Get Along Well The Series

CHAPTER 6: Deep

CHAPTER 6

7 YEARS EARLIER

            Grade six! I cannot believe that I am one year away from graduating in elementary school. I have so many dreams to achieve. I want to be a teacher, lawyer, doctor, actor or author. Anything is possible as long as you have proper education. I am thankful for my parents because they really want what is best for me and they really enrolled me here in Blessed Infant Academy, a private catholic school. To be honest, whether private or public, it does not really matter because at the end of the day, my goal is to pass and graduate.

            Back in our orphanage, I used to study for free in a public school due to my academic excellence. I am scared because what if I won’t excel here? It’s a private institution so it’s like the best of the best is studying here. I don’t want to disappoint my parents.

            Well, I guess I have to strive harder this time. I will do my very best to return my parents’ hardship just to send me here.

            “Hi, I’m Jasmine Alcantara. You must be the transferee?” a girl suddenly talked to me.

            “Hello, yes I am. My name is Avery Riley Villaconcepcion, but you can call me Riley.” I answered.

            “Are you looking for your classroom?” she seems nice.

            “Actually, I am wandering around to familiarize myself to this place. But, yeah. I can use some help to locate my designated room.”

            “Great. I can walk you there.” We started walking from gate going to the building. “To be honest, I already know who you are.”

            “R-Really?” I am shocked.

            “Yes. I learned that you are one of the representatives from last year’s National School’s Press Conference. You won Best in Feature Writing, right?” I nodded. “See, so when our journalism club adviser knew about the news that you’re transferring here, she wants me to convince you join the school paper. You’ll be a great asset for us.”

            “Oh, I see.”

            “Everyone is friendly there. And don’t worry, I got your back.” She winked at me. Well, who does not want to have a new circle of friends on first day of school?

            For some reason, I was transferred over from Section B to Section A. So, Jasmine and I are not classmates. The teacher told me that my grades are qualified for Section A, the reason why they immediately transferred me over to the fourth floor of the building, where my section is located.

            I noticed that all the Section A from Grades 3 to 6 are located here in fourth floor. It’s like they really separated us from the other sections. Everyone is welcoming to me, or maybe because it is first day of school. The fangs and claws are not out yet.

            During lunch time, Jasmine brought me to the conference room where the journalism club is residing. I was introduced to Ms. Anastasia Castillo and she is very welcoming to me. According to her, I can join other clubs if I want, maximum of three. She stated that extra curricular activities has weight on our final computation of grades. So, it would be a great help for me if I maximized my chance to join two other clubs. The thing is I don’t know yet if I can balance everything. Knowing that journalism club is very busy specially during competition weeks, I might not join other clubs and focus on one.

            Or maybe I will, I don’t know, yet. I have the whole week to think about the other two clubs that I can join if ever.

            After I submitted my application form, I told them that I would take my lunch. As much as Jasmine wanted to eat with me, her older brother told her that he wants to go out with her and she cannot say no to the offer.

            To be honest, I am not hungry because my mom prepared so much this morning, so it feels like I already ate my lunch earlier during recess time. As I am walking the empty halls, I heard something from one of the classrooms. It seems like students are inside.

            “I told you earlier to give me your food on our recess time, where did you go that time huh?”

            “My mom prepared that for me, so I cannot let you eat it instead. Why don’t you just buy your own food?” his voice is cracking. I think someone is being bullied inside.

            “Now, you cannot get away with me this time.”

            “Hey!” I shouted to him. The bully is holding a lunchbox and I can see that his victim is scared. The student is chubby, which of course is scary. But, I am not, honey. Size doesn’t matter to me. Isn’t? “Give that lunchbox back to him.”

            “And who are you to told me that? Are you the son of the president or something?” Please, what’s with that banter, chubby?

            “No, I am not. But I can tell the president or principal that you are bullying someone on first day of school.” One of the things I hate is bullying. Like why do you express your dominance and power to someone you obviously know is weaker than you? What’s the catch?

            “They won’t believe in you. Don’t you know me?” Errrr, I don’t.

            “I don’t and I don’t care who you are.” I approached him and forcefully snatched the lunchbox and gave it to the owner. He went to my back looking scared. “It seems like you are rich and you can afford to eat lunch in the canteen, why are you bothering this student and insisting on eating the food his mother prepared for him? You’re really THAT hungry?” I emphasized the word that in hope to enlighten him something.

            “Why don’t you mind your own business instead?”

            “I can mind my own business but I chose not to because this kid is in danger. And your unlucky enough that I am outside, hearing your loud mouth. So, as a responsible student and because I have a good heart, I chose to help him get away with you.” I can’t deny that when I am encountering this kind of situation, my fierce side is showing. “What I hate the most is exerting dominance to the weak. You know that because you have the height and weight advantage, you can easily take advantage of him. For Pete’s sake, it is first day of school. If you are unhappy with your life, don’t drag innocent people to your misery okay? If you want homemade food, go and ask your mother to prepare something for you.” I gave him a sharp look before walking with the bullied.

            “And also, I’ll give you a friendly reminder. Bullying is a serious offense, it can stay on your school record forever. If you want to cause ruckus, join fraternity instead of wasting your parent’s money. You’re lucky that you can attend private school like this, not everyone is as privileged like you. Do better with life instead. Believe me, it’s more worth it.”

            We are walking outside while trying to calm down the student I just recused from the bully. As we walked our way to the door, I saw someone standing from the window. He looked at me without saying any words. I smiled to him and passed assisted the kid to the clinic to make sure that he did not suffer injuries or something.

            Thank God, Dexter did not suffer any bruise or wound from what happened earlier. He thanked me for what I did and I told him that if someone bothered him again, just tell me. Dexter is a grade four student actually and the bully is grade six student. I just hope that he learned something from my sermon on the room.

            My stay here in Blessed Infant Academy is filled with first time experiences. I was chosen to be a representative in the student encounter where all the invited private schools send their representatives for the said event.

            Aside from that, our school also participated in a festival contest and again, I was chosen to be a representative because I can play guitar. Although our school didn’t manage to win, the experience to perform on stage in front of a huge crowd is a surreal experience.

            So far, our preparations for the school press conference is going smooth. My club mates became my friends like what Jasmine foretold. They are friendly and they share stories too about their experiences from past contests that they joined. Apparently, I’m the only one who managed to qualify in a National level competition. Which is pretty scary because the expectations are high for me to deliver very well.

            Remember that I have two allowance for club participation? I joined the theatre arts club and music club and thankfully, the activities are not that much. Theatre club performs before the end of the school year. Our contests are from September up to November. Workshops starts in January.

            Music club performs during school programs and events. We also got the chance to meet some local artist and played with them on stage specially during the Academy Day where the school held a free concert for all the students.

            Thank God my parents are not strict with sleepovers. My friendship with Jasmine actually grew. I thought that she only befriended me because of the club but I was wrong. She invited me numerous times to her house where usually her parents are not around. He has an older brother which I must admit is handsome. Honey, the genes, it runs in their blood.

            She told me that she already knew about my gender the moment that I talked to her. I guess my voice really gave it away huh? Or maybe the way I talk and act? She is happy to have a gay friend because she told me that it is better than having fake girl friends which is by far, accurate. I’ve witnessed some girl fights in our section and to be honest, if it is just a petty fight, I chose not to engage myself.

            At first, I am struggling with the idea of attending a 6:00 mass every Thursday morning. We call it covenant mass and attendance is a must specially if you want high grades in your Christian Living subject. I’ve been elected as Worship Coordinator just because I grew up with nuns in the orphanage. My job as a coordinator is to lead the class during prayers and other religious activities. During Bible month, I became the delegate for the Bible Quiz Bee which I aced because hello, my expertise because living with them in the orphanage made me religious enough to almost read every story from the bible.

            The sisters from our orphanage actually accepted me for who I am. So, I guess there are still religious people who are open minded and not necessarily go with what is written in the scriptures.

            Back to my dear academy. I don’t know if it is my nature but I can easily befriend with everyone and actually, I am fond with my seniors. Some third year and fourth year students became close to me during the student encounter. I got to share my story to them and they can’t believe that I am vocal about my gender at a very young age. I told them that I don’t really care about what other people say, as long as I am not doing anything wrong, I am good.

            I know that one should not be ashamed about being gay. If that’s how you feel, then so be it. Other people can say anything but that’s the only thing they can do. You own your life and you should decide what to do with it. Just be yourself. It’s so much easier to live when you are not scared or locked up into something you are not.

            But of course, I cannot force anyone to come out. You know when the time is right, so don’t rush yourself. Take for an example, a caterpillar. That tiny little creature will undergo different stages to become a beautiful butterfly. So, be a caterpillar and slowly discover yourself until you feel like you are ready to spread your wings and fly.

              It's time to go home because our class just ended. My father told me earlier that he cannot fetch me because he has an emergency work and probably will be home by the evening. So, I volunteered to commute on my way home. I was passing by the parking lot when I saw a student holding a paper while being energetic. I assumed that the paper he is holding is the result of our recently concluded third periodical examination. Maybe he got a high score and excited to show it to his parents.

            Then, a car arrived. A lady in red dress and almost four inch heels got off the car. The kid approached the lady and showed her the white piece of paper. The lady kissed him on the forehead and instructed her son, I guess, to get in to the car. 

            The car window is open because a man is talking to someone on the phone, maybe trying to get some signal. After the call, the kid showed his paper excitedly but the father gave him a cold treatment. He then instructed the driver to continue driving. I can see on his face that he felt sad about the reaction of his father. The lady then came to the rescue and started talking to the kid. She is showing so much appreciation to his child while his husband is busy typing on his phone.

            Thinking about it, I realized that I am blessed to have a supportive, appreciative and caring parents. They don't push me too hard to study and I haven't heard anything from them if I got a low score.

            Or maybe because I haven't had a low score yet this year. Either way, I know they are not going to make a big deal about it and probably will be okay with that and not make it a big deal. I feel sorry to that kid.

            Two days later, our Physical Education subject came. I am excited because for the first time, our teacher allowed boys to play volleyball. Our teacher wants us to focus on our basketball skills but I guess he really noticed that some of us are not for that kind of physical contact sport. 

            Our teacher left us for a meeting because our intrams are approaching. We are getting our equipment on the stock room when suddenly I heard a commotion outside the room. I went outside to check what is happening and I saw Vincent and his friends ganging up with my gay classmates.

            "Playing a girly sport? You guys are really a fag." My friends cannot talk back to them because Vincent and his six friends are with him. 

            "And what about it, huh Vincent? Are you jealous?" I shouted while walking. They all looked at me and my friends went on my back like they are hiding or something.

            "Why would I be jealous with you fags playing a girly sports?" Ram shouted.

            "Then, if you are not jealous, then what is your reason for mocking us? And for the record, volleyball is not a girly sport. I assumed you don't know Bruno de Rezende, Sergio Santos, Yuta Abe and many more. They are famous men's volleyball players and they competed internationally. Many of them have kids and wife, since they are playing a girly sport, are they gays too?" I snapped back at them.

            They cannot clap back. Typical bully, when you slapped them with facts, it's over for them. "Still, you and your groups are fag. You can't beat us in basketball!" Vincent echoed. Based on his expression, he is really into fighting right now.

            "We may not beat you in basketball, but we are sure that you cannot win against us on volleyball." I gave them a sharp eye. "Wait, do you know Yolanda Griffin, Lisa Leslie and Sue Bird?" they didn't reply. "Well, they are famous basketball players and they are all women. If these women are playing your sport, so does that make basketball a girly sport too?" I lauded.

            "Gays!" They shouted at us and ran away. Don't mess with us, because I did not come here just to be a pushover and bullied. I will snap back if necessary.

            We resumed our agenda and picked up the equipment such as balls, net and scoreboard. We set it up in the side court where usually the volleyball games are held while the boys are playing their not girly sport. 

            I am the team captain of our team. I know that I probably will carry this team because all the strong players are on the other team. They said that I am skillful enough to carry the team and I am in the mood to be the hero for my team. But still, I will make sure that my teammates will have their moment to touch the ball.

            The net is not that high. It's not the same height as what high school and college players are using. It is just the right height for us. 

            We are enjoying our game and like what I said, I tried to pass the ball to my other teammates so that they can have the chance to attack the ball.

            I received the ball but my footwork is awkward so it is a bad reception. I made sure that it will be a high ball so that the setter will have the chance to set it for me. The downside of this play is that the blockers of the other team has the chance to prepare for their blocking stance since they know that I will be the one attacking the ball. I went for an approach and when the setter tossed the ball to my area, I approached it and jumped as high as I could to reach for it on the top of the net. I saw that there are two blockers but the blocker on my right side is shorter so I decided to attack it on that side.

            As soon as I hit the ball, it did not touch the blocker's fingertip so it went straight down the line. The point is ours. 20-19. We are ahead by one point only.

            My teammate served the ball and it went directly to the player playing the libero position. His receptions are good but the floor defense is so-so. Their setter then created a middle set for their middle attacker but one of my teammates is anticipating the attack already. He dug the ball and sent it to our setter. He gave me a signal for a combination play but I haven't mastered that play yet. Our middle attacker went for a fake attack and the blocker on the other side went for the bait. I then approached for an attack but I was so awkward with my take off that I decided to do a drop ball instead. I landed on the other side of the court but the point is still with us because it hit the ground first before I landed.

            After a series of plays, we are trailing the set 27-28. They are one point away from winning the game. They served the ball and I received it perfectly. I told our setter to give it to our opposite attacker since I've been doing the attacks during the rallies earlier. It will be a surprise to them. The setter then set it at the right side of our court and the blockers were fooled and tried to catch up for the blocking stance. Our opposite hitter fired his shot but the setter on the other team positioned himself so well that it went directly to his arms. 

            I signalled the setter to give it to me next. I am looking for the possible attacker and my eyes are glued to their opposite hitter. The setter's hands are fixed to the direction of the opposite side but I remembered that their blocker right now is their first middle blocker so there's also a chance that it will be given to him or do a combination play. I just positioned myself and tried to cover the down the line area.

            The setter gave a very long set so the possible combination play is out of the equation. I then fixed my arms to receive the ball because I didn't commit to the block for I was so busy with reading their actions. Then the biggest gagged happened. I thought he is going down the line but his arms went for a cross court. I watched the ball's direction and thankfully my teammate is also on his right position. But the ball's speed is so fast and I assumed is heavy so he failed to control the ball. It is going outside. I tried to catch the ball but I guess I am too late because it is already going to touched the floor.

Then, I was so shocked to see someone is running with me. He is faster than me and ultimately, he got the ball. I then went for the third touch to give a free ball. I helped him get up and then went back to our position. I am now looking again for the possible attack that they will establish. Their setter then sent it to the open hitter but the opener miscalculated his approach and the ball went straight to the net. We got the point. 28-all.

The downside of having many skilful players is that they have the tendency to overeager for the play. We won the next two point because of miscommunications. 

After our game, we then collected the equipment we used. I then congratulated my teammates for the game and I noticed a familiar face. The one who got the almost out ball is the same kid I saw days ago at the parking lot. He is helping me right now collecting the ball.

            "Hi. Nice reflexes huh. I thought that ball will be out but thanks to you, we got the point and eventually won the game." I told him while giving him a smile. He is walking with two volleyballs on his hands and put it in the bin.

            "I used to run a lot before. I guess I still have the skills in running." he smiled. So, he plays track and field? 

            "From what section are you?" We have two other sections playing with us right now.

            "I’m from Section B, Ms. Agnes’ advisory class. Maxim Peter Bustamante" He then grabbed the trolley bin and walked with me going back to the equipment room. So, he's from section B. “But you can call me, Peter.” He offered his hands. We shake our hands and then proceed with our agenda.

            “You said that you run a lot before, I assumed that you are a track and field player?” I’m curious because he is fast.

            He laughed. “No, I am not. Let’s just say that I was a troubled kid growing up and got engaged to a lot of fight. Running away from the security guards are my specialty.”

            “Ohhh, so you are not a nice kid way back then? You’ve changed I guess?”

            “Let’s just say that I want to change. I was scared before that if I will not be a bully, I will be bullied. But I realized that I need to stand up for myself and don’t be scared.” We are approaching the elementary building where the stock room is located. “Someone inspired me to not be scared of that change.”

            When he said those words, he looked at me. I don’t know why but I have a feeling that I know him. I am looking at him trying to remember where I see this familiar face aside from the parking lot area. Then, reality hit me when I recalled someone way back in first day of school.

            “Are you the student who heard us outside the room that day?” I said.

            “Yes. I am. You inspired me to be a better person. Which also the reason why I don’t hang out with Vincent and his friends.”

            That’s right. I felt that someone is missing from their g**g when I encountered them earlier. That’s when I realized that their original group has seven members then suddenly, they became six. I don’t really focus on their faces because most of the time, Ram and Vincent are the spokesperson of the g**g. Those two idiots.

            “Well, it’s not too late to change. Hopefully your ex-gangmates will change too. Vincent and Ram, that couple? I doubt that they will ever change.” I smirked. Due to the closeness of the two, sometimes I think that they are more than just friends.

            “How come you are so fearless and always claps back to your bullies?”

            “Well, it’s simple. Because I know I am not doing anything wrong. They are the tormentors so they are digging their own grave. I will be their grim reaper. Just kidding. I also understand that if you let other people bully you, they will just continue doing that kind. You need to show them that you are above them and sometimes pretend that your knees are not trembling. That’s how I started until I can fully defend myself without being nervous whatsoever. Pretend until you make it.” I narrated.

            “I am really curious. I’m sorry to ask this and you can refuse to answer. What made you...you know.”

            He is struggling with the final word. I think he don’t want me to be offended. I gave him a tap on the back. “It’s okay. How did I realize that I’m gay? I was asked like a hundred times already but my answer will always be the same. Because this what makes me happy. It makes me happy to play with girly games. It is awesome to hang out with girls than boys. I like the sweet smell of my cologne. I was born flexible. I’m fierce and talk a lot like a girl. If these traits make me gay then I’m gay.” We reached the stock room. “Usually, I don’t clap back. I will only banter for quite while and then move on. Pay them no mind. But what makes me angry to push my bitchy side is when they are using my sexuality as an insult which is not right. Thank heavens I was raised by open minded people in the orphanage so I know that it’s okay to be gay. But what about the other kids who are afraid to come out of the closet because they are scared of the stigma that these bullies are keep on planting on their minds. I need to set as an example to them. Not to come out immediately but to slowly accept that there’s nothing wrong with being who you are.”

            “Are you going to join Miss Universe or something. That’s the winning answer for me.” He lauded.

            “Silly. You asked me, I answered.” We are putting the things back to where it was placed earlier. “It’s already lunch time, you want to join me?”

            “Sure. I brought my lunch. I’ll share it to you.” He offered.

            “No need, but if you insist.” It’s free food, okay? Of course, I won’t reject the grace from heavens.

            I went to the counter to choose what will I eat today. I then chose fried chicken, fried rice and two pieces of longganisa. When I went back to our place, I saw Peter laying his food and I was quite surprised because it’s like a buffet. Well not really buffet, I might exaggerate a bit but his box has five division. He brought fried rice, pork caldereta, hotdogs, egg omelette and fruits.

            “Is this your normal lunch?” I asked him while placing my orders on the table.

            “No, the hotdogs and omelette are my recess but I forgot to eat earlier because I had to finish my notes.”

            “I see. Well, then let’s eat.” I sat in front of him and he offered me to dig in to his lunch. I really want to ask him about what happened in the parking lot but I don’t want to ruin this nice moment. I don’t want to be insensitive. It’s our first day to meet and I don’t want to ruin his impression to me.

            “You saw what happened in the parking lot right?” he asked out of no where. I was about to swallow the food but I was stunned because of what he said. I looked at him feeling guilty.

            “H-How did you know?” I returned after consuming my food.

            “I saw you from our car, I assumed that you saw what happened.” He answered.

            “A-Are you okay?” I don’t know if I should say sorry because that is unintentional okay. I was just passing by when I saw what I saw.

            “Yeah. For the first time I felt proud because I got 90 on my exam without cheating. It’s just one subject but I worked hard for that. I guess my dad wants me to put more effort with other subjects.” He replied. I can still remember the look that he had when his father didn’t even bother to look on the paper he is holding. “I want to prove him that I am not the rebellious Peter anymore. I want to change for the better. I know my progress is slow because I am having a hard time catching up with our lessons. I just wished that he could appreciate these tiny improvements that I am having.”

            I don’t want to be that superhero on the movies but I felt something within me saying that I should say something that may help him. “You want me to help you with your studies?”

            He gave me a surprised look. I smiled back. “W-Why would you do that?”

            “I don’t know. Maybe I am too bored to study on my own. I think it is a good idea to help you since I have a lot of free time.” I explained.

            “I mean I’m down to that but how to I repay you?” he asked. Well, I have something on my mind.

            “Just treat me with food, I am okay with that. This caldereta is so good.” Nothing beats my mom’s cooking skills though. But I must admit that they have a great cook. The pork meat is tender and flavourful.

            “Deal!” I can see the excitement on his face. Studying alone is boring enough for me since Jasmine is fully committed with the school paper. Aside from that, she has her tutor class, so she barely got the chance to hang out with me. I don’t want to do tutor classes since it takes a lot of money and we are not that rich. Besides, I can manage to obtain high grades on my own. My previous school taught me a lot of things that we are currently discussing. In short, I have background knowledge because we are advanced in my previous school.