What If...

18: Redeeming Alex

Today's the moment of truth. This is the time I have to settle matters regarding this campus scandal involving Alex and Rina.

I never had enough sleep as I prepare for this meeting. I made a statement assuring the innocence of Alex in leaking the video online, contrary to the allegations made by my PR team against him to appease Mr. Elizalde and his ambitions for public office. Although I made a living preparing statements for damage control and all that, this was totally unique. First, this was my entire fault. If I haven't raised the idea of blaming Alex for spreading this scandal, then this wouldn't have happened in the first place. Letting the issue die down was just enough to end this online spectacle, but I was careless to point the finger to my vessel to clear Rina. Second, I never expected to be literally in Alex's shoes. When I suggested this move, never in my wildest dreams will I envisage to be in his body. Now that I'm using him as my vessel, I'm carrying the burden from the repercussions of my actions. I'm sure Mercer is smirking like a dastardly villain about my current situation. She definitely knows about this and intentionally placed me in Alex's body at a time that he has to face the music regarding this turpitude. I will make sure I can pull this off and redeem Alex from this embarrassment.

I carefully prepared my statement as to ensure that Alex is innocent from having the video out in the open. I carefully chosen the words as to make sure it's coming from a 17-year old student rather than a 39-year old professional. Then I started to read it to make sure it would sound right when I deliver it in the meeting. Upon reading my testimony, I realized that despite the choice of words, I still find the message structured and lacking sincerity. It's like I'm reading a script that doesn't connect with me and to the public. So I decided to scrap the entire message and jotted down some pointers in a Post-It Note. Having an outline of what I will say is just enough so that my thoughts won't be scattered. At least I can say my piece with utmost sincerity, which would reflect in the words that I would utter later. After making this simple outline, I realized that it's already 6AM. I wasted so much time making something structured and detailed! I just fathomed that being simple and sincere is what matters most at this time. I need some shuteye in order to refresh my mind and set aside my anxieties for later.

After having a few hours of snooze, I took a shower and prepared for this school meeting. I decided to wear a shirt, black jeans, blue sneakers and his varsity jacket with the school's colors (old rose and white) which I found in his cabinet. After dressing up, I headed downstairs just in time for lunch.

As I headed to our dining table, Tess was already there and prepared our lunch. She was also dressed for the occasion looking smart with her cream blazer and pants, navy blue top and pearl necklace that complemented her loose curls. While were having lunch, the ambiance was eerie with this deafening silence throughout. We were waiting for each other to speak about what will transpire in school, but we both kept mum. We are both anxious of who will talk first, as I can see that in her eyes, as much as she can see that look too in my eyes. This period of dead air persisted until we finished our meal and headed to our vehicle. We were still hushed up in the van until Tess broke her silence midway in our journey.

   "My son, I know this is difficult for you. I'll always support you no matter what," Tess consoled me while driving. "We will find a way once you apologize to the school board about the video leak."

   I looked at her and promptly replied, "Mom, I'm not gonna apologize for spreading the video. In fact, I'm gonna deny it!"

Upon hearing that, Tess stepped on the brake so hard that we made a full stop in the middle of the road. She was surprised at my sudden change of stance with regards to the issue. Good thing we stopped in the middle of a side street rather than the highway. Otherwise, we could have been in another accident from that careless impulse to stop.