Kerstin was the red-haired sleeping girl in my Econ class. No wonder she's so hyped right now, she had a recharge a while ago.
"So, first of all, welcome applicants! Don't get startled, this does not mean that there's no turning back in the app process, but we would appreciate it if you don't. Some of you are Legacies, some are Gems. The legacies are the ones who have a relative in the organization, whether an alumnus or a current member. We call the new faces as Gems, you're sort of the ancestor of your future family line in the organization."
Kerstin talked like she memorized it from a script. "Please feel free to interrupt me whenever you have questions or any concerns like Am I scaring you or something". You are.
The other members arranged seats for us and we sat while Kerstin continued orienting us.
I felt someone behind me, I turned around and saw Greg looking down at me without any humor in his face. What did I do? I looked around and realized none of them was smiling. They all had serious faces even Max, only Kerstin was smiling.
What the hell is happening? I'm panicking.
I really feel like I'm in danger right now and honestly, it's scaring the crap out of me.
Candice was oblivious to all of these, she was in awe while Kerstin was talking. I can't blame her, Kerstin was praising the Legacies, like they're sort of prophesied to join Alpha Anima.
I caught Anna's attention and she too was panicking. I see her fumbling with her hands and occasionally wiping it in her pants. She was nervous too. I looked at her as if saying 'What's happening?'. She shook her head no and gestured to listen to Kerstin.
"We will first divide you to Legacies and Gems. When called please stand. Candice Anderson, Mayla Reyes, John Reyes, Enzo Mirtaugh and Anna Valti. Welcome Legacies. Please take your seat in front."
My eyes widened. Anna's a legacy? I looked at her confused and I almost laughed because she too seemed lost.
We adjusted seats, the Legacies sat in front while I joined the others at the back. There was 3 of us who were 'Gems'.
"Gems please introduce yourselves."
I thought I would go first so I stood up ready to introduce myself but someone stood first. "Hi I'm not introducing myself because I don't want to join your stupid org", the guy said. He was balling his fists while talking. "You're all a bunch of spoon-fed royals who thinks so highly of themselves."
I gasped. None of the others did.
"Well sir, I will not correct you and if you think that way then there is no place for you in AA. Thank you for realizing it yourself. Max please escort him to the back.", Kerstin replied while smiling.
This is total shit. I'm starting to agree with the guy and I would like to protest too myself. I tried to stand to give them a piece of my mind but i felt a hand on my back.
Greg.
The movement caught Candice's and Anna's attention. They looked at me with a big NO written in their faces.
What the hell? I don't want to keep up with this BS. I tried to rein in my anger and annoyance while the girl sitting next to me introduced herself. She sounded like she's worshiping Kerstin.
"I'm Alanna Minerva, I'm just from the city. I'm a first year Law student and I heard a lot about AA, and it would be my pleasure to be a part of your organization. I believe this would help me in my career.", she smiled at everyone after her mini-speech. I decided i don't like her. I don't like people who turns a blind eye and swallows what the system is feeding them. For the first time I'm relieved no one was smiling at us. That meant, no one returned her smile.
I stood up. "Hi! How do I introduce myself?", I asked innocently. I really don't know what to say and I was sort of challenging them. Would they kick me out as well for not following orders?
"It's up to you. You can just say your name or you can say more about yourself", Kerstin replied while still smiling. Seriously woman, does your face not hurt at all from all that faking?
"Just a name then. I'm Jenna Eltsen". I sat down but changed my mind when I saw Max return from the back wearing a poker face. I remembered the guy a while ago.
"I change my mind. I'm Jenna Eltsen. Like War-goddess here, which by the way does not fit her at all, I am a 1st year law student", I said while pointing at Alanna. Some of the members faces morphed between a frown and a smile, it wasn't nice. They were fighting not to smile. At least I got a reaction.
"I took Law because I want change. I believe the judiciary alone has the power to change the system. When I say system, i meant those in power abusing, scaring and looking down at those who don't. Also, I hate fake people. I don't like it when people are forced to not smile and show any reaction, and most of all I hate those who smile but deep inside are basking in happiness by causing fear in people."
I deliberately chose my words. I have this desire to attack them and I just can't stop it.
"Let's see, I hate ceremonies. Oh I forgot, more than anything, I hate divisions and labeling", I pushed further with the taunting. I might be escorted out by now. Everyone's attention was on me now. Almost all of them were unable to hide their reactions. Some are shocked, some mouths were open, others are studying me from the top-down.
I think I should stop. Shit Jenna why do you have to push so far.
"I guess that's about it", I said. My confidence is slipping away. I sat down and waited for my judgement.
"Great! Welcome Alanna, and Jenna. I hope you Gems would continue and build your own legacies in the organization."
"You're not kicking me out?", I asked before stopping myself. You stupid stupid mouth.
"What? Why would you say that?", Kerstin replied. I can see she's stopping herself from throwing the microphone at me.
"Oh nothing, please continue."
"What about the Legacies? Are they not going to introduce themselves?", I said. I just realized I talked again. Do mouths come with a mute button? I'm seriously treading on eggshells right now.
"They need not introduce since they are legacies. They were destined to be a part of us. Now Ms. Eltsen can I continue?", Kerstin said it nicely but I hear annoyance in her voice. Ooops!
I was going to say more when I felt a hand on my back. Again.
Greg.
Alright alright I'll calm down.
"All of you would be filtered according to your performance in the organization. You have to get the signs of each member. The members have the choice if they'll give you tasks for their signature. By the end of the semester, you will have your final interview and your induction. So Applicants, we welcome you to Alpha Anima! May the Force be with you!
Then suddenly, all hell broke loose. The members roared and shouted.
I'm filled with the desire to escape. I felt like something really really terrible would happen if I continue here.
I felt a hand again in my back. Greg's.
