Dear Obsession

chapter 20

I've had a headache for about two days, and today it was much worse, especially since nobody in the student association room agreed on anything. The noise in there was the result of several disagreements about preparations we had to organize for upcoming school events, like Sports Day, the senior prom, the senior trip, and study visits that other grades would also do.

On one side were Tom, Jaz, Clarisse, and Tess working on the Sports Day project, while Marcus, Lylah, Rose, and I were looking for ideas for a new event for the epic Christmas season. Paul and Christian were still missing, but both were at hockey practice and couldn't make it.

"Guys, I have an idea!" When a light bulb went off in my head, I quickly stood up from the couch and moved to the center of the room so everyone would pay attention.

"What if for the Christmas season we organized a charity event? We could place containers in various school locations for students and teachers to deposit clothes or essential items, and put up posters on the walls for anyone who wants to volunteer to deliver them to people in need." Everyone listened carefully, and as far as I could tell, no one seemed opposed to the idea.

"Yeah, and we could try to get some organization to help us so we can also provide food and create a solidarity group with those who join us," Marcus replied, and everyone nodded in agreement.

"I think it's a great idea, that way we won't look like those stuck-up people who organize charity galas just to dress well and sip champagne," Jaz answered, shrugging, which made everyone laugh.

With that, we debated all the main points in detail, taking notes and doing lots of research to present the proposal to the principal and later to the school community. It was a very long process because we're all different with different opinions, which kept us inside the room for more than four hours. With exhaustion piling up in our bodies and heads, we agreed to meet tomorrow at the same time to talk with Paul and Christian and at least deal with the Sports Day issue, which seemed to be causing many problems.

I walked with Jazmine to the dormitory while we talked about the Sports Day drama.

"Honestly, I don't get it... Thomas never seems to agree with me! I know I can be pretty casual, but I take things seriously and have good ideas and arguments. I hate that he doesn't value me like that, you know?"

"I know it can be really hard when no one agrees, but those differences are exactly what we want in our list. You have to learn to listen to what others have to say and open doors to ideas that can overlap with yours at the same time," I said, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"And I also know it's easy to say, but put your pride aside and listen to each other and you'll see things start to move," I winked at her and she rolled her eyes.

"With that mushroom head, you won't get far, but at least tomorrow we'll be together and maybe it will be easier. Speaking of easier, I heard you and Jacob are getting along better now, don't you have anything to say about that?" I looked at my best friend, stunned.

"Jacob and I are just friends, nothing more. We had our disagreements but I think slowly we can be civil around each other," Jazmine said, laughing as she opened the dormitory door.

"I know exactly how that civilization will end."

"How?"

"In bed, babe."

I woke up more tired than yesterday, but I forced myself to get up and prepare for the meeting. I only took the piles of papers I used to take notes and impressions from last night to explain everything better.

Jaz and I didn't have class until later, so we weren't in a rush, but we agreed to go earlier because some had different schedules and sometimes it's hard to coordinate everything. It was pouring outside, so we hurried into the main building, walking through endless corridors toward our destination.