True Colors

Chapter Three: Gold

               Lunchtime came and I really just want to go home. I picked my bag up and walked out of the room. I kept walking on a steady paste until I reach the building’s entrance. As soon as I stepped out, I felt a cold familiar feeling on my body. Someone spilled something on me. It’s not wet. I looked at my clothes and shoes… I’m all covered with this white powder; I’m guessing its flour. The students who witnessed what happened started to laugh. I looked around. They are taking photos and videos of me. They’re having fun out of my misery. They are all devils. I hate them; and I hate everyone here.  To be honest, I can’t feel anything anymore. I just started to shake the powdery substance off my shoulder and body. I wiped my face using my Mom’s damp hanky and just walked away like nothing ever happened. I went straight out of the school grounds and hailed a taxi. I nimbly got in. The taxi driver looked at me using the mirror; amused and curious at the same time.

                “Is everything all right, child?” he asked. “What happened?”

                “I’m fine, Sir,” I replied; forcing a smile to hide all my pains and worries inside. “I just got into a tiny accident.”

                “Oh. Really? That’s quite unfortunate.”

                UNFORTUNATE… UNLUCKY... That’s probably the exact word to describe my existence. I took off the taxi as soon as we arrived. The security guard on duty was perplexed when he saw me. I just ignored his reaction and then, walked past him. I headed to the elevator. My flat is on the fifteenth floor. I entered the flat and dropped my bag on the sofa. I was struck frozen when I saw Mom’s room. Tears started to roll on my cheeks. It started from silent crying to sobs. My knees fell to the floor. I miss my Mom. Then I just laid myself there. Then, I fell asleep.

                I’m sinking slowly in the depths of the waters. I’m terrified but I opt to be there rather than the surface. I closed my eyes. Suddenly, I just felt someone or something grabbed me by the arm and then, pulled me out of the water. I can now hear the birds in the sky. I can feel the warmth of the sun. There’s music playing from afar. I opened my eyes.

                Darkness…

                I can feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. I can hear my alarm tone. I took my phone out of my pocket. I looked at the screen. It’s already seven in the evening. It’s time to prepare dinner. I usually sleep when I arrive at school and wakes up at seven to prepare food. I sat down and set the alarm off. I just realized I haven’t changed my clothes yet. I stood up and went straight to my room. I stopped near the door to feed my pet fish. It’s a fighting fish that I usually talk to. I took a towel and went straight in the shower. I then went to the kitchen to prepare food; spaetzle. My mom used to cook this German dish when I feel sad. Until now, it makes me feel better even though Mom’s not around anymore. My mind started to drift away while I’m eating. I guess I will be expelled from school tomorrow. Maybe I need to find another school to study at. Maybe that’s better for me… to have another beginning. A smile painted on my face. Indeed, everything will be alright.

                I went back to my room after eating and washing the dishes. I took the manga out of my bag and started to read. I placed it on the nightstand and went to bed when I started to feel sleepy. Chad’s warning suddenly came into my mind; it echoed like crazy. “You’re gonna pay for this.”

                I’m hoping that tomorrow would not be as bad as I imagine.

                I opened my eyes and checked the clock. It’s six in the morning but I’m not in a hurry. I still have plenty of time. I got out of bed after a few more minutes and then I prepared myself to go to school. I know I have to do this alone. My Mom’s spirit is forever by my side. She won’t let anything bad happen to me. I believe that.

                I went straight to the room and left my bag to see the School Director. Chad and her witch-looking mother with their bodyguard are already in there when I arrived.

                “Have a seat, Mr. Gomez,” the School Director said. I quickly followed. Chad’s mother looked at me from my head down to my foot. I felt small.

                “You did the wrong choice of hurting my son,” she said; its calm but I can feel the anger in it. I just kept quiet and avoided her stare.

                “Where are your guardians?” the School Director asked me. I don’t what should I say.

                “Now, I understand,” Mrs. Dela Torre commented. “Irresponsible parents; irresponsible children.”

                I really want to defend my Mom but I’m aware that this is not the right time for that. It’s like throwing more fuel to fire.

                “Uhhm…” I started to talk but I can’t say even a single word. It might because of the situation right now. I’m terrified. The School Director raised his eyebrows; impatiently waiting for me to say anything.  Chad is smiling all the time. He seems to be enjoying my moment of living hell. If only I could punch him for one more time.

                “Mr. Director,” a voice came from the intercom on his desk.  “Mr. Gomez’s guardians are here. They’re coming in.”

                “Finally,” he murmured sarcastically. I’m confused. Who are these guardians??

                The long wait was over when the door swings open. The people entered and they looked around the room. I quickly looked at them. A tall handsome man with blue hair and a pretty woman. They looked at me. Are they really my… guardians?

                “So, I believe you’re the guardians of Eliah,” the School Director said; observing them.

                “Yeah, I’m his older brother.” The man introduced himself. He’s my brother??!! That’s amazing! Dad did mention that I have siblings from other mothers but who is he among them? My forehead furrowed by my confusion. “What seems to be the problem?”

                He speaks like a sophisticated person.

                “The problem is…” Mrs. Dela Torre butted in. “Your brother acts like a street rat! He has no proper breeding at all. But by merely looking at you; I understand why.”

                I felt more like a lesser person. I’m sorry for him because he has to be dragged to my messy life.

                “I’m not talking to you, old lady,” my brother replied fiercely. Everyone was surprised with what he said.

                “Your brother punched his classmate,” the School Director explained. “Mind you; we don’t tolerate this kind of action.”

                “I’m fully aware of that,” my brother responded. There’s no hint of fear in his voice. She doesn’t know Chad’s family and what they can do. I wanna tell him but I just can’t move. “However, did you even bother asking my brother the reason behind his action?”

                “Regardless of-“

                “There is no such thing as “Regardless”, Sir Director. He’s like a lion behind the bushes, ready to attack. He is terrifying. “We have a due process; or are you just being too biased?”

                I saw the change on the School Director’s face. He did not like my brother’s comments. Mrs. Dela Torre rolled her eyes out of disbelief.

"Okay, then," the School Director finally said. "So, Eliah.”

"S-sir?" I responded, shocked.

"Why did you punch William?"

William? Ah... William Chadwick is actually Chad's full name.

"He is bullying me," was my poor response; reluctant to tell the truth.

"What?!" the witch's violent reaction. "LIAR!!!

Fear returned to my chest.

"Then, let's ask your son." My older brother groaned.

"Is it true?" the Principal asked Chad.

"I'm sorry," was Chad's only response as a confession. It’s surprising but I’m thankful for his confession.

"But the point is he hurt my son!" Mrs. de la Torre argued. "I want him out of this school.”

“Let me remind you of all that I did for this school!" Mrs. Dela Torre said using that old dirty politics.

"Don't do it," I begged.

"I'm afraid that it's the only thing we can do," the School Director agreed. I was shocked at what I heard. Chad and his mother are smiling like possessed by a demon.

"Is that so?" my older brother’s question. He seems not affected by the Principal's decision. "That would be good."

"Kuya- (an honorific by younger siblings to an older brother)" I would try to talk. He looked at me; eye to eye. I was stunned. There was a coldness in his eyes. "So, my brother can't mingle with-uhm…"

He looked at Chad.

"Peasants," my older brother continued. I was shocked at what he said.

"What did you just call us?" the angry Mrs. Dela Torre asked.

"I'm wasting my time." He ignored them. HIS COOL!

"HOW DARE YOU INSULT US?!!!"

Suddenly Mrs. de la Torre approached him and immediately slapped him hard. I'm scared of what's going on. I wish I hadn't beaten Chad up.

"WHY YOU, OLD WITCH!" was Kuya's reaction. There was a fire in his eyes. He was about to attack her; Mrs. de la Torre screamed in fear. But the bodyguards blocked him faster. The witch laughed again.

"You don't know me," Mrs. de la Torre laughs. Now I’m really convinced how powerful they are. "I'm Serafina de la Torre; the President of the High Towers. We're untouchable."

Suddenly Kuya was frozen. Now he knew how powerful the demon was before us.

"So that's your brother's attitude. You're not being a good example," commented by the School Director. My brother then just fixed his clothes. What is he thinking? I still couldn't see the fear on his face; not even little.

"So, that's how you show power?" Kuya asked Mrs. Dela Torre. "I'll show you what real power is."

"And what can you do?" still laughing with her insults. "I dare you."

He just then pulled his phone out of his pants’ pocket. Everyone was watching him. Looks like he’s about to call someone.

"Hello, yeah ... I need you to look inside my drawers. Look for the files for High Towers Company... I want you to cancel the deal and withdraw 100% of our shares... What? Bankrupt? So be it. Reason? Tell the president. This is what real power is."

Kuya dropped his phone. I do not understand what he did but suddenly Mrs. Dela Torres' phone rang. She immediately took the phone out of her expensive bag and looked.

"What's going on?" she asked. She looked at me then at my older brother. "Who are you really?"

Then he took something from his wallet and pulled something out. It looks like a business card.

"I'm Prince Jasper Gomez, CEO, and President of Goldwire Industries." He introduced himself once putting a business card on the table. Both of the School Director and Chad’s Mom has these shocked faces. I have no idea what is going on. "No one messes with any of the Gomez's. I'll withdraw my brother from this place. He will be transferred to Montecillo High."

"M-Montecillo?" the startled question of the School Director. I was even surprised. That's because it’s one of the most expensive schools here and really where the elitists are studying. Who is he really? My brother then sat next to me. "What happened here? It will be published in the newspaper tomorrow."

"Please, Sir. There's no need for that," the director begged. He suddenly became kind. Surprisingly… He rolled her eyes.

"I'm done here," my brother said. I looked at him as he took my hand and pulled up. "Let's go."

I did not refuse and went with them. We were near the door when my older brother stopped.

"I forgot something," he once walked back. He took the mic from the table and hit a switch before hitting another button. A familiar tone echoed through the school's speakers.

"ANNOUNCEMENT DEAR STUDENTS," he announced. "This is Prince Jasper Gomez; brother of Eliah… The High Towers have fallen. And if you ever have the guts to mess up with my brother… or still have the plans to mess with him again. You’ll have the same fate."

Again he pressed the red button with a tone that signals the end of the announcement. He returned the mic to the table and walked towards us. He hugged me. "Let's go; brother."