Bracelet of Beauty

Chapter 7: Scholar

Being able to attend a prestigious school is a privilege in the Philippines. The tuition fee in this type of school is expensive, and most students who attend a prominent school come from wealthy families. However, there are still some middle-class students, and a few scholars are also accepted. Scholarship grants are provided to students that possess either exceptional intelligence or talent. This opportunity has limited slots and an interview is conducted to assure that the most deserving student receives the scholarship.

Being a scholar has several benefits. First, there is no need to pay the tuition fee to the school. Second, a monthly allowance will be given. Third, free meal from the canteen. Fourth, the right to access the school's facilities for training. Lastly, a cash prize is awarded whenever the student competes and wins.

One of the lucky students to receive a scholarship is Angelo Diaz. He has average intelligence but his skills in photography are astounding. One of his photos was able to win first place in a national competition. He came from a poor family but his father, Mr. Florence Diaz, wanted to give Angelo a chance to have a great education and be able to study in a prestigious school.

"Angelo, are you excited? We are going to meet the principal today." Mr. Florence said while they are walking to the location of the school.

"Yes, Father. I am excited and nervous at the same time." Angelo replied.

"Why are you nervous? You will be able to study in the most expensive school in this town. This is a rare opportunity, Angelo. Not everyone is given the chance to have a scholarship and because of our status in life, we cannot afford the expenses without it." Mr. Florence was curious.

"Well, I am really grateful to have a scholarship but I am nervous that my classmates will isolate me because I am different from them," Angelo said.

Mr. Florence paused and started to think of a way to enlighten Angelo's mind.

"You know, Angelo, sometimes being different is good. It means you are not mediocre. You can do something amazing and unusual just like your skills in photography. Having a talent like yours and a prestigious school to nurture your skills and intelligence can give you a bright future. Do not waste this opportunity just because you are intimated by the wealth of your classmates. Focus on your goal and that is to have a good education. I have nothing to offer as an inheritance but I am willing to support you in gaining access to knowledge and your passion in photography. Moreover, a person's wealth can vanish but learnings and wisdom will last forever." Mr. Florence explained.

"Wow. What you said is remarkable. I will keep it in mind. Thank you for your love and support, Father. I really appreciate it. I am not nervous anymore." Angelo was enlightened by what his father stated.

"Here we are in front of your school. Let us go inside and ask where the principal's office is located." Mr. Florence told Angelo.

Angelo was mesmerized by the beauty of the campus.

They walked towards the guard and asked, " Excuse me, sir. May I know where the principal's office is located?" Mr. Florence said.

"Do you have an appointment?" The guard asked first before letting them proceed because an appointment is a pre-requisite to be able to talk to the principal.

"Yes. My son is scheduled today to meet the principal. Here is the letter of invitation." Mr. Florence took a document from the envelope. He showed the congratulatory message from the school stating the grant of scholarship to Angelo and the schedule with the principal.

The guard took a quick look at the letter and returned it to Mr. Florence.

"Okay, I am convinced. Please leave an ID and I will give you a Visitor's Pass." The guard started looking for a Visitor's Pass to give to Mr. Florence and Angelo.

"Sure. I have an ID with me. I will just get it in my wallet." Mr. Florence immediately gets his wallet and took out his valid ID. Afterward, he gave it to the guard.

In exchange, the guard handed him the Visitor's Pass.

"The principal office is located in the second building that you see. You will notice a sign on the first floor indicating "Principal's Office"." The guard also gave the directions.

"Thank you, sir. We will go ahead now." Mr. Florence thanked the guard.

"Let us go now, Angelo." Mr. Florence looked at Angelo and they continued walking towards the second building.

Finally, Mr. Florence and Angelo reached the Principal's office.

"This is it. Are you ready? Just relax, Angelo." Mr. Florence gave Angelo some advice.

"Yes, I am ready. Let us go inside and meet the principal, Father." Angelo smiled.

Mr. Florence knocked first.

"Please come in." Someone inside said.

Mr. Florence opened the door and let Angelo go inside first.

"Good afternoon. How may I help you?" The assistant asked.

"Good afternoon, madam. I am Angelo and this is my father, Mr. Florence. We are here to meet the principal." Angelo politely responded.

"Oh, I see. You are Angelo Diaz. The principal is expecting you today. Please proceed there." The assistant remembered upon looking at her planner.

"Thank you." Angelo and Mr. Florence said. They went to the separate room of the principal.

The principal is currently reading some documents and was not able to notice that someone was standing at her door.

"Good afternoon, madam." Angelo greeted the principal.

The principal suddenly stopped reading and glanced at the door. She saw that she has some visitors.

"Oh, hello. Good afternoon also. Please have a seat." The principal said.

"What is your name?" The principal asked.

"My name is Angelo Diaz and this is my father, Mr. Florence Diaz," Angelo replied.

"It is nice to meet you, Angelo. If I am not mistaken, we met recently also for an interview regarding the scholarship. I am glad that you became one of our scholars. Your talent in photography is one of a kind. We would love to see your talent grow and nurture in this institution." The principal was happy to meet them again.

"Thank you also for the opportunity and trust. I will not disappoint you. I appreciate your kind remarks," Angelo was thankful.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you also, madam. This means a lot to us, especially to Angelo. I know that this school will be able to give him a great education and a bright future." Mr. Florence also expressed his gratitude.

"You are welcome, Angelo and Mr. Florence. I firmly believe that Angelo deserves it because of his talent. Well, without further ado, let me accompany you to the class of Angelo." The principal stood up and was ready to show them the classroom of Angelo's section.

Angelo and Mr. Florence Diaz also stood up and followed the principal.

The section for Angelo is the same section of Elizabeth, Denise, Stacy, and Patricia. Unknown to the principal, Angelo, and Mr. Florence, there is currently a fight happening in the classroom.

"Is it just me or am I hearing a loud noise?" The principal asked as they are becoming nearer to the classroom.

"I think I am hearing it also, madam. Perhaps, there is a fight happening." Angelo replied.

"Oh, my goodness. I think you are right. I heard some screams as well." The principal agreed and they started to do brisk walking.

As the principal opened the door of the classroom, they felt the cold breeze from the room because of the air conditioning. Simultaneously, a horrible scene was witnessed by the principal, Angelo, and Mr. Florence.