Ocean Sky

Chapter 3: Dead Inside

"Okay, today I'm going to give you guys an assignment. You'll be working with a partner." Mr. Johnson announced once he finished assorting the papers on his desk.

Suddenly, the previously quiet class atmosphere was replaced with small chatter and faint whispers.

"Okay, settle down folks, your partner is already chosen and sorted out by your individual grades. The one with the low grade will work with the high." He glanced at a piece of paper in his hand.

The whole class sighed in frustration and some released a furious outburst whine.

"This will help the one with lower grades to pass this class. So please, be considerate and show some cooperation," urged Mr. Johnson with a stern voice as the whole class still whining out in frustration.

He continued to give us the compulsory items that need to be done in the project but I found the birds chirping outside was more interesting to hear.

His voice became muffled while I propped my elbows on the table, totally immersed in the vivid imaginary thoughts of mine.

I remember the loud clapping in a hotel. All of the people were wearing professional attire, the men with suits and ties whilst the women dress and heels.

Lights scattered across the hall but one person was lit by the harsh spotlight above him.

Dad was on the stage, announcing something about one of his projects that will expand his business. I was ten at the time and there's little to nothing that I understand.

It was all about money, cheering, and clapping.

The sickening pungent perfume of the woman beside me, the obnoxious laugh of the old man in front of me. I know nothing but I see something.

It was Dad's face. He was proud, smiling widely in ambition that he craved for as the bright light shone upon him. For one second, he took a glance at our table as Mom was clapping along with Elle. But then, his eyes trailed onto me with soft and soothing eyes, still smiling.

Mom turned around and caressed my cheeks but her eyes were filled with concern.

"Zac?" Her voice echoed in my mind.

"Zac?"

"Zac?" I blinked.

My eyes averted from the window to the voice that's calling me.

Mr. Johnson looked at me in a questioning manner while the whole class fell dead silent, staring at me.

I cleared my throat. "P-pardon?"

"Because your grades are the highest and our class has an odd number, you have to come to my office after this class." He explained, with a hint of annoyance laced in his voice.

"Sure." I nodded calmly.

********

I sat down on one of the seats.

Mr. Johson's office was always tidy and neat, just like him. Everything was arranged in an orderly fashion from the book on the shelves up until the stationery on his desk. His office was quite bigger than other teachers considering he's the vice-principal.

He adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose as he browsed through the documents laying on the table.

"So, Zac. I'm not the guy who beats around the bush so let me tell you this straight." There's a slight pause as he flipped the document around.

"You will be partnered with a new student." He slid the documents to me.

Well, it is a crime to reveal a student's information to another student. But, teachers always presume me to be an exception.