Thank you for all the reviews. Now here's chapter 3. Hope you enjoy it.
P.S. The latter part of chapter 2 has been chopped off and changed.
A Runaway at Heliopolis Institute
Chapter 3: Romancing Saga
Yzak was cross. He could not understand why every time he entered the principal's office,
"Oh, good morning, Yzak! Looking for your mother? She's inside, but there's somebody else with her. You'll have to wait for a while."
"Did I say I was going to talk to her!" snapped Yzak and he would have wanted to do so very badly. His purpose was not to see his mother. Why did everyone in the office think he would only go there just to see his mother? It pissed him off a lot. Something he understood even less was the genial attitude of the people there. He was like choking on the whiff of jovial spirits that permeated the air. The perpetual, sunny smile on the secretary's face was enough to give him a toothache, if coordinators ever had one. Ugh. And her voice, it was so akin to the warble of a robin bred with a squawking chicken.
Sometimes he had the patience to stay. But, oh his ears! He could not stand the secretary gabber into the phone until hell froze over. He would sit there with that trademark visage of God-of-Wrath then Miss Secretary would pause from her juicy gossip and blatantly wonder aloud why Yzak had a constipated look on his face. Yeah. That was enough to make lightning and thunder bolt flash down at that very spot and fry the secretary's hair to a crisp. God forbid his murderous thoughts.
Still, in reality, he would only gabble a few gruff words and leave the office to have Shiho do the work instead.
The Heliopolis Institute faculty lounge was not as evil a place as students made it out to be. What students did not know is that this was where the revelations were revealed - of evil instructors plotting painful revenges against marked students; of wicked cackles reportedly heard as evil chatter about naughty students was divulged, enough to rent any student's reputation to the deepest rut.
Nah.
In fact, it was a good place for instructors to repose and have their own share of fun. Adults tease too, after all. Though, there were the more serious-minded instructors who had no social life to spare in their busybody schedules. An average day at the lounge would be...
"Good morning, Murrue!" An ultramarine-haired woman came to sit next to Murrue, whose lesson planner was sprawled out on her desk.
"It's only the first week of the second semester and you're already planning your syllabus?" Aishia said, with a glance over Murrue's work. A quick skim told her that it was the contrary. Murrue hadn't planned anything at all.
"Not really. I was just running over the things I wrote and it looks like I can't even decipher my own handwriting." Murrue squinted hard at the page open in front of her. Strange. She really could not understand anything beyond the mess of words. What had she been scribbling all night that she cannot even recall now?
Aishia felt worried, careful not to show it. It wasn't only her. Everyone was worried for Murrue. Everything around and about her seemed disorganized lately. Her space was cluttered. During an enthusiastic conversation among fellow teachers, she would often fall silent and be lost in thought. She was not negligent in appearance. She remained the same fashionable woman. But the way she carried herself was so wan and listless. Everyone noticed the changes. And like everyone, Aishia thought it best to leave Murrue to recover at her own pace.
To Murrue's surprise, Aishia shut Murrue's lesson planner and hid it out of sight. "Well, if you can't make anything out of your scribbles, it's no use dwelling over it. Better leave it for now, dear. Had coffee yet? I'll get some for both of us. Wait here, okay?" Aishia got up and headed towards the coffee dispenser. Just as simple as that.
Murrue stared after the lithe figure of the long-haired Aishia. She was the school physician -- beautiful and kind, always caring about others, especially people like...her. Before the day would start out, Aishia made it a point to come into the teacher's lounge to greet all the instructors. But these days, the last greeting would always be reserved for her, because that would give her an excuse to sit beside her. It was Aishia's way of checking in on her, as part of her being a doctor and friend.
Aishia also regularly brought her coffee and she was thankful for that and any added services the obliging doctor performed.
Behind her, someone had cleared his throat, interrupting her solitude. "Uh hello, Miss Ramius."
Murrue lifted her head, expecting to see one of her students. "Oh, it's you."
Aishia was in front of the coffee dispenser, picking out two cups and saucers for Murrue and herself. She raised the pot to pour coffee into the first cup. When she came to pour the next cup...
"You'd make an excellent secretary, Doctor Aishia," a voice leaped out of nowhere.
Aishia jumped, causing some of the coffee to splatter on the tray and some, to Aishia's dismay, on her white blouse.
Aishia rolled eyes heavenwards and turned around. "...Andy," Aishia enunciated with a lilt.
If he ever noticed the stain or not, Andrew Bartfeld never let on. "Mornin' Aishia!"
Comely smile gracing her face, the physician put out her palm.
Andrew looked down at the hand and back to the face of the owner. He fished out a light-blue handkerchief and deposited in Aishia's receiving hand.
"How thoughtful," remarked the female coordinator with the same lilt. With Andrew's hanky, she began cleaning up the brown blotches that stained her immaculate blouse. And then, out of a sudden,
WHAM!
Heel slammed down on newly-polished, shiny black leather shoe, followed by a loud howl that surprisingly did not generate a commotion.
"Don't ruin my morning, Andrew Bartfeld." Another one of her engaging smiles and Doctor Aishia picked up the coffee with a resolve to ignore Andrew for the whole day...no, an entire week. This was her favorite white blouse that Andrew Bartfeld insensitively sullied.
"Aishia, that was too much of a payback, you know? I thought I heard some bones crunching when you did that! Oww, my foot, my foot!"
Her back turned, the aforementioned was deaf to Andrew's desperate cries. Let him suffer. He deserved it., the stupid idiot. Yet despite all, Aishia could not help smiling to herself.
"I know that you have been troubled about it for so long but you wouldn't tell anybody about it."
Aishia stopped. She heard it and so did everyone.
The youthful-sounding voice belonged to Guila Ortega, who turned out to be one of the newer and younger instructors. He had only started teaching since the second half of the first semester and it was not unknown, both to the faculty and whole student population (well, almost), that he had great admiration for the lovely Murrue Ramius. It had also been around that time when she began in her state of depression.
He would always treasure his precious memory of the first time he met Murrue. At that time, he had missed a minor but important detail of a test he had written and needed a pen right away. But he lacked the needed pen and the lounge was devoid of anyone whom he could borrow from. Enter the ravishing Miss Ramius who walked into the lounge to save him from despair. He pointed out his dilemma and his listener whipped out a pen. He eagerly made use of it. Yet, when he was done, Miss Ramius was nowhere to be found. And for the next few days, Guila constantly searched for any sign of Murrue, steadfast in his wish to return the pen to its rightful owner and not without expressing his gratitude as well. Fate seemed to be too cruel to let the two of them meet each other ever again. He was about to give up and yet opportunity came knocking on his door. One fateful day in the teacher's lounge, he was sitting at his desk, when, in came Miss Ramius. Guila seized the opportunity to present Murrue's pen. An expression of radiant surprise crossed her face. She told Guila that she had forgotten about the pen and that he could keep it, because he seemed to need it more than she did. Then, she smiled. Such an ethereal smile.
Cupid's arrow hit spot on.
Guila had been watching Murrue from afar. He could see her troubled face. It did not fit her! He wanted to wipe away her troubles. Guila bolted up from his seat, prepared to spring to Murrue's side. But, curses! Someone beat him to her. Miss Aishia. After several minutes, Guila inwardly rejoiced as Aishia finally left. This was his chance now. And so did he seize it.
"What is it, Guila?" Murrue asked, puzzled. He had been standing there for some time without saying anything. His face was very lively, though. It kept changing like the four seasons and Murrue found it amusing to see such an expressive person.
Guila straightened up, looking gravely at Murrue. "Miss Ramius, I know you have problems and I know what those problems are."
Murrue wrinkled her forehead. "I don't think I understand what you mean, Guila."
"I know that you have been troubled about it for so long but you wouldn't tell anybody about it."
The faculty lounge noticeably grew quiet and tense; all focused on this rather queer confrontation.
Guila, heedless of his surroundings, continued. "You said you had forgotten it and that I can keep it because I needed it more."
"What are you talking about?" Murrue was feeling really confused now.
Guila lowered his head, as of one ashamed. Body trembled. And then, in one great overwhelming outburst, "I...I'M SORRY!" Sobs came in gasps.
Murrue sprung up, one hand on his shoulder. "Guila? What's wrong?"
Guila glanced up at Murrue with eyes wanting to reach out. "Here," and Guila took hold of Murrue's right wrist , put something in her palm, closed it, and made for the door. But as he was walking out, he almost head-butted...
...the principal who was walking in.
"Instructor Ortega! Will you please watch where you are going!" screeched Ezaria Jule.
"S-sorry ma'am!" squeaked Guila, backtracking and moving out of the way.
With an exasperated sigh, Ezaria re-entered. She was accompanied by a tall, blonde-haired man, who caught the eye of many of the female instructors, who in turn, were whispering to each other excitedly. As usual, Ezaria left no room for intrigues and went strictly down to business.
"Good morning instructors," she began in her brisk manner.
"Good morning, Principal Jule."
Ezaria scanned the faces in front of her before proceeding. "As of today, a substitute instructor will be joining Heliopolis Institute roster of instructors until the end of the school year." Ezaria gestured to the man standing beside her. "Please introduce yourself, Instructor Fllaga."
In the opinion of most of the women in the faculty, Instructor La Fllaga was not bad-looking - wavy blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, dreamy smile, suave style and the likes that could sweep any woman off her feet. Apparently, he was also quite the charmer.
"Good morning to all of you. I'm Mwu La Fllaga, but you can call me Mwu. 25 years old, single. I love a woman who can cook my favorite dish perfectly. You'll have to get to know me to find out what that dish is, ladies! Oh, how to me contact? I'm living at the Teacher's Village so you can look me up in the electric directory and find my address and number--"
"Instructor La Fllaga!" cut in a bristling Ezaria.
"I apologize, ma'am." Mwu immediately followed.
Ezaria's face was stern and in a voice that matched her face, "Proper introductions, please?"
Mwu smiled as a magician would at his audience, like he knew he would amaze them with a trick up his sleeve.
"Well, let me try that again. I'm Mwu La Fllaga, temporarily instructing in physical education for all year levels. In addition to that I will be adviser of Class III-A. As it's my first time teaching, I'm still inexperienced and unsure if I can handle the job. That's why I think that, for Principal Jule to allow me to instruct without experience beforehand, it is an honor to be here in this prestigious institute. I now leave myself in your good hands." And the little speech was ended with a humble bow to which the whole faculty consequently clapped, even Ezaria Jule.
"Psst. What is it?" Aishia asked Murrue in a low voice, pointing at her fist, which was still closed.
Murrue herself had lost mind about it. Curious herself, she slowly opened her palm.
"A...pen...?"
A small-sized one on a keychain, to be exact.
"Aaah!" Thud.
Personal belongings scattered all over the floor. A heavy weight pinning her down, Cagalli groaned. When she had gathered her wits again, she realized somebody was on top of her! Panic rose inside. If this person felt something that was uncharacteristically female...Hell no. Let's not go beyond that.
"Excuse me, will you please get off me, Miss?" she huffed in a strained voice. But in her mind, getoffmegetoffme GET OFF ME!
The person moaned. This was definitely a girl.
"Miss?" Who is this stupid girl who doesn't want to get off me right now!
The girl stirred. A few seconds later, she lifted her head up. Eyes met. The girl gazed at Cagalli's, "Kira's", amethyst eyes for such a long time it discomfited her, apart from having their faces only inches away from each other.
"Uh, miss?" GET THE FREAKIN' OFF OF ME!
Cerulean eyes blinked. "Oh, sorry." Shifting her weight, the girl rolled to the side.
THANK YOU. Cagalli pushed herself upright. She started acquiring the items that had fallen all over the floor.
"Here, these are yours, right?" Collected in Cagalli's hands were the girl's belongings.
"T-thank you," mumbled the girl shyly, as she replaced them in her bag. She was still sitting on the floor, smiling prettily at Cagalli. Waiting.
She got the hint, alright. Sighing inwardly, Cagalli offered her hand to the girl, who demurely accepted it.
The girl flipped her roseate tresses. "I'm Fllay Allster, nice to meet you."
"Uh, Kira Yamato. Nice to meet you too," Cagalli replied with a note of uncertainty at the last words.
"Whoah!" Cagalli was caught off-guard as Fllay abruptly bent towards her.
"Up close, you're quite cute, Kira," said Fllay coquettishly.
Wha--! Cagalli's face reddened and Fllay laughed.
"Too cute!" Another flip of hair. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Kira. Be seeing ya." With that, she strut away in the opposite direction.
"It sure took you some time to catch up," quipped a grinning Dearka as Cagalli arrived in front of him, Athrun, and Nicol, who were viewing the scene interestedly.
"Because I had to help a lady."
"That's no ordinary lady you helped out."
"Huh?"
Dearka swung an arm over Cagalli's shoulder. "That's Fllay Allster, the most popular girl in the third year."
"And?"
"She just played the manuevers on you, just like she does on every other guy she has the hots for." Teasing.
No way! "Are you telling me this Fllay likes me?" Skeptical tone.
"That's correct. Normally, she would just bat her eyelashes and that would be enough."
Savor the moment.
Stunted laugh. "Weren't you one to fall for that? Fllay batting her eyelashes?"
"That's what you think. Fllay and I understand each other's kind. Naturally, that's what attracted me to her and vice versa." Self-assured boom.
"See, Kira? He's admitting that Fllay attracted him and he fell prey. It's his weakness, pretty women. But no matter which pretty girl catches his fancy, it's only momentarily. There's only one girl he will never forsake and she is the one he sits--"
"Shut it, Nicol! Don't believe a word he said! Anyway, as I was saying, Kira. You seem to be a special case if Fllay Allster pulled that act."
Trance.
That means, she didn't notice anything suspicious.
Cagalli recalled Kira's words. Heh. You don't have to worry about there. They wouldn't be able to tell the difference 'cause my sister is a little, ehem, lacking in that area.
Why don't you just come out with it, that I'm flat-chested? She retorted back then. Did this little incident just prove that fact? Cagalli did not know if she should be feel grateful or insulted.
On the other hand, the realization that a girl had just been attracted to her made Cagalli feel like retching. That girl's laugh provoked the memory of the peeving, scratching sound of records when a phonograph was not working properly.
"Shinn, hurry up will you!"
At the walkway's end, hands on hips and face frowning, a mauve-headed girl posed impatiently before her classmate - a boy with perse hair, who was amateurishly balancing a three feet high stack of manuals and compilations. Both wore the black ties of the third year students.
"Easy for you to say, Lunamaria," grunted Shinn, who continued to struggle with the wobbling mountain in his hands. It was stupid Lunamaria's fault he had to labor like that. SHE volunteered Shinn to deliver the pile to the office. Shinn would not have complied if not for the powerful kick in the shin (no pun intended) Lunamaria executed when a word of protest escaped his mouth. Shinn cursed himself for forgetting that Lunamaria had high marks in self-defense and he just let himself be her unwilling practice dummy.
"Slowpoke! We're gonna be late if you don't move any faster!"
Geez, what a nagger! "It's not like I can heave this heavy stack and run as fast as the wind at the same time. If you're so keen on getting to class right now, why don't you go ahead?"
Lunamaria folded her arms; cocked her chin. "You still have the breath to spare, Mister Asuka? Get here this instance!"
A soft zephyr descended from the west. From the corner of his view, Shinn perceived flowing yellow and streaming black, the golden hair and black pleated skirts of a girl sitting on the other side of the ledge that closed off the walkway. A picture of carelessness. Haunting. Head turned unexpectedly his way and Shinn was captured by the lifeless and mechanical look in her face. The next was a flurry of scenes: hands placed on the railing behind her; righted on one leg, then on both; hands thrown sidewards; hair and skirt flapped to the breeze, tracing the form of a free spirit...
Seconds ticked. The whole scene made its impact only then.
Is she crazy? What the hell is she thinking! I have to stop her! Manuals tumbling down, Shinn sprinted towards the girl right in front of his eyes. That girl who appeared to be attempting...suicide. A girl standing so fearlessly on the ledge.
"Shinn!" yelled a flustered Lunamaria.
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to be continued
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Yeah, Mwu was out-of-character. I don't know how the heck this chapter turned out like this. After typing the first few parts up, I can't help but be reminded that this is how my first chapter started out. I realized this is kind of like a parody? of the students' lives, adult style. I'm trying my best to make this different from the high school life fics out there. So if there are similarities, that might just be coincidence. Your reviews are greatly appreciated. I will surely be inspired if you'd drop me a line and tell me what you think of this.
--Character list:--
Fourth years: Athrun, Dearka, Milly, Nicol, Yzak, Kira, Lacus
Third years: Fllay, Lunamaria, Shinn
Adults: Murrue, Dacosta, Natarle, Miguel, Andrew, Aishia, Mwu, Ezaria Jule