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|  Chapter I: Summer Sanctuary
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Episode 1 - The Gaze
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*Monologue* “I was never very crazy about school. Especially literature classes. I mean what is the point of writing those stinkin’ essays, anyway? The way I see it, it’s nothing but a waste of time, and it’s not like any of this stuff hasn’t been written all before, so why should I repeat the entire bore for the bzillion-th-and-one time?! And the funny thing is, really, that this whole writing business wasn’t at all a big deal to me…that is until recently, when I flunked my first semester literature class. *Yawns* The folks back home obviously weren’t too happy about it, which is why I guess, they made me enroll in this lame summer program, targeted at those “special pupils” who are “essays impaired”. Oooh yeah, that’s just what I need. What a waste of time, no, it’s a waste of life! And heck, I’m already a quarter through, I’m not getting any younger! *Sighs* None of this has any point, and comes to think of it, nothing I am doing these days has any point anymore. It’s like I’m doing them just for the sake of doing them. I may as well be that dead little bird over there out at the edge of the window sill, having led a life that had no point at all, and having ended it without the slightest consequence for anyone. *Chuckles* My life’s already pretty much…a sham let’s face it, and now I have to put up with even more of this bullshit with some writer’s block workshop boloney, for three whole months! Practically the entire freakin’ summer! *Scoffs* I may as well draft up a will right now, summarize up my pathetic existence, and be done with it… *Long sigh* I wonder how long that bird’s been lying there like that, all through the scorchers, the rains, the snow and all that four-seasons-crap. Its carcass looks like a dried up prune, just exhibiting itself right there in front of so many idle eyes. And yet, no one really notices it. *Shields her eyes from the rushing sun rays coming through the window behind the cloud* But how can you not see it. I mean look at it. It’s like a tasteless freak show, a shriveled up remain hardly worth even a worm’s meal, having no respect for itself even in death. Just how did it meet such a pathetic end, anyway? I guess no one will ever know…or ever care to know. I mean If I died, I’d make certain that my body is well hidden from the prowling eyes, let alone making such a fabulous sore eye of a scene. ‘Cos I mean what’s the point of all that unreserved and commending showmanship when I’m stiff and dead? What is the point in that???”
“Ando?? Maki Ando???”
“Hmm?! *Maki jumps and breaks her dreamy gaze away from the window* Oh! Um…here! *She calls out awkwardly, sweatdrops* …Sorry…” *She lowers her eyes and dreamily brushes her gaze over at the random carvings and marks on her desk*
*Ahem* “Yes well...that seems to be all of you…*The door opens, and a person quietly enters* Ah yes, here is Mr. Rio Ichirou, your substitute teacher for this summer’s program. As you all have heard, the regular instructor is still recovering from a major surgery, and will not likely to return for this summer’s classes. Rio has just graduated from here this May, and will stand in for the three-month duration before going off to college this fall. So from now on, I want you all to give him your undue attention. No one is to leave this classroom without his permissions. There will be a lunch break at noon, and then you all will switch with the other group across the hall. Should you have any questions…*Maki starts to play with her pen* …So, Rio, they’re all yours.” *Professor exits the room*
“Thank you professor.” *The door clicks shut* “Hello people…” *Maki slowly raises her head to the sound of the young voice and narrows her eyes* “…Welcome to this year’s Writer’s Summer Program at Cypress Lake Academy, sponsored by our very own writing center. I am Rio. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
*All the girls in the room sigh and blush at the pretty boy’s charm and good looks. All except one*
*Rio scans the room and catches the apathetic glare of the “female rebel”. He looks directly at her.*
*Maki stares blankly back, all the while tauntingly making rhythmic clicking noises with her pen*
Rio smiles calmly back while continually fixing an intense gaze on her* *Maki slowly sits up and stands her ground* An awkward silence ensues, broken only intermediately by the clicking sounds of Maki’ pen.* *Feeling the pressure, Maki throws a side-glance at the clock, breaking the staring contest* *A few girls look curiously back to see the source of the clicking sounds. Someone coughs under breath.* *Maki shifts uncomfortably in her chair, then suddenly throws the pen down on her desk, flashes her beaming trademark smirk back at everyone, and shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly. She resumes the "death-glare" on Rio still with the playful smirk on her face, and raises her brows.* *Rio looks rather surprised at this check-mate-style retort, while everyone else looks puzzled at the two. Quiet murmuring can be heard in the room*
*Upon this of what looks to be a never-ending stalemate, the door suddenly flings open and bounces back off the wall with a head-jerking echoing bang that made everyone jump*
*Not a minute too soon for Maki, everyone’s attention averted from her to the intruder standing at the door*
To be continued…
