Lost Fools Who Dream of Stars

1

He is the first one to arrive. Again. Two years and counting in his college org, and yet he still can't get used to the fact that everyone else almost always comes in a solid hour after the set meeting time.

With a disgruntled sigh, he takes out a clean sheet of paper and lays it flat on the bench across the org room before writing:

Bulacan Creative Media Org

First General Assembly

(August 6, 2016, 2:00 pm)

1. Mark Francis Pulumbarit 2:12 pm

2.

3.

He narrows his eyes at his name, and considers changing it to his nickname, "Chubi" since that's what everyone calls him, but decides he's too miffed with everyone's chronic tardiness that he just keeps it as it is. As far as he can recall, there have been multiple attempts to address this issue within the org, including charging a 1 peso per minute late fees. However, that didn't last long because even the officers, or core staff, as they are called, are late themselves and won't bat an eye paying the fine since the late fees are used to fund their snack budget for the meetings.

Chubi settles on the long wooden bench, takes out his phone, plugs in his cheap earbuds and plays "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" movie he got from pirate bay a few days ago. Might as well catch up on some movies while waiting for others to arrive.

He's admiring the crude animation sequence of "Origin of Love" when other members arrive and tap him on his shoulder. He gives them his perfunctory smile before turning his eyes back to his movie. A few more minutes later and someone with the key to the org room arrives. Chubi pauses the movie and checks the time at the top of the screen. It's already 2:51 pm. He lets out a breath before stepping inside, sets the attendance paper on the desk at the front of the room, and leaves behind the freebie pen he got from Mercury Drug.

"I made an attendance sheet," Chubi says to no one in particular before heading to a chair at the back of the room. Almost everyone approaches the table at the same time. He takes out his phone to continue watching when someone hooks their arm over his shoulder.

"What's that? Movie?"

Chubi lifts his gaze and meets the sprightly eyes of McCoy Eusebio, BCMO's Executive Director. Beside him, catching a glimpse of his phone screen is Yano Geronimo, the Technical Department Head.

"Uhm, just an old movie," Chubi forces a smile.

"Whoa, you like old movies too?" Yano perks up. "I saw Memento last night and dude, it still blows my mind."

"Yeah, Nolan is the master of mindfuckery," McCoy agrees. "You should have seen his diagram for that one. It's fucking nuts!"

"How about you? Have you seen Memento?" Yano turns to Chubi, who's just silently listening to their banter.

"Uhm, not yet... But I heard it has two timelines or something..." Chubi scratches his neck.

McCoy rests both his hands to his shoulder and looks at him straight in the eyes, "Chubi, you have to see it. It's gonna change your life. Swear to God."

Yano gives a sagely nod, "Yeah, I'll give you a copy. I got it on my laptop."

"Are you guys ganging up on Chubi again?"

The three of them turn toward the soft yet firm voice of Hannah Mariano, Associate Director for Organizational Development. She's the org's second-in-command, next to McCoy, but everybody knows she's the one running the show.

McCoy lets out a little laugh, "Of course not! We're just discussing Memento. Ain't that right, Chubi?"

"Y-yeah," Chubi agrees.

"Don't forget to get your copy after the assembly," Yano calls out to Chubi, before walking away with McCoy.

Hannah moves closer to Chubi and asks in a low voice, "You sure they're not bullying you? Tell me and I'll scold them later"

Chubi's eyes grow large, before quickly shaking his head, "Oh no! They're just really friendly with me. Besides, I'm used to their antics, anyway."

Hannah nods in understanding. "By the way, thanks for the attendance sheet. Maybe I should entrust you with the key so you don't end up waiting outside too long."

Chubi quickly waves his hand. "Oh, no! The key—I'm not part of the core staff. Really, I'm fine waiting outside. Please don't worry about me."

"Okay. But if you change your mind, let me know. Besides, I know I can trust you," Hannah gives him an encouraging smile before leaving. Chubi sits back on his chair, still reeling from Hannah's offer.

"I'll just probably lose the key if she hands it to me," Chubi mutters to himself while watching Hannah make everyone settle down in their seats.

Time check. It's past 3:00 pm.

Hannah opens the assembly with a short prayer, then lets McCoy take the stage to share his vision for BCMO this school year. He introduces the leadership roster, with each core staff member explaining their role for everyone's benefit. Afterward, Hannah introduces the new BCMO members. The outgoing core staff conducted the new member screening over the semestral break as their final task before turning over leadership to the incoming core staff.

Six people line up at the front of the room. McCoy raises an eyebrow as Hannah checks the attendance sheet and whispers something to him. He rolls his eyes, and she discreetly nudges his side before inviting the new members to introduce themselves. As if on cue, the room erupts in cheers whenever someone states their name, treating each newbie like a celebrity. Given the rigorous screening process at BCMO—complete with a written exam and a practical test—these people certainly deserve cheer that rivals that of a celebrity's fan club.

However, the earlier fanfare pales in comparison to the almost rabid cheering from the boys for the last newbie. The new girl wears a loose shirt and straight-cut jeans, but her clothes do little to conceal her captivating beauty and voluptuous figure. "Hi! I'm Ruth Estrada," she introduces herself with a bright smile, revealing white teeth and dimples on both cheeks. "I'm a second-year student, and while I don't have a specialization yet, I'm pretty confident in my writing. I hope we can all get along!

"Are you single?"

"Do you have FB?"

"What's your IG?'

Almost every male member starts firing questions at Ruth. Hannah does her best to shush them, but Ruth raises both hands like a conductor, gesturing for everyone to lower their voices. Chubi's jaw drops at how effortlessly Ruth manages the commotion, though he catches a fleeting flash of irritation on her face just seconds before.

"I'm single. Never had a boyfriend. And yes, I have Facebook. Let's all be friends," Ruth says with another smile, though it's clear that her enthusiasm has noticeably waned.

"Then, are you open to dating?" Someone pipes in, setting off the cheers and whistles once again.

But before Ruth can open her mouth, the organization's heavy door slams open, drawing everyone's attention to the tall guy striding in, dressed in a disheveled black polo and black jeans, lugging a massive black backpack. He's not conventionally attractive like McCoy, but he exudes a quiet, brooding sex appeal that captures everyone's gaze. He heads straight to a chair near the door and sets down his bag. Hannah catches his eye and points to the newbies still standing at the front. He gives her a slight nod before moving in front of the line of newcomers. His deep, brooding eyes scan the room, which has fallen silent.

After a few short breaths, he clears his throat, and with a deep, resounding voice, he breaks the heavy silence in the air. "I'm Paco, and I will usher in the millennial golden age of Philippine Cinema."