Colin

“Everything’s ready?” I talked to the one on the other line. His witty voice ensured that everything would run as I had planned.

“What do you think I can’t do?” He put too much pride on himself. It was no wonder as he was a genius. Ken Nakamura was someone we could rely on every time we needed to cope with even the hardest situation.

“That’s cool. I know who you are, Bro You never disappoint me. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The drama must be intriguing.” We both laughed out loud.

“Don’t you think it’s too much? I mean what if she hurts?”

“She deserves that.” I heard silence.
“Are you still there?”

“Yeah...let’s enjoy the show.” I hung up the handphone, pushed the door of my car open, and subsequently slid out of my car.
I slung my backpack on one side of my shoulder and proceeded toward the main building. The sun bathed my face with its bright light. It was almost ten, I squinted at my wristwatch. Getting late was my middle name. I didn’t feel bothered by that.

Striding down the corridor, I was aware that most of the girls’ eyes were attached to me in awe. Flirting was not listed in my dictionary though. My dashing look and family background sufficed to ensnare them.

Instead of turning to room A where the English class was ongoing, I took the left turn that led me to the lift. I was a bit aghast that someone called my name. Reluctantly, I faced her. That history teacher was standing with her small smile. She was about one foot shorter than me, making her look petite in front of me. Nevertheless, she looks elegant with a dark blazer that is coated with a pink blouse and black pants. Her wavy brown shoulder-length hair was tucked into her ears. Her dark brown eyes intently stared at me. She had a cute oval face with a small pointed nose and pink thin lips. Her chin tapered down. She had a perfect beauty, I admitted. Yet, it could not enchant me.

“Are you a paparazzi or what? It seems that stalking me has been one of your hobbies now,” I derided her. Her cheek blushed, signifying anger, no coyness.
“Don’t you have an English class right now, Collin Anderson? Then, why are you still here? Do you escape from the class or does the teacher kicks you out?” She sneered.
“How do you know that? You know what? No one knows my activity or even the classes I’ve been taking except my fans. Do you confess that you are one of my fans now?” My provocation worked well. She was caught restraining her indignation with her gritted teeth and clenched hands.

“Well, I have your entire schedule since I’m your mentor starting today. Besides, I’ve talked to your father, by the way.” Her last sentence made me slightly startled. She had gone that far. The school principal seemed so serious about her decision. It was so disappointing to know that my father supported her agenda.

“Wait!” I stopped her when she was about to enter the lift.

“What?” I followed her, getting into the lift which was now closed tightly. She pushed herself aside and gave me space to stand beside her. “So, you give up and willingly obey the rule to have dance practice this afternoon?”

“Don’t be too confident. You don’t know who my father is. Besides, dance isn’t my thing. I never do something I’m not into. No matter how hard you try, all will be futile.”

“Let’s wait and see.” She responded confidently. The lift opened. She turned her head to me before she strode out of the lift. “Now, get back to your class. You still have twenty minutes before the class is dismissed. Otherwise, I will list missing one class today as one of your faults.”

“My fault?” She nodded in affirmation. “So, is this a warning? Do you think I will listen to you? Do whatever you want to do.” I nudged her upper arm with my elbow and took my steps out of the opened lift. I heard her complain. Yet, I did not care.

I left her with a broad smile on my lips. It was so naive that she thought of being able to control me. Did she live in her delusion? Her doom has been waiting. Shortly, she would fall into my trap. At the end of the day, she voluntarily quit intervening in my life. My imagination wildly took over my brain. Her face suddenly bubbled up in front of my eyes, begging my mercy to reverse everything.

She was too late when that time came.
My phone was ringing. It was Alan who was calling. I excitedly picked up the phone to tell him the scenario Ken and I had prepared for Kara Corby today. I was surprised by his voice. Alan was still on his way to school. The king of truant was indeed appropriately pinned on him.
I turned left to our base camp where we usually spent our time together after school or escaping from boring classes.
The room was not too big, yet cozy and clean. All the staff was well-organized. I plunged myself into one of the brown sofas near the round clear glass table. Taking off my backpack and putting it next to me, I sat comfortably with one of my legs over the other. My hand immediately reached for the book on the bookshelf leaning against the wall. Reading could ward off boredom while waiting for my friends.

Someone stormed the door and created a surprising stare on my face. It was Darren who impatiently infiltrated the room. Sweat wetted his forehead and it dripped from his red curly bangs. He seemed to gasp for breath. It was like he had run away from the lion’s chase or something.
“What happened?” I strafed him with a question. His conduct induced prejudice. He caught a breath before opening his mouth to mutter words.

“The school principal contacted my parents and revealed my academic record that I’ve tried hard to hide from them. As a result, my parents forced me to follow the school agenda. Not only that, they hired a bodyguard to guard me and informed them of my activities. It is annoying. You know, I am not a kid anymore. Yet, my parents treated me like a five-year-old kid.” He was trying to hold back his pique.

“Don’t worry. Ken and I have had plans on how to deal with that history teacher so that she will retreat from her plans. Finally, the school principal never runs that absurd program.” I smiled contentedly.
“Yes, that’s right.” Ken had stood up at the door with his head rested on the door rim. “Trust me.” His smile gushed out.
“She will give up.”