Author's Note: I uploaded an art depicting the girls' party outfit from previous chapter. For those of you who already seen that art somewhere or are close to my (undisclosed) art account, ya'll will probably recognize my identity haha. The drawing is on the carrd website written on my bio, check it out if you're interested. It's on the artwork section, hope you guys enjoy!
Song: If It's Lovin' That You Want (Rihanna)
Almost four weeks after the party, everyone in the school was adjusted to their environment and are back to their regular days just like their previous years. Currently, all the students are gathered in the school auditorium as they are told to listen to an announcement from an unknown school guest. Everyone was in their own worlds, talking to each other when someone in the microphone started to speak.
"Attention everyone!" Mr. Brown clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Today, we are honored to be selected by the folks of New York Film University as they are about to hold something special here this year. Let me introduce to you, one of their respected school officials, Mr. Max Pelt!" He introduced, leaving the podium to give the stage to Mr. Pelt.
Dil hearing where these guys came from, nudged Tommy who was sitting beside him, gesturing that this event might be something for his liking.
"Good morning everyone and thank you Mr. Brown for allowing us to hold something special in this high school." He announced and briefly looked at other people sitting behind him on stage. "We in NYFU are excited to announce that we will hold our annual film contest in this school!" He added enthusiastically. Everyone in the auditorium clapped in celebration upon hearing the announcement.
Everyone near Tommy's seat looked at him, looking to see his reaction to the said announcement. Almost everyone in school knows that he's a legend in producing and editing films, making this competition perfect for him. There are some classmates already shouting his name.
The principal, Mr. Brown returned to the podium to add more information. "I know everyone is excited but let me add the rest of the details." He said, already hearing some names from the crowd being pushed to join the competition.
"The winner will receive a full undergraduate scholarship to New York Film University. It will be a good opportunity for students out there who are seeking a career in this field." The crowd all gasped and clapped at amazement. "Following that announcement, we also formed a film committee to be in charge with the preparation needed for this upcoming competition."
Two girls climbed up on stage, with the other one being too familiar. "We are glad to have Miss Williams and Miss Alcroft who already volunteered to be part of the committee." The audience clapped again to welcome the two girls.
"Oh wow! She is everywhere." Angelica whispered to Susie who was sitting beside her, which was heard by Kimi who was sitting in front of them, thinking the same thing.
Rachel took the podium, thanking the school principal for the opportunity. Things are going well according to plan.
"Good morning everyone. I'm very honored to be a part of this contest." She started. "We will start accepting contestants later this day for those who are interested. Thank you so much and we hope to see you there!" She announced and smiled at the audience, mentally encouraging them to join.
Every student headed to the auditorium's exit after the announcement ended. Loud noises of different conversations can be heard as everyone talks about the announcement and suggestions of people who they think are perfect. Meanwhile, the gang all had their attention to Tommy's decision, pushing him to join the contest.
"You will get some serious opportunities here Tommy, you should join the contest!" Chuckie suggested, genuinely wanting the best for his best friend.
"I know! I mean studying college in New York? That would be insane bro!" Phil added, getting amazed by the idea.
"It will take a serious concept and preparation to win this thing, I have to think about it." Tommy alluded, thinking of all possibilities that might happen when he decides to join the competition.
"It'll be crazy if you don't join this contest, I'm sure a lot of people will be looking out for your entry." Lil claimed.
The rest of their conversation revolved around motivating their dark-haired friend to enter the contest. He cannot respond with a definitive answer yet. He knows it's a long shot but will be beneficial in the long run.
The sound of Java Lava's shopkeeper's bell was heard across the cafe as Tommy, Dil, Phil, Lil, and Chuckie gathered at the gang's usual hang out place. The internet café currently displays decorations for Halloween as the said event is getting closer. General changes are also quite visible in the store as the Finsters' decided to incorporate new and improved architectures to the shop to accommodate current trends. Those changes are not drastic and some of the former arrangements are retained to honor their iconic homey look.
Tommy walked towards the counter to order their food. He offered to treat the whole gang today, and obviously, everyone agreed in delight because they don't have to pay. His eyes were about to skim to the large menu board above, when someone from the counter approached him.
"Hello sir, what can I do for you today?" Kimi beamed and postured herself in a formal way.
"Hey! I didn't see you at school today. Where have you been?" Tommy asked casually. He's happy that he got to see her today.
"I was busy with some required press activities, so I didn't have an opportunity to eat with you guys earlier. I'm sorry I didn't inform you." Kimi apologized and breathed deeply. She tried to look away from his eyes as she waited for his reply.
Tommy reached to her arm and caressed it gently using his thumb. "Hey it's okay, you didn't have to explain, I'm just curious." He said, comforting her. "I can ease your stressful day by letting you pick any food and coffee you want, my treat!" He smiled at her while staring at her beautiful eyes.
"You know I can get free food here at any time right?" She remarked sarcastically as she crossed her arms.
"I know, but I want to experience paying for you just for once." He conceited. He decided to flirt by looking at her with half-lidded eyes and lightly biting his thumb.
"If you insist then go ahead, but you have to guess my order so I can consider that as a treat." She requested with a smug face, confident that he can't guess the order she has in mind.
"I will treat you a..." He narrowly stared at her while she anticipated for his next words. "Dark coffee and black forest cupcake." He smirked knowing he said the right order.
"How did you know that?" Kimi gawked, being genuinely surprised by his exact knowledge.
Out of nowhere, they heard a man shouting from the line.
"Hey! Can you speed it up? I'm starving here!" The man behind Tommy ranted furiously as he's getting impatient by the line's lack of progress.
"Sorry sir!" Kimi looked down and apologized to the man, then proceeded with her programmed cashier work. She looked at Tommy in defeat as she listed his orders including those for Dil who is surfing the net, and the rest of the gang who are sitting at the table near the door.
Tommy went back to their table while waiting for the orders. He saw the gang venturing on their own little worlds. Lil is texting on her phone while Chuckie and Phil chatted about how a man can impress a girl. He was mentally vomiting by all the advice coming from Phil, but it works for him so he gets why he wants to share those tips with a guy who had no clue how to flirt.
Just minutes later, the bell rang again which meant another incoming customer. A blonde-haired girl entered the café as she laughed with a good looking man who was with her. The woman had her arms strangled possessively to the man, with him seemingly laughing in return. The guy is tall, caucasian, and brown haired.
The woman turned her head and everyone immediately recognized it was Angelica with a guy that is not familiar to any of them.
The whole gang stared at both in bewilderment, even Kimi who was wiping the counter, stopped and examined the guy for a minute. They never saw this guy before, and he seems really close to Angelica.
The couple sat on one of the tables close to the counter. Angelica then stood up to pick an order.
Unfortunately, another cashier employee was scheduled when Angelica ordered their food. Kimi continuously wiped the counter while looking at Angelica's movements, failing to notice that water from a small tub was rapidly spilling on the counter. She felt a damp area when she placed her elbow on the surface. It was there she noticed that the water was spilling. She quickly ran to the storeroom to fix the mess, and was surprised to see Tommy on her front, offering to help her clean up.
Another bell ring was heard in the café as Susie confidently walked in. She saw Angelica and the guy she's with. She gave both a suspicious and curious look as she placed her hands on her hips, ready to interrogate. "Care to introduce me to this man you're with?" Her eyes followed Angelica's movement as she arrogantly faced her.
"Matthew, this is my best friend, Susie." Angelica proudly introduced as the man extended his arm for a handshake. "and Susie, this is my boyfriend, Matthew." She bragged as Susie accepted his hand for a shake.
Impressive, she thought as she intensely examined the guy's appearance. Nothing unusual can be seen on how he presents himself, and he's swoonworthy, Angelica has taste. She briefly went to the counter to purchase her order, then came back to Angelica's table to casually sit on one of its chairs.
"She's one of the wisest people around here and will probably be president of this country in the near future." Angelica talked casually about Susie to her boyfriend, even when she's there. Angelica sipped on her Frappuccino when Susie dropped her question.
"So, where did this love story begin? You never told me you're finally taking a risk by having a romantic relationship." Susie brought up the time when Angelica told her she was not ready to enter a relationship and just wanted to do flings.
Susie politely accepted an order from a waiter as she waited for Angelica's response.
"I met him in a chatroom months ago and we got to know each other there." Susie nearly dropped her coffee as her eyes bulged from that information. Angelica possessively wrapped her arms around the guy's neck and continued to speak. "He's actually pursuing a degree to get hired at NASA. He's a really smart guy, am I right Matthew?" She beamed at him as she gave him a peck on his lips. Susie was mentally confused by the sight but contained herself to exhibit her civility to the situation.
"What year are you currently?" Susie interrogated as she held her cup of coffee near her chin with two hands.
"Just started my first semester in college this school year." He replied cautiously, getting terrified by Susie's wide knowledge. He actually recognized her from the space camp he attended four years ago. However, he's not sure if she will recognize him as they barely interacted that time.
"I felt like I saw you before. I've been attending space camps every summer vacation during middle school, is there any chance you attended some of those?" Susie asked as she placed both the back of her hands under her chin, concentrating with his answer.
"Uh, no. I never attended any of those. I just got hooked on astronomy in recent years." He said and nervously looked away from her.
Susie decided to just give him a nod. She felt a very dishonest energy from this guy. It's not usual for her to judge a person this quickly but hearing the way he delivers his answers sounds suspicious. She decided to keep that judgment to herself and plans to bring it up to Angelica when she sees enough proof of her assumption. They all proceeded with their casual conversation as the sun set down from the outside.
The gang is currently walking in the hallway of lockers on their way to the cafeteria, except for Chuckie who was already there to save them a seat.
Tommy's mind was elsewhere when a body suddenly bumped into him. A few notebooks fell on the floor, and he helped the person pick it all up. The person lifted her face up and they found out it was Rachel who seemed to be in a hurry.
"I'm sorry, I'm kind of in a hurry!" She rapidly picked up the notebooks and composed herself quickly.
"Hey, what's the rush girl?" Lil asked as she tucked her hair behind her ears.
"We are still in the process of accepting contestants for the contest." Rachel answered.
"Everything going well so far?" Tommy wondered while helping her fix the arrangement of her notebooks. He's surprised she joined such a group, but then reminded that she's a very well-rounded person.
"Yes, we already recruited a lot, but you still haven't signed up, are you sure you're going to miss this?" She wondered and looked at him. She clearly remembers him being passionate about filmmaking back then.
He definitely didn't forget about the film contest. Actually, he's been thinking of different concepts and genres to potentially submit since the contest was announced, and there's definitely a genre already standing out for him.
He looked down at the ground first while mentally finalizing his decision. When he finally did, he raised one of his eyebrows and smiled, looking directly at her and the paper she's holding.
"I'm in!" He announced, knowing the outburst of reaction he will get from saying that.
Rachel and the gang all lightened up and gushed in excitement hearing that decision. He grabbed a pen and wrote his name along with other contestants trying their luck for the contest.
"Thank you, Tommy! this is a big honor." She gushed and hugged him, which caught him off guard.
Tommy briefly looked at his friends to see her reaction. Kimi tried her best to smile and nod at him to let him know everything was fine. Eventually, Rachel pulled away from the hug.
"I thought you had something to attend?" He broke the silence and Rachel got hit with realization.
"Oh-oh yes! Excuse me, I have to go!" She said as she ran away from the group. They all got caught up by that situation and shortly forgot that they were heading to the cafeteria.
They started to walk again to their original destination, engulfed by silence as noises only came from students they're passing by. It was Phil who decided to speak to break that silence.
"Thinking about getting back together with your old girl?" Phil teased.
"No, and I don't plan to." Tommy responded honestly and felt uncomfortable at that question.
"You know, she really got so much hotter now than she was back then. Not that she wasn't attractive then, but still." Lil commented, getting that thought out of her mind.
"and since Tommy is not interested in her, I might try to perform some of my moves on her some time." Phil wiggled his eyebrows while saying that.
Natural sibling banter occurred when Lil lightly punched her twin's arms. "You really are a certified flirt!" Lil remarked as she rolled her eyes.
They entered the cafeteria and were presented with a bunch of groups already eating at their respective tables. The whole food court was packed as usual. They picked up their meals from the counter and headed to the table Chuckie had reserved.
Suddenly, a woman from the table they just passed by grabbed Kimi's arm, an action which made the gang turn their eyes to her direction.
"Miss Finster, I'm glad we saw you here. Some people from the press will have some discussions in this place and we're about to start in a minute!" The woman announced as she pointed to an empty chair for Kimi to sit in.
Kimi turned her head to the gang. "I guess I have to skip lunch with you guys for today. Don't worry, I'll be with you tomorrow." Kimi apologized as she held her food tray.
"No need to apologize girl. Now, take your seat before anyone beats you to it." Lil suggested and tapped Kimi's left shoulder.
Kimi smiled at the gang first before completely heading to the reserved seat.
After Kimi sat with the press members, the gang resumed to find Chuckie. Fortunately, it didn't take long to find him as they saw him waving from an empty table from afar. They all gathered there and started to eat their respective lunches. It was quiet for a while as they were all busy munching their food until Chuckie spoke.
"So guys, It's Kimi's birthday in a week and you know we're planning to have a little surprise party for her at the café right?" Chuckie took advantage of his sister not being around this lunch. He wanted to talk to the gang about his planned surprise birthday party. They just have to do it as subtly as possible to avoid his sister from hearing it.
Luckily, she was far away from their table to hear any of their conversation. "I expect you guys to be there by seven and maybe bring some gifts if you can."
It has been over a month since he informed the gang about his plans for her sixteenth birthday. A lot of progress had already been made, and he already negotiated with their parents to use the cafe for that day. However, Chuckie cannot miss the opportunity of discussing the things that still need to be done while she's not here.
"By the way Tommy, how's the birthday montage film going?" Chuckie asked.
He is definitely enjoying that film project more than he should be, but rather not tell the gang about that thought.
"It's doing great, will probably be finished by tomorrow." He answered excitedly, feeling stoked for the event.
The rest of the gang's faces lit up, then they looked at the red-haired teen to offer some help. "This is exciting bro! Do you still lack something for the surprise party?" Phil asked, feeling the need to help his friend.
"Yes, I still don't know where to buy her Black Forest cake. I've been so busy with academics." He sadly replied.
"We'll take that task." Tommy assumed. "Plus, It would be a great way to practice your baking, Phil." He added as Phil's face lit up in excitement from all the possibilities he could make with the cake.
"It's a deal!" Chuckie agreed. "Just make sure she won't have a clue about this. She actually just expects a simple birthday this year, but I thought it would be better if we get her a full blown celebration." He explained, pulling out a note from his pocket to point out some things he still doesn't have for the party. They went on and discussed the rest of the needs for the surprise celebration.
Tommy for one, already has the best gift in mind.
Author's Note: So New York Film University is not a real school, but it is inspired by some real life schools. I did that so I'll have the freedom to come up with whatever school rules and traditions I want without any real life reviews or experiences ruining my canon haha.
If you can't see the carrd link in my bio, it's probably best to view my profile in mobile view as it surely shows there. I don't know why the web version can't show that.
Thank you for those who left a review in the previous chapters. Be informed that I respond to those reviews as long you're a registered user in this site.