"For the past few years that you've been studying here, this is the first time you caught my attention for unsightly action, Rebecca. No. Scratch that... you caught everyone's attention by declaring such a vulgar statement."
I looked away as anxiety started crawling back into my senses again. The scene where I shouted his name and left a strong note kept playing in my head.
"I never imagined that you would do something reckless like that. You're a genius. Star of the class but hid behind the shadows so I didn't know you were capable of shouting your heart out for the boy who doesn't seem to care about the world."
She sighed and continued. "Since this is your last year in high school, I'd like to cast you out of the shadows. I want you to become one of our strongest and prominent students which you should always have been. I know about your strengths."
I stared at her with confusion.
"Don't give me that look. Your knowledge is exceptional, your teachers always commend you but whenever you notice that they started getting fond of you, you'll suddenly shut everything out."
That was indeed true. She hated the spotlight. She doesn't want students gossiping about her. She believed that like her outer shell - she should act normal too, like an ordinary student...
But didn't you take the limelight for your yearning heart?
"Speaking up like what you did earlier gave me an idea that you finally wanted to step up... you wanted to improve. If that's because of Ibarra then I have to thank him for it."
Oh no... I haven't really thought of this!
"I'm sorry Ms. Leni, I think you got the wrong idea."
She smirked. "Then think of this as your punishment for acting like that and for disturbing our flag ceremony."
I wanted to answer back but there's no way that I can rationalize my actions earlier.
"I will be pulling you out from 4-2 and place you in the last section, 4-16... which I will soon be handling."
My eyes widened in shock and my brain was running amok.
I can't be apart from Mirajane!
"With all due respect, I don't think that it would be a good idea. I don't even know anyone from that class! And surely my parents will complain about this. And... I thought you will be section 4-2 advisor?"
She nodded. "I was. But somebody suddenly made a ruckus early in the morning that made me and the Principal decide to change the plan."
"Then, can Mirajane at least come with me? We've been together since---"
"No. Because we can only move one more student to 4-16. I already took another student with me." She stood up and walked in front of me. "Since you mentioned Mirajane, I take it that you are trying to level with her IQ just so you can stay with her, am I right?"
My eyes automatically looked away – giving her a hint of what my answer will be.
Darn it! Why am I not a good liar?!
"I hit the jackpot, didn't I? You have to be away from her this year to force you to come out of your shell. But just to make it clear, I am not saying that you cannot be friends with her anymore."
"What if I say no? What if I want to stay as it is and to be with my friend?"
She scoffed and crossed her arms while looking down at me. "You won't... because this is a one in a million chance for you to be with Ibarra."
My heart leaped as soon as I heard his name. "W-What do you mean by that?"
"The Principal and I discussed about this the last time. Section 4-16 is not made for the lowest grade students but to gather the most outstanding but quite troublesome seniors. Ibarra is one of them. I believe you are aware of how great he is, may it be on academics or sports. However, he seems to slack off."
I bit my lower lip – trying to calm my excited self.
"There's also another reason why I don't want you to end up in 4-2." She sat down on the seat across mine. "Mitchell's group is on that section and it'll be dangerous for you to be there."
"And I wouldn't be if I get to be in the same section as Ibarra?" There was a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
"At least I am there to protect you. Besides, someone you know so well will be in our section."
My brow arched. "Who?"
"You will see tomorrow. Now, my task for you is to make Ibarra sociable with others."
I stood up and a mocking laugh escaped my lips. "I think I heard you incorrectly, Ms. Leni. Did you say---"
"I believe your ears are fine, Rebecca." She seriously said.
The smile on my face was wiped off as I gaped at her. She's our Guidance Counselor yet she sounded like a slave worker.
And she's not even making sense!
"Ibarra didn't even acknowledge me earlier! What makes you think that I can make him sociable in his current state? I've followed him, watched his every move and I know it myself that your request is impossible to do."
Ms. Leni gave me a sly smile. "Then... are you all talk and no action? What about your promise that he'll be yours by graduation?"
I pursed my lips and gave it a thought.
"I'm giving you the privilege to be with Ibarra but of course, nothing is free nowadays, Rebecca. You have to do something for me too. Help me change this student for the better. Ibarra is a special young man. He can enter different universities in college if he wanted to, but he needs to have an outstanding record in high school... and the same thing goes for you too."
She's a psychologist playing with my mind!
But then, I acknowledge that my advisor just wanted the best for us. Besides, staying with Ibarra in the same room was a good offer. We've never been classmates for one reason – and that was because of our fear to get more attention. Ms. Leni was right. Ibarra can do better but he chose to slack off. He could have been in section one but he ends up in mid-section most of the time. If he wasn't just sleeping in the class, he'll be in a place somewhere no one knows...
Except from me, of course.
"We are already late for class. What do you say?"
I took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll give it a shot."
She beamed and placed her hand on my back. "Let's go."
We started walking towards our room with my heart beating fast. After having that talk with her, I realized something funny. I spoke numerous times about being afraid of the spotlight when Ibarra and I have it even from the beginning. He has been keeping himself in the dark because of the girls who kept bugging him, while I on the other hand has been trying to keep myself on the safe line so I can be just a normal girl.
Aren't we meant to be?