Chapter 06

College is such a weird place if you think about it. Some of the things here are just not well purposefully positioned. Isn't this place suppose to prepare us for real life?! And yet, there are stuff forced on us with no logical explanation. Like the fact that I'm an IT student, but I still have to take classes about poetry. Or a two hours per week in Women Studies. But today's class is a dozy.

The professor arrives on time, and starts in a whim. "Death, so called, is a thing that makes men weep." he says. "And yet, a third of life is spent in sleep."

Hmm, okay—that's a good start. I'm intrigued. He didn't enter the class with the same aura as the other serious-face instructors I use to. His chuckley grin seems like a default state. Way to go, sir!

"Open your textbooks to page 37." 

We do as we're told, but the professor counters. "Now, close 'em, and throw them away!"

Huh, wait! Is this really happening?! In an institute of higher education, books are just being tossed!

"Throw them away. Hahaha!" he repeats with extra enthusiasm. "Throw them away!" 

The sound of books hitting the ground fill the classroom.

"Since this is your first lecture, let's explain things. My name is Professor Mitchel Cloom, and this is Communication Skills Advanced." he announces as he strides left and right. "The motto of this class, carpe diem, seize the day! No tests, no papers!" 

"But, sir—excuse me.." Noah Thomson raises his hand. "What about study material? Wouldn't we need a reference? And the grading system is—" 

As expected from mister 'Most Likely to Succeed'. His questions were a necessity.

"I said, no papers, young man. Communication is a skill that humans gain through experience; not books." Professor Cloom approaches Noah after cutting him off. "You want an A? Live. In. The. Moment."

"Jackpot..!" one student whispers behind me in high pitch. His tone sounded to me like he was a lion who glimpsed a deer nearby.

"Everyone, take your shoes off.Throw them away!" announces the professor. "Today, we learn— to walk. Get up, and walk out of that door!"

"Out, as out of here..?" one student is perplexed.

"Yes, you may leave." replies Professor Cloom.

"Uhh! That's it?!.." I'm in a shock. It's been only five minutes, and we're dismissed! What in the world is going on?!

As the rest of the students take their leave before Professor Cloom changes his weird beautiful mind. He stands up near the door, and gives them a goodbye high-five!

"Today could be your last! You could die in your sleep! You could get hit by a bus!" 

Okay, the last part is not really my favorite. I already had my traumatic experience with that.

"You, that mole is raised and dark. That's not a good sign..!" 

When I finally reach the door, Professor Cloom slaps my palm like we're highschool buddies and say, "Come on, lighten up! Carpe diem!" 

What a weird old man. He probably believes that we live in a Dead Poets Society. No assignments, no tests; this is it—the ultimate blow-off class! I thought they were some urban college legend. This is definietly gonna be an easy A!

◢ ◣

The following day, On my way to the clubroom, I arrive to find the unusual sight of Charlotte and Zoe standing stock-still in front of the door. I study them, wondering what the hell they were doing, when I notice that the door was open just a crack and that they're peeking inside.

“What’re you doing?” I ask.

“Eeeek!” shrieking cutely and simultaneously, the two of them leap into the air.

“Miles… Y—you surprised me…”

“You guys surprised me..” what’s with that reaction?

“Could you not sneak up on us like that?” even Charlotte’s glaring and

her grumpy expression are just like a little girl. Super cute, I'd say.

“Sorry. So what’re you doing?” I ask again, and Zoe, just like she had before, opens the door a crack—and quietly peeps inside.

“There’s a suspicious person in the clubroom.” she whispers.

“You two are the suspicious ones here.” I whisper back. "And why are you here, Zoe?" 

"Oh, that's rude!" Zoe replies angerly. "I was having breakfast with Charlotte!"

“Just listen. Never mind about us. Could you go inside and see what’s going on in there?” Charlotte orders, looking sullen.

I step in front of the two of them as instructed, cautiously push open the door, and go in.

Waiting for us is a gust of wind. The moment I open the door, a sea breeze blows through the room. And there, in the middle, is a person seating.

"Uhh..Hey..!" I somewhat raise my hand.

The intruder, who happens to be a quiet guy with shaggy golden hair, and little beard and mustache. He's wearing a yellow brown sweater with a regular jeans, and black framed glasses. He seems familiar for some reason, but I'm severely bad at faces; so, I can't say I have seen him before.

"Oh! I didn't expect to see you here!" he looks surprised to see me.

"Well——I'm in this club.." still not yet sure of that statement.

On hearing his voice, Zoe pushes the door, and barges in. "Oh, hi! You're Cisco from our class!" she shouts most of that in my ear.

"Well, indeed. Good to see you, Zoe." he greets her like he's greeting the Queen of England. With the accent and gestures, too. "And you as well, Miles." 

"Y—you know me, huh..?" I crack an awkward smile.

Well, I suppose I wasn't acquainted with most of the students at this school. But the fact that I'm known like this solidifies my individuality—

"It seems like he recognizes you because you're alone all the time." Charlotte joins in on the conversation.

"You cut my train of thought..!" 

"Charlotte, this is Cisco Escobar. Our classmate!" Zoe motions towards Cisco.

"Is this the place of meeting for the Aid Club?” he asks, looking at me while belting out an odd guffaw.

“Yes, this is the Aid Club,” Charlotte replies in my stead. Cisco glances at her for an instant before immediately returning his gaze to me. Seriously, why did people keep looking at me today? 

“I-is that so? If it is as the sage Lane advised me, then, you are obligated to grant my wish, are you not?"

“The Aid Club will not necessarily grant your wishes. We can only help you achieve your goals, yourself.” drones Charlotte.

“Miles, I have come to this place so that my wish might be granted, as per my agreement with thee. I hath but a single wish to ask of ye, though it is a truly noble and sublime ambition.” Cisco turns away from Charlotte to address me directly. He's mixing up his second-person pronouns and throwing in hath to boot. This guy is confused!

That was when I notice something. Whenever Charlotte speaks to him, that idiot would turn my way instead. Well, I got why. The girl is triple A!  If I didn't know what Charlotte is really like, she’d have flustered me every time she talked to me, and I wouldn't have been able to look her in the eye, either.

But Charlotte lacks the empathy of the average individual. She wouldn't treat a man and his innocent feelings with any kind of sensitivity.

“I’m the one speaking here. Look at me when I’m talking to you,” she says, coldly, grabbing Cisco’s collar and forcing him to face forward. 

Yes, though completely lacking in manners herself, she was incredibly fussy over the manners of others. So fussy that I’d even started giving her a formal greeting every time I walk into the clubroom.

When Charlotte let go of his collar, Cisco hacks away, coughing for real. Apparently, this isn't the time to be in character. “M-mwa…mwa-ha-ha-ha. You caught me with mine guard down!”

“And stop talking like that.” her cold treatment causes Cisco to fall silent and examine his shoes.

"Haha! What's the matter, Cisco? What do you want us to do for you?" Zoe asks with an awkward giggle.

"..Want 'us'..?!" I whisper to her. Since when did she become a member of this club? Not that I care, though.

◢ ◣

To sum things up, Cisco is the kind of guy that loves movies. Since he was little. He dreamed of making his block-buster feature film one of those days. He had intended to go to a Film School, but his father wasn't eye to eye with him on that plan. And he ended up here. His request is for us to find a way to let him study filmmaking, so he can make his very first short film.

"Isn't there a film class here in Cooper? Why don't you sign up?" Zoe suggests. But if things were this simple, this dude wouldn't reach this level of desperation to ask us for help.

"I can't. My father will only pay for classes that will help run the family's restaurant." Cisco shakes his head.

"So, your father has your life planned out for you?" Charlotte asks, looking completely irritated.

"Are you even interested in running restaurants?" I add.

"I'm interested in making movies." Cisco answers. "But my dad thinks all media is First World propaganda extending from the work of the devil." 

"Hmm.." Zoe scratches her head. "If only we can get you enrolled in the class.."

"Why does it have to be a class?" I argue. "You can learn almost anything online. Even the instructors here go back to Youtube to learn about how to do their jobs."

Charlotte sighs, "Cisco, how much does a film class cost?" 

"90 dollars." he answers.

Charlotte reaches for her bag, and takes out a cheque book. 

"Uhh—Charlotte..?" I say to her.

"Miles." she says back. Wrapping the cheque after writing on it. And then, she hands it to Cisco. "The memo says, 'For Dreams'.."

"Aww..!" Zoe lets out a squeal that gives me chills.

"Are you sure about this..?" Cisco questions; although, his face is expressionless.

"Absolutely." Charlotte smiles back. "Looking forward to see your creations."

The fact that Charlotte has made this decision out of mere irritation is giving me a scare. Not to mention that she just broke the club's rule of handing people the fish, and what not! I don't like where this is going..

◢ ◣

The next day, in Communication Skills Advanced, Professor Cloom is still keeping on his weird style of teaching.

"Only when we stop stopping our lives, can we begin to start starting them!" he says in pure excitement.

Today's topic is Life. How could being alive on it's own doesn't mean truely living. At least, I can agree with that. If one considers how the world is populated by a majority of followers, and how this type of people are the reason that every corrupted asshole get to rule over the masses. How those who lie or betray end up dominating those who work their butts to keep a decent life. It truely takes courage to stop following the crowd, and make a stand. But it's what gives your life meaning.

"Ms. Howell here, for example," Professor Cloom walks towards her desk. "Would rather write what happens to other people than live in what is happening to her."

Zoe trembles in response, "I thought there might be a quiz..." 

"Well, here's a quiz for you." replies Mr. Cloom. "Why did the pretty young girl die alone; surrounded by sweater-wearing cats who were trained to use human toilets?"

"...." Zoe remains speechless, unsure of what was the question about. Dumbass in action.

"Get up on your desk.." orders the professor.

"Uhh—but, sir—" 

"Come on, stand on your desk!" he encourages her before turning to the rest. "Everyone, up on your desk!"

I, along with everybody else, put our feet on our desks. Professor Cloom keeps on prompting us. "That's it—rise. Rise. Rise above the programming!" he says. "All your lives, you've been told to not stand on your desks. Well, why not?" 

As he finishes with that, a large guy slips and falls down. The sound of his seat flipping echoes all over the place.

"Oh..!" multiple people react.

As I look at him, both Cisco and another guy run to help him up.

"You fell like a baby hippo." Cisco remarks.

"Get up, buddy." says the other guy.

"Is he okay? Go to the nurse, seize the day, like, right now." says the professors in a flat tone. "For your homework, I want you to swim in a lake, and tell 10 people that you love them."

After class's over, Mr. Cloom signals for me to come. That is pretty much unexpected. For a bland, boring, and super quiet student, most instructors run through the semester without knowing my name.

"Mr. Grimwine." he addresses me. "I like to think that every life that passes through this class is changed. But every year, there's always that one cocky opportunist who is just here to coast, and grab an easy A.."

Wait a second! Did he associate me with Zoe? I mean, sure, we talk these days on almost daily basis. 'Guess it stands out when a loner gets the chance of brief communication. But why is he so not delighted with her presence in class?! True, she's conveying some slutty attributes most of the time, but she's not that bad!

"Oh.." I say. "Yeah, Ms. Howell is a little—"

"I am talking about you, Mr. Grimwine." he interjects. "You have no intention of seizing the day." 

WHAT?!

"What? No, sir. I haven't lived till I met you!" I try to defend my case by being assertive and calm altogether. "Not that I need a grade, or even want it.."

"Well, glad to hear it. Because if you don't genuinely seize the day by the end of the week, you'll be seizing an F for the rest of the semester." he finishes with that ultimate attack. 

Now, I officially hate him, too.

◢ ◣

Later that gloomy day, I ended up wandering aimlessly around campus. My last conversation with Professor Cloom has just put me in a state of shock. I wasn't only depressed, but I felt anxious now. If my mother knows about my failing grade, things might become complicated.

"I'd rather take an actual class, but now it's too late to drop out or add.." 

"Talking to yourself already? Didn't expect you to lose your mind so soon!" Charlotte ambushes me all of the sudden.

"Oh, fancy seeing you walkin' around!" I wink. "I always believed you're a ghost haunting that clubroom." 

"Huh—ghost? What nonsense! There's no such thing!" she averts my gaze. "And I only wanted to check on our client."

When we reach the cafeteria, my eyes land on Cisco. He's twisting his sloppy body left and right while holding a large camera.

"Huh, how is it going, buddy? How's film class?" Charlotte charges towards him with a weird grin as though she's approaching a little child.

"Not bad at all. Our first assignment is a documentary." Cisco replies. "They're like real movies, but with ugly people."

"That seems terrific." she exhales in relief. Geez, Charlotte! That guy's mother has found her some serious competition. "Some of us here don't like getting involved in fixing other people' lives."

"Hey. If you're makin' a documentary about Charlotte patting herself on the back, you're gonna need a back up battery." I put my hands up sarcastically.

"Actually, I'm making a movie about my dad." Cisco replies.

"Brilliant!" Charlotte's face glows up a bit. "How did he react to you signing up for the class?" 

Cisco raises his brows as he sticks out his head, "That part hasn't happened yet. Here he comes now!" 

When we turn around, a bald man with slightly shaved beard, and wearing unmatching colors, striding his way towards us. And, he doesn't look happy at all.

"Hey!" he sticks his finger out; not a good sign! "You want to get involved in my family's business?!"

"Uh—oh..!" I mutter involuntarily.

"Where do I find Mr. Charlotte?!" he asks, in a semi-Mexican accent.

Charlotte then, sways her hair and steps to face him. The old-guy is obviously surprised.

"Yeah," Charlotte nods lightly. "I'm a woman—with rights, and power.."

"Oh—hoo! You think I'm one of those who intimidate women, huh!" Cisco's dad says. "But no, I love women. Respect women. But I'm getting major B-word vibes from you!" 

Oh, man, did he just called her a bitch?! My new favorite geezer already.

"Ow!" I giggle in amusement. "I can't believe I missed out on getting involved in this!"

"You go host America's Got Talent!" he snaps at me, and turns back to Charlotte. "And you, stop messing with my son!" 

"But he's a talented boy, sir—" 

"I raise him! You don't!"

"Raising him means you let him follow his dream!" Charlotte's cold tone is turning sharp!

"Dreams are for sleeping." 

"You don't know that." she shoots back with a narrowed gaze. 

"It's clinically proven!" 

"Sir, Cisco wants to study film!" Charlotte's frustration starts to show as her shoulders drop.

"You shut up!" he shushes her. "Let's go home, Miho!" 

"Wait, no!" she's surprisingly persistant. "Cisco, tell your father you want to study film, please?" 

With the camera still obscuring his face, Cisco barely mutters "I don't think I'm really in this scene.."

"See?!" Cisco's father shakes his fists towards the camera. "It's hard to talk to him before. Now we have this thing between us!" 

Cisco then, gets dragged by his angry father before Charlotte starts to pull him in the other direction. "Wait, no! You need to stop!" she utters.

"You better let my son go, or else!" Mr. Escobar begins shouting, and it didn't take long before we started to make a scene.

I guess, I have to try something...

"Uhh—sir.." I step in; totally got nothing prepared to say. "Well..Hi..Umm..Yeah, you have the right to your family's privacy. But Cisco is an adult, and has the right to stay.."

Mr. Escobar glances at his son for few seconds. His nostrils are flared up like a bull.

"Okay, fine." he says. "You want to raise him? You raise him, I'm out!" 

"Wait, what..?!" 

And with these words, the angry father bids us a farewell. I glance back at Charlotte who glances back at me like two idiots who lost both the battle and the war. 

"It's fine, Cisco. Never mind him." Charlotte pats him on the shoulder, trying to cover her defeat. "Parents aren't always right.."

"Hm, that went well.." I sigh.

"I'm gonna need to make some more adjustments to my movie." Cisco still speaks with the camera in front of his face. "Miles, I think you should play the role of my father from now on."

I furrow my brow, "I don't wanna be your father.."

"Perfect, you already know your lines." he whispers.

◢ ◣

Early on the following morning, I sit myself in the cafeteria with a brand new look. I borrowed some of my father's old clothes, and pretty much gave myself a makeover. With a large brown leather jacket, a pants that's tight above and widely loose bellow, and bunch of bandanas wrapped all over my forehead. Professor Cloom is gonna learn what truly is to be living the moment.

While I'm still waiting for my A+ to arrive, Charlotte enters the cafeteria. And without even looking my way, she just says "Why are you dressed like 80s rapists?"

"Professor Cloom comes by here every morning." I offer a half good answer. "And I need him to see me celebrating life—in a way.."

While waiting for 'Rich-people-ccino' or whatever, Charlotte uses the calculator on her phone. Is buying coffee has become so expensive that people have to double-check their track-record or monthly expenses nowadays?!

"What're you doing?" I try to make sure.

"I'm calculating Cisco's expenses." she replies. "You know? There's books, meals, transportation. He's renting that camera! Oh, he needs some spending money, too.."

"Uhh—ain't all money spending money..?" 

"Hiiiii!" and here comes Zoe, with her fake nice smile. "You're super kind, Charlotte! What you're doing for Cisco is just incredible. I love you." 

"Uhh, okay—thank you.." Charlotte blushes there for a moment.

I look Ms. Perfection in the eye, "She's just doing her homework. Don't get your hopes us.." 

"Huh..?" 

And Zoe moves down the list, and resumes her quest. "Hey there, Ms. Lunch-lady!" she chases after the cafeteria's staff member. "Your dishes are fantastic! Love you so much!"

"..Get away from me..!" 

After Zoe's departure, Cisco approaches us. Holding even a larger camera in front of his face, he quickly stands between me and Charlotte.

"Oh, how is it going, buddy?" she greets him with a compassionate smile.

"Good." he replies expressionlessly. "My film is coming together."

"Is that a new camera..?" I ask.

"Yeah. It's more expensive, but it lets me adjust really specific settings that most people don't notice or think about." he replies with his face lighting up. Gee, his passion is stifiling.

"Hey. I'd like a latte." Cisco says to the cafeteria lady. "And Miles, let me get you something." 

"Nuh, I'm good." 

"Really? You're insulting me." he pulls out a tuft of paper cash. "Look at all this!" 

"Oh, well.." I guess, he got all of this money. Not like he's gonna spend it all by himself, now is he? "I'll have a Coke.."

"Boo! An ordinary soda for an ordinary life!" 

And that is professor Cloom, ambushing me from behind. 

"Good morning, professor Cloom." I put myself right next to him, totally in character. My head was bobbing like a boombox playing a lively EDM beat.

"Sorry, Mr. Grimwine, but these won't cut it." 

"But, sir—"

"Time for my morning coffee!" he shushes my mouth with his pincer grip. "Or shall I have... Hey, I will have a birthday cake!" 

"Heeh, this's utterly hopeless.." I sigh in defeat.

"He really got your number, huh..?" Charlotte teases me with her dimwitted personality.

"Drop it, you butt-sore.." 

◢ ◣

The next day, after classes ended, Mr. Lane texted me saying that I'm required to be present at the club-room immediately. It was strange, but what could possibly get worse, am I right? When I get to the special use building, and excused myself into the room. Charlotte, Mr. Lane, Cisco, and even Zoe were already here! They were all rounded up on a new large table I haven't seen before.

"Uhh, what's going on..?" I stutter in confusion.

"We were all invited!" Zoe says gleefully like an annoying kid.

"Huh..?" 

At that weird moment, I hear a knock on the door behind me. And in case I haven't mentioned before, my body moves automatically whenever confusion stirs me around. So, I ended up opening the door myself. 

"Here's your pizza! Mr. Escobar.." the guy tucked in the funny ketchup colored uniform says.

"Yes, come in!" Cisco yells from the comfort of his seat.

The delivery guy pushes me aside, and drops several boxes of pizza on the table. After getting his payment from Cisco, the red dressed dude leaves with a wide smile. Apparently, Cisco is spending Charlotte's money very cautiously (LOL).

"Whoa..!" Mr. Lane's seriously drolling right now.

"Thanks for the pizza, Cisco!" Zoe says. "I was starving!" 

"That—looks nice, like a picnic.." Charlotte looks like she's trying to get along with some regretable decision.

"Or a family dinner!" Zoe's super happy for some reason.

"It's a school club and pizza. Let's not get carried away." 

"So, Cisco," Mr. Lane, our guidance counselor, snatches a slice. "How's Film Class going?" 

"Good." he replies.

"Did you go to class today?" he narrows his gaze towards Cisco. 

"Not really." 

"Huh..?!" Charlotte and I were in a shock.

"Not really. Well, Charlotte right here is paying for those classes." Mr. Lane drops the bomb. Did he know about that?! Why didn't he say something earlier?! "Didn't you think maybe you should go?" 

"I was shooting my movie." Cisco replies.

"Your movie is for class!" Charlotte slams the table in anger. Well, not the typical degree of anger. This girl is super composed after all. So, a calm frustration better describes it.

"My movie is more important." Cisco replies in flat tone.

Knock, knock, knock! Somebody pushes the door open. "Somebody ordered seven lattes?" 

Another uniformed dude comes in, holding a rack full of cups. 

"I got that." Cisco stands up.

"No, you don't got that!" Charlotte raises her voice. "I got that, Cisco. I got everything!"

"Charlotte..?" Zoe mutters.

"What is wrong with you?! All I want is to take care of you!" Charlotte stands up to face him, but all Cisco does is aiming the camera towards her. "I can tell that you're not stupid. Are you doing it on purpose?!" 

"Charlotte, I think that is enough—" Mr. Lane says, but Charlotte shuts him up.

"—Mr. Lane, please!" she leveled a finger at him. "Cisco, answer me! Why won't you answer me?!" 

"This the scene where you leave.." Cisco finally utters.

In response, Charlotte's face wearing a look of defeat. She bits her lip, and furrows her brows. The next second, she turns, taking her things before storming out of the room.

"Uhh—Charlotte..?!" Zoe jumps after her.

After that, Cisco points his camera at my face. "What do you think, Dad?" he asks.

What do I think, you jerk?! I may not be Charlotte's biggest fan, but she truely took care of him. And this idiot is not even trying!

"I think, you're really weird, Cisco.." I sigh. "And I think the wrong person just left." 

This place is uncomfortable. It reminds me of when my parents used to fight. So, just like those times, I take myself somewhere away from this shitty vibes. And decided to go home.

"Wait," I hear the coffee delivery guy's voice. "That guy was your dad..?" 

On my way outside, near the exit, my tired eyes land on Cisco. He was standing on his own, flipping his gigantic camera in his hands in boredom.

"Oh, it's you, Miles.." he says in low breath.

"Uhh, hey.." 

Cisco gasps in and out, going through some technique to calm himself, trembling like a newborn baby deer. Then he turns straight to me.

I really want to ignore him and continue my way, but he seems a little stressed out, and doesn't address me as his father! Plus, he's blocking the way.

“Will you watch..?” 

I doubted my ears for a moment. He repeated himself in a clearer, stronger voice. “Will you watch my work sometime?” he regards me.

“Are you—a masochist?” I stutter. “You still wanna do that after having all of this fuss up like that?”

"So, I should just give it up..?" 

"Uhh, sorry.." that came outta no where! "Not like I want you to quit on your dreams, and stuff.."

"You know, I even thought that maybe I should just die, because it’s not like I can get along with my father. I can't communicate with girls, and I don’t have any real friends anyway. I was actually thinking that everyone but me should live..”

Oh man, I know a thing or two about that..

“Yeah, I’ll bet. If someone said all that to me, I’d want to die, too.” but

having taken all those hits, Cisco could still say that.

“But…but even so, it made me happy. I shot that because I wanted to, and I’m glad I did it. I cannot say as of yet what I should call this feeling I have right now, but…having someone watch my film does please me,” he declares, smiling. It isn't the weird dude with bad communication skills smile; it is Cisco Escobar’s smile.

Oh, I get it.

He didn't just have zero people skills. He was afflicted with a full-blown creator’s fever. Wanting to make movies because you want to express, because you have something to say. Feeling happy when what you’ve created moves someone, and then wanting to do it over and over…carrying on even in the face of the disapproval of others… I think that's what they call 'Passion'.

I gotta see it. Because, I mean, this was his goal: the result of his messed up means. This was the vindication of his struggle to give shape to his fantasies. Even after being treated like a sicko, being frowned upon and laughed at, he never yielded and never surrendered.

"Don't worry about it. I will definitely watch it.." I stretch my hand and Cisco shook it immediately.

◢ ◣

A few days passed after that. It's afternoon. I finished the last class of the day. And while I'm packing my stuff, a text made my phone buzz. It says that I need to be in library in three minutes. This new way of giving orders is just annoying!

The library is one of the few places on campus I visit frequently. Although not very huge, it still provides enough space for me to relax and brainstorm new ideas or strategies for Battle Royale and other non-fighting games I enjoy. And the calm atmosphere is so boring, I can't stop loving it. People like Ruka don't go there often. So, it's sort of my sanctuary.

When I finally get to the library, I'm immediately caught by Charlotte who greets me with her ice-cold face.

"Oh, Miles, you're here as well..!" she puts her finger on her chin.

"I got a text that—" and Cisco interrupts me in a jiff.

"I'm the one who asked for all you three to come here." 

"All us three..?" Charlotte tilts her head.

"Be back in a second." and, he goes out, leaving the two of us confused.

I even notice the ice-cold-Snow White sighing in exasperation. Poor Charlotte. You can't handle losing control, can you?

But, as we are just sitting there, somebody approaches us.

"Hey!" it's Mr. Escobar, Cisco's dad. "You don't really have tickets to Ricky Martin, do you?"

"No. I guess that was an excuse to trick you to come here, so we can communicate." Charlotte's keen observation in action, folks!

"Communicate?! Have you met Cisco?!" Mr. Escobar bursts in anger.

"Shuush!" the librarian hovers around us with disgust. Even the old man is taken by her grimace.

"It is not the two of us that need to talk, sir." she replies, quietly this time.

"Yeah, sir. But we need to calm down, first.." I add; although it was completely unnecessary.

"All right." he exhales. "Now, the only reason this whole mess got started is because you two wanted the best for my son."

"And I think, the lesson we can all take away from this is that everyone should always do whatever they want, and let each other out of it." I reply in the most sincere tone I can muster while rolling my eyes on Charlotte.

"Is that your take? Let me give you mine." Mr. Escobar points his finger at me. "You, and your washed out girlfriend got all up in my stuff because you wanted to play cowboys, and then you turned chicken."

Geez! That metaphor hit harder than the time I discovered my mother was calling one of my classmates back in elementary school to talk about why was I such a weirdo.

"We got it, and Charlotte here is sorry," I then turn to the pale beautiful girl that was just accused for being my girlfriend. "Right, Charlotte?"

"Wrong." she's just a jerk.

"Crap.." 

"Cisco may not be a great filmmaker. But that doesn't mean he has to run your business." she continues. "You need to let him make his own decisions."

"Make his own decisions? Have you met Cisco?! You have no—" and old man got interrupted.

"Guys!" Cisco called for all of us. He came back with a laptop. Looks like, he actually finished his movie.

Cisco then, puts the computer on the table, and adjusts three seats for us. "Charlotte, Miles, Dad." he gestures for us to sit down.

The moment we get comfortable, Cisco presses play.

To best describe what my eyes are forced to watch, try to imagine a spoof Youtube video; except this one is intentionally trying to take itself seriously. It begins with a scene of us (Charlotte and I) on that day when we first met Cisco's father. Then, the time in the cafeteria, we were discussing the fact that paying him all that money was unnecessary. There were scenes when Mr. Lane told us that Cisco was cutting classes. Even the scene where Charlotte was yelling "All I wanted was to care of you!" It was followed by the scene when she bursted out afterwards. There was an added voice over crying "Mom please, don't go!" but just like what had actually occured, Charlotte left the clubroom. The film then shifts to when I said "I don't wanna be your father." followed by another voice over saying "Dad, am I really not normal?" and the scene where I said "I think, you're really weird, Cisco. And I think the wrong person just left." 

Credits rolled on the sound of death metal. It made me jump. My whole body jolted for a minute. But dang! 

That movie, that mess, hit home. Now I know who Cisco Escobar really is. An abandoned, neglected child that was forced to conform despite not wanting to. His mother left him when he was young after trying so hard to force him to be normal. This guy was pushed to do all of these things instead of being listened to. But this movie right here, was more of an apology than a complaint for being mistreated.

When the video has finished, I witness Mr. Escobar nodding lightly before turning back to face his son.

"I never blamed you for her leaving.." he presses his lips.

"You didn't have to.." Cisco replies with zero expression.

Then, Mr. Escobar turns back to us after exhaling deeply. "My son is hard to understand." he says. "If making movies makes him understood. Then—I'll pay for these classes.."

Right when he says that, I glance back at Charlotte as she smiles in relief saying "I made this all happen—with the drama as a fallback.."

"Uhh.. You really scare me sometimes.." my body actually shivers there for a moment.

And with that, Cisco's request for becoming a parentally approved and funded film student is fulfilled. That added another success story to our Aid Club novice record. If we continue like that, we may achieve greater things like world peace! 

◢ ◣

Now, though, I'm still left with my own set of problems. The lead being Professor Cloom silly Communication Skills class. 

Today's Friday, which is my due date. If I don't get the man's approval, I'll fail, and my mom wouldn't be 'physically' fine with that.

After he finishes today's lecture about Types of Touching, I work up the courage to go to him, and face my failure like an honored warrior.

"Oh, Mr. Grimwine!" he smiles at me.

"Hello there, Professor.." I say. "So, about my grade. Or shall I say the deadline. Maybe, I've been misguided a little.."

"It is true. I couldn't agree more about that last part." 

"So, if you could offer me some more time, I will get the proper guidance to fulfill the assignment, and—"

Professors Cloom interrupts me with a chuckle. "Why would I give you that?" 

"Oh," I frown in response. "Oh well, in that case, I want you to know that I truely did the best I could. With all that I was given, at least.." 

He's intending on failing me. I guess there's no other way. People like him only care about those who communicate and share, and celebrate life. No place for realists. Well, I couldn't have lied my way through. So, the 'F' is what I deserve.

"You certainly did, Mr. Grimwine." Professor Cloom smiles back at me.

I know he's a very positive man, but no sane person smiles on delivering such disappointing news!

"Uhh, sir?" I tilt my head. "Am I getting an F, now..?" 

"No, I'm giving you an A+.." he replies as I spin my skull. Did I miss something..?

"The movie you helped your friend create was too emotional and expressive. It communicated how you, reaching out to him, has changed his life." 

"Huh..?" 

"Here, I will show you!" he takes out his phone to play a video.

He showed me Cisco's movie, or rather the "Extended Cut" version where extra scenes were added. The most note-worthy is the scene that awarded me the A+ (according to Professor Cloom). 

It was when Cisco and I talked near the exit, and I offered to watch his work sometime. Cisco apparently hid another camera somewhere, and captured that encounter! That scene has touched professor Cloom, and he decided to let me pass the class right away!

"The best way to seize a day is by making somebody else's day a turning point for the better." he tells me. "Well done, Mr. Grimwine. As your Communication Skills professor, I am so—very proud of you.."

I'm not that sort of person that likes to show emotions; especially in public. But that last sentence causes my facial muscles to act on their own. So, I can't help but smile back at him. Maybe this is the first time for me to show such authentic expression, and I really don't mind.

"Thank you, Professor.." and thank you, too, Cisco Escobar..