8. In the Classroom

"Raid! We'll be raided!"

"What? Are you serious?!"

"Hey don't be kidding. You trick us a lot!"

"This time I'm serious! Hurry up and pack your things! Those over there stop watching! Help hide things!"

Hoover stand up frantically. "Oh, is it our farewell day?" she said while hiding her uncountable make-up and accessories.

"Oh my god I'm sure I'll be found out!" Byby lamenting that her nails had just been dyed last night.

"Hurry and hide your things! I'm lazy to be scolded."

"You think it's just you? We're all lazy too."

"Britney help me! Consider this is yours too." Hoover place some of her lip balm and eyeshadow on Britney's desk.

Britney stand up to refuse. "I do not want!" She return it to Hoover quickly. "What will the teacher say to the nephew of the school owner? My name could be tarnished. Even this school."

"It's just a few. Teachers will confiscate if they sees too much of my stuff. Come on, please. Divide it up so it's all safe."

The sudden raid caused an uproar in the school. The teachers would be rushing into each classroom with eagle eyes. Items that violate school rules or are deemed distracting will be confiscated. In addition, attitude, cleanliness and tidiness are also the subject of raids.

Late to get the information, Carlos and his classmates don't have time to hide things perfectly.

While some of the students are busy protecting themselves, Alice remaine silent in the midst of the commotion. She witnessed the confusion of her friends. There's nothing to worry about in the bag. There are only books, writing equipment and other items needed in the learning process.

"Are our cell phones also raided?"

"Just in case, just keep your phones safe!"

"Gosh I have to delete chats and videos!"

"Please help me! I bringing a laptop today!" said a student who was the tallest in the class in a panic because the school don't allow students to bring laptops without the teacher's permission.

"Hide as much as you can, electricity pole! Take advantage of your height!" tell a student who is much different in height.

"Oh I must ask for help in vain--" Hoover see someone she could count on. "Ohh!! Alice! Alice!"

In her heart, she cried out in resignation. She was trying to be quiet and didn't make eye contact with anyone so as not to get involved but Hoover just now called out to her. Alice is sure Hoover will ask to her for help.

"Please help me! I not dare to hide it because if I get caught it will be worse." Hoover put some of the accessories to Alice's table.

"I can't! What if it stays confiscated?" Alice said with the intention of refusing.

"No way, don't worry. As long as it's not too much it won't be confiscated." Hoover immediately asked another friend for help. "Come on, please help!"

Finally Alice helps Hoover. She kept it in the pencil case.

It is time for four teachers to enter the classroom.

"Everyone stay still! Put your bag on the table!" ask the male teacher who was known to be the fiercest.

"Why should he be in our class?" whisper one of the students.

"Gather your cell phones and names! If you have a screen password, put it on paper too!"

"What? This violates privacy sir!" Carlos protest.

"There's no such thing during raids."

"We mind if our phones have to be raided!" shout several female students loudly.

"Hand it over! We're just checking a bit. If someone's hiding it, be prepared!"

"Oh no. There are many test answers from other classmates." whisper that student.

All activity stopped. Students look resigned. The students carry out the teacher's orders and the teacher acts. The four teachers there checked randomly

"Short socks, come forward!"

"Dyeing nails, come forward!"

"Forget to bring the textbooks again, come forward!"

One by one the students came forward because of the offense. There are some who objected but still ended up coming forward and their names were recorded.

"Whose laptop is on top of this cupboard?" asked the gym teacher. "Here is not a good hiding place." He half laughed.

"Wearing contact lenses, come forward!'

"I don't wear it sir!" a student avoids.

"Honestly or we check further?!"

The atmosphere is getting tense. Some students argue with the teacher and end up losing.

The homeroom teacher will approach Alice's desk in a moment. Now he was checking the person sitting in front of Alice.

"Hide the cell phone in the jacket, come forward!"

"OH NO!" Alice is stunned.

Her face is pale when she remember something in her jacket pocket. She put it last night just in case. Although it is not a prohibite item, she is sure that she will be interrogated.

Her homeroom teacher walk over to Alice's desk. Checking the contents of the bag and finding Hoover's makeup, he shook his head and sigh. "Why do so many carry makeup?" He look at Alice who look terrified. "It's just a little. Any more makeup you bring?"

"There is no." said Alice quietly.

Seeing that expression made the homeroom teacher continue to check on Alice even though he wants to continue to another student.

The homeroom touch Alice's jacket. Alice spontaneously prevented her hand and made the homeroom surprised. He grabbed Alice's jacket which was neatly folded in the desk drawer. Alice fought back again but it was too late. The homeroom has found the drugs in her jacket pocket. The drugs fell on the floor.

"What is this? You consumed this much?" ask the homeroom teacher, surprise at the amount of medicine Alice has bring.

One by one the medicine that Alice brought was scrutinized by the homeroom teacher. Inviting the attention of other students and the other three teachers. Now the four teachers are around Alice's desk.

Alice looked down, closed her eyes tightly so she could hold back the tears. She is know she will easily burst into tears.

"Why bring this much?" asked the homeroom.

"Put your face up and answer!" demand the fierce teacher.

Alice slowly rais her head but don't look at the teachers. She look straight ahead and see some of her friends taking the opportunity to deposit their belongings with friends who had already been checked. The trick is 90% believes to be successful.

The homeroom teacher crouching, pick up and put the medicines together and put them in the bag used to store the confiscated items. "Come forward!" he told then write down Alice's name.

Alice obeys homeroom's orders. She join the others while looking down. Various thoughts arise if the secret can be revealed because of this incident.

Kimberley looked at Alice from her chair. Wanted to calm Alice down through eye contact but Alice kept her head down.

"Who keeps this many comics under the cupboard?" ask the gym teacher. "Confess or do we all confiscate?"

"Alice!" called Byby softly from behind.

Because Alice didn't respond and kept her head down, Byby immediately switched positions to cover Alice who was still pale in panic. She pulled Alice to the back slowly then took over where Alice was standing. She did it so the classmates wouldn't talk about it and Alice could be more at ease from being spared their various stares.

"Calm yourself." she whispered as she changed places.

That words don't work for Alice. Her body is trembling and cold sweat start pouring down.

Not long after that the raid is over. Two teachers left the classroom to help another teacher in the next class. While the two remaining teachers giving warnings to those whose names were recorded.

"For those whose names have only been recorded once, we will forgive them." said a teacher in closing.

After that he left the classroom carrying a basket containing student cell phones. He handed the rest to the homeroom teacher who is still in class.

"Sit down and be orderly while waiting for the teacher to come in! Don't make this class any worse!"

They immediately dispersed and returned to their seats.

"Students who didn't bring their textbooks and who is bring medicine, meet me in m my room after school."

Alice gasped. Even though the sports teacher said the name that was only recorded once would be forgiven but why did the homeroom teacher ask her to meet him? This is Alice's first time.

As for the students who didn't bring the textbooks, this is the umpteenth time and he is taking it easy.

After the homeroom teacher left, the class is noisy again. Some students close the classroom door so as not to attract attention.

"Alice, are you okay?" ask Byby before sitting down.

Alice put on a fake smile. "Yes, I'm okay."

At this time she was trying to calm down and get rid of disturbing thoughts. She h has to be strong in front of her friends.

Byby smile, lightly patted Alice's shoulder then sit down.

"Huh luckily my makeup wasn't confiscated." said Hoover, walking over to Alice. "Where's my makeup?"

Alice took it out and handed it to Hoover.

"Are you sick? It's terrible to see you carrying so much medicine." someone said. He is the one who did not bring the textbook.

"Hey, bro. Look at the situation before you speak." Thomas walk closer, towards Alice who was annoyed at being approached by many people.

One hope, they don't discuss the medicine she brought anymore.

"Thank you."

"Huh?" Alice's brows is furrow.

"Thanks to you I was able to secure the laptop." Thomas said managed to make Alice laugh softly, it was funny to her.

She know that many had managed to secure their belongings because she had become the center of attention.

"You're welcome."

"Why bring a laptop?" ask Britney as she returned Thomas' laptop which was entrusted to her.

"There are some language assignments I haven't copied into the book."

"What is this? You helped Thomas but didn't help me?" Hoover protest.

"He left it after I was checked, so I let it." replied Britney casually.

"Still this isn't fair! Why not--"

"You're checked before me, so I can't help." cut Britney who know what Hoover meant.

"What if the teacher double-checks?"

"When that happens just think of a way."

At the end, Britney teased Hoover with a triumphant smile. Hoover pinched her for a second then invite her to continue do their work.

"Wait." Britney walk after Thomas who had just left Alice's seat. "Hey, Thomas, you said you wanted to sign up for a band?"

"Right. You're join again aren't you?"

"No need to ask. I've been waiting for the band to come back for a long time."

Thomas nod. He take a note in his pocket and write down the names of Britney and Hoover who had just said she wanted to join the band again.

Alice who heard that was getting excited to join but had not told Thomas that she would join. Should tell someone else?

"Hey, Alice. Are you okay?" whispered Kimberley who was waiting to speak to Alice.

Alice nod in response.

Even though she know Alice isn't really getting better, Kimberley let it go. More initiative to entertain.

"I'm very grateful to you." she say slowly.

Alice frown. What's else this time?

"I have been wearing short socks and the teachers skipped me because they were distracted after gathering at your desk."

Alice laugh again. Seeing Kimberley like this is adorable.

"Gosh there's nothing funny." Kimberley grumble. She glance at her short socks. "I'm not the naughty type of student so if something goes wrong with the teacher, it will haunt me. It just so happened that my other sock was wet and I had this short one left. I just realized this morning and all my roommates didn't manage to dry the socks either.

Alice chuckle. "At least you're trying to put on socks."

Kimberley laugh too. Her attention was distracted when he saw Thomas and Charles walking closer. Instantly her face gloomy.

"Alice, Kimberly, wanna join the band?" Thomas ask, ready to write a name.

"Kimberley's join." interrupt Charles. "Right?"

Kimberley don't respond. She change the topic. "You're so excited to take down the names in the band, Thom."

"It can't be helped? I was assigned by Angeline because she said I was reliable."

"Angeline who is Felice's friend?"

"Yes. You know how active and ambitious she is." Thomas write the name Kimberley. "I write down your name."

"Hey, drugs. Are you join?" ask Charles.

Thomas nudge him, meaning to tell him not to get into trouble.

"Correct your words, slacker!" tell Kimberley.

"Hehe, just kidding." Charles grinned like he has done nothing wrong. "Alice Glinmour, you join?"

"You're not the one who's asked to register member names, so don't act pretentious," Kimberley said as she walk away.

"What's wrong with helping a friend?" Charles answer loudly so Kimberley can hear the answer.

"I'll let you know when it's decided." Alice answer to Thomas.

"Okay, I'll wait."

Thomas turn around, walk a few steps and then stop. He return to Alice's desk so Charles is confuse as to what his friend was doing.

"Relax, our homeroom teacher is an understanding and gentle person. Since you're a new student, he must be even more understanding." Thomas smile to strengthen Alice.

After that Thomas return to his duties, recruiting band members.

Alice want to thank him but Thomas walk quickly. There is no way she will scream to reveal it because she is neither brave nor confident. Honestly, Thomas's words are quiet calming.

Because no teacher has yet enter, the class atmosphere is not as expected by the homeroom teacher. Some are wandering incoherently, taking notes from friends' answers or playing with cell phones that have been secured.

Alice contemplates in her seat. Actually she was struggling to control herself so as not to cry in front of a classmate who haven't known her long. What do they say when they see an Alice Glinmour who turns out to be suffering from an unusual disease? Taking a lot of drugs and looking like a drug addict? That is a bad impression.

Alice rubbed her face to make her mind go away. She encouraged herself by saying, "I managed to hold back tears. That's great."

A teacher enters the classroom. The students collided to return to their seats. Alice sigh. She must focus her mind on the lesson. In addition, she has to prepare herself to respond to the homeroom teacher in his room with Charles who had not brought a textbook for the umpteenth time.

"I have to be quiet until my homeroom teacher gives up talking to me."

***