NOT THE ONLY ONES

3. WAIT WHAT?

I re read everything once again, their mails, my replies.

I really can't make sense of this.. what do they even need me for? I'm just a teen.

"Mallika? The school bus is here" my mom calls.

"Coming" I shout and haul my school bag over my shoulder, I pick up another carry bag and dump my laptop and training clothes into it.

Training... huff!

But training for what? They should have at least told me.

*****

"Good morning students, today we are here to discuss the things that we have been avoiding. You know what I'm talking about. In the light of past events organisations all over the world have started working. We are so glad that they've selected a young talented girl from our school as well, Ms. Mallika Jain. Come on dear" Principal mam says.

"Mallika go" Roma says as she nudges me forward.

I go to the stage and principal mam gives me a warm smile.

Geez please don't-

"Say a few words Mallika, let us know how you feel" principal says.

Mental facepalming.

"I.. err, I don't know what to say"

"Just a few words dear" she says handing me the mic.

Few words you say? But I don't know what to say? I don't even know what's going to happen or who's planning an invasion.

This is totally fucked up!

I guess it's better to speak truth.

"Hello guys, I really don't know what to say to you. I mean I don't know what is happening or what's the real deal about. All I can tell you is there's something big and dark and it's coming for all of us. We don't know what it is but it's dangerous, it cannot be stopped, it cannot be slowed, we have to face it.
Coming times are gonna be hard but we can face them, together. All we need to remember is to help each other and never forget our humanity"

"Wise words dear. What she says is true we shouldn't forget our humanity during this perilous times" Principal says.

Some students clap, some hoot and some yawn.

Goodness! They think it's a joke.

"Alright students, you may go back to your classes your teachers will escort you back" principal says.

I turn around to go too but she stops me. I look at her confused.

"I'd like to have a word with you" she says.

"Sure ma'am"

"I know you are scared Mallika and that's natural, I'm so proud of you. You put up a brave front by agreeing to help" she says.

"I don't know ma'am, I don't know what I did but something came over me. I'm scared, the fear of the dark and unknown is the scariest. I hope lord gives us the strength to understand and fight back"

"You speak so maturely. I'm glad we have you. Our future is safe in your hands" she says.

"I hope so ma'am"

"Me too, alright, I believe you have your training now I won't keep you from that. Please go ahead dear and take care" she says.

"Yes ma'am, thank you"