Twin Rivers

Chapter Three: Academy Life

Three long years and things have changed. Still they were young but not without scars. Shortcomings were forgiven although not forgotten. And there was always the possibility of lessons repeating because they were never learned.

Dawn and Aldrich tried to cover up their yearnings for each other but their eyes always betrayed them. Thea was privy to all these things. But soon the whole senior class became wary of what was happening between Dawn and Aldrich, that now their every move was noticed although covertly, and every progress in their unfolding story was discussed by giggling girls and teasing boys along some secret nooks and corners of the academy. But these never reached the ears of the two. The corporate consciousness of the school only had respect for the two and anything harmful or demeaning was always promptly stopped before it could begin.

One transferee ventured to ask an old student, "I observed that most students show covert preference for Monteazul and Del Mar. Why?" To which the old student replied, "You talk too much. From henceforth observe. But since you asked, here's a list for starters: they're both geniuses, they love people, and they own half the town. And why covertly? Because they're true humans and don't want to be indulged. Don't you know that Hopper works side by side with his farmhands and that DC works in the packing house? They look like citizens of Olympus but not afraid to dress like beggars."

TAE KWON DO

As Captain of the Tae Kwon Do Club, Aldrich was in true form. Sporting his new crewcut courtesy of Sir Escovidal, the CAT Commandant, he led his team through the rigors of forms and excercises. After doing the last set of chagi or kicks he announced a break.

Kathryn sauntered through the gym towards where Aldrich was busy taping over a torn  on the punching pad.  The sweating boys looked at her with admiration, the girls with envy and sarcasm. She was wearing a pair of pink stretchable jeans and a body-hugging t-shirt that left almost nothing to imagination. If anyone had seen a goddess, then that was Kathryn Jameson. But nobody dared whistled with Aldrich around. Girls are to be respected, he would say.

"Hello Hopper."

"What brings you here?"

"Just want to be around."

"Then you know the dress code?"

"It doesn't apply to me."

"It applies to everybody."

"Why, can't you control yourself whenever you see my body?"

"It's you who can't control your body."

"Damn you, Hopper, then let me bare this for all to see. If you think that I'm a bitch . . ." But as she moved her hands to rip her t-shirt, Aldrich was already holding her arms. "Don't make a decision while in the heat of passion. It's either you make a mistake, or others will mistake you for . . . You're not sober, Kate. You smell of booze. Go home and take a shower."

He motioned to a female hu-bae, "Angela, please take her home. Use my Rover."

"Yes, Hopper." Angela caught the car key Aldrich threw towards her and secured Kathryn with the other hand.

"You can't do this to me, Hopper!"

"Right now, I am. And you better cooperate, Kate. I don't want you expelled, and I can also do that."