Fallen Altair

Beginning and End

“Take the risk or lose the chance forever.”
     Huh. What is even there to risk for? Well, it was only a random video from TikTok anyways. Is it logic? a contradiction? or— is it merely a statement?
     I could feel my neck in sore— on a few minutes of traveling my thoughts to the vastness of my own world full of questions and overflowing ideas— that won’t allow each other to conquer the unending battle. So then I decided to remove my right hand from my jaw and leaned my head sideways for it to at least rest.
     Two eyes were fixed at mine. I immediately looked away— ‘too awkward’, that’s what my mind was indicating. The sun  clearly bestowed light through my skin, it was at its peak— blazing yet cozy. However, not as cozy at someone’s gaze. It was enough to make my self bury in embarrassment.

     “Lose the chance or take the risk? Choose, Miss Manzano. Since you seem to be spacing out from my class.” Shocked as I might be, I removed the direction of my head away from the window and stood still— fixing my specs as I was about to utter the words.
     “What is even there to risk for? I do not know. If risk would come to me— then so be it. I would allow risk to consume the depths of my thoughts, and take the chance to conquer the risk itself to make it lose its way from me.” There, I did it. Nervous as I was— I still fixed my composure and focused my attention towards our mentor— who seems to be in awe— carrying a chalk on her right hand.
     “O...kay, It’s quite confusing but has sense in some way. So then taking the ri—” Miss continued to relay her lesson again— while I was stuck on what just happened. Coincidence?

     I was busy minding my own business when someone shrugged my shoulder. I looked back, obviously, and— it was Kizeya.
     “Hey, Shin! What’s your lunch?” Her smile can possibly rip her mouth— hyper as she has always been. I shook my head, slightly embarrassed by her loud voice. We’re at the hallway for pete’s sake!
     “Lessen your volume can you Kiz?” I rolled my eyes and fixed my specs as it was slightly twisted.

     “Let’s grab lunch together later, okay?” She whispered and immediately ran— an errand from our teacher perhaps.
     Kizeya has been my close friend since third grade until now— in senior high school. Second to the last year of senior high to be exact. Despite the school works required— I admit that these past few years was undeniably fun and full of memorable experiences.

     I continued my business— setting sight at the vast skies carrying a pigment of azure and its white hues that added a cozy ambience towards the bestowed light from the blazing near-summer’s sun. I reached the pocket of my skirt in a pencil style— basically, our uniform. Finally, I got a hold of my handkerchief— I nearly forgot I had one not until I felt a watery consistency coming from the sides of my face.

     “Alt! stop standing there and let’s grab a bite!” I heard Kursza— also one of my acquaintance, called me. Oh, I didn’t noticed. I was lost at thought, again— it was a vacant time anyway.
     “Yeah, be right there!” I slightly yelled back.
     “Were your feet not sore enough to stand there for about how many minutes?” Carri— also one of my friends, said.
     I shook my head. “Nah, it was quite serene.” And continued eating my lunch.

     “Just a reminder everyone, tomorrow— our class will be the one who will lead the flag raising ceremony, okay? Be on time.” Our adviser said, well— we’re already prepared ever since she announced it last week. Everyone nodded and got back to their businesses. Some were even practicing their dance exercise— typical high school flag ceremony indeed.

     “Altair?” I heard my adviser. Jezz, I thought I can escape this. I let out a heavy sigh and faced her.
     “Yes, ma’am?” I gave her a small smile with a questioning look.
     “You don’t have a part yet, do you?” She asked, and— my intuition was right.
     “No ma’am.” I replied, though I already know where this will be heading.
     “Can you do me a favour to be the master of ceremony for tomorrow? I’ll be at your back, I promise.” She said. I have no other choice, any way— this is still an opportunity to show what I got as a Humanities and Social Sciences student.
     “Sure, ma’am I’ll do what I can do to meet your expectation.” I politely said.