Number 2: Busted

Everything seems dull.

Here I am. My name is Jian, Jian Viktoria Adams. I have checked on my name and apparently, it’s a unisex name but originally considered for males in Chinese culture. It is also a word from a Chinese sword called “Goujian”. I think it fits me well. I am unlike other girls; I’m boyish in more ways and very much like a sword in sharpness when threatened. My second name is Viktoria, which came from a 1990’s singer using it as a screen name. She is a song writer too. Well, I guess I can pass for a singer. Sometimes, I attempt to write prose too.

Oh yes. Where was I?

Here I am, sitting in this small, dark room with about twenty-five other students around the same age as I am.

I am sixteen. I will be seventeen, this August sixteenth.

So I am a Leo and a very feisty but bored Leo.

Today is Friday. It is also a warm summer day. It makes you wonder about summer vacation. Warm walks at the beach. Which reminds me of bathing suits and of course, at my age, boys.

I am at that certain age. Just like all these classmates of mine right now, simply counting the moments until this slide presentation ends or the school bell rings.

All of us are here for the same reason. We are seniors and are being given a sneak peek on careers we may be interested to pursue in Senior High school. Well, good luck with that. Who can focus on such things when our minds are already thinking of beach parties and bonfires?

However, our professor here at Montessori High has lectured us since the beginning of the school year that we should think about our futures seriously. Our days of carefree lives will soon be over. We have bigger challenges ahead and we should choose careers wisely.

Honestly, I am a very conscientious student. I do my assignments as soon as I get home. I turn in my projects way ahead of deadlines.

So now, I am trying to focus on the slides. The presentation gives an overview of different professions. I am not really sure what I would choose.

Our adviser, Ms. Janine Delane is like a mother hen to each and every one of us. She gives each of her students an equal amount of time to consult with her. She is a graduate of Educational Psychology in a prestigious university. This might be the reason why she made it her quest to ensure we have a good future too.

I think some of my classmates are trying to focus as well. It must have come across their minds too how Ms. Delane eagerly intends to help us succeed.

But this is taking way too long. I could not resist the temptation of pulling out a magazine I bought at the shopping mall a week ago. I sneak it in between the pages of my Chemistry book. I carefully open my book to where my magazine is. I could not help but stare at those Korean guys. They are all so gorgeous, especially Jung kook!  Their skins are as flawless as girls! I sigh a bit lost in all sorts of imagination involving these guys. Is it possible for me to see them up-close or even meet them personally? Will they have a concert here? I have to be prepared for that possibility. I really have to save up for that concert because it would surely be pricey.

My best friend Myles keeps making side glances toward me. Even she could not resist looking at our dream boyfriends on the front cover of a magazine.

All of sudden, my view turned dark. I also notice, a bit too late that the room is too silent. The slide presentation has stopped.

“Those boys are all beautiful aren’t they?” It is unmistakably the voice of Ms. Delane. I am not quite sure if it’s disapproval or humor. But one thing is sure, I am definitely busted.

I look up and see Ms. Delane with her arms crossed in front of her. In the darkness of the room I could not really figure out if she is really upset.

“Jian, I think it is good to know that you admire boys who are successful even though they are relatively still young. They have built their own empire quite quickly. But I do believe you should focus on building your own future because I know you would achieve greater feats."

I am in shock! First, I am too embarrassed for being caught red-handed. Secondly, I have no idea that Ms. Delane knows a lot about BTS. And for those reasons I am speechless.

Myles is staring at us with a worried look on her face. All the rest of my classmates silently watch too. They are also observing if Ms. Delane will scold me big time.

Ms. Delane holds out her right hand signaling for me to surrender my contraband. I extricate my precious magazine from my Chemistry book and slowly hand it to Ms. Delane’s expecting hand. She gives me a faint smile then presses the resume button to continue the interrupted slide presentation.

The class stares back at the screen as if nothing happened. As for me, I am just thankful that Ms. Delane is not angry. I am lucky to have her as my adviser. She really understands. I just have to talk to her and apologize for a hundred times first for behaving that way in her class.

For now, the whole class concentrates at the remaining slides, pretending to consider their future career choices. As for me, I am thinking of how many kinds of apologies to say to Ms. Delane.

Then, the bell rings.

Ms. Delane turns off the player and reminds all of us to take it easy over the weekend, with her last advice being…have fun but not too much. Your future is at stake!

My classmates start emptying the room. Myles stays with me and waits.

I stand up and approach Ms. Delane busily untangling the wires of the extension cord.

Here I go…

“Ms. Delane, I am so sorry for my lack of better judgment.” I begin. Wait was that too much?

Ms. Delane gives up with the wires and smiles at me.

“It’s fine Jian. You are one of the brightest seniors here. Everyone is entitled for a little fun. Just please don’t do it again here.” She hands me back my precious magazine.

“Thanks Ms. Delane I apologize again.”

Myles and I head for the exit.

“Remember girls…Have fun but not too much! Your future is at stake!” She hollers hurriedly.

Myles and I hurry up to our lockers. We can’t wait to go to the shopping mall. We grab our bags, which are extra bulky due to the set of clothes we intend to change with as soon as we get to the mall.

“I told you already not to bring that magazine here.” Myles scolds me like she is my mother.

“I know. I’m sorry okay? Let’s just hurry up. I can’t go home late.” I try to pacify my friend.

Myles lets it go and we walk towards the exit of the school.