Chapter 68: A path that I can take

February 1st Monday.

The night in town over and done with as the weekend came to an end and a another day of school started. Returning back with her mask on, to fool everyone around her. Monika walks down the halls. She makes her way to class as the members of the News Club attempt to ask her questions. With the School Festival over it was now time for everyone to cast their votes for the new Council President. Not wanting to remember the loss of her cousin and the pressure of her parents breathing down her neck.

Monika now faces the problem she's been dreading since Zackary announced that he was moving. Avoiding the attention given to her, she quickly makes her way to class, but her moments of peace would soon end when lunch came. Not being left alone, she gave excuses to leave whether it was rude or not. It didn't matter to her as she made her way to her secret room without anyone seeing her.

There she spent the rest of lunch playing her piano. As she played she became annoyed as she kept messing up the keys and being off note. The more she attempted to play the more angered she got as she just kept messing up. In the end the bell rang and she stopped playing. Disheartened at her mistakes the negative thoughts started taking form as the voices of her mother and students started talking to her.

"Worthless, you should've been a boy. The Queen is here! So beautiful nothing could ever bother her. Worthless daughter of mine. If you fail this I will disown you."

The thoughts kept talking as she walks back to class. Even when she's in class raising her hand to answer questions given by the teachers. The thoughts in her mind would not leave her alone as this kept going until last period of class was here for every student except the Council Members as they begin making their own plans.

Todd: "So it's decided let the best man or woman win this Friday."

Wyatt: "Despite us already knowing who's going to win?"

Patty: "You don't have to be that negative?"

Leo: "Could you blame the guy? Look who we're up against. The King and Queen of the school and since the Emperor isn't here anymore our chance of being elected are still slim."

Patty: "Leo you can be such a jerk at times."

Leo: "Say what you want about me. Not going to change reality."

Todd: *Sigh* "Well since we're done here. That should end our meeting. You can all leave."

Leo: "Bout time."

Wyatt: "Why are you here to begin with?"

The two of them along with Patty leave with Monika following. With the three of them going in one direction, Monika heads towards the other alone.

Monika: (It's almost time for me to follow in my mother's footsteps. Only seemed like yesterday my mother told me how she was once Student Council President back in her day, but … to her it was humiliating. I asked why and she told me it was because Aunty decided to drop out and because of that her victory became hollow. Since then she felt bitter about it all. I never understood why she dropped out even when I asked her and I don't think I'll ever know.

Maybe that's why she's been so determine that I beat Zack. She wanted me to do what she couldn't only to wound up disappointed in me when I lost and became even more bitter when he left. History repeating itself. Even if I win now it wouldn't change the fact that I still lost to Zack. I sometimes wish I was never born. Only then wouldn't I have to suffer.)

Todd: "Monika"

Monika: "!" Stopping in place.

Todd: "Can we talk for a bit?"

Monika: "What is you want?" She faces him with a stern look.

Todd: "There's something that I've been wanting to tell you."

Monika: "I told you before. I'm not leaving the Literature Club and I'm not going to …"

Todd: "You were right."

Monika: "…What?"

Todd: "You were right … about everything."

Monika: "What are you talking about?"

Todd: "You have every right to do what you enjoy in life. I never had the right to force you to come back to something you have no passion for."

Monika: "What's bringing this all of a sudden?"

Todd: "You made the right choice in starting the Literature Club. I've seen it during all of your performances."

Monika: "Y-you did?" He nods.

Todd: "Because of that I've been doing a lot of thinking about our last talk when you spoke up for Connor. Because of that I have no more doubts in myself."

Monika: "What are …"

Todd: "Do what you do best and lead your new club."

Monika: "Todd?"

Todd: "Now that I got that off my chest I can finally say it. I left the Debate Club."

Monika: "You did what?" He nods again. "But … why?"

Todd: "I wanted to follow in your example and do the things that I want to do. I'm no longer the President of the Debate Club. Now I'm just a member of the Chess Club. Don't worry about the Debate Club. I left it in Hanna's good hands. She'll be the one taking care of the club."

Monika: "How is she doing? I haven't seen her since I left the club."

Todd: "She's doing fine. You could say she started showing signs of being a leader. That's why I left the club to her. Don't you agree?"

Monika: "Hanna … she was a shy girl when she first joined. To hear she's becoming a leader puts smile on my face."

Todd: "That's all I wanted to say. I'll be going now. I owe the President a match."

Monika: "Yeah okay. I'm glad to hear that you're in the Chess Club. I know that you'll make a wonderful addition to them."

Todd: "And the Literature Club is lucky to have you. You found yourself some good members."

Monika: "Thanks, coming from you that means a lot." She smiles and he too smiles before leaving as the bell rang ending todays classes. Walking down the hallways she finally made it to the club. When she arrived she heard the voice of everyone else. (Looks like I'm the last one to arrive. Better prepare myself for Natsuki to tell me off.) She grabs the handle and opens the door.

Sayori: "Oh Monika you're finally here." Being the first to notice, everyone else turns to see their President.

Monika: "Sorry for being late everyone. Did I miss anything?" She looks around the club to see her usual members, but something was different. She didn't noticed it at first, but seeing it now there was someone else in the room. Someone with blue hair and eyes.

Sky: "Hi" She waves cutely.

Monika: "Uuh? Hello? Nice to meet you?"

Sayori: "This is Sky my classmate."

Monika: "Oh is that right? Excuse my rudeness I'm just surprised to see someone new here. How can I help you?"

Sky: "Oh you're not being rude. To be honest I'm a bit nervous being here."

Monika: "Well there's nothing to fear here. Trust me everyone here are good people."

Sky: "Well that's reassuring, but the real reason I'm here is because I wanted to ask if it would be alright if I become a member?"

Monika: "Y-you do?"

Natsuki: "Trust me it was shocking to me too."

Yuri: "Natsuki, don't make her feel uncomfortable."

Natsuki: "Hmph!" Folding her arms with her usual pouty face.

Monika: "Sky, if I could ask? What would make you want to join our club?"

Sky: "Well … it's quite embarrassing really, but …" She looks over to Michael. "It was your performance."

Monika: "Our performance?"

Sky: "Yeah, when I saw you all performed it kinda inspired me to want to give it shot, so if it's ok with you and the others? Could I join?" Monika smiles.

Monika: "Well if that's what you want then I don't see why not?"

Sky: "Really?"

Monika: "Yes, Welcome to the Literature Club."

Sky: "Thanks" The two shake hands as Sayori jumps in joy as the club obtains a new member.

Sayori: "Ah yeah!" She takes Sky's hands with a big smile on her face. "We're going to have so much fun together. Just you wait."

Sky: "Likewise, but please stop spinning me. I'm getting dizzy."

Sayori: "Sorry, I just can't contain my excitement."

Natsuki: "Can you even contain it at all?"

Sayori: "Nope" The members share the joy going around the room before they heard something outside.

?: "I think it was here?" The sound of girl can heard from the hallways.

? 2: "I remember it being here Friday." And now a sound of a guy.

? 3: "It's defiantly here." Said a calming voice of another girl.

? 4: "Yeah thinks she's right?"

? 5: "You're just saying that cause you don't know."

? 4: "Rude!"

Natsuki: "What the F is going on out there?"

Yuri: "It sounds like something you here on television? A skit as they say." The door slides open suddenly.

Sebastian: "Oh is this the right place?" He looks towards all six of them.

Natsuki: "… Depends on what you're looking for?"

Hina: "Scuse me babe." She slips around him. "Is this the Literature Club?" Her friends and boyfriend follows in.

Monika: "Yes that is correct. Welcome to the Literature Club. I'm Monika the Club President. How can I help you?"

Hina: "Oh cool. Go on babe. Ask what you wanted to say."

Sebastian: "Right" He walks in front to face Monika. "It's a bit embarrassing to say this but …"

Monika: "Don't feel shy. Tell can tell me anything, so don't hesitate."

Sebastian: "I see, well I came here to ask you in person. Would it be alright if I could join your club?"

Hina: "What?"

Monika: "What?"

Everyone Else: "What?"

Sebastian: "After hearing your performance. I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to do something new, something that could help me find a new path. After being kicked off the team for what my so called friends did. I thought to myself that I lost everything, but …" He looks towards Michael.

"After hearing your poem, it inspired me to work on a new path. A path that I can be proud of without having any feelings of regret. Michael hearing your poem really moved me and I want to follow that same path you did. That is why I am here. If it's ok with you all. I would like to be a part of your club. If not then that's ok with me." He looks at all the members before looking back to Monika.

Hina: "Babe" She says nothing else and so does her friends.

Monika: "Hmm?" Placing her hand on her chin, she thinks to herself. "Natsuki, how do you feel about all this?"

Natsuki: "You're asking me?"

Monika: "You know exactly why I'm asking."

Natsuki: "… It's cool with me. I don't hold anything against him."

Monika: "I see. Okay, if that's what you want then welcome aboard. Does anyone else have any objections?" She looks towards the original members as they stayed silent. "Well there you have it. Welcome to the Literature Club." She offers her hand.

Sebastian: "Thank you. I'll do my best to prove my worth." He takes her offer and they shook on it.

Monika: "Since you're going to be an official member, you and Sky. You both are going to need this." She goes to her bag and pulls out pieces of paper, but not just any piece of paper. "I just need you two to sign your names here and I'll give them to the Council to have you two as official members."

Sky: "Cool"

Sebastian: "Ok"

Natsuki: "Huh? We have extras?"

Monika: "Well yeah we are an official club after all. We kind of need them. Good thing I kept these even after we agreed that it would be just us."

Natsuki: "Very cheeky of you." She smirks. Monika does the same as in reality even if she did get rid of them The Council would just send her more.

Hina: "Yo, so do you like have another copy?"

Monika: "Hm? Yes we do."

Hina: "Cool can you hand me one?"

Monika: "You want to join as well?"

Hina: "Like ya, if Sebastian is joining then I want to as well. Plus it seemed really fun, so why not give it shot?"

Natsuki: "I already like her."

Sayori: "Same"

Monika: "Well if that's what you want then here you go." She hands Hina her copy of the signup sheet.

Jane: "Uh?"

Lily: "Eh …"

Sakura: "… Mind if I have one too?"

Jane/Lily: "Eeeehhehehh!"

Sakura: "What?"

Lily: "Well it's just?"

Jane: "Are you sure you want to join too?"

Sakura: "Well they did seem to have fun performing and you two thought so as well?"

Jane: "Well … uh?"

Lily: "It's just … we kind of feel bad after about what we said before."

Yuri: "…" She walks up to them as both Lily and Jane remain silent. "… I … Even though you said such awful things about the club … You did cheer us on when others were laughing. Thank you." Both Jane and Lily felt an arrow to the hearts.

Lily: "Aw how cute of you."

Jane: "Y-you don't have to thank us or anything. W-we just felt bad ok?" Yuri smiles.

Hina: "So you two joining or not?" The both of them still hesitate.

Sakura: "Just do it." She does the pose.

Sayori: "Yeah just do it." She follows her lead.

Hina: "See they get it."

Lily: *Sigh* "Fine, I'll give it a go. You up for it too Jane?"

Jane: "… Got to warn you … I'm not all that good with Literature."

Monika: "That's fine. I'm sure Yuri can give you some good tutoring. She's really smart when it comes to these things."

Yuri: "M-Monika" She hides behind her hair as they all share a laugh. While they laugh the door suddenly opened again.

Natsuki: "Oh what now?" The room soon fell silent as Michael's eyes widen to see who came by. Stepping one foot in along with another person by his side, a tall figure appeared with a shorter person with red hair behind him.

Michael: "Johnny?"

Johnny: "Michael"

Hina: "Who the …"

Sebastian: "What's the Wrestling Capitan doing here?"

Johnny: "Ex-Captain. After my fight with Michael my coach found out what I did and kicked me off the team."

Sebastian: "You too?"

Sayori: "MC?" Stepping in front of everyone bracing himself for a fight if need be.

Michael: "What are you doing here?"

Natsuki: "Hey that's the guy who insulted Yuri last School Festival." She whisper to Sakura.

Sakura: "Really?" Natsuki nods.

Yuri: "Oh dear, are they going to fight here?"

Monika: "Not if I have anything to say about that." She walks attempts to walk up, but Michael places his arm in front of her. "!"

Michael: "Stay out of this. Now." He says seriously.

Monika: "But …" He stares at her. "Okay" Stepping back.

Johnny: "I see I'm not welcome here? Well that's fine I suppose. Given my actions last year and my attempt this year."

Michael: "What do you mean by that? Your attempt this year."

Ronald: "Johnny?"

Johnny: "I know, but let me do this.

Ronald: "Right"

Johnny: "If you want to know what I meant then I'll tell you straight up. During your performance last Friday. I planned to ruin it again this time by throwing fire crackers at you and the club … but … I couldn't go through with it."

Michael: "Why?"

Johnny: "I don't know as a matter of fact this whole month I thought to myself. What the hell am I doing with my life? What is my purpose for being here. I spent the last years of my life hating you and your dad. I thought getting rid of you and making you pay would give me closure, but as time passed I started to hesitate. I started having second thoughts. I thought my attempt to ruin your performance would be the end of you and me, but after hearing your performance, your poem. That's when I wavered."

Michael: "Johnny?" Just when he was left confused by his sudden confession. Suddenly without warning, Johnny kneeled to his hands and knees in a bowing position. "!"

Johnny: "I know what I did could never be forgiven, but I just want to say this to you Connor, no Michael. Your poem … your poem touched my heart and for that I kneel to you. You are the better man and for my crimes that I myself committed to you and to your club. I'm sorry." Just when he apologized Ronald too went to his hands and knees.

Ronald: "I just want to say sorry too. The fire crackers we planned to use were made by me. For that I feel just as responsible. Sorry." Everyone remains silent to what lays before them.

Sayori: "MC?"

Michael: "…"

Sebastian: "You're just like me a bit." He walks up to him. "I know that feeling too. I made my own mistakes and because of those mistakes it cost me to lose myself, but I don't feel that anymore. Not anymore that I believe." Hina looks to him with concern.

Yuri: "M-Michael, are you okay with this?"

Michael: "…" He takes a step forward to face Johnny. "… Thanks, I'm glad that my poem did that much for you."

Johnny: "!"

Michael: "I can't say that I can forgive that easily and I can't speak for everyone here, but I can say this much for myself. If you truly feel bad about what you did and want to make amends. It isn't handed out, it is earned."

Johnny: "…"

Ronald: "…"

Michael: "I don't hate you as much as I should. Matter of fact there was once a man I fought against a long time ago. To this day I still hate that man, but compared to him I can forgive you."

Johnny: "You can?" He looks up to see him nod. "I see."

Michael: "Monika?"

Monika: "Y-yes?" The two stare eye to eye with a smile of confidence in his face. "You sure about this?"

Michael: "I am, if that's ok with you?"

Natsuki: "What's he talking about? Wait do you mean?"

Michael: "I do. You don't have to like it and I know it seems stupid, but …"

Natsuki: "Ga! Fine, but you better keep an eye on them."

Sayori: "Don't worry. I'm sure MC will be happy to take care of the boys."

Monika: "You have a point. Well now. If you two really want to make up for your crimes then why not join the club?" The two sprung up surprised.

Johnny/Ronald: "What!?"

Monika: "If you two want to make amends then why not join the club and fine your purpose. You can join in on our poetry activity and find your true selves. You and the rest of you who wants to be a part of this." She looks over to all her new members.

Sebastian: "I'll give my best shot." Hina smiles as she already knew her boyfriend would be the first to speak up.

Hina: "Same here. Just you wait. I'll make a poem that will knock your socks off."

Sakura: "I'll do my best as well."

Lily: "What a pain, but yeah I got it."

Jane: "I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'll try not to fuck it up so much."

Sky: "I'll do my best for the club. You can count on me."

Monika: "How about you two? Ready to pick yourselves back up?"

Johnny: "Ronald?"

Ronald: "Don't worry about me. I think I'll manage."

Johnny: "Think you can, well we're see about that? I may not know much about Literature, but I'll try my best."

Monika: "Then it's settled." She smiles brightly. "Okay everyone. How about we give our new members a warm welcome?"

Everyone Else: "Yes mam!" They all stood by each other in the front of the classroom.

The Original Five Members: "Welcome to the Literature Club!"

With that settled and the club gaining new members. Monika gives the run down on how the club operates. After giving them the info it was now time to end today's club meeting and to see what their new members are made of. Making her way home. Monika thinks about what she just witnessed today as she walks down the streets of her neighborhood.

Monika: (What a day. I never thought we would get more members and yet there they are. I must be dreaming and yet I don't want to wake up, but even so I know it's no dream. If I was dreaming then I would've had loving parents and time spent hanging out with friends rather than spending my time working. I'm grateful for my new members, but I still have doubts in myself. I don't want to be Council President, but if I don't win or if I just quit then my parents will disown me. What choice do I have? Will I always be this miserable? Will I always be alone? Will I be like my mother or worse? I don't know and that's why I'm scared.)

She continues walking ending today's event. The following day after gaining eight members and being the last to arrive. Monika looks around to see all her members talking amongst themselves in groups. She looks towards her original members to see how they are holding up and saw that Sayori is having a conversation with Hina and Lily. Sakura and Jane having their own private conversation while Sky and Ronald are talking.

How cute they looked as Monika notices a slight blush between them. She then looked to the back to see Sebastian and Johnny talking before looking at the corner to see Michael and Natsuki chatting. When she saw everyone she then look to see where Yuri is and saw that she was in the corner doing her usual reading. When she saw her alone she got concerned and wondered if Yuri is doing ok with this new atmosphere.

Monika: "Yuri, how are you holding up?" Placing her hand on her shoulder so she could notice her.

Yuri: "…"

Monika: "You can tell me. If you want we could step out and talk about it?"

Yuri: "N-no, I'm doing fine. I-it's just …"

Monika: "Are you nervous at how big our club is now?" Yuri says nothing. "If you need space I can help you if need it."

Yuri: "… No it's fine."

Monika: "You sure?"

Yuri: "I am. I promised myself that I would do my best for the club. Interacting with them is one of those goals to help."

Monika: "Well if you're that determine then so be it, but if you need time to be alone just tell me okay?"

Yuri: "I will. Thank you."

Monika: "Anytime"

She leaves her be as the free time goes by. When it was time to share poems. Hina showed great enthusiasm as she went to grab her poem as Sky hesitated to get hers. Before sharing They all gathered the desk and formed a circle as Monika wanted to share her announcements with her new members on how they handle things and wanting to know what else they could do rather than just sharing poems as that could get boring after a while. With that said it was time to share.

Each members had their own different reactions reading their own to each other and how they handled criticism. Hina, Sakura, Ronald doing exceptionally well for their first time with Sebastian, Sky, Lily doing just fine, but still have room to grow while Johnny and Jane have a difficult time understanding. Mainly trying to understand words Yuri, Monika, and Michael are using. With that, Monika left Sayori and Natsuki in charge with helping them since the two of them understood their poems better than everyone else.

Michael is left in charge with helping Sebastian, Sky, and Lily with theirs, leaving the rest to her and Yuri. With that settled it was now time to end today's meeting and to look forward to everyone else's newly improved poems. With everyone gone it was just now the original members.

Natsuki: "Phew that was tiring." She flops on her seat.

Sayori: "Yup, but it is quite nostalgic."

Natsuki: "How so?"

Sayori: "Tee hee, it's just like how we started when we first started sharing poems remember?"

Natsuki: "Oh right. Man felt like it was yesterday. How time flies."

Yuri: "Indeed, but I am glad that we have new members."

Sayori: "Yeah! It was great when it was just us five, but with thirteen it's going to be even better."

Yuri: "…" She held her arm.

Sayori: "What's up? You doing ok?"

Yuri: "I am it's just …"

Monika: "Don't worry about it. I know it's kind of uncomfortable to have new people, but I'm sure you'll get used to it. You don't need to rush."

Yuri: "I know, but I want them to feel welcome."

Monika: "You worry too much, but I can't blame you. Well anyways. I do believe it's time for all of us to leave now. I hope to see what else you have in store for tomorrow."

Everyone Else: "Yes mam!"

With that everyone left for home, all except for Monika who remained behind to lock up. After using the rest room to freshen up she walked to the front door. However there was one figure who was left standing in front of the door. Almost waiting for someone to show up.

Monika: "Michael?" He turns to see her.

Michael: "Hey how's it going?"

Monika: "I'm just about ready to leave. What are you still doing here? Thought you'd be gone with Sayori."

Michael: "I told her to go without me. Besides I wanted to talk to you."

Monika: "You do?"

Michael: "Mind if I walk with you?"

Monika: "N-not at all. Please do." The two left school grounds and headed down the street Monika lives. As they walk she kept to herself not knowing what to say. She wasn't sure what she could say after she said all she wanted to say to him on their date. "… So what made you want to walk with me?"

Michael: "Just wanted to see how you're holding up?"

Monika: "Hm? How I'm holding up? What do you mean?"

Michael: "It's just … you've dealt with so much. I wanted to see how you were doing after … you know … after our talk."

Monika: "Ah I see?"

Michael: "Our time spent together Saturday. The time you bared your soul to me and confessed. I just wanted to see how you're doing? That's all."

Monika: "You're sweet." She pauses for some time. "Listen, I really appreciate that you cared for me and that you were think about me. Trying to help me with my family dilemma, but there's nothing even you can do about it. If I don't become Council President then I'm disown. I don't want to be President, but that is my only path."

Michael: "You sure about that?"

Monika: "What?"

Michael: "You know what I mean. We have more than one choice. Look at Johnny and Sebastian were. You saw how they are. Even after their paths were taken away, they chose to take another. It may be for one day, but they're trying and so can you. Remember why you started the club.

You have a reason to start the Literature Club right? You said so yourself before. The Debate Club was where you originally came from. Your parents told you to go there and yet you left.

Why? To start something you want to do. You chose your own path instead of following theirs. What I'm trying to say is …" He takes a flier out of his pocket.

Monika: *Gasp* "That flier."

Michael: "Write the way into your heart. You always have a choice. Now be the President you want to be and lead us. Don't worry. You're not alone, not ever."

Monika: "Michael … I … This is my stop. I'll … see you tomorrow."

Michael: "Yeah sure, but think about what I said. Whatever path you choose is your own choice and we're here for you. Set the example for us all and lead with your head held high." After saying his statement, she says nothing to his claim. Not even trying to counter him, instead.

Monika: "You're real something. To think that you used to be so miserable and yet here you are. Pep talking to us like you're our coach or something."

Michael: "I used know someone who was like that to me before. I'll be heading out now. See you tomorrow." He waves before leaving her area.

Monika: "See you." (He knew someone like that? Now that think about it. I don't really know much about what he did before he met us other than what he did told us. I know his dad was awful and his Ex was just as bad, but other than that I don't know much of his past? Whatever the case is he's dealt with so much and yet he stands tall. The path he thought he could only take and yet he found another path. A path he wants for himself. Maybe I can, but …)

"Write the way to your heart. You always have choice. Now lead us."

(Perhaps he's right? Maybe I do have a choice on the future that I want, but …) She thinks to her parents. (Will my parents accept that? They were already disappointed in me when I broke up with Todd and were against me leaving the Debate Club to start a new one and yet …)

"Can I really decide my own future?"

Time had passed as the day of the Election came. However things did not go as planned.

?: "I'm stepping down as Council Member."

End of Chapter 68