All the members of the MathSci club are gathered here in the senior high room for an anticipated meeting to be held this morning. Our subject teachers didn't attend the class, that's why we asked permission to use the time. Fortunately, they agreed with pleasure, making me annoyed. I'm not in the mood to attend a meeting.
“Good morning, our dear members of the MathSci club! Before we begin, I'd like to thank everyone for coming today,” Thea, the club president, cheerfully greeted. She then wandered her eyes around. “Since everyone is here, let's get started.”
I take a quick nap while waiting for her to continue. Not my fault if I got bored and sleepy, given how many tears I released last night. Until now, I still want to rest.
Why am I not surprised? Ever since I reached high school, feels like I always want to rest. There's no way I wouldn't complain about meetings.
“Ari, how's my makeup? Is it okay or I need more?” Shaine asked, looking at her reflection in the hand mirror.
I squinted my eyes at her. “It's good. But you actually don't have to put stuffs like that on your face. A natural beauty will be very much appreciated.”
“Just let me be. Makeup is my thing, you know,” she giggled without removing her eyes on the hand mirror. I only replied a nod as I returned my attention to the front where the president and other officers of the club were standing.
“Since everyone is here, let's get started. So…” Thea paused for a while as one of the officers handed a white plastic folder to her. The former sent her thanks right away, as the latter reciprocated it with a welcoming smile.
“You guys know that our acquaintance party is coming, and we shouldn't really miss it. In accordance to our principal's request, I called you guys for a meeting to discuss with you the preparations since our club is selected to organize the event.”
My mouth formed an o. I thought we are called for a meeting because we will be working together on a project either related to math or science subject. To my surprise, that's not the reason we're gathered here like what I thought it is.
I'm annoyed that our club was chosen to organize the said event. Aside from the preparations, I know it will be very much exhausting. And right now, to tell you honestly, I have no enough energy to participate. I'm feeling weak.
“Who wouldn't feel excited, right? Gosh! I'm genuinely thankful that our club was chosen to organize the event,” Shaine commented, munching a popcorn. The crunchy sound made me hungry at the moment that's why when she asked me to get some I didn't hesitate to.
“Thanks,” I said as we went on listening.
“As you can all see here on the agenda, we will be mainly talking about the upcoming event. First, we'll discuss the assigned roles and tasks that we the members of the club will handle. After that, we'll discuss the budget, how much money will be used from the club's fund, and the materials to be used.”
Use of money again. Our club will be collecting money from the students to be used for the preparations. The rest of that will be saved to be use for another upcoming events. So basically, we are not corrupting even a centavo from the fund. It comes from the student's pocket, and it should be used in a right way.
“If time allows, we will also discuss the designs and decorations.” The president clapped her hands, startling me a bit. “And finally, we'll be voting on where and when should we start the preparation.”
“So maybe we can talk about the tasks now if that's okay with you guys.” Jamaica, the club's secretary, happily get herself in after the president gave her the honor to continue the meeting.
“Miss, can we volunteer to carry the chairs and tables?” a guy having a muscular body asked, showcasing his muscles. I can't help but to envy them. Not because of their body, of course. But because they are willing to cooperate while I'm just here sitting like a useless member of the club.
“Of course! Who could be your group mates in this task?” the secretary gleefully replied as the student mentioned the names one by one. “Okay. This one's already good.”
“Me and my boys will be the one to handle the liquor! Just tell us what's the favorite flavor of the students,” another guy said, chuckling.
“Crazy ugly boys. Liquor, eh? I guess they should fix their brains,” Shaine whispered to me. I showed no reaction to that, since I'm really sleepy at the moment.
“I hate to burst your bubble, Markie. But this is actually a light acquaintance party. Though there will be a program and a lot of activities to enjoy, but no one is allowed to drink,” our president replied, dismissing the suggestion.
“Well, it's not our loss. Liquor is great but seems like the officers want to avoid having a taste,” Markie jested, to which they all replied a laugh.
“Such a joker, huh?” Jamaica chuckled, opening the cap of her fountain pen. “So, is still there anyone who wants to volunteer? Because if there's already none, we will proceed right away to assigning the remaining members to their different tasks.”
“Ari, is there anything you want to say?” Shaine turned to me. “Aren't we going to volunteer?”
“Why ask me?” I don't want to volunteer, actually. I'll wait for my assigned task instead.
“Silence means yes!” The president started pacing in the middle as the other officers remained on their position. “Let's proceed to assign—”
“Wait! I want to volunteer!”
All heads turned on the door when a newly arrived guy interrupted the meeting. He is busy fixing his polo while walking toward our direction. Oh, shoot. Who do you think you are to interrupt us? He should have waited for our president to finish her sentence before he speaks.
“Raven!” Thea called out. The club president and mister annoying slash weirdo seemed to know each other very well.
“Good morning, everyone!” he greeted with a wide smile.
I rolled my eyes. He shouldn't be here, for he's only killing my mood. Like, hey, that guy is super annoying.
“So you want to volunteer?”
“Oh, of course!” he exclaimed, almost smiling to every student present now in the meeting. Why do I have a bad feeling about this? “We'll handle the letter cutouts as part of the designs. That one is included, right?”
We?
“Yeah. That one's included.”
Raven showed a grin. “Then I'm picking Shaine Rosy and Arianna Adisson as my group mates. We will do great on the letter cutouts as promise.”
My eyes widened, can't believe of what he just said. How dare he is to select me and my friend for helping him in the letter cutouts! He didn't even ask for our consent, and he's not sure if we'll agree to that. What a stupid human. He's making decisions on his own.
“Excuse me! I stand to disagree!” I stood up as I met the officer's eyes. Maybe they didn't expect me to react that way, since I was just silent the whole meeting before Raven arrived.
“Any concern about what Mr. Jesner has said?” the vice president of the club asked.
“Any problem about the letter cutouts? Because if you are not comfortable with the task, we can change it,” Thea added, smiling. Unlike the vice, she is more friendly and easy to talk to. A president we all desire to have.
“I actually agree with Raven's idea, madame president. I go all hands for it,” Shaine butted in. “And Ari's also fine with it. She just didn't see it coming, but she loves cutting letters.”
I glared at her after she said those words like hey bitch, did you even hear me saying that to you? Oh, the story maker. How can I refuse now and ask for another task? It's too way embarrassing. Many students are listening, and it might sound to them that I don't want the task given to me by the officers.
“Ms. Adisson?” the president called, making me to swallow hard.
“Oh, sorry for that. I just didn't see it coming. But yeah, I love cutting letters.” As far as I know, I was just forced to say that because I'm in front of the officers.
“See? My group is already complete!” Raven energetically said, being bubbly and noisy as the usual him. For his information, I'm not happy about what he's done. He's only giving me a reason to dislike him.
The meeting continued following the agenda on numbers. They discuss the budget, but I don't really feel the need to be interested in that. When they finally asked for our votes, I only raised my hands to show my agreement.
I'm so much annoyed. Cutting letters could be a lot of fun, though I don't like it at all. But knowing that Raven's gonna do that with us sucks to me. I was shocked when I saw him here in the club. I don't even know that he is also a member.
Gosh! If only I know that he's also part of the math sci club, then I shouldn't have signed the membership form.
“You can't say no, Ari. You and your friend, like it or not, will be cutting letters with me. Why can't you just appreciate it?” Raven's following me behind as I tried to quicken my pace. He was like a dog following his boss. But this one's different. If I'm only allowed to do it, I won't hesitate to cut his tail.
“Stop talking to me and I will appreciate you,” I replied without giving him an eye. I never asked for someone to treat me this way, but why am I given one? He shouldn't have come in my life because he always ruined my already ruined mood.
“Really? Well, I'm not that fool to let you go,” he chuckled as if I said something hilarious.
I just can't believe the thickness of his face. He never felt ashamed, even how many times I tried to embarrass him. It was none taken in his part, like he's used of the insults and mean treatment. Can't believe the positivity of this guy.
“Can you please stop following me? Don't be such a tail!” I yelled at him, but he didn't listen. He's still following behind as I can feel his footsteps getting close to me until he finally reached my place. Now I'm seeing his face because he's blocking my way.
“I will never stop, Ari.” He grinned from ear to ear. How can a guy maintained a wide smile like him? It's rare nowadays to witness that in their lips. I know he's a bubbly type, but not appreciated.
“And what makes you think that I'll like what you're doing to me? If a girl asked you to go away, you should respect them. Not all people want attention. You shouldn't give that to me when I didn't ask for it.” I stood face to face with him, my pierce look telling him to get out of my way.
“But are you sure you're not lying? Everyone wants for an attention, some just don't know how to express it. Whether you admit it or not, I know for a fact that you need one.”
“So you think I'm a liar? My gosh, Raven! Yes, I want attention but not from you.”
He plastered a small smile. “Attention from Shan, then. It's okay. I'll give you the attention even when you didn't ask me to. I love doing things without asking for any return, Ari.”
I don't know what to say, so I only rolled my eyes. Don't ever mention his name, please.
Stupid meeting it is!