Devine Orion

Chapter 3

“That’s a great opportunity Athena. Grab it. I want you to be part of it.” My mother said as she put the saucers on the table for our dinner.

My brother Ash was quietly listening but excitement was on his eyes the moment I told them about the news I heard today from professor McLaughlin, they are too excited and pushing me to join.

I pulled one chair out to let Ash sit on it. He immediately sat on the chair and both feet was wiggling since the chair is quite high for him.

“I would be so happy too, Athena.” Ash squealed as he made a spoonful of soup from his bowl and sipped it.

There are sliced apple as well as our main course. We only eat apples and a corn soup for dinner.

“Alright, I’m gonna join the test..” I answered and I sat beside Ash and grab an apple and I took a big bite. It created a crunchy sound in our four cornered room.

Our house, where the kitchen, living room and bedroom are one.

“Yey! You should win Athena. But I know you can.” Ash was munching the apple like there is no tomorrow. It’s obvious that he’s too excited about me joining the test to study in Lacroix Academy.

“Eat your dinner slowly Ash.” Mother spat to Ash because he’s misbehaving over our food. She’s kinda strict when it comes to dinning etiquette.

“I’m sorry mom.” He slowly ate his servings until he was finished.

I helped on washing the dishes as Ash was cleaning the floor to put our mattress for us to sleep.

“But Athena, are you sure it’s safe? I know they will do something to hide that you are not an exile from Lacroix, but what if they will find out?” My mother asked as worry flooded in her eyes.

I sighed because I was thinking about it too, but professor McLaughlin assured that my identity will be hidden, or rather my birth history.

“They won’t find out about it mom, don’t worry. And after this, I will get you with Ash from here.” I answered and smiled at her.

Mom smiled in response and she put the clothes she’s folding neatly. She reached my hand and held it tightly.

“Think about from changing the world. We want a world without classification. A world without discrimination.” She uttered without letting go of my hand.

“We envision for that mom, but changing the world is too hard—especially if the people in it are not willing to embrace the change.” I answered as I lowered my head and stared on the tatami floor.

“Objection is inevitable at the start, but acceptable as time pass. Goal for it, since this is the first for Lacroix to open their gates for us. Maybe, at this time, change can happen to all of us.” She answered and she let go from my hand and gone back to her seat to continue folding our clothes.

I doubt if I can help changing the world. I know this casting system should perish. Everyone is entitled to live their life without limits. But how can I do that? I am just a girl, living in Dunkirk without money and power.

“Goodnight mom.” I bid my word to sleep and crawled towards the mattress where Ash is already in a deep sleep. His mouth is slightly open and snoring a bit.

I place myself in a comfortable position and pull the blanket to cover me. Our house is a bit cold but it’s fine. The blanket can do the job. Slowly I faded into the dark and endless dream.

•••

I was walking down the pavement towards the gym for the announcement. I already know what is the deal but I still have to attend since it’s necessary. All the students are also heading to the gym and some are even running.

We are wearing our simple uniform. A faded khaki pleated skirt and a white top with a khaki necktie on. My shoes are old and dust is recognizable but I don’t mind. Everyone in this Academy wears the same as mine. Old uniforms, old clothes and things. We are all the same, we are all poor.

I entered the gym and I can hear the busy noise inside. I roamed my eyes, looking for a vacant seat on the bleachers to sit. But I saw Alice who’s now waving at me and making a sign language that I have to come to her and sit with her.

I smiled and started walking. The gym is almost full and I can feel the heat starting to rose up. I quickly walked towards Alice where she’s sitting and immediately sat on the vacant chair beside her.

“What took you so long? You almost got late.” She demanded.

I know. I am always early at school but today I got late because I have to help mom to pack all the woven clothes that needs to be trucked today. She has quota and I help her to finish it.

“I helped mom from packing—but we have no class with our first period so it’s okay.” I answered and put my bag on my lap and pulled out a little card board to make it as a makeshift fan.

“Oh—but how did you know that we don’t have a class? The announcement was abrupt a while ago.” She was frowning in confusion.

I almost scolded myself when I slipped. I forgot, the announcement will be done today and to be exact a while ago. I forgot that they did not know it yet.

“Aahh, professor McLaughlin said that he won’t be around in the first period—and I forgot to tell you about that.” I answered in an apologetic tone. I was lying to be exact, that’s why I am apologetic.

“Seriously? You have photographic memory but your memory is terrible when it comes to different things.” She complained and even pouted and crossed her arms across her chest. She looks like a duck, huffing.

I don’t have a terrible memory, but I will let her think that way, rather than telling her the truth. I promised professor McLaughlin that I will not tell a soul before the announcement.

“Yeah..” I agreed without any choice.

“What could be the announcement?”

“I don’t know.”

“I hope it’s not about tuition fee increase.”

“Education is already expensive!”

“Gosh, I hope it’s different.”

I heard from the people on our back talking. I know everyone is wondering about the announcement, but I am sure the gym will be filled with flabbergasted faces later on.

“Everybody is in chaotic mode and wants to know what’s the deal. The Academy is seldom in having a gathering like this, only if it’s really something important.” Alice commented as both of us is eyeing the sea of people who’s now chit chatting.

“Whatever the announcement is, I am sure it’s important.” I answered and all of us went into silence when the Dean of the Academy appeared at the stage wearing his signature suit.

“Good Morning students!” He greeted all of us.

“Good Morning Dean!” We answered in chorus.

All of us is now like a dead people standing and did not dare making any noise at all. We know how to respect if someone is talking. If someone talks, you listen... not the other way around.

“I know you all are wondering why I called a meeting at this hour. But this announcement is very important and I will no longer beat around the bush.” He opened and all of us are now in synchronized silence. Darting our eyes to the Dean and waiting for the bomb to drop. “Tomorrow, all of the students will take the exam—”

“Ugh!”

“What?!”

“That sucks!”

“Why it is too early?”

The crowd was filled with complaints as soon as they heard the exam word.

“I’m not yet finish students. Listen and let me finish the announcement.” And everyone fell into silence again. Alice and I did not react but waited though I already anticipated this but still my chest is hammering so hard. “The test you will take tomorrow, will determine the two top students and will be granted the right to take the spot as an exchange student to Lacroix Academy.”

No one dared to make a noise and was waiting for someone to say it is only a prank or a joke. But no prankster came in. Instead, a man with a very expensive clothes appear.

“Hello students of Dunkirk Academy. I am the Dean of Lacroix Academy, Dean Marcus Aurelius Siege and I wish you luck on taking the exam. I am looking forward on seeing two of you studying in Lacroix Academy soon.” He smiled and with that, the gym boomed in unbelievable screams.