[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

2: His Need

ZACH

"What? Why not?" I asked for the nth time. 

I'm here in our Journalist Guild office right now and I can't believe Mr. Gabato, our Students Publication Adviser (SPA) will not accept my article. 

I spent endless nights to finish it just to meet the deadline! There's no way I'm letting this happen.

"Mr. Austin, I like your article. You played with your words well." He commented.

"Thank you, Sir. But I can't understand why-" I was about to protest but he cut me off.

"However, it is not an article everyone wants to read. It should be an article for everyone. You, as a journalist should know better."

"I don't understand sir. You told me to make an article that will make a change." I insisted.

"Yes, I did. To make a change. But waste disposal? Isn't it a bit too literal?" he asked. 

He is already getting into my nerves but I played cool. 

Don't risk your Scholarship, Zach. Stay cool.

"Then what do you mean by that change sir?" I slightly raised my voice and I regretted it afterwards. 

I thought he will be sending me out but his face looked amused? Interested? 

Wait, is he playing around here? Because I know for sure that I am not.

"Mr. Austin, only you can answer your question. Hmm, let's see." He paused and gently rubbed his chin. "Okay, let's have it this way. I'll give you another chance." He said and smiled like he's challenging me. But if this is the only way, I'll risk everything for this.

"What is it sir?" I asked eagerly.

"I want you to make a new article. You can choose your own subject. As long as," he paused. "It will be an article for everyone." He really emphasized the word everyone. "If I'll love it, I might include your article for the year-end tabloid. Deadline will be on February. I'll just call you for more updates. For now, you may leave."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll do my best." Then I left the room. It's October so I have 5 months to make this article.  All I should think about for the next 5 months is how to come up with a good article that is 'publish-worthy' (if that's even a word).

I grabbed my phone and checked the time. It's already 5 pm, dismissal time. 

By the way, I'm Zachary Hestrone Austin, 18 years old. Grade 11 student of Steinfield University. 

I am an orphan. I lost both my parents when I was young and my Aunt, who is my Mother's sister, took care of me.

I used to live with my Aunt and 3 cousins before but I decided to have my own dorm near the Campus. 

I just want to live independently and support my own tuition and needs. My Aunt agreed but she asked me to come over every weekends, if possible, and visit the house.

Anyways, right now I'm heading towards a mall which is a walking distance from the Campus. I'm a part-timer at Starbucks. My friend helped me in. My Aunt didn't allow me at first but I managed to convince her later.

"Zach, you don't have to do that. We can provide you with anything. Just focus on your studies. I don't want my sister saying that I'm giving you a hard time." My aunt would always say.

She always pretended like she's not having a hard time raising three kids plus me, alone. She divorced her husband 4 years ago.

And I would always answer back, "But I want to help, Auntie. Besides, earning your own money feels great, too. And remember, you have 3 children to support. Just trust me."

"Hey, Zach! Bro." It's Clark Timothy Williams. My roommate. He's the one who let me in Starbucks and he's also working part-time there.

"Hey," I smiled at him and we started walking together towards our workplace. 

He is talking about something, but my mind was somewhere thinking about the possible subjects I can feature.

What does everyone want to read? I think I may have to google that later. As what they always say, google has everything.

"Earth to Zach!" Clark yelled and I was back to reality.

"Oh, sorry." I apologized. "I have this school stuff and I-"

I started to explain but he cut me off: "Let's talk about that later, bro. It's Work Time."

I didn't even realize that we're inside Starbucks now. I have to focus on my work first.

"Nice to see you, sir." I greeted a regular customer and smiled. He smiled back. 

I can't lose this scholarship,

but for now, it's time to get this bag.