Chapter 6 - Pull someone's leg

We started roaming around the school and started in the dusty basement to deliver those unusual costumes for the drama club. Crafting flashy decorations such as paper flowers, confetti and colorful signboards though we run out of pastels or paints to use. Handling out printouts. Delivering messages to the board committee or whatever they call it. after that we would Re-check and assist the student council if they're doing well in the preparation. Assessing the stage for the cultural event. Going back and forth as we didn't even use the elevator once, it was hard because I mostly do the lifting. Everyone is busy and so do we. I feel like we've done everything till we drop. She changed her clothes into a familiar P.E uniform. It was around afternoon until we decided to take a coffee break in the cafeteria.

"17:00"

Mark: "Man…I'm exhausted…So this is what it feels like to be a teacher's slave."

Charlotte: "Wait, I don't think that was worded right. Did you mean, teacher's pet?"

Mark: "Nah. Who cares, does it even matter?"

Charlotte: "It does! Jeez…"

I lean forward in exhaustion, putting my chin on the table.

Charlotte: "You're diligent. I'm quite surprised."

Mark: "I just wanted to end this quick and, why do you people always think I'm incapable. Although I don't look like it, I'm a hard worker…But today was quite a day... was it always like this?"

Charlotte: "No, it isn't." She shook her head. "We're rushing things because everyone is busy coming up with two day School Festival and Sports Day. So we're doing whatever we can to make this event perfect as much as possible."

Mark: "I didn't know about that... Guess I was suspended so long that I didn't know what's already happening on the campus."

Charlotte: But still... You helped me. Even the fact that you didn't know me nor the event, what makes you an amazing person.

Mark: "Wow. I don't think I deserve that praise. Everyone is working hard and I'm just here because of Mr.Julius consent. so we're a win-win in these situations.

Charlotte: "Jeez… You dunce. Would it kill you, if you get along for a second? Besides not a single one is preparing unwillingly here."

Mark: "Dunce?" I laughed. "Using unpleasant words doesn't suit you, Prez."

I smelled the coffee in our spot. It's not the best thing to order in the scorching heat, but the aroma left me no choice, and I'm starving. The cafeteria is almost empty so I decided to take our orders

Mark: "Hey, Ms.Prez. Do you have a drink you prefer?

Charlotte: "A drink? Perhaps a white coffee will do.

Mark: "How about a snack?"

Charlotte: "Putting her hand on his chin. "I really want to eat something sweet…but!" She looked down the table "I promised myself to go on a diet…"

Mark: "Woah, It's not good to stress yourself like that, you know? besides, something this size won't hurt…"

Charlotte: "…" She didn't respond.

Mark: "You look practically slim to me..." I joked and acted surprised. "Could it be, you have anorexia!?"

Charlotte: "Anorexia?" She asked.

Mark: "Anorexia Nervosa. It's a mental disorder among girls, where a lady doesn't eat even though she looks very thin. I guess your one from my viewpoint."

Charlotte: "No I'm not." She crossed her arms and her eyes narrowed. "Don't include me in your baseless accusations."

Mark: [*Yikes. She's pissed*] "Okay, Okay, fine. If you don't want to get something, I'll go buy something myself."

I headed to the counter. They serve delicate sweets and drinks here which consists of latte, tea, cakes, and others I couldn't identify. The only problem is the actual price is higher than the estimated value of the food. Either way, I'm going to buy it because I'm starving. I return to our spot after a few moments.

Mark: Here's your order madam.

I bought myself a chocolate-milk or whatever it is, while I handed her a white coffee mixed with caramel. But she was surprised when I handed our large piece of chocolate cake over the table

Mark: "Don't hold back, It's my treat"

Charlotte: "But you just said you'll buy only yourself."

Mark: "I changed my mind, besides you deserve it. And I would look bad, if I eat alone of these in front of a beautiful lady."

Charlotte: "Look bad... You always say those words. Are you self-conscious about what others see you?"

Mark: "Said by a girl who has anorexia." I was joking but her gaze somewhat told me to stop.

[*I guess she's easily affronted by insults.*] I thought

Mark: I smiled wryly. "...No, I'm not. I just don't want to attract a lot of animosity from other students, and that is another part of the reason why I hate school."

Charlotte: "Do you really hate school that much…?"

Mark: "I do." I locked in her eyes.

Charlotte: "I see… Maybe someday I can do something about it." She smiled sadly. "There's must be a way to change your view after these preparations."

Mark: "Don't even plan on it." I said between bites of cakes. "You can't blame me, every school only wanted the money and reputation. It doesn't really care about the students, just how much bucks they would make every time. There's nothing wrong hating every school, they're all just a bunch of crap. Monkey business, nothing else. Same with their staff. Though there are few people who're too gentle, worthy of praise, (People like Ms. Rachel) in these fingers of mine, undeniably they're effortlessly counted."

Charlotte: She sipped her coffee and sighed. "Wow. Your way of thinking is really cloudy. I felt you were just exaggerating but is that how you really feel? Do you have a huge grudge to this excellent academy?"

Mark: "You called this excellent? Just imagine if schools actually helped the kids identify their skills from a young age and develop their talents over those past 12 years of learning, instead of letting them follow the same routine like sheep and leaving them confused after graduation. Those certificates we earned is just an expectation of your status in society. In the end, you graduated to work for someone already had the prosperity. I'm not saying working hard wouldn't make you rich, but working your entire life for someone else is something worth mentioning."

Charlotte: "...I know how unsteady everything is, there is no perfect management after all, it will always be has it's own flaws, but you should be the one to make the move right? not just complain, do it yourself because nothing will change. If you're really serious about what you have just said, then you need to be the one to fix our system." She stares into me with sincerity. "A system where only privileged people had the choice of susceptible education, a susceptible life. In a system driven by standardized construction that favors the wealthy. It's maybe a harsh reality, but we need to live with it."

Mark: "You talk like you experience those."

Charlotte: "I didn't, It pains to say me this, but I've known people who desperately want to finish education, but unfortunately didn't able to, because of how her family wasn't able to financially sustain their own child school fees, in other words it was the least of their priority, to the point where she must leave and work… aimlessly and tirelessly." Charlotte bit her lips as she recalls painful memories.

Seeing her like this improves my perception of her, she was too kind to put herself in the shoes of others, even it's the least of her problems. A very altruistic person. Charlotte must always have been that way. She never complains when in discomfort, she always acts high on the surface but inside she was a soft-hearted person that actually tends to help, her benevolence actually scares me, she may not realize that some people might be using her for their own deed. Maybe that's also the reason why people depends on her. She may be stubborn, but she was the complete opposite of me. I know we just met but her personality stands out like a sore thumb.

She's starting to make a face. I know she could debate right here in one sitting, right here, right now. Charlotte is the school council president after all, but we both don't want to continue anymore, it ruins the mood. Her stare told me not to rebut anymore, besides a day of hard slap and tears would be enough for me. I avoid her gaze and looked down the table. She continues talking just to fill up the silence, which makes it awkward.

Charlotte: "You know…the school needs money to improve their facilities but I won't say the director didn't use it for personal issues, everyone has their own family after all."

This time she locked her eyes with me.

Charlotte: "I remembered my father once told me that, teach yourself how to think, not what to think. I always remember those words as a guide to my living.."

Mark: "Really? Then I'll make sure to carve those words in my thick head of mine. I wish I had a father like that to scold me… wait, are you saying my parents didn't teach me well?"

Charlotte: She took a deep breath and gave a resigned sighed. "Haah…Come on. Does our conversation go on like this forever? Teach yourself how to think, you dunce!"

Mark: "I'm a problem child. I guess that's the way I am."

We were about to finish eating, when a group of people comes into our table. Guess what, it was Neil the senior bully and his two idiot followers. I was very pissed at them but I didn't show it to my companion, I know this is going to be a disturbing reunion. Neil squirmed around the corner just to talk to Charlotte.

Neil: "A pretty woman taking a break. Tea time perhaps, Ms. president?"

Charlotte: "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm drinking coffee which means this isn't tea time."

Neil: "Oh, I see… So a coffee break then, may I share your table madam?"

Charlotte: "It's is all yours. In any case I just finished my drink. Let's go Mark."

We stood but Neil stopped me in action.

Neil: "Whoops." He held my ground. "Going for a date lover boy?"

Mark: I narrowed my eyes. "Back off, I don't want any troubles."

Neil: "What?… I didn't hear you. Did you say punch me more in the face shithead?…"

Mark: "Tch." I narrowed my eyes, threatening him. "I would really appreciate it if you would stop trying to start fights with me."

Things will get pretty intense any second but Charlotte immediately took action.

Charlotte: "Don't forget I'm here and he's with me. Try to cause a commotion and I'll do everything in my power to suspend all of you."

My head turned toward her as my eyes-widened in shocked. [*Wait, what? Including me?! But I just got suspended!*] I thought.

Neil: "Woah. Easy, easy. We won't do anything here, I just want to say something to our little amigo."

He locked his arms around my neck uncomfortably and whispered something around my ear.

Neil: "She's mine dickhead. Try to steal my girl, and I'll make sure you'll sleep in the same cage with my dog... Got it?!" He turned around. "Let's go boys." Neil's followers tailed his tracks and left.

Mark: "Wow. That was a hell of a threat."

Charlotte: "You're Welcome. I assume it was your way of saying gratitude? I know I went overboard… though I kinda hate to do that."

Charlotte picked up her things and we started walking towards outside the cafeteria while we talked about the fuss earlier.

Mark: "Oh, wait... I meant those guys. But I guess, I could tell the same thing to you anyway."

Charlotte: "I see..." She touched her forehead. "Those people are really troublesome."

Mark: "He's just a bit mad. Because her girl is about to fall head over heels in love with me."

Charlotte: "I have a gist of what you are saying, but the fact it's stupid makes it rather disappointing…"

Mark: "You really hate jokes, do you?" She just turned her gaze away and didn't answer.

[*Silence means yes.*] I thought.

Mark: "They seem to know you. Do they pester you once in a while?"

Charlotte: "Yeah. But I just ignore them most of the time."

Mark: "I see...They sure give a lot of headaches.

She remain silent and only let out a dire sigh.

Mark: "I don't think I'll do it smoothly back there... But you managed the situation pretty well, so I'll say this once." I raised my hands and clasp it, showing my utmost gratitude. "You saved me back there, Thanks. I'll make sure to vote you next time."

[*Somehow, I avoided detention and bruises this time. I guess I should stick to her once in a while.*] I thought.

Charlotte: "You can show gratitude, after all, I hope Neil and his friends could do the same." She faintly smiled.

Mark: "They've bothered you too much in point you remember their names." I shrugged. "Well, I never actually thought someone could properly talk to those assholes except for themselves."

Charlotte: She smirked. "Neither do I..."

Mark: "At least for the first time, we agreed on the same thing."

Maybe Neil was convinced that we were really going out. Those thoughts came across for a second, nonetheless of that, I said it out loud.

Mark: "You know. Maybe if we really look like couples to the oth--"

Her petrifying gaze told me to stop.

Mark: "Yeah, probably not."

[*Damnit. Even I dreamed of dating a 3D girl, I won't saying that again!*]

Charlotte: "Joking aside." glance to her watch. "We've done everything for today. Are you going home now?"

Mark: "Yeah. I'll go home and bury my face to the pillows."

Charlotte: She grinned. "That sounds good to me. But I still have things to do."

Mark: "Still busy as ever, huh? You better rest you know and I'll accompany you no longer. This gentleman is done for the day." I joked and raised my finger in the process.

Charlotte: "In short, you're tired so badly. You wanted to go home and rest. I see...Don't worry. I understand." She nodded in her own conclusions.

Mark: "Tired? Wai-…What?… I didn't say it like that."

Charlotte: "But you just said you were tired in the cafeteria?"

Mark: "I'm not tired at all! In fact I can still redo what we've done for the day." I bragged.

Charlotte: "Really, will you accompany me tomorrow then?"

Mark: "Wh-wha" [*Oh crap, wrong move.*] I thought. "Umm-ugh…Yeah sure, why not. I couldn't wish for more if the lady is asking me for a date."

Charlotte: "Date?" She dropped her gaze towards the floor. "I'm sorry… My heart lies at the end of my parent's dreams. Mom aspires me to be a doctor someday…So...Umm... This kind of this is…"

I didn't expect she was pretty candid about her ambitions in life, or was it her personality is already a blunt? Though I was just fooling around, I did overstepped my bounds a little bit, and I got dumped in a drastic way. Did I?

Mark: "Woah, Okay that's enough. I know I'm rejected, so don't give me any false hope now. Besides, I'm just trying to be funny, so don't think about it too much."

Charlotte: "I see…A joke again…" She said, a bit disappointed.

Mark: "Sorry. I was only joking you know, but being rejected unintendedly does hurt a little bit." I gestured my hand showing my pent emotions.

[*Ouch…*]

Charlotte: "Then enough messing with your dull jokes. You dunce."

Mark: I placed my hand in the back of my head and let out a wry laugh. "Hehe."

Charlotte: She growled. "Hmmph!" Then looks away.

Mark: [*What's with her reaction?*] "Eh? Is she mad at me?"

We headed outside as we step out of the school boundaries. We noticed a girl was walking towards our direction.