Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. It involves romantic and/or sexual relationship between males. If you are offended of this subject matter, if you are a minor, or if you are in a place where it is illegal to read this type of literature, please stop reading now.
Copyright © 2008 by Fritz Diantan Ilagan. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the law, no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Author.
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AUTHOR'S PRE-STORY NOTES <<<
As suggested by one of my readers (thanks, BB), here is a mini-glossary of Filipino words used in the story so far.
Barkada: a group of close friends, can be literally translated to "gang or crew"
Totoy: a small boy
Bunso: youngest child in the family
Okray: (slang) a funny commentary, usually a criticism or banter
Kikay: (slang) a cute, sassy girl who loves fashion and looking pretty
Jeepney: a vehicle that is most used form of transportation in the Philippines. It has been remodelled from the jeeps of the US Army after the Second World War.
Now, to the story...
Chapter Two: The Perfect Man
"I'm thinking a huge booming poster with your picture and a slogan in bold colors. Something so eye-catching it will stop people in their tracks. What yah think?" asked Ferdinand to Dave.
The gang congregated together in the library. Ferdinand was holding a big sheet of paper in front of the gang... his plans for Dave's campaign posters. The kikays were nodding in agreement with the plan and Marcelo put up his thumbs. Dave, however, was a little self-conscious with all the planning. Ferdinand overly detailed schemes made him feel as though he was running for the Senate.
"You don't have to get into too much trouble designing this stuff Ferdy," said Dave. "I mean, simple pamphlets would be okay."
"Pamphlets? Pamphlets! Oh my gosh Dave... we are not in third grade you know," said the energetic teen, waving the poster with his hands like a windmill. "You have to make an impression of grandness! Do you want the students to think you're like those people in jeepneys that give little leaflets about vague organizations and ask for change from passengers? So... NO! We can't just give pamphlets!"
Any more objections from Dave were drowned down by Marcelo's and the kikay's suggestions for color schemes and catchy slogans. Marites and Mica started arguing which catchphrase was better: "VOTE Dave for President. The INTELLECTUALLY well endowed student!" or "Stick to Dave! You're guaranteed to graduate!"
Paul just patted Dave on the back to ease the look of horror on his face.
"Let them do it for you. Just enjoy it and let your `artistic support staff' run your campaign."
"Yeah, but don't you think it's a bit... exaggerating?" asked Dave as he listened to Ferdinand talking about back-up dancers for the room-to-room campaigning. "And I don't want any double meaning in the slogans! I sure as hell don't want to be expelled!"
"It's politics," said Jaypee sagely. "It's supposed to be exaggerating and double meaning. Well, let's just leave the girls to the campaign... what do you think about our homework, huh? I mean, is just it me or our teachers having some serious power trip or something?"
Paul, Dave, Belinda and Jemma nodded vigorously in agreement. Jaypee was talking about how senior life was nothing new except for the fact that their teachers tend to constantly remind them that after this year they will be facing a whole new world called college thus giving them loads of work "in preparation for the world ahead". Dave could not decide yet whether the teachers wanted them to go to college or to prevent them from graduating due to the mounds of assignments.
The first two weeks of classes ran exhaustingly rough. By a majority vote, Dave was elected as the class president three days after the start of school. This gave him less chances of dodging the student council elections as Mrs. Mendoza rather made it clear that as the president of the star section, Dave needed to uphold what was expected of them.
But the pressure was not just coming from the responsibilities from his affiliations. Dave noticed that many of his new classmates were more than determined to outshine him. Moreover, the teachers were not helping at all, as they tend to stoke the fire between the competitions. The gang had never been in a fight about academics but everyone noticed that Jaypee was rather on edge just after their third week. They deduced that this was either due to the piles of work or the toll of rivalry between Randolph and Dave or maybe even both.
"And that Randolph, the red-nosed reindeer, is getting to my nerves!" said Jaypee
"Why? He's not bad," said Jemma looking at Jaypee frowning, yet her fingers never stopped from jumping on the keypad of her cell phone. "He's intelligent and kind of nice."
"Nice? You like him don't you?" Jaypee accused.
Dave groaned a bit. He never liked to be near the two whenever they have a row. It was a well-known fact among the gang that Jaypee and Jemma can bicker for hours.
"Oh, don't be immature. I am just saying that you don't have to hate a person just because he is different from you."
"So you think I'm not intelligent or nice? Maybe you would like to have a go with that six-foot gorilla!"
"You are such an idiot," Jemma said through gritted teeth. Jaypee just opened his mouth to retort but Dave cut him off.
"Guys, we're in the library," Dave pleaded as he automatically looked around for Mrs. Spinel, the librarian. "Keep it down Jay."
"Now you're taking her side?" said Jaypee incredulously. "I'm worried about you and this is how you repay me?"
"What?" Dave stared at Jaypee in disbelief. "Why are you worried?"
"I just heard that Randolph is planning to run for the council as president too. I think he's doing it to get back at you for beating him in the class elections."
"So let him be the president," said Dave. "Truthfully, I would be glad to have some of this pressure off my shoulders. First you guys then the class and now some of the faculty joined the throng."
Unfortunately, Dave's "artistic support staff" heard. They put down their notes and plans, glared at Dave while Paul said, "I thought you wanted to be valedictorian?"
"Yes I want to...so?"
It was Marcelo who explained the point. "Let me remind you that being the student council president rakes in points for extra-curricular affairs which is half of the basis for being a valedictorian. And if you want to have a higher chance of getting a college scholarship I advise you not to let the presidency slip. Not all of us are given a chance to make a difference like this so don't act so tactless, Dave."
Dave looked away from them and scowled to himself. He was always capable of taking stress and pressure before but the past week gave more than the usual amount of tension. He felt as though the world was pushing him to the top regardless of what he wanted. It was his duty, they say. It was an honor, they say. And often, the argument was always manipulated into making him believe that it was in his best interest to be the slave of other people's plans for him. Dave felt as though his life was slowly slipping out of his hands... and it was scary.
"Are we correct or are we right?" asked Ferdinand sarcastically.
"Yeah whatever," said Dave. "So what am I supposed to do? I'm getting overwhelmed with everything. Next week I have to think of ways on how to invite new staffers for the school paper... I barely have time to complete all our homework and now I have to add some political agenda to my long, never ending to-do list."
"I told, you we'll take care of the agenda," Paul said while the others nodded in agreement. Looking rather reluctant, Dave forced a smile for them... he just hoped he was not walking into the lion's den.
Mrs. Claire Veloso, the school paper adviser, just texted and Dave was getting rather edgy himself. As editor-in-chief, he had to make sure that there were enough staffers this year so that they can print the paper in time. Creating a short-funded, short staffed but spectacular school publication will not be a walk in the park and two years of experience taught Dave that recruiting members was the toughest part of the job. Without writers, there will be no publication.
Many of last year's staffers had already graduated. Jerry Belami, the editorial cartoonist and Dave's classmate, was the only one left. Even though they have at least four months worth of preparation, Dave knew it would still be hard. He learned that as time passed, less and less students got interested in writing for the Herald. And as their publication was in English, many students felt rather intimidated. Albeit the fact that the Philippines regards English as its second language, teens today appear to be having trouble with the subject.
Of course, the starting point in recruiting members and staff was in seniors-A. The gang, as much as they love Dave, never tried to join the Herald. Dave figured this out after he tried two years ago and got the most hilarious excuses.
"Writing just isn't my thing honey," said Mica, giving Dave an apologizing look from her mascara-lined eyes. "They give me eye bags."
"Me too," added Ferdinand while faking a shiver. "I mean, I can't possibly be expected to sit down for hours and just...write."
However, they expressed their support for Dave by inviting people to join. Belinda, even if busy in their family business, still hangs out with the gang every afternoon discussing tactics in recruiting students and how to draw support for the campaign. Paul was getting a little busy himself as he started working in the mall after school just to help out his dad.
Ferdinand, Marcelo and the kikays, tend to hang at school after classes to practice their moves and they rarely accompany Dave in his club meetings. They just tend to hang out on the grounds.
Jaypee and Jemma, both had been given liberty by their parents, often get to go home with Dave after school as they all lived near each other. They just stay at the back of the club quarters while Dave did his speech to students that expressed interest.
After the Herald's first invitational meeting, Dave was still bothered, as he knew that though many expressed interest, not even half of them would stay in the club after they find out how hard it is to create a school paper. Fun as it is, certain sacrifices were needed to be a true full-fledged member of New Valley Heraldry.
"I think we should do another meeting," said Jerry, the Herald cartoonist. "What you think?"
"I guess," said Dave while rubbing his temples. He had a hard time sleeping for the past week, thinking up the most effective speech to give to the students to ignite some interest for them to join. "Students will probably think that not much people were interested in joining the first time because we're inviting them again... which would give the impression that our club sucks. But, what choice do we have right?"
"Well, I'll go make more posters then."
Jerry gave his editor an encouraging smile before turning away. Dave closed his eyes; he felt a migraine forming at the back of his head. When he opened them again, Dave was greeted by Daniel's face, grinning in front of him. Dave gulped.
"You alright man?" asked Daniel, sounding rather amused.
"Yah, I'm good." He did not know what was the matter with him, but Dave suddenly felt his mouth going dry and his heart pounding like a base drum. Then suddenly, Daniel looked rather sheepish and this made Dave curious.
"Um, I heard you and Jerry talking about the Herald," Daniel started. "Well, I was just thinking if it's okay for me to try and join."
"You?" asked Dave raising his eyebrows. He knew the way he said it was a bit incredulous because Daniel looked suddenly defensive. "I mean, why would you like to join the Herald?"
Dave got the impression Daniel was not into writing, as he never openly participated at discussions in their English lessons. But he can't just rely on his impressions.
"Well, I guess I want to experience seeing my name in print but if you don't think I'm good enough..." said Daniel rather steely, taking Dave's surprise reaction as an insult and started to turn away. Panicking, Dave grabbed Daniel by the shoulder and stopped him from walking.
"No! On the contrary, I'm glad that you're interested. We're having trouble recruiting members lately and I guess, I'm just quite relieved." Daniel looked at Dave a bit more then turn towards him again.
"But, you know, I have no idea about newspaper writing and stuff," Daniel said looking worried this time.
"No prob," said Dave, offering a smile and discreetly wiping his hands on his pants. His palms suddenly felt sweaty all of a sudden. "That's where I come in. As editor-in-chief, I'll help you with anything you need. Just come to the meeting next Wednesday after classes."
"Thanks," said Daniel as he smiled at Dave too. He started to turn back to his seat as Mr. Davis, the P.E. teacher just got in the room then Daniel glanced back to Dave and whispered, "By the way, you have my vote for the council."
Dave smiled tightly and felt his face burn a little. He sat down as the teacher started to check the attendance and Dave wondered why he cannot keep from blushing.
It was a day before the student council elections. Every student party in the school was busy going from room to room to promote their candidates. And currently, Dave didn't know whether to look proud or humiliated as Ferdinand, Marcelo, Micala, Marites and Shaina flipped, cart wheeled and gyrated their hips in front of the screaming and cheering first years in their invitational promotion. Even the teacher that let their campaign group interrupt the class was chuckling as the dancers finished chanting their campaign jingle.
"So now that we have your attention," said Ferdinand, staring at the amused students and panting a little, "I'm glad to give you the 'Collective Objectives and Organized Leaders' a.k.a. the COOL Party List of New Valley High, lead by our own David Garcia!"
Dave smiled as the class and the teacher clapped enthusiastically as he walked to center stage.
"They're all yours," whispered Ferdinand, winking. Dave smiled to Ferdinand before facing the class. The look on the students' faces made Dave want to laugh; it was as though he was a pop star or something.
"Good morning to you all. Well, as I can see we have great students in front of me today," said Dave as the class cheered again for the compliment. "And great students are what this school really needs.
"We believe that the only road to success is not by trudging alone on its path but by working together to achieve common and vital goals together. This is not just our fight but also yours. We assure you that the COOL Party's agenda will be founded by issues that uphold the studentry's best interest. That our programs will be for the promotion of a more productive and fruitful New Valley High and that the COOL Party shall be striving to make this year's high school experience more fun and enjoyable to everyone.
"But of course we cannot do these without all of your support. We all know, any school, any society, any country is only as strong as the leaders that uphold its morale and spirit. And any leader is only as strong as the people where his authority and power emanates from. We, in the COOL Party of New Valley High, are asking you to lend us your authority and power to lead our school to its greatness. Our supremacy comes from you. We need your voice... we need your power. Vote straight COOL Party List! Thank you all!"
The class cheered again as Dave smiled and beamed to everyone. Then he started to present the other members of the party. After some more persuasive speeches from the other members and a final entertaining routine, the COOL Party List bade the class goodbye.
"How many more classes do we have visit?" asked Marcelo to Ferdinand who checked his clipboard.
"Three more. Two sophomores' and one juniors' class. You okay? Can you still do the routine?"
"You're asking the great Marcy `Rouge' Berson?" asked Marcelo while twirling and making a high kick in the corridor. "Of course! Dancing for the millionth time is piece of cake!"
Everyone laughed. Dave entwined his arm to Marcelo's shoulder and said, "Guys, thank you so much for doing this for the party. And Marcy, the party list name was just... cool. Thanks a bunch."
"Oh, no biggie," said Marcelo. "But I'm not doing this for charity Davey dear."
"You're not?" asked Dave, looking to his friend. "I have to pay you?"
"Of course," said Marcelo. "One night in your pad with only the two of us will cover everything."
Dave drew his hand so fast from Marcelo's shoulder that everyone laughed again.
"You're not serious right?"
Marcelo looked disappointed and touched Dave's cheek. "Well, a girl can dream right?"
"Okay dream on," said Shaina, playfully slapping Marcelo's hand from Dave. "You won't be the first lady once Dave gets elected. What will the paparazzi say?"
"That he is utterly downright lucky to have such a fabulous fiancée!" said Marcelo raising his hands in emphasis.
"Whatever!" said Dave as they all laughed. The campaign was great and everyone seemed to think the COOL Party has a great chance of putting the gold in the pot. "What's the update with Randolph's party?"
"A sophomore told me Randolph's getting some attention, mainly from the girls because of his looks," said Belinda. "Well, it was a good tactic using his features to draw support."
"He's just a poster boy," said Jaypee in disgust. "Well, we can be confident that Dave won't be outplayed in that department as our candidate rakes the attention of the females too. Aren't you Davey? How many girls asked for your number back there?"
"Shut up," murmured Dave while his co-candidates snickered at the back. Their party continued to walk through the corridors as they looked for the last three rooms they needed to visit.
"Randolph is not as eloquent and persuasive as you are Dave. We needn't worry," said Marites while checking her image in a pocket mirror.
The day went on and Dave's party never missed a chance to amuse the remaining classes with the gang's dance performance and by Dave's great speech. The rest of the party were very awed and rather honored to have Dave as their leader. At the end of the day, Dave knew he made the right choice in accepting the nomination for president.
"Told you," said Paul as the gang gathered in their usual spot in the cafeteria, reviewing the campaign's progress. "We might as well announce your victory right now."
"Oh don't be cocky guys," said Dave, blushing slightly. "I don't want to be disappointed."
"Don't give me that modest act," said Jaypee smirking to Dave. "It is time you own your achievements."
"The surest way to live with honor in the world is to be what we appear to be," said Marcelo. Everyone stared at him. "What?"
"And since when did you talk like a fortune cookie?" asked Belinda, smiling widely.
"Whatever!" said Marcelo rolling his eyes, then added, "Stop looking at me like that."
"Well, guys I'm off to work," said Paul.
"Me too. Mom needs all the help she can get in the shop," said Belinda. "Good luck for tomorrow Dave."
"Thanks but I'll come with you guys. I have to withdraw some money for groceries," said Dave.
"Okay, we'll just stay here for a while and plan your victory party," said Jaypee.
Dave just shook his head, smiling. He was surely lucky to have a family outside home.
"I thought Marina stocks your groceries?" asked Paul while he and Dave walked towards the mall entrance.
"She told me she needed to go to some of her friend's house to do some project," said Dave before giving a huge yawn. Walking and talking in front of all the students for three consecutive days for the campaign was exhausting and Dave's body was finally feeling the lack of rest. "I tried to tell her I have some stuff to do in school but she just said I'm still in high school and whatever I've got to do won't be as important as her college school work."
Paul was looking compassionately at his friend; Dave was the only one in the gang that has parents but doesn't have parents. They considered Dave as the guy that has everything but they knew it must be hard for someone to cope with life on his own and with only an insensitive sister for company.
The two teens entered the establishment and although he really wanted to be there for his friend, Paul was already running late for his work.
As if hearing Paul's thoughts, Dave smiled wanly and said, "Don't worry bro. It's been this way since I was eight. Ten years of living like this and even you would get used to it."
"Okay... I have to run," said Paul, still looking guilty. "We'll bond next time, I promise."
"Thanks big bro."
They parted ways. Paul went up on the escalator while Dave walked to the supermarket. As he usually spend his free time in the mall whenever he needed some load off, Dave memorized the layout of the building by heart that it would be impossible for him to get lost even if he was blindfolded. As depressing as it sounds, Dave had considered the mall as his second home... as he felt more comfortable there than just sitting around in an empty house.
The entrance of the supermarket was packed with shoppers but Dave's first destination was the ATM's beside it, which was miraculously clear of people. After withdrawing the amount for groceries, his allowance and for the payment of their bills, Dave got a cart and started to fill it with groceries. He blushed as older people stared at this high school student filling his shopping cart with toilet paper, pork chops and detergent, probably silently asking, what Dave's parents made him eat to persuade him to do the shopping.
`Well, you've got to do what you've got to do,' thought Dave to himself as he ignored the stares and distracted himself with what would happen tomorrow in the election.
To be continued...
From the Author:
Hi guys! Thanks for reading the lastest installment. To those who have sent me their support and thoughts, thank you so much!
If you guys are interested to read my other works, just follow the links below:
Love Assassin: (a dark love story at the Gay Adult-Friends section) http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-friends/love-assassin
I also have a fantasy, adventure novel available in Amazon Kindle called "ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe." If you like my writing so far, you can support me and give me a cheer by downloading a copy :)
ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F1JUK7S
Check out my thoughts and articles: http://theadlaotribe.wordpress.com
For other comments, suggestions, or if you want to get a heads up when new chapters are available, you can reach me at theadlaotribe@gmail.com
Peace, Fritz Diantan