Chapter 4 - Raising His Reputation

• Ruben's Point of View •

"... so what do you guys plan to do with this damn kid." Zachary said as he laid the files of the student who tried to expose the club room of the Clandestine Club-- C.C. for short. Looking at all the members of the club, all of them seem to think of some idea to put this person to silence.

The first to suggest was April, and he was very bold of his idea. "I think it's best to beat him up, that'll scare him for sure."

"We don't want that happening, what if you were found out? We can't risk that happening." November said. I have to agree, his idea was risky.

"Let's just pay him to stay silent," July suggested.

December scoffed, "Money doesn't solve everything, rich dumbass."

"Well, are there better suggestions there?" July asked.

August and September looked like they were up to something so they finally spoke up. "It would be fun if we make his life miserable so that he can stop and focus on his own life." They said.

Most wanted to agree but some were still against a cute idea of torture. "I can't see any flaw in my plan, why won't everyone just agree with me?" April said.

Then January told him off, "Your idea is stupid, I can't believe you're a part of this club."

April suddenly showed off his delinquent side as he stood up from his seat. "Are you trying to pick a fight with me?" He started rolling up his sleeves and Zachary started to stop any fight from happening.

"Woah, woah! Guys, if you don't behave then I'll have to kick you out. But I have to agree with everyone else here. April, your idea sucks." April sat back and just muttered curses under his breath.

"So guys, is this all you can come up with? Beating up? Bribery? Making things miserable? Damn, I thought you were all better than this." All members stopped with the chattering as Zachary showed his disappointment.

While we were all having a moment of silence, I suddenly felt uneasy as he stares at me. "October... what about you? Any suggestions?" He threw the folder to me.

"I... Yeah... I have..." I answered and scanned the papers within the folder.

"Then let's hear it!"

"... I'd like to lure him into our club and make him regret his mistakes." I didn't really think of any suggestion, because my plan was to simply observe how they're going to handle this. But it seems that things aren't going quite well as I thought.

Just like Zachary, I'm very disappointed as well.

"Woah, that's way riskier!" February said.

Zachary hushed her and took interest in my suggestion. "As expected from October, you impressed me. But... how will you do all that?"

His menacing stare quite intimidated me so I panicked and answered the worst thing he never wants to hear. "I-I don't know."

His smile wore off. He quickly walked towards me and grabbed me on my collar, lifting me up from my seat. "Don't talk shit like that. We're in the Clandestine club, nobody here is ignorant. So quit that pretentious act and tell me how you're going to do this?"

Zachary Dale Lavaughn, as his name shows it, he is the son of the owner of this academy. He's the founder of this club as well. I don't know why he made this club, but it tells me that he's just bored. He just wanted to play with all the power and intelligence he can get-- he is what we all call a genuine psychopath.

I gently pushed him off me and fixed my uniform. "Well, my plan was made on impulse. Don't expect me to come up with a plan quickly." I told him off.

"For someone who has the lowest reputation in this club, you're quite arrogant to tell that. I do enjoy your ideas and suggestion because it always impresses me, but knowing your identity and status in this academy... disappointing! That makes you in no position to disappoint me more."

My brows furrowed at his statement. "My identity has nothing to do with this club!"

"It does, actually." March butted.

"Everybody in this room has proved themselves to me with each of their own reputation and talents, all except you! So take this as your chance, October... you'll be the one to lead this problem and improve your reputation as a member of the club." He took the folder and slammed it on my chest. "If you fail to do so... think of this as your last chance being a member of the Clandestine Club." Then he smirked as if he knows that I'm gonna fail.

• end of flashback •

Habang nakahiga ako sa kama ko, paulit-ulit kong naiisip ang nangyari sa meeting kanina. I hate the fact that I got intimidated by that damn sociopath. Ayoko sa lahat ang pinagbabantaan ako... if he wants me out of the club-- it's up to me when I want to quit!

"I swear Zachary, mapapabagsak din kita!!" Sambit ko sa sobrang pagka-irita.

May kumatok naman sa pinto ng kwarto ko. "Who is it!?" I asked.

"Andito po si miss Jade, Sir!" Sabi ng katulong.

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute." I told her.

Jade, huh? Akala ko ba ayaw nya na sa'kin?

Pagkarating ko sa living room, nakita ko syang nakikipag-usap kay mom. Nagsama ang dalawang madaldal.

"I didn't know na marunong pala tumugtog ng piano si Ruben, tita!"

"Di mo alam? Well, noong maliit pa sya pinag-piano lessons namin yung bata na 'yun. He was unbelievably good at it, he's a really fast learner."

"Eh tita, ano na nangyari kay Ruben? Laging mababa grades nun sa school. I'm quite afraid he might grow into a stupid adult."

"Ahh, 'wag ka mag-alala. I have confidence in my son, i know na matalino sya pero saksakan lang ng katamaran--

"Ehem." Pag-interrupt ko sa kanila. Napatingin silang parehas sa akin.

"Andyan ka na pala, tara dito nak! I baked some muffins." Yaya ni mom.

Pinagtuunan ko ng pansin si Jade dahil alam ko talaga na hindi kami bati. "Akala ko ba ayaw mo na kong makita?" I asked her.

She gave me a ridiculous smile and response. "You know i can't stay mad at you forever. I forgive you."

"Mhmm, dahil 'to sa muffins ni mama noh?"

"Hehehe, alam mo namang paborito ko ang pastries ni tita diba?" Mapagsamantala din itong babae na 'to. She then excused herself for a minute kaya naiwan kami ni mama.

Mom suddenly returned to her composed posture and cold attitude. "Please stop treating Jade like that, can't you be the prince she wants to have?"

"Oh please mom, don't force me to act like a different person. At malabong mangyari ang gusto mo, Jade will never like me further than she does right now. I'm just her best friend, and that's only it." I told her.

"Alam mo din na pagdating ng panahon, ikakasal din kayong dalawa whether you both love each other or not. So would it be better if you both learn to love each other?"

"No way. No freaking chance."

She just chuckled like an evil witch. "Okay, have it your way. Ikaw na bahalang mamroblema sa sitwasyon nyo balang araw." I just walked out on her because having an argument with her is pointless.

This is why I hate my life... people always try to control my life and reputation. But I know there will be a day where they will all regret doing this to me.

• to be continued •