The Class Clown

02 - Dancing with the Aliens

Only a handful of students from Section A signed up for Theater Arts.  The class distribution for electives has been skewed in favor of special subjects poised to develop future leaders, armchair academics and researchers.  Humanities is cool when it does not require so much time to execute projects.  For students who are conscious of their grades and ranking, time is a precious commodity better allotted for electives that have a positive impact on the major curriculars.

Pearl feels glad to be rid of her new classmates for the period.  Her old friends from Section D surround her with questions, awe and caution.

A girl with curly hair and long lashes perches on an armchair beside her.  "So what's it like to be in the star section?"  She says.

"Nothing really special," Pearl says, shrugging.  "The same thing matters—just pass the year."

"Partial truth but boring stuff," A boy approaching the group says.  He has illegally long hair neatly combed to the back.  His smile is radiant but dangerous.  He adds, "Why don't you tell them what other things we do to 'just pass' each year?"

Pearl recognizes him from her class but she cannot remember his name.

He extends a hand to her, saying, "I'm Dylan."

She gives his hand a small shake.  "Pearl," she says.  "You're in Theater?"

He shrugs and takes the seat recently vacated by one of her friends.  He joins her inside the ring of curious spectators.  He apparently enjoys being the smartest elephant in the room even momentarily.  This kind of attention must be rare in a group where everyone is a competitor.  But Dylan's proud neck and arched back quickly turns off--or frightens--the audience.

As soon as they are effectively alone, he leans to her, saying, "Just want to let you know that we see through your strategy."

Her eyebrows raise.  "What are you talking about?"

Another boy joins the duo and takes the seat on her other side.  Pearl is now flanked at the sides by the class salutatorian and valedictorian.

"Gerome," Gerome whispers to her ear, cocking a mock salute.  "You must be Pearl Fariñas."

The class starts with a brief introduction of principles in theater.  Pearl sneaks a glance sideways and sees the two boys completely absorbed in the lecture. Having taken minor courses in theater and joined clubs before, she is in familiar territory.  Or so she believes until the instructor reveals to the class that the final project is going to be an improv production.

Her worst memory on live stage turns her livid. She laughs nervously.

The instructor, stunned, calls her attention.  "Yes? What's funny?"

"Oh no," she says, still smiling.  "I'm just happy."  Again, her laughter, now forced and sonorous, fills the air.

"I hope this is related to our discussion," the instructor says.

As she recovers and collects herself, she tells Mr. Valencia, "Sorry about that.  I mean, I've been on stage forever and I just can't believe I get to do improv before I leave high school."

The instructor smiles, then resumes the lecture.

Pearl inspects the boys from her peripheral vision.  The pallor and confusion in their faces even more amused her.

After the bell rings ending the last period, Pearl finds Lara in the locker hall alone.

Pearl says, "How's Business Mathematics?"

Lara shrugs.  "Not bad.  How's Theater?"

"You wouldn't believe who signed up with me," Pearl says, winking.  In a conspiratorial whisper, she tells Lara about Gerome and Dylan.