You Make Me Feel

53. you make me feel

FELIX

While we listen to our Math teacher clarify the solution to a difficult applied algebra question, Principal Alexandra interrupts. She speaks over the tiny speakers suspended at the angle of the ceiling, addressing the graduating class.

"Good day, students, this is the principal. I have an important announcement to share. So listen very carefully."

The teacher stops his lesson and most of us pay attention. The rest, like me, use the short break to catch a breath from the math and confusing numbers.

"Your final tests will commence next month so the school board has decided to set out time to provide extra classes. Beginning next week, the seniors will have two extra hours of learning."

I hear muttering around me and I guess they're all frowning at this new development. I am not particularly ecstatic about it either but it will be very helpful in many ways than one. Other than the fact that I'll be going home late, it'll reduce the amount of time spent under the same roof with my odious old man.

"I shall also release the prefects of their duties. Any social activity in the school, you will not be participating for the sake of your exams."

"So no football practice?!" I whisper to Xian.

"Is that all you care about?" He whispers back. "If you pass the exams, you can play football as long as you want."

The announcement continues, "and of course, the extra lessons are compulsory for everyone, just in case you're thinking of skipping it."

The muttering increases. I might be one among many that will actually skip those extra lessons, but oh well, there goes my free time.

"Also, a board committee has begun organizing your prom night. The details will be announced soon."

Yay! A prom party organized by the school!

I wish I was that excited. From time past, prom night in this school has always been a drag. The seniors then never had anything thrilling to say about their prom. Mine won't be any different, with all their firm rules and regulations, no one actually cares about school prom nights.

What we actually call a prom party is the house party afterparty planned by the class jocks and punks. Nearly every typical factions of students are given an invitation – the rockers, the skater boys, the partiers, perhaps the loners, the class clowns, if there are stoners and drinkers, that's good. The more, the merrier. But the nerds and the teacher's pets don't get privileges like that, unless the rebels give their collective consent.

Normally, I'd be top tier invitee at the party if I didn't have more important things to do, and if Agnes isn't attending, why bother?

"This session marks the beginning of a new life awaiting you in the higher institution. I hope to see that this set beats past records in academic excellence. It's not enough to just pass through the school but to allow the school pass through you. This is the point where you ought to make the decisions for your life ahead and what path it will follow. It might not be easy from here on, but I believe we have prepared you for all life's challenges. Thank you and have a great day."

Such stimulating pep talk. Just what we'll need to gear up for the future of our lives.

The glitch in the background over the speakers cut, marking the end of her message. Our Math teacher proceeds with his class without further ado.

*

I study in the library till later. When most of the students have already gone home, I pick up my backpack and my books to leave at once. When I exit the school premises, I stumble into Rex.