CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER IV: DISPUTE

I’m in front of Black Section’s room. I slid the door open. As I entered in, they didn’t notice me as if I’m a ghost. So, they treat transferees as outsiders and outcasts. Then, I looked at one student who’s giving me a sharp look. I smiled at her. She frowns and looks away.

I roamed my eyes to look for a place to sit. Then, Seleste waved her hands and called my name, “Lu, here! Here! Look at me!”

I tried not to look at her but she kept on calling me.

“Lu! Lunox Radcliffe, the transferee, here. You can sit beside me!” shouted Seleste. Now, I attract everyone’s attention. They’re all glaring at me. Seleste’s mouth needs to shut up. I have no choice but to walk towards Seleste and sat beside her. I annoyingly placed my bag on the chair.

“Are you mad?” She whispered. I clenched my fist. Someone hold me back or else I will punch this person next to me. I don’t want to be the center of attention… yet. I want them to treat me as a normal student but because Seleste knows me, they will think that I’m someone special. Seleste is the class representative of this section so automatically she’s splendid, so, she will not befriend someone weak.

Suddenly, the bell rang. It’s the sign that the class is starting.

Seleste leaned closer to me and said, “it’s time, introduce yourself, Lu. No teacher will be coming because it’s always like this every day.”

I stand up, “hi everyone…” I started to speak but no one’s listening to me. They’re disregarding me on purpose. I went to the front. Then, I slammed the teacher’s table. The sound of the teacher’s table being slammed echoed in the whole room. Thus, I got their attention.

“Lend me your ears for a while then you can continue chatting after I introduce myself, alright?” I said. “As you were already informed, I’m the student who will transfer to this section. My name is Lunox Radcliffe, 18 years old. Nice meeting you all, please take care of me,” I introduced. Although it’s short, there’s a saying that “introduction as its finest”.

"Why will a student transfer in the middle of the school year, isn't that suspicious?"

"Is she a spy trying to destroy this class?"

After hearing their murmurs, I laughed. They eyed me. They must be confused why the hell am I laughing.

“Pfft, p-pardon me, hahaha!” I wiped the tears of joy on the side of my eyelid.

“I can’t help but to crack up because you’re all spouting nonsense. Your assumptions are simply hilarious that it makes me laugh. I have questions, why are you jumping into conclusions when you don’t even have proof that I’m a spy? If you can prove it, then I will personally leave this class but for now, you don’t have any evidence to justify your assumptions.” Again, the whole class were silent. Their attention is focused on me. Oh my, I feel like I’m a super star.

“Let me tell you this, although this is mere words but I can assure you that I’m neither a spy nor a suspicious person that wants to destroy Black Section. The reason why I’m here is because brother chose Pedelton High School as my school and the principal transferred me in this class. I didn’t choose to be here from the start. I got kicked out of my previous school and ended up here. It’s all up to you whether if you believe me or not. Any more questions?” The murmurs and whispers stopped. No one dared to speak. I smirked, good, this is the reaction I’m expecting from them. I remained standing in front. Then, I felt group of eyes glaring at me. I searched for them. They’re sitting at the back part of the row. Their presence is intimidating but it will not work for me.

My classmates, they undergo hardships in life. Most importantly, some has eyes of a killer. Oho, to think that they’re students of Black Section. The rest are delinquents, gangsters, rebels and students that were abandoned by their family. As expected, Black Section is something else!

“Looking at the situation, we don’t have any questions to ask. I, Ophelia Bentleigh, the vice president of the class welcomes Lunox Radclifee, our new classmate,” she said proudly. “Where are our manners? Let’s give her a warm of applause!” added Ophelia. The students clapped. They listened to her. Being the vice president makes you stand above all.

“Ms. Lunox Radcliffe, you’re a newcomer so you don’t know the rules. One should go through initiation; it isn’t fair if she doesn’t undergo the same initiation as all of us. This is an old tradition that has been passed down,” said Ophelia. What does she mean by that? As far as I know, an initiation is needed before they can join a cult. No way, don’t tell me this class is a freaking cult?!

“What do you mean by initiation?” I asked.

“There’s no such thing as an initiation and it’s not an old tradition, Vice President Ophelia. Don’t make things up to downgrade our new classmate,” said Seleste.

“Don’t butt in, Seleste. You are just a class representative. Think of it, there’s a reason why they put her in this class, of all sections, why did they put her into Black Section? It’s either she’s like us or she’s a spy, no more, no less, an insect that needed to be executed,” Ophelia’s dark aura is showing. If this goes further, this will end in a fight. I don’t want them to fight because of me.

“She’s right, Sele, listen to her,” I eyed Seleste and winked at her. She got my point and smiled.

“Okay,” she replied then she sat down.

“Did she call her Sele? This means that they’re close friends!”

“Our class representative knows the newcomer!”

“Maybe she’s not a spy!”

“Don’t be fooled! Did you forget the last time that we have a student transferred in our class?” Ophelia asked. Then, I saw anger and sadness in their eyes. It looks like that transferees aren’t welcomed.

“I understand that you can’t trust me.” Something happened in the past that made them wary of transferees and I need to know the story behind it!

“Tell me, what do I have to do to gain your trust?”

“Good question, lick my shoes,” Ophelia sat on the desk and crossed her legs then she raised her foot. She’s mocking me. I understand that she doesn’t like me but this kind of attitude isn’t right. I hate people who taunt me.

I walked toward her place then I stopped in front of her. At my left side, I saw a pen. Without her noticing, I took the pen on the desk and hid it in my palm. Oh, this pen is g-tech, the tip of this pen is pointy. If I stab someone using this pen, it will pierce through the skin because of its pointiness. I lower my head.

“Good girl, that’s it,” she said in between.

“I’m giving you one last chance. Do you really want me to lick your shoes?” I don’t like it when people show superiority against me, I hate it, especially when they’re weaker than me.

She laughed, “don’t threaten me, Miss Lunox Radcliffe. It won’t work on me. Who do you think you are? Cut to the chase and lick my shoes!” Quickly, I lifted my head and grabbed her hair then I pointed the pen on her neck. I chuckled when I saw her shocked face. Everyone is in the state of shock, there’s only one person who laughed. It is no other than Seleste.

“My Lu is something else! Hahahaha, I know this would happen!” commented Seleste.

Ophelia struggled but I pulled his hair tighter.

“AHHH! Let me go!” She shouted.

“Vice President Ophelia, if I were you, I’ll better shut my mouth. I didn’t forget how you mocked me earlier. I can stab you using this pen in your neck if I feel like it,” I looked directly in her eyes with a deadly look. She looks at me with fear in her eyes. Her body begins to quiver. I didn’t do anything yet she’s already agitated. The tension was cut when someone barged in.

“Boring,” I said to her. Then, I let her go and went back to my seat.

“Woah, you’re such a badass, Lu! Next time, I’ll bring popcorn so that I can enjoy the show more,” whispered Seleste. I didn’t pay her attention instead I looked at the student who just came in.

“You’re ignoring me again, Lu! Don’t ignore me! Where are you looking at… oh! Are you interested in our president? I can hook you up with him.” I rolled my eyes. My lips curved a little when our eyes met as he passed by. He nodded at me then he went to Ophelia’s place.

“H-He… noticed me! Lu, did you see that? He looked at me!” reacted Seleste. I shrugged my shoulders. It’s better if I will keep my mouth shut and keep it a secret that we know each other.

“So, he’s our president,” I stated.

“Yes! His full name is Leonard Duncan. He’s our respectable president, everybody addressed him as President Leo. He’s the pride of this section,” she said. She regards him with high respect and complimented him. Maybe Seleste idolized him and it just means that he’s worthy to be called as the president.

“Do you idolize him?” I asked. She smiled while she glanced at him. “I told you that I have thing for powerful people, he’s one of those people. He’s strong. I don’t only idolize him but also you, Lulu, you’re my idol too!” She spread her arms to hug me but I pushed her face.

“You are- “I was cut off when one of the chairs toppled over.

“Leo, reconsider your decision! She deserved punishment!” shouted Ophelia then she glanced at me. I raised an eyebrow. She glared at me then looked away. It’s understandable if Ophelia holds a grudge against me after what I did. If it was me, I will feel humiliated. She’s the vice president yet she was defeated by a mere transfer student.

“It’s your own fault, Vice President Ophelia. Mind your manners, act like a fucking vice president not a slutty bitch! This ends our discussion. Go back to your seats,” replied Leo. “Also, teach your girlfriend a lesson, Lance. She’s getting worst day by day,” added Leo and went on his seat which is beside me. What a small world that we’ll get to meet again plus he’s also my seatmate.

“Hi seatmate! We meet again,” I greeted him in a sweet tone.

“Stop acting innocent. You’re the reason why Ophelia’s acting bitchy again. Wherever you are, there’s trouble. Sit still and behave,” said Leonard in a monotone then he buried his head on the desk. Looking at him, he has dark circle under his eyes. Being the president isn’t an easy job for him because he lacks sleep. I feel bad for him. That explains why he’s always in a foul mood.

“Rest well, Pres. Leo,” I whispered. Afterwards, I heard snoring. Did he fall asleep already? I shouldn’t think of him. I need to focus on my own problem. How can I gain their trust? They treat me as an outsider. They have past encounter of transferees before, there’s a story behind it and I need to know the reason why they acted this way. By the way, the bell rang already so it is class time yet the teacher hasn’t arrived yet.

Then, one student stands up and walks in front. She’s holding a white board marker and writes something on the board. The others took out their notebooks and books and copied what is written on the board.

“You should be used by now, Lu,” commented Seleste.

“What do you mean?”

“Hmm, how do I explain this?” said Seleste.

“No teacher is willing to teach us. They give us tasks every subject to answer and we will do the rest. Basically, we’re on our own,” muttered Leo. In the beginning, I figured that there’s something odd about Black Section because the teacher in the faculty advised me to transfer to other class. So, this is what she means, even the teachers don’t like this section or someone related to this section, but why? I have done everything I could have to get answers but it’s no use. The information I got about Pedelton High School is that it consists of four sections which is Class A, Class B, Class C and Black Section. I tried to search Black Section in the school website but the only description in there is that it’s a special section that the school created, the rest are blank. When I tried to search Class A, B and C in the school website, there were several information even their achievements are shown but when it comes to Black Section, there were none. This is too suspicious! Pedelton High School is obviously hiding its existence, but why?

I am about to open my mouth when he speaks, “I will not answer any more questions, find it out by yourself.” I glared at him. Leo is the president of this class so he knew all the information and he can answer the questions lingering in my mind. However, I didn’t ask anything yet he already declined me! I need him to achieve my goal.

“I don’t get you. You were transferred here yet you knew nothing? The principal takes us as a joke. I don’t care if you have connections or you’re related to the principal but one thing for sure, you’re no ordinary student because he let you transferred in Black Section instead of other sections. I have no idea what you’re planning but don’t drag this section down. Honestly speaking, I don’t trust you at all. However, I don’t neither find you as an enemy nor a friend. I’m curious to know, which side are you on?” He said.

“It will not be a secret if I tell you and it will spoil the fun!” I said. He looked at me in a menacing look. My eyes twitched; my body’s stiffened. I swallowed my saliva.  His aura is deadly! I can’t move my body because of fear. But I can’t show him that I’m scared. Damn, he’s only a student yet when it comes to aura, will I be defeated? Does it mean that he’s better than me? No, it can’t be! I’m not just a student. I can’t be defeated easily. I should stay calm and think this through. Right, stay calm and think.

“Are you trying to scare me? Well, it won’t work on me, President Leo~” I said and winked. “I must say you have a deadly aura but sad to say, this will not be enough. However, I must compliment you, you’re one of the few people that almost scared the crap out of me by their mere presence so I’ll give you a hint, my plan has nothing to do with Black Section.” I added then a drop of sweat flowed down on my cheek. First, I should remove his suspicions toward me. Once he doesn’t find me suspicious, I will gain his trust. I can’t achieve my goal if he finds me unworthy of his trust. Knowing him, he’ll order someone to spy me. How can I do my job well if he guards my every move?

“So, be it, then. That’s all I need to hear, for now,” he said then he buried his head on the desk. He went back to sleep. I sighed in relief. Then, someone tapped my shoulder. “You knew each other?!”

“Kind of? We met yesterday,” I replied.

“How can you do this to me? Why didn’t you tell me? Traitor!” Seleste exclaimed.

“You didn’t ask.”

“Even so, you should have told me!” She exclaimed. This is what I feared the most. There’s another problem I have to solve. Can someone give me a break?

“Good news!” Someone barged in.  “Our adviser is back!” He added. Then, the whole class cheered.

“Why are they happy?” I asked Seleste. I thought that they hated the teachers working in Pedelton High School yet they seem to like their adviser.

“Our adviser is the only adult we like and respect because he treats us as his students. Before, we have numerous advisers yet they discarded us. Sir Frank is different. Instead of discarding us, he protected and saved us whenever we’re in trouble. He stayed by our side even if it means his co-teachers and other students avoided him,” she explained.

“Class, on your seats!” He must be Sir Frank, the adviser of Black Section. They went back on their seats. Surprisingly, my classmates listened to him.

“Teach, you’re back! We miss you!” One of my classmates commented.

“How’s your small vacation?” They added.

“By the looks of it, you all missed me. I got time to rest and relax and it’s not a vacation!” He said and massaged his temple. “If it wasn’t because of what you did, I would not get suspended!” The class laughed and yet, here I am, clueless.

I looked at Seleste who’s also laughing. She looked at me. “Oh! You do not know because you just transferred. We’re the reason why he got suspended for three days. He took the responsibility instead of us. I told you, he has been protecting and saving us from trouble. He’s the only teacher who stood up for us.”

“Do you all think that it’s funny? It’s not! Damn, you always trouble me,” he said. “Going on, I was informed that we have a new student who transferred yesterday. I knew you already introduced yourself but kindly introduced yourself again,” he added then looked at me.

I sighed and stood up.

“Lunox Radcliffe. 18 years old.”

“Radcliffe, you say?” He commented. He must have felt that I’m staring at him. “I’m not a bad person, Ms. Radcliffe, you don’t need to glare at me. I am thinking if you’re related to Radcliffe’s Enterprises? Radcliffe Enterprises is one of the largest and famous company not only in our country but also in the world.”

“I don’t plan to keep it a secret and I don’t plan to boast it too. Yes, you are correct. I am related. To be honest, my uncle is the CEO,” I said.

“My hunch is right, hahaha! Don’t worry, Ms. Radcliffe, I won’t tell anyone about this,” he said. Even if he doesn’t tell anyone, the other teachers already knew it and we’re not the only ones in the room.

“Since we have a new student that will be joining us from now on. I’ll introduce myself. I am Frank Hablewitz. I am the class adviser of this class,” he introduced. Suddenly, a crumpled paper flew towards his direction. It will hit his head but he caught it before it lands on his face. Then, he threw it back. However, the student avoided it.

“I almost got hit!” He commented. “I thought that’s my chance!” He added.

“Stop fooling around, Lance! You’re acting like a kid,” reprimand Ophelia. Now that I remember, he is Lance Greyson. He’s the auditor of the class and Ophelia’s boyfriend. At first, it shocked me because I didn’t expect that Ophelia has a boyfriend and her boyfriend’s attitude is far from what I imagined. He’s childish, playful and frisky! He is the total opposite of Ophelia. It justifies the famous quote “opposite do attract”.

“It’s alright, Ophelia. Even if he tries many times, he will fail,” said Sir Frank.

“Teach, watch and learn! Someday, I’ll beat the crap out of you!” yelled Lance.

“I’ll be waiting until that day, kid,” replied Sir Frank.

“Where’s Leonard?” He asked. Then, all of my classmates glanced at Leo who is sleeping peacefully by my side. They just stared at him and no one have the guts to wake him up. I asked for Sele’s help but like the others, she seemed afraid of him too. I muster up my courage and shake him.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” I said in a soft tone while I shook his body.

They’re all watching me wake him up. Some are terrified while some looked at me with pity. I’m simply waking him up! What’s the problem?

Suddenly, Leo grabbed my wrist. I winced in pain. He grabbed it too tightly.

“Leo, release me!” I exclaimed.

“Lunox?” After he mentioned my name, he let me go. I draw back and check my wrist. It left a hand mark on my wrist. This means that he used a lot of strength. I thought he’ll break my bones!

He raised his head then looked at me and said, “I am sorry.”

Did he apologize to me? He doesn’t look like a type of person who will apologize deliberately! So, he knows how to say sorry when he does wrong.

“Apology accepted,” I replied and smiled. “Sir Frank is calling you, by the way, but you’re sleeping so I have to wake you up. No one has the courage to wake you so I volunteered.”

“You’re really something else,” he murmured. He shook his head then smiled. What is he talking about? What I did is not surprising but it turns out a big deal not only to Leo but also to my classmates. They can’t believe what they’re seeing. Is something supposed to happen?

I heard a cough. “Leonard, submit your report to me later,” said Sir Frank. “Additionally, I’ve heard that the class have behaved properly and they didn’t cause trouble while I’m gone. As the president, you handled the class well so I want to congratulate you, Mr. Duncan.”

“This is my responsibility. I’m just fulfilling my job as the president,” replied Leo. Then, he stands up and bows.

“You may sit down. You deserved my praise and your classmates surely agreed to what I have said,” he said.

“Sir Frank is right! He deserves to be praised!” commented Seleste.

“Thank you, sir,” thanked Leo then he sat down.

“After class, Ms. Radcliffe, come to the faculty. I supposed you have a lot of questions to ask. The principal already informed me about your situation,” said Sir Frank. I have many questions to ask and he can answer it! If it’s like this, then, I don’t need Leo’s help because Sir Frank surely knows a lot than Leo.

“Another thing, we have an activity later, be sure that all of you are present during that time. As of now, finish the tasks given by your teachers. That’s all, then, I’ll be going,” he said then he walked out. After he left, the class went wild. They start to chatter again.

I’m bored! My day will be ruined if it goes like this. I have nothing else to do but answer the tasks. Where is the essence of learning if all we have to do is answer tasks? Teachers should attend their subjects. It is their job to teach students yet look what they’re doing. They’re escaping their responsibility because they fear this section.

If this goes on, this school year will be the most terrible and boring year. The reason why I attend school is because it’s fun to provoke the teachers and fool around with my classmates. How can I have fun if it’s like this? I need to take action.

“LUNOX!” shouted Seleste while she slammed the desk.

“Yes?”

“What’s your relationship with President Leo?” She asked.

“We’re acquaintances,” I responded.

“Wrong! I am your friend, don’t lie to,” she added.

“Then, ask him yourself. The answer will remain the same. We’re not close to begin with.”

“How did you escape death when you tried to wake him?!” She exclaimed.

“What’s the big deal with it? I simply wake him up.”

“Lu, you don’t know how lucky you are! President Leo hates it when someone bother his sleep. One time, our classmate attempted to wake him but failed. What’s worst is he didn’t leave unscathed. Pres. Leo punched his face and dislocated his knee. Until then, we didn’t bother him when he’s asleep. We let him be,” explained Seleste. “I’m wondering why did he let you off? He just grabbed your wrist and when he realized that it’s you, he released you. We know him, he’s not merciful and doesn’t pity others yet he let you off the hook so I thought that you two has a relationship.”

“Are you underestimating me, Sele?” I asked.

“No, I don’t. However, he’s Pres. Leo we’re talking about!” She protested.

“No, Sele. It is I, Lunox Radcliffe, we’re talking about. Because it’s me that Leo let me go,” I said. Leo knows that I’m not a simple person, that’s why he can’t just attack me because he doesn’t know anything about me. What if I’m stronger than him? He’s smart and clever so he will not be reckless to make me an enemy. That’s what he’s thinking. How do I know? Because that’s how I think too.

“Aish! You and Pres. Leo are alike,” she said. One more proof is that we’re similar. Our mindsets, thinking, perspectives, and views were pretty much the same.

“Who wants to go to the canteen?” announced someone.

“I’ll tag along!”

“I’m in!” Most of our classmates agreed so they left the room and went to the canteen while the rest stayed including me. Then, group of boys took out a pack of cigarettes. Each grabbed a cigarette and lit it. The use of cigarettes in school are prohibited yet they can freely use it because there’s no teachers around to scold them. I glanced at the officers who are gathered in one place. Leo is also with them because he’s the president, looks like they’re discussing something.

“Will they not forbid them?” I asked.

“Who?” asked Seleste.

“The group of boys who are currently using cigarettes. It’s banned to use cigarettes in school,” I said.

“Hmm, yes, you’re right. We can’t use cigarette when we’re in school. As the class representative, it’s my duty to inhibit them from using cigarettes,” she said.

“Then, do your job!”

“However, isn’t this the perfect time to act, Lulu? You need to gain their trust then this is your opportunity!” She said. “Although people based us as scoundrels, we still have to follow the rules. Rules are rules.”

“Do I really have to?”

“Yes! I’ll support you on the sidelines,” she said. I don’t trust her but she’s the only person I’m close with so I don’t have a choice but to listen to her because she knows them more than I do. I do not want to interfere but I need to, for me to be among them. I stand up and approach the bunch of guys smoking.

“Excuse me but can you stop smoking,” I bluntly said.

They looked at me then laughed.

“Who are you to forbid us?” asked one of them.

“I’m a transferee but at least I know the school policies and one of them is “No Smoking Policy”. Five years ago, Mico Jones, the former president of the student council in Pedelton High School implemented a “No Smoking Policy” to abide with the provisions of Republic Act 921, better known as the "Tobacco Control Act of 2003”, that forbids smoking in youth activities centers such as play schools, primary schools, middle schools, universities and colleges. Is this explanation enough or do you want me to explain further? I can report this to Sir Frank and knowing him, he’ll abide by the rules,” I explained. Then, I walked forward and grabbed the pack of cigarette from them. I went to the trash can and threw it.

“No complaints? Good.” After that, I turned my back on them.

“Wait!” I stopped walking and tilted my head sidewards, “what?”

“This is unfair! You can’t just do that. You’re a mere transferee, don’t treat us like fools. Who are you to threaten us?!” He approached me then stopped. Our distance is only one inch away.

“You are nothing but a student so, mind your goddamn business, woman.”

“Oh,” I reacted. What a confident and arrogant little kid. He can’t accept that a mere woman stepped on his pride so he counter attacked. Later on, the other guys will join him to pick on me. I’m just one and they’re five people so how can I fight back if their numbers are higher than me? That is what they’re thinking right now.

I tiptoe and pat his head.

“You’re cute,” I said.

He looks at me with anger in his eyes. Then, he smacks my hand.

“I’m not joking around. I don’t care about how rich and great your family. You are in our territory, you have no one else to protect you, princess,” he stated. P-Princess, he said? He just called me a princess!

“You are one stubborn cub, aren’t you?”

“C-Cub?!”

“Yes, a cub. You are not fully grown yet so I understand your arrogance and stubbornness. I’ll test you. Try to stop or get away from me. Here I go,” I said then I stepped on his right foot. He cussed and punched me but I quickly grabbed his wrist. I twist his arm and elbowed his waist. I released him then kicked his stomach. Thus, he fell down on the ground. I squat in front of him and lifted his chin up.

“And that is a demonstration of how a full-grown cub act,” I muttered. His eyes are full of anger while looking at me. For a cub, he’s really stubborn but the fire in his eyes is still there, it didn’t vanish but rather it got stronger. I like this type of guy.

“Tell me your name,” I commanded.

“Tanner Cadieux,” he replied.

“While we’re fighting, don’t I deserve to be your opponent? Am I weak?”

He shook his head and answered, “you are not, Lunox. You’re strong.”

“Now, do you believe that I’m not a threat to you?” I asked.

“I can’t confirm yet. However, you don’t seem a bad person so personally, I believe that you’re someone we can trust. If you will be a part of Black Section, it will benefit us and we can use your skills to gain the upper hand,” he said.

“As expected from the likes of you,” I added. “Good fight, by the way.” I reached out my hand and he accepted it to help him stand up.

“What the heck was that, man?”

“Tanner, did you lose on purpose?” They surrounded us and looked at me menacingly.

“She’s stronger than me,” he said then he placed me behind him to protect me from them. I feel like he’s a cub shielding his mother from other cubs. He’s a protective one, isn’t he?

“From now on, she’s one of us,” he announced. “Also, let’s stop smoking. It’s bad for our health.”

“What the hell, man? What got into you? Just because you lost to her, it doesn’t mean we’ll be her lackeys! Did you lose your mind just because you were defeated? Come back to your senses, man. Don’t be a pu$sy- ow!”

Tanner strangled him.

“Repeat what you said. Did you forget your place, Jace? You’re always one foot below me so don’t act like a boss in front of me,” he said then he let him go. The student whom he called Jace coughed after he let him go.

“I’m out of here! I don’t want to belong on this group of pussies! Your leader has been defeated by a woman. This justifies that he’s weak and he doesn’t deserve to be the leader. I only acknowledge strong leaders,” said Jace before he walked away. Tanner’s homies look disappointed at him and the look on their faces state that they’re having second thoughts.

“If you want to leave, then leave. We can't get rid of the fact that I lost. That is the truth and I won’t hide it. If your choice is to stay, then I announced to you starting from today, I will resign as the leader of this group. Lunox Radcliffe will replace me,” he declared.

“It is very tempting but I decline,” I added.

“B-But you defeated me so you are supposed to be the next leader!”

“It’s not included in my plans to be part of your group. However, I accept partnership. We can be allies,” I suggested.

“We’re allies, then,” he said.

“Great!” I said then I smiled sweetly at him.

“Whoa, whoa, wait!” interrupted Ophelia. “This shouldn’t end up like this!”

“I acknowledge her strength, Vice President Ophelia. This isn’t your business to begin with do stay out,” commented Tanner.

Ophelia raised an eyebrow and pointed Tanner.

“She’s deceiving you! Did you forget what happened before? An instance where a new student transferred into our class. We trusted her yet she betrayed us! As the vice president and as a student of Black Section who cares for the class, I don’t want to repeat what happened before. Inside the school, we’re in a den full of beasts, others are waiting for the right time in planning to take us down. That’s why I can’t trust someone who just transferred. I just don’t want the same incident occurred to us again. I’m not just a bitch, I’m serious in being the vice president, I don’t take this role as a joke. Tanner, I’m disappointed in you,” explained Ophelia. That is what happened. They were betrayed once. If I was in their shoes, next time when meeting another transferee, I’ll be cautious and observe that person first.

“I understand what your point, Ophelia,” I said.

“You’re in no position to talk, Ms. Lunox Radcliffe,” she said in an annoying tone.

“Give me a chance and I’ll prove it to you that I’m not like her.”

“No, who do you think I am?” She asked. By the looks of it, I can’t persuade her any further because she’s viewing the situation in a narrow look. I understand that she can’t trust me that easily but she shouldn’t be biased. She should think outside the box. A close-minded person is difficult to convince because even if you talk sense with her, they will not listen and they will go for on what they believe.

“Ophelia,” called Leonard. All of a sudden, the surrounding air cool down. “A vice president shouldn’t act this way.”

“President Leo’s correct! My poor Lulu, she’s stuck in a position where in she couldn’t do anything. At least, give her a chance. Perhaps, you have a grudge on her because she definitely crushed you earlier. If that is the case, don’t use your power just because you’re the vice president. Act like one and treat her equally like the rest,” stated Seleste. Her face turned serious. “Lastly, she’s not like her. Lulu also hates betrayals and lies, hate is an understatement, she loathes them.”

She approaches Ophelia; she gently holds her forehead down to her chin then lifted it up.

“Open your goddamn eyes, Ophelia, and you’ll see what kind of person is Lulu.”

In my peripheral view, Leonard secretly put out a pocket knife. I glanced at Seleste and Ophelia then him. I hurriedly go in between of them and catch the knife that almost hit both Seleste and Ophelia.

“What the hell was that, Leo?! They are your people!” I exclaimed.

He smirked. “They’re too noisy so I decided to stop them but you interfered.”

“President Leo, I’m serious,” said Seleste while she looked directly in his eyes. My lips curve, oho, look do we have here. Only few people can look at his eyes and one of them is Seleste. When Seleste gets serious, she doesn’t care about her surroundings and the people she’s talking to. Later on, when she comes to her senses, she’ll regret this.

“Alright, you win, Seleste. Vice president Ophelia, come with me,” stated Leonard.

“Thank you, President Leo, as expected, you understood me clearly. Lu, let's go out and breathe some fresh air. I don't like the smell in this room, it's rotten and polluted,” said Seleste then dragged me outside. I looked back at them before I went out.

“Leo, think it over carefully!” exclaimed Lance.

“Ophelia, your actions today are childish,” said Leonard. “So, you’ll be punished.”

“Leo, you know that Ophelia just wanted the best for our section. You can’t do this!” added Lance.

“Shut the fvck up, Lance. This is a matter between the president and the vice president. If you don’t want this to happen again, preach your girlfriend!” shouted Leonard. A chill run down on my spine by Leo’s angry voice.

“L-Lance, stop it. I should have acted more mature; this is my fault. President Leo, Lance is just worried about me so please forgive him. I will agree to any punishment bestowed to me.”

I don’t know what happened next because Seleste slid the door closed.

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