The Theory of Love and Fate

Chapter 1

New school, new life, and new challenges. Some of the new sparkling things I don't ask for in this life. It's always unexpected, unpredictable and unplanned. How can I react to such circumstances that I am not accustomed to? Let's say I'd rather stick to routine than surprises.

"That's all! Thank you for listening!", she said, ending her opening speech. I used to do that to all of my schools I've attended. I was always the top notcher and now I landed on second. Surprisingly. She gave me one of her glittery smiles, the kind that if you stare too long, you'll get blind. I merely raised a brow. I'm not bitter at all. She's just too annoying. That red ribbon on her head is even more annoying.

She sat next to me. "Hi, I'm Hailey Belen", she chirped, extending her hand towards me expecting me to shake it. I merely looked at her hand and then her. Hailey's smile never faltered, and I know for sure she's just trying to annoy me more. "Marcus Kirkland", I sneered, teeth grinding in repulsion. She merely laughed. A mocking laugh. Fuck.

"What school were you from?", she queried. I merely looked before me, looking at everything except her. She waited for my answer, leaning in towards me. I can see it from the corner of my eye. I shrugged, slid down a bit on my chair and stretched my long legs. A clear indication that meant I don't want to talk to her.

"Are you really that bitter?", she finally said, and I raised my brow at her this time.

She didn't know what I went through when my parents knew I was in second. They said I should keep my shit together if I want to be as good as them in the future. They barely talked to me when they found out about the results. The result that I fucked up because of that one question I messed up. It was one mistake and I was so close. "No, I am not bitter", I managed to say, my voice monotone and calculating. The last thing I need is drama.

She frowned, "I'm just trying to befriend you, geez". I don't need your friendship. I don't need friends that'll distract me from my studies. Instead of a snarky reply, I merely snorted. Action speaks louder than words, they say. And it did made her shut up for the rest of the ceremony.

As soon as the short ceremony ended, we were herded towards our rooms for a short briefing. I was secretly hoping we won't be sharing a classroom, though that's a long shot since we'll probably be in the special class.

We stood in the hallway, waiting for our homeroom teacher to give our seating arrangements. I was busy fumbling with the cellphone charm Lucy made me while the rest of the students mingled. Lucy is someone I can call best friend. She's currently in Russia, in her ballet scholarship program. I really miss my best friend.

"Hi, I'm Ms. Anna Garcia, your homeroom teacher", a gentle voice chirped. I looked up and wow, she looks so young. She had a nice smile, light makeup, and neatly styled short hair. I caught myself staring before anyone notices, so I look back down to my shoes.

She called the students' name, one by one, clearly giving them instructions on where to sit. I wasn't really paying attention. Instead, I found a more interesting game to do. Count the freaking ants crawling on the wall. Shut up, I'm boring sometimes. I was in my 156th ant when she called my name, motioning to a seat at the back. It seems the lowest in the top 20 sits in front. Ah well, there goes my perfect view of Ms. Anna.

I sat where Ms. Anna asked me. It was near the window, just one seat away. It was good. I like staring at windows when I half listen to class. It always give me the power to escape reality. Fuel my imagination, as they say. It could've been better if I was sitting in that vacant chair instead.

Then, the first placer what's her face comes in and sits. I just realized she'd sit there. Great, she takes everything from me, now what the fuck will I stare at in class? I looked to my right and I saw a horrifying fat boy with armpits leaking like the enchanted river. I looked in front and I can see just hair, ombre effect from hair growing from the dyed part. If I stare at Ms. Anna, she'll have me reported. And that's just pain creepy.

"Hi there, seat mate", she called, her voice mocking me. Again. I tried to ignore her but she kept on pestering me. It's so hard to focus on the teacher if what she's talking is boring. Very boring. It's commonly about school rules, schedules, and uniform codes. Something you'll see in your school book anyway.

"Are you still angry I get to talk in the crowd? Are you so butt hurt you lost to a girl? Must be tough, we only had like...what, .5 difference?", she continued, and I balled my hands to fists. She chuckled, continuing in about how women are superior than men.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP", I snapped, and everyone turned to me. Great. How fucking lovely and it's literally the first day of school. Ms. Anna dropped the marker and her eyes welled up. Shit. She thinks I was talking to her.

"Ms. Anna, I'm sorry, it's just that Girly-", motioning to her.

"Hailey", she corrected with a frown.

"Whatever, she was annoying me so please don't think it was you. It was because of Miley", I apologized. "Hailey", she growled, correcting me again.

Ms. Anna wiped her tears and acknowledged me. She's really sweet and fragile, I should really be careful of what I say to her. "Go outside, you and Ms. Hailey, hold hands till you're both friends again", she shakily commanded. Maybe not too sweet, just stupid.

We followed, frown plastered on our faces. We had to hold our hands every time Ms. Anna sneaks a look to check on us. I sneak a look at Hairy? Miley? What's her face, and she seems more familiar now. I don't know, she kinda looks familiar, the longer I look.

The briefing ended and Ms. Anna asked us to follow her to the principal's office. I look calm on the outside but I'm freaking out inside. What a great way to start the school year.

She opened the door and the room felt lighter, despite the mahogany furniture used. Everything was in order and neatly organized. A paradise to look at, for someone like me. The man with greying hair sat on a tufted leather executive chair, a book about spiritual growth placed in his stubby fingers. He looked up and smiled at us, "What can I do for you?".

Ms. Anna motioned us to come closer, so we did. "Mr. Reyes, I was wondering if the student council positions for president and vice president is still vacant", she inquired, her voice soft. The principal smiled, "The temporary slots? Yes, they're still vacant, what are you implying?". I furrowed my brow in confusion, isn't this supposed to be voted on by student body? I really don't know how things go in highschool.

"I was wondering if you'd put these two in the council. They have good leadership skills and troubleshooting skills, based on their exam scores", she added. The principal looks confused too, probably on the same page as me. "They were arguing in the briefing session earlier and I was wondering if I can use the council as medium for them to get along?", she smiled sweetly. I blinked. Now I have to work with her every single day after school? Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

I was too distracted by Ms. Anna's ridiculous request that I didn't follow much what they were talking about. I can see that Ms. Number 1 is also as shocked as I am.

"Very well, seems interesting, so if they fail to manage the whole school, they fail your subject? Alright, seems fair", the principal said. What the f-fudge. "Okay, so Hailey's the president, Marcus is the vice president", Ms. Anna chirped. What the fucking fudge. They shook hands on it and they briefed us.

They ushered us out and now we're standing dumbfounded. Well I am, she's grinning like she just received a golden ticket. "You're my servant now", she smiled. I looked at her, towering her a bit, "We'll see about that".

Oh, it is on.