CHAPTER V

CHAPTER V: TOUCH BALL

“What will happen to Ophelia?” I asked.

Seleste puts up a straight face.

“It’s their matter, not ours so let them be,” she said.

“I’m curious…” I spoke.

She halts then flicks my forehead.

“Sometimes, it’s best if it’s left unknown,” stated Seleste.

“Okay, I won’t snoop in. When I try to find it out, you will stop me. I don't want to be on your bad side.”

“Thank you for understanding, Lu. You will discover it sooner or later but this is not the right time yet,” she added.

“She’s right, Lunox. There’s a right time for everything,” commented Tanner.

“Before anything else, why are you following us?!” exclaimed Seleste then pointed him. Tanner placed both of his hands inside his pocket then shrugged his shoulder.

“Shoo, get lost!” added Seleste.

“Lunox and I just became friends so it’s normal for friends to stick together, Class Rep. Sele,” answered Tanner in a formal approach.

“You have no rights to call me by my nickname, commoner,” replied Seleste. “Also, you don’t deserve to be her friend! You’re not qualified.” They seem to dislike each other. The way Seleste stare at him, she’s ready to challenge him in a fight while Tanner is calm. In his situation, he even managed to smile.

“Ah, what can I do? She offered me a partnership and who am I to reject? We’re allies now. This means that she acknowledged me,” said Tanner.

“Lu, what he’s saying, is it true?” asked Seleste.

“Yup.”

‘Seriously, Lulu?! This guy is qualified to be your friend?” Then, she pointed him.

“Sometimes, skills aren’t everything,” I said.

She just gave me a confused look.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Tanner!” Tanner’s homies are approaching us then they stop right in front of us.

“We’re still willing to follow you,” one of them said.

“You let me be part of the group even though I don’t have any skill,” he added.

“Whatever your decision, for us, you are still our leader,” said the other person. I and Tanner looked each other and smiled.

“Then, I will not let you down. From now on, Lunox Radcliffe is our ally, or so to say, friend. As allies, we will protect her and she will protect us, vice versa,” he told them.

“I have a concern. If she will be one of us, we will be on Vice President Ophelia’s bad side. It’s obvious that she doesn’t like her,” complaint someone.

“And, so? I don’t have any cowards in this group,” said Tanner. Then, he touches Seleste’s head.  “Besides, we have the class representative in our side. She’s Lunox’s friend.”

“When did I become one of you?” asked Seleste.

“Just now,” replied Tanner.

“Tanner Cadieux, you are testing my patience!” exclaimed Seleste then she eluded Tanner. She approached me and dragged me away.

“From all people, why did you choose him? He doesn’t care about the rules. If he likes something, he’ll get it even if it means breaking the rules. In short, he’s a troublesome and stubborn guy! Do you understand me, Lu?” said Seleste.  I’m liking him more and more if that’s the case! I will not regret my proposal about Tanner becoming one of my allies.

“You’ll witness his worth and greatness someday, Sele.” That’s all I said.

“Wait, Class Rep. Seleste!” forbore one of Tanner’s homies. “The activity Sir Frank mentioned earlier is starting. He asked us to gather our classmates in the gym area.”

Suddenly, Seleste’s expression changed. Her face tells that she’s excited of what she heard. If she’s excited then I’m also getting thrills and I’m looking forward to the said activity.

“Lu!” She grabbed both of my shoulders resulting for me to be surprised.

“What?”

“You will enjoy this activity and show them what you’ve got. Once they saw your amazing skills, you will bound to be respected by them.”

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go to the gym!” I exclaimed and started to walk.

“Lu, where are you going?” asked Seleste.

I halted and tilted my head, “to the gym, obviously.”

“We have our own gym, haven’t you noticed? Black Section is separated from other sections, we are different from them,” she explained.

“Ahh, I didn’t know, peace!” I said and did the peace sign. We continued to walk to the gym area.

***

As we arrived, I can’t help but to be in awe. The place is literally huge and gigantic! Pedelton High School never lets me down. All of a sudden, someone clapped his hands. I turned around then I saw Sir Frank.

“Are all of you present here?” He asked.

“Vice President Ophelia and President Leo are not here yet, sir!” said Lance.

“Why is that?”

Lance lowered his head. “Sir… something came up and they can’t attend.”

“Is that so? We will not wait for them to arrive. We’ll start the activity without them. Well then, let’s start the activity!” announced Sir Frank.

So, this is Black Section’s personal gym area. It’s specifically a private property built for us. For one section, they put a lot of effort and money to build a big gym. It makes me wonder what secrets lie in this section.

Back to the topic, the activities we’ll play is not just a random activity. It’s to show one’s skills, and it’s a perfect opportunity to show off my skills and talents.

“The first activity is what we call “touch ball”. By the name itself, you have to catch and dodge the ball at the same time. This game consists of five players per group. There’s two position in this activity, the attackers and dodgers. The attackers- players who will throw the ball to the dodgers. Their goal is to hit the dodgers using the ball until no one is left. If the attackers managed to hit all players of dodgers then they win. I’ll give you a tip in case you become an attacker, that is, to throw the ball as hard as you can, and few dodgers, the better chance of winning,” he explained.

“The dodgers- players who basically avoid the ball. Their goal is to simply dodge the ball and not get hit. Class, listen carefully, this is an important note in case you become the dodger.  If the attacker throws the ball and the dodger catches it, another life will be added into the dodger’s group. It means that if someone dies, the dodger can revive their team mate. It depends on how many balls they will catch. However, the ball shouldn’t hit the ground, if you catch a bounced ball then it’s not counted. A tip for the dodgers, it is simply do your best to not get hit by the ball, and more players in the game, the better chance of winning,” added Sir Frank.

We were divided into 7 groups and my position is a dodger. I belong in Group 2. I’m not familiar with my team mates except for Lance. He’s the only person I know because he’s always with Ophelia. We are assigned to gather in one place to hold a meeting and talk about our strategic plan to win.

“Guys, here!” shouted Lance. His voice echoed in the whole area. He has a loud and cheerful voice.

I walked towards him.

“Lance, my bro!” Someone passed me by. He ran towards Lance and they fist bumped. They seem to be good friends because they look close together.

“Uhm, w-we should introduce ourselves. The t-transferee is part of our group and s-she doesn’t even know our n-names yet,” said the little girl. From the way she speaks and stutter, she looks very shy but she musters up her courage to speak so that I will not be left out in the group. I like this little girl.

“You go first. You’re the one who suggested it,” commented the guy who is closed to Lance.

“O-Okay…” She replied. “I am Noelle Fortalejo. As you can see, I’m not used in p-public speaking because I was bullied b-before. B-But when I transferred to Black Section, my life changed and I gained friends and c-comrades too! I’m happy that I became part of this section. I hope that you’re one of us, Lunox, because if you were to betray us…” She raised her head then looked at me.

She smiled then lifted her stuff toy. “Sonicka… will kill you.”

“Stop being creepy, Noelle! Don’t mind her. She’s always like that. Now’s my turn, my name is Harold Washington. Although I’m small but I’m great! Right, Noelle?” He placed his arm across her shoulder.

“Noelle doesn’t like people touch her. Sonicka will get jealous,” said Noelle.

“So, what?” asked Harold back.

“I really hate you; you know?” She said then she released her stuff toy and it landed on Harold’s right foot.

“AHHHH!” screamed Harold. “Ah, my foot! It hurts!”

“Hmp!” reacted Noelle then she took her stuffy toy placed on the floor.

“Sorry, you have to see that. Let me apologize on their behalf. I’m Klare Ferraren. Nice to meet you,” she introduced.

I shake my head.

“No, it’s fine. I’m glad to see that they’re teasing each other. It’s fun to watch them,” I replied.

“Yo, newbie! You already know who I am. I am Lance Greyson. I hope that you don’t have any hard feelings toward Ophelia. She may look like a bitch but she’s a good person. Please don’t misjudge her character,” he said.

“Don’t worry, Lance. I’m not mad at your girlfriend. I understand her actions,” I said.

“Let’s set aside our grudge towards each other. In this activity, we’re a team so we should cooperate and act as a team. I only want to win because when we win, it will give us points. I know that all of you want to raise your ranks, and this is a good opportunity to rise up and be in the top 10,” added Lance.

Ranks? Top 10? What does he mean by that?

Nevertheless, he’s boosting our confidence and fighting spirits. I can see sparks in their eyes after his speech. Seeing their excitement, I’m getting fired up too!

“Then, if our goal is to win, we need to think of a plan,” I suggested.

They looked at me.

“Hmm, a plan, ei? That’s a good idea!” commented Harold.

“What if, the girls will dodge the ball while we, boys, will avoid and try to catch the ball,” said Lance.

“I’m okay with that. Girls, just sit back and leave the rest to us, men!” exclaimed Harold. I smiled at his comment.

“S-Sounds good to m-me,” uttered Noelle.

“Me too!” added Klare.

“If all of you agree, then I agree as well,” I said.

“Time’s up! We will start the activity now. Group 1 and 2, gather in the middle of the gym,” shouted Sir Frank.

We followed his instructions and went in the middle.

“So, Group 1 are the attackers namely Amelia, Christian, Enna, Seleste, and Talia while Group 2 are the dodgers namely Harold, Klare, Lance, Lunox, and Noelle,” he announced.

“Attackers go in you- “Sir Frank was interrupted when a woman’s voice echoed in the whole gym. “What’s this? Are you perhaps leaving us behind?”

I gazed upon who that person is, it is no other than, “I, Ophelia Bentleigh, vice president of Black Section shouldn’t be left behind! After all, this activity is very fun to play with,” then, she eyed me. I just shrugged my shoulders as she looked at me. I only focused my attention to the person behind her.

“Sir Frank, I and Leo want to participate in this activity,” said Ophelia.

Leo walked straight to the bleachers and sat where the other class officers at.

“It seems that Leonard doesn’t want to play, Ophelia,” said Sir Frank in a jest manner.

“Yes, he is correct. Don’t just insert me whenever you like, Vice President Ophelia,” his voice is calm but Ophelia’s eyes are scared while she looked at him. It is not obvious but when you carefully observed, you can see that she’s intimidated by him.

“As Ophelia holds power, we’ll remove one participant in Group 1 and that is Talia,” said Sir Frank. “Talia, is that okay with you?”

“Yes, sir. I’m okay with it,” she replied with a fake smile plastered in her face. She may look okay on the outside but I’m sure she’s cussing Ophelia in her mind.

“Time is running and all we did is talk. We will not prolong this any longer. Group 1 and 2, get on your position!” Sir Frank shouted.

Group 1 which is the attackers went on their position whole holding the ball and waiting the go-signal while we, Group 2, waited in the middle because that’s the place where the dodgers are supposed to be.

The one who is holding the ball in the other group is Ophelia. For a great start-off, they picked her, nice plan. We’re all waiting for Sir Frank’s signal to start the game. He holds his whistle then he blows it. That’s the signal we’re all waiting for.

Ophelia, holding the ball, stares at me then smirks. As expected, I’m her target. Instead of getting pissed off or being afraid, my reply to her was I gave her a teasing smile that states that “I am ready, bring it on!”

I carefully observed her move. She groped the ball then prepared to throw it. At a fast speed, the ball suddenly flew to the right side of my ear. Luckily, it didn’t touch my ear. I can feel the cold air brushed through my skin. For a second, I spaced out but I have to show them that I’m not surprised by her throw.

That’s not a normal throw. She purposely didn’t want me to get hit. If she is serious in her throw, for sure, I well get hit right in my face.

“Argh, that was close, I missed it!” She commented.

I unconsciously smiled. This feeling of excitement is burning inside me. I thought that this activity will get me bored but I am wrong. Someone is out there can par up to my skill which makes me more excited. Thus, I smiled wider. This activity will be very entertaining and fun. Ophelia got me all pumped up. I need to put a little effort in this game because of her. I will definitely enjoy this activity. After all, it’s just a game and games are supposed to be fun. This feeling of… excitement. My nerves are telling me show off on what I can do. Showing off is one of my skills. I can’t let our team lose. All of a sudden, I felt the presence of the ball behind me.

“Whoops,” I mumbled as I bent down. Therefore, it didn’t hit me but the person behind me.

“Noelle, out!” shouted Sir Frank. Before Noelle left us, she bowed down as a sign of apology. We simply nodded at her to show that it’s alright.

Again, I focused on the game. Seleste and Ophelia are the two members of the other group that I need to be cautious off because these two are mostly the ones who are throwing the ball at us.

Selested throws the ball. Instead of throwing it in a vast speed, she throws it softly without power. Before the ball passed by, I jumped high and caught the ball. My height’s just average. I can’t reach it if I remained standing so I have to jump. While I grabbed the ball, I showed it to Sir Frank.

“What’s your choice, Miss Radcliffe? Revive Noelle so that she can play again or put another life in one of your team mates or yourself? Choose,” he said.

I stared at my team mates. I’m not alone in this match so I need their permission first.

“Lunox, you caught the ball not us so you must decide,” said Klare. They all agreed with her statement.

“Ara, ara. What’s this? I thought that we, guys, should be the one to do all the action but then Lunox is the only one in our group who manage to catch a ball. I feel like my pride has been stepped on, aw, aw, it hurts!” commented Harold. I shake my head sidewards.

He’s a silly guy. Well, that means that I’m free to decide what I want.

“My decision is…” I spoke. “Put another life for myself.”

“Another life has been put on Ms. Radcliffe. In total, she got 2 lives,” announced Sir Frank.

“Nice one, Lunox!” exclaimed Lance as he tapped my back.

“For our team, no biggie,” I replied then smiled. He was caught off guard for a moment because his facial expression changed.

“Why are you so surprised, Lance? I can smile too,” I said then giggled. After he recovered, he went back on his usual self.

“Damn, your smile is a dangerous for a guy like me. No wonder Leo- “

“1-minute remaining! Get back on your f*kcing positions. Isn’t that right, Lance Greyson? Are you having fun flirting with her?” shouted Ophelia not far away from us.

Lance’s body stiffened. “Oh sh*t, I forgot that Ophelia’s here.”

I laughed seeing his reaction. Earlier, he’s very confident but now, he’s scared of his girlfriend.

“We’re in the middle of an activity, Lance. You can coax and fondle her later.”

“You’re right. This isn’t the time to be afraid. This activity is more important to raise my ranks,” he agreed.

“Team, time to finish this! Ophelia, cut the crap and be serious!” yelled Seleste.

A while ago was just a warm-up. Hmm, I see. They’re testing our abilities before they will attack us in full force. If it’s like this, shall I also get started?

Seleste’s the one holding the ball now. She positioned herself then threw the ball and aimed it at Lance. Lance will not be easily get hit. He stepped back then jumped. Then, he jogged beside me and yawned.

“Sleepy?” I asked.

“Little bit,” he answered.

Ophelia quickly catches the ball and throws it at me. I noticed that I’m always her target but she doesn’t succeed in hitting me. To annoy her even more, I approached the flying ball instead of dodging it. 3 seconds before the ball will land on my face. I calculated the time when’s the ball will hit me.

“3, 2… 1,” I faced sideward before it landed on my face then the ball passed through me just an inch away.

I heard the audience wow-ed. They have sharp eyes so they saw what I did back there. For many, the activity, touch ball, is boring but as long as I’m here, I will not make this boring. Also, this game is not new for me. When I was young, it’s one of the games I already played. It brings back my childhood memories where in it’s full of fun and enjoyment. How I wish that I could turn back time and be a kid again.

“Not fair! You got hit, I saw it!” I exclaimed.

“I didn’t get hit. If I did, where’s the mark of the drench in mud ball?” He asked. As I looked at him, his face is completely blurred.

“But… B-But, I r-really did- “

“Alright, alright! I did get hit so don’t cry. I hate seeing you cry, Lu…” He said then he went towards me. Now that he’s approaching me, I can see his face. A little bit more then I can clearly see his face…

“Lunox!” They screamed my name.

“Wha- oh shoot!” Before the ball hit me, I backflipped to avoid it.

“Harold, out!” When I looked back, I saw Harold on the ground.

“I’ll give my other life to Harold so bring him in again,” I stated.

Harold got up then patted my back. “Thanks, Lunox.”

This activity benefits me because little by little I’m gaining their trust. However, what’s that memory flashed out of nowhere in my mind? He keeps reappearing, not only in my dreams but randomly just like today.

***

The game ended and of course, we’re the winning team. Although two of my team mates keeps getting hit, Noelle and Harold, when Seleste and Ophelia’s throws are off, I took the opportunity to catch the ball. So, my team mates who are out of the game can join again. When it’s time for us to be the attackers, it was difficult because we lack strength and their aim is horrible! But we made it through. Luckily, the lives that I earned which is three when we’re dodgers became our winning stead. That’s how we won the game.

The other team and my group congratulated me because I’m the one who carried the team. On the other hand, Seleste, who is super proud of me keeps shouting my name. It’s becoming irritating to the ears. While Ophelia did neither glance nor congratulate me. She still doesn’t acknowledge me yet. I need to do something about that.

“Luluuu~” I turned my head to face her. Her arms are open wide while running toward me.

Here she goes again…

I pushed her head using my hand so that she won’t be able to hug me.

“Your moves in the game were super amazing! I know you’re skilled but you exceed my expectations. What more can you do? Teach me those moves!” said Seleste.

“You’re being over-exaggerated, Sele. I simply dodge the ball, that’s it. Any human being can do that,” I replied.

“Simply dodge the ball? Any human being can do that? Lu, don’t make me laugh. Your moves are way different of any human being to dodge a ball. The way I see it is that when you avoid the ball, it’s a piece of cake for you. From the beginning, you knew the time when will the ball will land you,” she said.

“Hmm, tell me more, Sele,” I said.

“You’re like a swords man and the ball is your opponent or rather your enemy. Unfortunately, you’re a boss level while your opponent is in beginner’s level. You have a certain skill to see the future so the moment he attacked you, it was easy to avoid it but your opponent, even knowing that he doesn’t stand a chance, keeps attacking you. His attacks are futile. It isn’t enough to defeat you. However, you like to see your opponent losing, even though you knew to yourself that your enemy’s no match for you and in the end, he will lose and you will win,” explained Seleste.

“So, that’s how you view me as,” I murmured.

“After the long explanation I said, that’s your only reply? Are you kidding me, Lu?”

“Uh, Class Rep. Seleste! L-Lunox!” We both turn our heads to see a weird looking girl approaching us.

I leaned forward to Seleste and whispered, “who is she?”

“She’s Phaedra Bonhomme. There’s nothing special about her so you can relax but don’t let your guard down,” she replied.

Phaedra Bonhomme. This is the first time I heard her name. Based on her looks, she’s a silent person and doesn’t talk that much. Her black eyes and black hair remind me of a crow that brings bad luck. Her appearance suits her because it adds more to her beauty and charm.

She stops right in front of us while holding her knees.

“I’m Phaedra B-Bonhomme. Please let me be your friend!” She exclaimed.

“Eh?” I mumbled.

“I’m not joking, Lunox! The way you easily evade the ball, it’s so cool!” said Phaedra. “Not only Lunox but also Seleste. Your strength at throwing the ball is beyond amazing. That’s our class representative, way to go!”

She’s the opposite version of how she looks. My impression of her changed. Really, these students surprised me again. Let me describe her again. This time, it’s accurate.

Phaedra Bonhomme. At first, you’ll think that she’s quiet and taciturn person but once she opens her mouth, you’ll understand that she’s actually very talkative and cheerful. Not all first impression lasts. Did I say that her appearance is her charm? I take it back because I can see that her smiles are her charm. Her smiles are contagious too. Somehow, she can make the surroundings feel light a little. Just by looking at her, she eased my worries. For a person whose appearance is all black, she brings light. It’s ironic, isn’t it?

“Please let me be your friend! Please, please, please!”

“Alright, we agree. From now on, you’re part of our group. Welcome, Phaedra!” Seleste said then extend her hand. Pheadra’s eyes widen and tears were beginning to well in her eyes. She happily accepted Seleste’s hand.

“I’m one of Seleste and Lunox’s friend! Thank you, thank you so much!” exclaimed Pheadra.

I looked at Seleste in a weird way. She just accepted her like that! I thought that she’s nothing special? I don’t know what’s going on Seleste’s mind.

“You’re welcome. We are not fussy when it comes to befriending someone,” I said then glanced at Seleste.

“Then, glad to know! Now that we have become friends, I’ll start to call Lunox as Lu, Seleste as Sele and you can call me as Phae,” she said.

“I like nick names basis! I see… You are a woman of culture as well, Phae,” commented Seleste.

“Are you too, Sele?” Phaedra asked.

Seleste nodded. “So, tell me, why are you here?”

“Oh, yes! I almost forget hehe,” she tilted her head then knocked it. “Sir Frank calls for you, Lu. He asked me to get you. You should go in the faculty now. He’s waiting for you there.”

Seleste leaned forward to me.

“Be careful,” she whispered.

“It’s time for me to go. Wait for me, okay? I’ll be right back,” I said to them. Then, I began to walk towards my destination.

Finally, it’s time to know the truth behind Black Section. I’m not naïve because I already know what’s going on but still, coming from the mouth of our adviser brings a different vibe.

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