Tale of Arcillana

Chapter 17

Cam’s Point of View:

I am currently beside Nicolai at the stage. I do not have any stage fright but right now, I am feeling nervous. I can feel my heart beating fast and my hands are trembling. I am not aware of this. And I am not prepared!

I choose to smile despite seeing the students of University of Arcillana at the podium having their conversation while throwing glances on me. I am probably their topic. Well, I don't care at all. That is the nature of human being. Someone would really say something against you, be it positive or negative.

"Please have a word Miss Montidalgo." The council President said and gave me the microphone. I simply turned off the wireless microphone and faced the President.

"You should have told me about it at least." I said while faking my smile at him. He just gave he a smirk.

What an asshole.

I faced the crowd and turned on the microphone. I wear my best smile while looking at them.

"Hello, good morning everyone. I am Camelle Arabella Montidalgo and you can call me Cam. Probably majority of you just saw me. I came from Manila, outside the island and I spent my childhood there. We just transferred here few days ago. I actually don't know what qualifies me to be in this position but I will assure you to put my heart and all of my efforts in this service. That would be all, thank you."

They all clapped their hands after my short speech. I laughed when I saw how hyper Mitch was. She stood while clapping her hands. She's also smiling from ear to ear. I laughed even more when I heard her say,

"She's my friend!"

I faced the council president and gave him the microphone. I raised my left eyebrow and smile at him. A smile that teases him.

"Thank you Miss Montidalgo. You may now be seated." He said. He obviously ignore the tease on my smile. So I turned around and took a step down to my seat.

"Okay. Let us proceed to the first agenda of this announcement. The yearly celebration when did this institution founded has come. There will be no classes today however, you have to go to your respective organization and club offices to have your group meetings. Attendance is a must. I will distribute attendance sheet per organization. Reports will be submitted at the end of the day. I will only accept those who will submit within the given time period. Those who are not able to submit their report will be given a warning with a corresponding sanction." I get the attention of Mitch by tapping her arms.

"Is he that strict? Is he always like that?" I asked while looking at Nicolai who are still speaking. He is obsessed with the attendance as if everyone would participate in the discussion on the meeting. They would just probably sit there and open their cellphones.

"Yes he is. That is his natural way and we call it, the Buenaventura Way. Like his brother, who was also the President in his time, he is as strict as him. Well, all of the member of their family are. You will never wish to be given a warning. That is why majority of the students of Arcillana are well disciplined." She said. I was amazed by what I heard. He had a signature huh.

"As for this year, we have two days of celebration. So we will divide all the organizations into three and identify those who are going to operate in a given schedule."

"What are the punishments of those who were given a warning?" I asked Mitch. I do not know yet and I want to know. Not that I want to experience but I would be extra careful.

"For minor offense, you just have to squat under the heat of the sun for an hour. Well, that would vary on what grounds you are subject to." She replied.

Woah. I really need to be careful. I could not stand the punishment. I could not squat long under the heat of the sun.

"Even the Elites could receive that kind of punishment?" I asked again.

"Yes dear. When it comes to the rules and regulations to Kade, everyone is equal may it be an offense or rewards. There is no hierarchy in social status for Kade. Even if you use your connections, you cannot escape him. He will face it and present a logical reasonings on why you are subject for punishment." She said and nodded to her. I should not have crossed him.

"We have to make this celebration successful because we have visitors on that days. The council will be here and other selected alliances outside the island. So we must show them the best Arcillana could offer. Also, the campus will be open to the people of Arcillana so we have to prepare. As of now, that will be announcement first regarding the celebration of our Foundation Day. After this, student council officers as well as the presidents of all organizations will proceed to the student council office. We will have our meeting there and after that, you will disseminate what have we discussed and prepare your organization."

Everyone seems excited with the announcement. I can see it in their eyes and in their reactions. Even the girls beside me are showing those kind of reactions.

"I hope there are also hot bachelors." Mitch commented.

"You wish." Viper butted in.

"Come on Vipes, don't be such a kill joy!" She exclaimed. Viper just plastered a smirk in her face.

The announcement of the student president continues and he tackled a coastal clean up. On the day after tomorrow, we will be cleaning half of the island's coastal areas.

According to Alliah, we are doing this monthly. This is one of the projects of University of Arcillana High School Department under the student council's submitted and approved proposal.

For them, it is one of their little ways to repay the nature of the abundance it gives to the people of Arcillana as well as help the council maintaining the cleanliness of the island. It also serves as a token of gratitude for giving the future generations free access and assistance to education.

And yes, everything in the University of Arcillana is free. From the tuition fee, miscellaneous fee, up to other expenses like uniform, foods and etcera are free. They said, the council wants what's the best for Arcillana and in order to get that best, they need to invest to the following generation who will continue to protect and live for the island. Aside from the free access to education, they also provide allowances to every students who maintains their ranking on the Arcillana Ranks. It serves as their rewards for devoting themselves to the will of the institution.

“I have a question,” I said getting the attention of Alliah. We are now heading at the student council office. I don’t know where it is but they said it’s in the fourth floor. “I have seen the chart of the student council right? How come I became the executive secretary? It has someone in the position.” I asked out of curiosity. I am dying to ask this question earlier.

“It was empty already Cam, the position is available just last month. The chart is not updated due to the busy schedule.” She replied. I creased my forehead when I heard her replied. I am confused.

“Did she transferred? Or did she stopped?” I asked again. The face of Alliah suddenly becomes down. Did I say something wrong? Did I hit a wrong button.

I can see a sadness in her eyes. I touched her arm and gently squeeze it. Squeeze of a comfort.

“Are you okay?” I asked but she didn’t answer my question. I just saw her wipes her tear using the back of her hand.

“The former executive secretary of student council is my best friend. She is Vivoree Harlington and she is gone. She died last month.” She replied while throwing glances at the ceiling. I feel bad. It seems it’s my fault.

“I am sorry. I did not know.” I said, asking a sorry. If I just know, I would not bring that kind of topic. I am a brat but I am sensitive as well in this kind of thing.

“No it’s okay. It was just, I am always this emotional when it comes to her.” She replied. I just nodded as a response since I don’t know what to say anymore.

Not later than ten minutes, we reach the student council office. And I am amazed how huge it was. Freaking huge for an organization office.

“Okay please be seated everyone.” The council president said. Everyone pulled a chair to seat while I and Nicolai are still standing.

“Here Cam, this is your chair.” Viper said and pulled the chair next to her.

“Thanks.”

Nicolai began to discuss about the foundation day. He also instructed me to jot down notes and submit it to him later.

“Booths are still the highlight of the foundation day. Everyone should come up great ideas of their booth. What we had last year is commendable but I want you this time to surpass the achievement you had achieved last year. We will be having visitors and they are from outside of the island. We should offer them what Arcillana students are capable of doing.”

“We have Glee Club, Theater, Sports Org., Art Club, School Paper Org, Math Club, Science Club and English Club. We have eight therefore four will operate on the first day and also four will operate for the second day. We will have a program on the first day of foundation day of University of Arcillana so we will prepare for it. Each of every organization is going to prepare your intermission number to showcase your talent and entertain the guests.”

The meeting goes on. Everyone gave their ideas on what they think best to do while I am also busy listing down all their ideas. My hands are already not in good. It feels stiff and I can feel a lil bit pain. Next time, I will be bringing a laptop or an iPad.

Booths are not free during the foundation day but the materials to be used will be given for free. They just have to submit a request consisting every materials were listed. The president will only allow one submission of request and if there is still need to buy, then they will spend their own money.

The meeting went smooth and I jotted down every information Nicolai will be needing.

We are now currently going down again. It is already a break so we are going to use it for our snack.

“You should find an organization Cam.” Mitch reminded and yes, I already something in my mind.

“I will be joining Glee Club.” I confidently said.

“Really? Great! Hytham is the Glee Club President.” She said. Hytham probably heard his name so he averted her attention to us.

“You have to audition first Cam. No special treatment.” He said. Mitch just laughed at what his twin brother said like she already expected it. She said, she already auditioned to Glee Club before but she is restricted. His brother rejects her.

“Sure! Let’s do it tomorrow.” I said with full of confidence and excitement. Hytham smiled and said.

“You looked ready. Alright at nine thirty in the morning let’s have your audition.”