!" I said after slamming the table. My friends looked at me weirdly for my sudden outburst.
I exhaled slowly. Then reality pulled me back.
"Hey, Calvin. Do you think Brier is angry at us?" Elmer said to Mark. He didn't lower his voice at all. I looked at them, then glared. I am really in a bad mood right now.
"Hey! Though the statement says you talk behind someone's back, that doesn't mean literally you need to lower your voice, you idiots," I said as steam was flowing from my mouth and nose. I wanted to stand up and give him a smack, but my legs hurt so much.
Then Mark replied to Elmer.
"I think he is angry when I look at his face. So red, about to explode. Hey Brier, stop glaring at us and look at the window so we can talk behind your back," Mark said. Then everyone laughed. I've experienced being laughed at in my past life, but this experience is clearly different from before, where they laughed at me. Now they laugh with me.
I gave them a middle finger and moved my chair beside them. I gave each one a smack on the back of their head while we laughed at each other.
—----
After the class, it was time for dance practice.
We ate our lunch, then immediately went to the court to practice. Lukas and Madam Louise were already there when we arrived.
Madam Louise glared at me when she saw me. I could only look down because I was truly embarrassed. I am an educator myself. Getting caught cheating by another teacher is really embarrassing. Like a police officer being caught in a raid.
"Okay guys, today we will be strict to avoid the problem last time. We can't practice without a teacher observer, which is me. So from now on, all throughout the practice time, I'll be with you."
Naturally, she clearly received a wild scolding from the principal for what had happened. Even though it was not her fault and it was an accident, we still remained her responsibility, as the accident happened inside the school.
"Okay, you can proceed. Don't mind me," she said as she took a seat nearby, holding her laptop, clearly multitasking.
This brings back memories. Back then, I was also like that. You have to teach for 8 hours, but at the same time you have other activities that you need to finish within that time.
Many times I prayed that I could multiply so that I could do all of my workloads. Many teachers even experience burnout because of it.
Going back to practice, Lukas started our program. First is doing cardio; after cardio, light workout. Then proceed with the dance training.
"Fuck! - - - - - I - - am - - already - - out of breath. We didn't even start dancing!" Joseph complained while breathing heavily. Everyone had the same thoughts. We felt like we were about to pass out.
"Don't complain - - - we'll get used to it eventually," Carlo replied. Even though he said that, he is also drained like us. However, Carlo always has a larger energy pool than us.
"Hey Raven, don't die!" Kyle joked about Raven laying on the floor.
"Fuck you! If you disturb me, you won't be able to be discharged from the hospital till next year," Raven replied.
"Okay, you can rest for a bit!" Lukas commanded us. Then he sat next to Madam Louise and had a conversation with her.
"Finally!" everyone said in unison. We gathered and took a seat at the side.
"Hey Kyle, are you okay?" Raven asked while looking worried at Kyle.
"What do you mean? If right now, then I am clearly not. My legs are killing me. If you're talking about the accident last time, then I already got over it," Kyle replied, lightening the mood.
"Ow. That's good news. I learned that the bullies were kicked out of school and forced to transfer to another school," Joseph shared with us.
"That is already given and old news. However, with their actions and attitudes, I don't think they would be accepted to other schools though," I said as I contemplated their future.
What they did is unacceptable. However, as a teacher back in my past life, I think what happened to them is saddening. This could have been avoided if only they were educated well, especially in their home.
Kids are all stupid and brilliant at the same time. It depends on how they are nourished that will tilt their character and identity.
Other people will surely blame the school for what they had turned into. They may also face a lawsuit for kicking them out.
I sighed.
Just how heavy a teacher's responsibilities are. Looking at Madam Louise, I felt pity and admiration at the same time. Other teachers may have already given up on this program for what has happened. However, she remained resolute and continued it while handling it hands-on.
Time passed and our break time ended. Lukas called us to the center and we moved into formation. For a while now, we have been practicing dancing while counting without music. Now we should do it with music.
"Okay, today we will improve it. Raven, distribute this to the other members," Lukas said as he handed the paper.
Raven handed me one and I saw the music lyrics. This one had our names written on it.
"As you can see, the lyrics are divided among you guys. If you see your name beside the lyrics, it is your part. For a while now, we've been practicing holding a water bottle while dancing. That acts as your mic so that you'll get used to it. But I don't think you are already good at it, you'll need more practice. So I decided to distribute the lyrics early so that you can practice singing while dancing at home," Lukas discussed with us. Everyone felt excited because they were waiting for this part.
"Also, we have an announcement," Lukas said as he looked at us with an evil smile. Our happy moments instantly vanished.