The Universe In Her

Eleven: Jupiter

It has been months since Ethan and I talked to each other at the arts club room. Little by little, we became closer. Since we are on the same club, we have more time to hang out together.

As I was getting ready for school today, I decided to wear my favorite dress. I woke up feeling so great so I guess this day has something great in store for me. I am excited.

"Gabby! Mr. Carter wants to see you," Jake, one of my classmates, greeted me as I entered the room.

"What's the purpose?" He shrugged, "I don't know, but it seems like a good news."

My eyes widened. Am I hearing it right? From all I know Mr. Carter hates me.

I immediately went to Mr. Carter's office to greet him.

"Mr. Carter," I said and he nodded at me.

"Oh, Ms. Sanchez. Sit down," he said, "Yes, I wanted to talk to you about something," he then reached out for the pile of papers beside him.

He cleared his throat, "I did not really like the way you write, Ms. Sanchez. When you first submitted the required manuscript, there was something lacking but I thought that it can improve. That's why I called you on our first day and you gave me an excellent response," he paused as he scanned my works, "But you are improving, have you now realized your mistake?" he asked as if I already know answer to that.

He nodded, "Hmmm, Ms. Sanchez. If you try to compare your first work from your latest manuscript, I can say that you finally learning the art of writing but you have to work more," as Mr. Carter says those words, I remember my dad's advice. Oh is that what it is all about?

"Now," he grabbed two papers from his desk, "I was deciding our participant for the upcoming art exhibit, you have the potential Ms. Sanchez. I know it so I'm choosing you to represent our class."

I sat there with my mouth agape quickly covering it with my hands as I try to process it in my mind, this is so unexpected.

"Mr. Carter, thank you! This means a lot!" I exclaimed.

"Ms. Sanchez. I appreciate your talent and that's why I am choosing you. Oh, by the way," he grabbed another sheet of paper and scanned whatever it is written on it, "I want to remind you that every entry of poems needs to have a painting. This was such a difficult decision for me but I chose Mr. Jackson," he said while he was nodding his head, "That's it. Your works really complement each other."

My eyes widened as we heard a knock on the door. To my surprise, it's Ethan.

"Oh. Mr. Jackson, right on time! I have something to tell you guys," Mr. Carter said as he motioned Ethan to sit down.

Ethan nodded at me but I tried my best to avoid his gaze.

"Mr. Jackson and Ms. Sanchez, you have to come up with a new composition. A painting and a poem, of course. We are going to submit that for the upcoming competition," Mr. Carter said as if he's so confident with his decision.

"What?" I was so surprised to hear that but when I looked over to Ethan, he was so composed.

"Oh, I am sorry," I smiled, "So, Mr. Carter, what is the theme about?"

"All about space," he said.

I raised my brows in confusion, "Space," I muttered.

"Ah yes! You might be confused about it but the officers came up with a very unique idea. The clubs that will be joining in this competition are the Science Club, Graphic Arts, Theater and Arts Club. The members of the Arts Club also voted for you guys. There will be two couples from your club, the other will be Daniel and Selena," Mr. Carter explained.