Students and teachers are finely dressed for the ball. Tables full of food and towers of alcoholic beverages are scattered on the Great Hall.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. For tonigh's t program, there will be two parts:
1. The socialization wherein students and teachers will be allowed to get to know one another. That includes chatting or dancing. For introverts like me, we thought you need help, so alcoholic beverages are provided for everyone. Just please don't strip off your clothes when you get intoxicated."
A thunderous laughter echoes in the room.
"For the 2nd part, everyone will take their mask off~ a surprise is waiting for you."
Soph.o.m.ores to senior students cheer. Some whistle. Freshmen look confused.
"Freshmen, don't worry. We will not exploit you."
Laughter.
"The night is young, enjoy the rest of the evening. The ball is formally opened."
Every one claps. There is mixed emotions in the room. Some students already start talking to one another. Some gather in groups. You can't really tell who is who because of the mask every one is wearing~ this adds to the mystery and excitement of the party.
"Hi, can I have this dance? Uhm... I've been looking at you from my table. And I may say, you got me, miss!" a dashing gentleman in a grey suit asks.
"Sure! How can I resist a gentleman like you?" I answer.
Then, he takes me to the dance floor where many pairs already dance.
"The name's Marco and I am a Law student, it's my final year. 'Bout you?"
"Hmmm. Smart young lad, I would say. Khaeli Sp~"
"Khaeli Spencer? Oh my G.o.d! I am dancing with the famous Khaeli Spencer?" he says without masking his adoration and excitement.
"Deep breaths, darling. That's it," I tell him as he hyperventilates.
"I heard so many things about you, Lady Khaeli."
"Most are not good, I suppose. And drop the lady... besides, only two people know I am here~"
"Err.... some are not--- to be honest. So, the Founder doesn't know~"
"Nope~"
"Whoa. What a crazy family~ Oh sorry... I didn't .... err...~"
I laugh.
"Don't worry. I'm not gonna kill you. At least not just yet~"
He gulps.
"I am just kidding..."
He lets out a relieved breath and smiles.
"So~ why did you come back?"
I think for a moment.
'Why did I really come back?'
I clear throat.
"I~"
The lights are turned off. Some students panic.
"Ladies and gentlemen, no need to panic. This is the moment wherein each of you must take your mask off. In three, two, one..."
The lights are back on.
The room goes wild as students realize that they have been dancing or chatting with their teachers, or rival groups have been chatting in a group. Some are love struck at first sight while some are disgusted with the partners they've got.
There is a deafening silence when the door of the Great Hall opens revealing a stoic man in his 60s and five young and good- looking gentlemen.
I hold my breath as I watch them walk to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's all welcome our Founder, Gibson Spencer and his gorgeous grandsons."
We clap. Women swoon over the dashing young men. And most male students are disappointed that they finally arrive.
I feel a sense of pride knowing how they are adored.
"Oh my gosh! Have you seen JaeHyeok? s.h.i.t! I think, I am gonna die," a female student gushes.
"Uh~ sorry....but who are you talking about?" another female student answers, apparently unknowing of what she's talking about.
"Ei~ whatever. Why did they even come?" a male student answered.
Every one remains quiet when the Founder stands in front of the podium while his grandsons sit on the chair prepared for them on the stage.
They look like kings by the way they sit down. Just give them a cown, a scepter and a ceremonial robe and they would perfectly fit like kings on their thrones.
"Good evening teachers and students, thank you so much for coming tonight. I hope you are all enjoying the night. I could see old and new faces. For those of you who are new here, welcome. Your journey awaits you. Remember that every choice you make today designs your tomorrow. So, choose wisely. Once again, thank you and welcome to Khal Gibson International University!"
The audience claps.
"Thank you, Founder! Now, may I request all the freshmen to gather on the dance floor."
"Okay. Divide yourselves according to your courses."
"We will give you five minutes to come up with a presentation. And your time starts now!"
Students and teachers cheer for them. Some older students of the same department try to help.
The room is filled with joy and excitement when each representative starts to showcase his or her talent.
"Alright... don't be scared! Tell us your name and your department~"
The nervous pitiful woman looks s.h.i.t scared. Her hands are shaking and beads of sweat begin to form on her hairline making her face glisten against the spotlight.
"Uhm... I think I need more alcohol~"
She says while holding the mic tight.
We laugh.
"Alright~ alright--- can anyone bring her something to drink? I think she needs the strongest one~"
Ladies scream and the room goes wild when one of the grandsons stands and offers her his shot of whiskey.
She hesitantly takes it and drinks it straight. She coughs and he smirks.
"Thank you so much... err...~"
He whispers to her.
"Uhm... t-thank you... George Cameron Spencer~"
He whispers again.
"Oh... s- sorry~ Lord George Cameron Spencer~"
He nods and gestures her to perform.
The ladies can't hide their envy as we watch them.
"Good evening, fellow students and teachers. And to our Founder and his grandsons..."
She clears her throat.
"My name is Camille Elizabeth and I am representing the English Lit department~"
Her co- department cheer.
She then puts the mic down. And asks the music operator to drop the beat.
Then... we are all blown away by her performance. She tranforms from a nervous lady to a dancing machine.
We are all stunned as she dances like no one is watching.
"Where did that come from?"
The host asks when she finished dancing.
From where I am standing, I curse as I look at the exchanged look and mischievious smiles on the grandsons faces.
