Rich Boys Academy

(Two years ago)   I was walking home after a tiring day at school.   Home, I thought. Should I even call it a home?   A place where you can see your parents quarrel and fight every day; a place where you see your siblings ruin themselves by taking vices and do whatnots; a place where no one wants to live in because all you see is pure mess; and a place where you're not even sure if love truly exists anymore. Is that what you call home?   I stopped walking as I arrived at our front yard. Staring at this miserable aura of what I call 'my house' makes me fraught in silence.   No, this isn't home, I told myself and sighed.   Then everything that happened from the past flashed before my mind.   Yes, there was a time when we were all a happy family. When everything was so clear and bright and all you could see was their big smiles plastered on their faces. Everyone felt loved. Everyone felt cared for. Everyone felt joy. Everyone felt home. But that love and happiness in our family lasted only for thirteen years of my existence.   When I turned fourteen, everything went downhill. It all started when my mom suddenly changed. She got easily irritated and annoyed. She used to be the sweetest mom on earth but suddenly became the bitterest. She didn't take her responsibilities as a mother anymore. She always stayed out late and partied all night. When she came back at dawn, she was already drunk. She slept the whole day and went out at night again. She just stopped being the person she truly was. She even stopped caring about our family diner.   Later did I know that the diner was already gone. The diner, the one that my parents strove to build, was now gone. It was set on fire by God-knows-who. Even the police and investigators didn't find any suspects. No one was accused. Everyone was innocent. The one who burned the place never left any evidence that would lead to accusing him. Of course, he wouldn't or else he'd be in jail by now. Pfft.   Literally, there were no signs of hand prints or any device that would cause the fire. Not even a single clue.   The police concluded that maybe the diner burned itself. Yes, I know what you're thinking. I mean, what the heck right? How could a thing burn itself? That's crap. This is why you don't want to live in a small town with lazy officers.   And so, the case was closed.   Then, I got it. I realized why my mom changed.   The diner was our only glint of hope to pay all the bills and debts that our family has. It was our only saving grace. But then, it was gone. It burned itself (note sarcasm).   Three months after the tragic incident, my mom didn't go home for a week. My dad heard the rumors that my mom had a third party. At first, my dad didn't believe it even though it was obvious. He didn't want to believe. He loved my mom so much despite of everything she had done. And it hurts him to think that she had another man, a man he couldn't even compete with.   Let's just say the man was hella rich and, well, we were poor. But the man only used my mom for pleasure for a couple of weeks. He was a divorced douche from New York and he went to town for a holiday and met my mom at the town's only club.   After a month, my mom got pregnant and the father was that douche bag from New York. My dad was devastated. He almost thought of committing suicide!   Long story short, my mom later repented.   My dad, being the humble and kindhearted man that he was, and still is, forgave my mom and accepted her baby. My dad named him "Calum". Since then, he has treated him like his own.   One day, my older brother, Finn, left home and never came back. Then my older sister, Jessica, eloped with some rich dude and left with a note on the fridge saying that she's starting a new life. Since my older siblings left, they never ever contacted us—leaving me, my parents, and Calum alone.   Honestly, I still think they were so selfish! They only thought about themselves! How could they leave us like that? It's like they're not family anymore. Remembering all these things pains my heart.   Today is my 16th birthday, and I'm feeling this heavy heartache inside of me as I stare at my house. I was about to walk towards the front porch steps when a man suddenly barged out from the front door, tears fell from his eyes.   He ran towards me and hugged me tightly. I've never been hugged by my dad for so long. It feels so good and comforting, but at the same time worried about his sudden action.   "Dad, what's wrong?" I asked as he slowly pulled away. "Where’s Calum and mom?"   "Ca-Calum..." he stammered. He wiped his tears and sighed heavily. "Calum's fine. I left him with a friend of mine at the hospital."   "Hospital? What's going on, dad? What's happening?" I asked, frantically worried.   "It's your mother—"   "What about mom?" I asked, not letting him finish his sentence.   "Sh-she..." He stammered again as he shed into tears.   "What about mom, dad!?" I exclaimed as tears slowly filling my eyes.   "Sh-she's dead, Sarah." His voice cracked as he looked me in the eyes. "She's gone."   I was perfectly stunned. I spaced out while my jaw dropped. Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks.   No. This isn't happening. This is not true!   He then pulled me into a hug as we both cried in each other's shoulders.   "She was rushed to the hospital thirty minutes ago because of a heart attack," my dad continued as we sat at the porch. "She was dead on arrival..." he sobs. "She never told us that she had a heart failure. She never even told us the pain that she had. She was suffering from coronary heart disease for three years, Sarah. Three years!"   "Dad..." was all I could utter. Pain was evident on his face. He looked pale and heartbroken.   "Sh-she didn't even tell us... her pain, her suffering..." he added as he wept, "How could she be so selfish! How could she—"   "Dad," I sighed as I wiped my tears. "I want to see her...please."   Dad looked at me with pain evident in his eyes. He held my hand and nodded.   As soon as we arrived at the hospital, we went directly to the room where my mother was. I saw my one year old brother, Calum, on the arms of my dad's friend, Jerry, looking at our mom like she's just asleep, not knowing that she's already dead. The doctor was inside the room too, and he said that they'll take her dead body to the morgue any minute now. They were just waiting for my arrival.   Mom was lying on the bed with a sheet covering her face. As I walked towards her bed, my heart was slowly breaking into pieces and I was literally crying in silence.   Calum saw me crying and said, "Sarah cry cry."   My heart was really in pain that I fell to the floor. I broke down. I remembered all our happy and even the miserable memories together. I can still remember her I love yous and good night kisses.   I tried hating my mom, blaming her for all the misery in my life when she used to act crazy. But I can't. I didn't want to... I knew the real her. I saw the real her for thirteen years until the diner incident happened. Everything changed because of that incident. I will never forgive the one who did that. I promised to myself that when I find out who the suspect was, I will never forgive him. Ever. He was the sole reason behind our family's misery, not my mother.   "I will find him, mom." I whispered as I wiped my tears away. "I promise."   * * * * *   (Present day)   I was awoken by the sound of my alarm on the window sill. I purposely placed it away from me so that I will be forced to get out of bed.   I dragged myself out my bed, scratching the back of my head, and turned off the annoying alarm clock. All alarm clocks are annoying, to be honest.   I sat back down on my bed and grabbed my phone. I played Flappy Bird for a while but after I got a score of one, three times in a row, I gave up. Then I remembered that I should continue my job hunting today.   You see, I was looking for a job (could be part-time), in order to help sustain my family's needs. My dad works at a diner now. He's one of the chefs. Note that it's not our own diner. He works at the diner of a family friend.   My dad is very good at cooking. Being a professional chef was his ultimate dream. And trust me, when I say, good at cooking, it means really good at cooking. He's even better than my mom, no bias. That's why the diner was always full of customers. They all wanted to taste my dad's amazing food.   Maybe I exaggerated a bit. Oh well.   I searched for some jobs online using the laptop that dad gave me as a present at my graduation last month. I wanted to go to college but I decided to go next year. I wanted to save more money before entering college. Also, I wanted a year for myself.   As I searched for some jobs online, I also started to pass my applications as soon as possible, hoping for some luck. After my search, I opened my email just to check if I had a new message. I haven't checked my email for a while.   Inbox (1 new)   I was smiling from ear to ear when I saw that I've got a new message. I was hoping that it came from one of those jobs that I've applied for since last week. I'm really desperate to get one.   I opened the email and started reading:   Dear Ms. Sarah Greene,               Life is full of ups and downs but you surely are in the upper direction now. We reviewed your application as a new teacher for our prestigious school, Rich Boys Academy, and we are pleased to invite you to attend the interview with the school's principal at 2:00 PM on Saturday at his office.               All traveling expenses and accommodations are paid. The school's address is a top secret so we will send someone at your house on Saturday to pick you up at 9:00 AM.               Please report to the office upon arrival. If you are unable to attend, please reply to this email immediately.               We look forward to meeting you.   Yours Sincerely,   Rich Boys Academy Faculty   I was a bit surprised as I read the message. I'm pretty sure I didn't apply to any school to become a teacher. I remembered all the jobs that I applied for since last week. Mostly they were just part-time jobs at a restaurant or a grocery. What am I, crazy? I'm not even good at teaching!   Is this a spam, or something? If I haven't applied for this, how come they knew my name? Are they stalkers or something?   Take it. It's been weeks since you've been trying to apply for a job but never got lucky. This is the only job that accepted you. I thought you're desperate? My subconscious said.   Yeah, I am desperate to get a job. But being a teacher is kind of... it's just not me. I've never imagined myself as a teacher. And guess where I am teaching?   "Rich Boys Academy," I read as I examined the school's seal.   "What kind of a school name is that? And don't tell me that this school is exclusive for 'rich boys'." I quoted with my fingers mockingly. "This is just straight up weird." I sighed and rolled my eyes as I closed my laptop.   Suddenly, a knock came to my door.   "Come in," I responded.   "Someone's outside for you," dad said as soon as he opened the door.   "For me? Who did this person say he or she was?" I asked as I got out from bed and walked out the room with my dad.   "I don't know. At first, I thought he was your boyfriend and I remembered that you're allergic to boys so I guess not," Dad laughed as we walked heading to the front door.   I chuckled as I rolled my eyes, "Dad."   As soon as I stepped out the front porch, there I saw the most handsome guy I've ever seen in my eighteen years of existence on earth to which I might add made me gape in awe.   "So much for boy allergies," I mumbled to myself, still star struck.   "He said he's from Rich Boys Academy. He came here to pick you up. What's happening?" Dad said and gestured towards the guy.   I nodded in reply, still in awe, not even listening to what my dad said.   I examined the guy as he slowly walked towards me while he runs his fingers through his hair.   He's got perfectly gelled brown hair, green eyes, pinkish lips, symmetrical jawline, toned body, and—   "Hi," he greeted as he extended his hand towards me for a handshake. His warm citrus scent filled my nostrils, and now I'm completely love struck.   Definitely, a 10 out of 10.   I sighed in awe. My dad elbowed me and snapped me back to reality.   Oh my gosh! That was so embarrassing! I never thought that I would swoon over a guy. Never in a million years! What just happened to me?   Stop it, Sarah!   I can feel the hotness of my cheeks from the embarrassment. I quickly cleared my throat and returned his handshake. "H-hello," I stuttered. I cleared my throat again to reduce my awkwardness.   I extended my arms up and did some stretching, not caring about the hottie that was in front of me. I also jog on place for maybe 30 seconds. And lastly, I inhaled and exhaled to calm my heartbeat and as I exhaled, I let out a "hoo!" sound which made the guy and my dad stare at me in surprise.   As soon as I finished my unexpected warm-up exercise, I smiled at the guy sheepishly and said, "What did you say your name was?"   The guy chuckled softly and replied, "Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet."   "Oh, really?" I asked as try to catch my breath.   "He hasn't introduced himself yet, Sarah," dad intervened and sent me a look. And he pulled me away from the boy and whispered, "Sarah, get a hold of yourself. You're acting stupid in front of a boy. And what was that whole exercise thing about? Was that an allergic reaction?"   I bit my inner lip and looked at my dad with an awkward smile. "I-I guess..."   My dad shook his head and said, "Man, we really need to take you to the doctor. I didn't know it was that bad."   "Dad!" I exclaimed in a whisper. I immediately turned to the guy and smiled. "So, introduce yourself Mister..."   "Ethan Scott," he introduced. "Mr. McCoy sent me to pick you up. I heard it's your big day." He winked at me with a cute smile.   "Big day?" I asked, raising my eyebrow in confusion.   "What's so big about this day?" my dad interrupted, also as confused as I am.   Ethan smiled and averted his look to my dad. "With all due respect sir, but your daughter needs to attend the interview with our school's principal this afternoon."   "What are you talking about?" my dad exclaimed. He looked at me and said, "What is this?"   I looked back at my dad, still confused. I have no idea what he was talking about so I slowly shook my head and said, "I don't know."   Ethan softly chuckled and said, "I think you applied to become a teacher at our school Ms. Greene."   Me applying as a teacher at their school?   I gasped inside my head as I try to process the words he was saying.   Wait...   "At Rich Boys Academy," he added.   I think I heard that school before. Where did I hear that? Or did... oh no.   No way!   I gaped in surprise and quickly ran back inside the house towards my room. I quickly grabbed my laptop and there it was, the email that I just read a while ago from Rich Boys Academy Faculty. "You have got to be kidding me," was all I could say.   I glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall. Confirmed—it is Saturday today! I looked at the clock on my window sill and it's already 9:07 in the morning!   "You are so kidding me! I didn't even reply to the email yet!" I exclaimed to myself.   "Are you ready?" Ethan said as he knocked on my door which was already wide open.   I was a bit startled by his sudden appearance. "Who let you in?" I bluntly asked.   "Uh, your dad?" he replied like it was a question and sent me an awkward smile while scratching the back of his neck.   I rolled my eyes and sighed. If only you're not as cute as heck, I will yell at you to get out of my room instantly. Well, he's not literally inside my room anyway.   "Do I have to go? I didn't even apply for the job, you know." I said as I sat up straight on my bed, facing him.   "You don't need to if you don't want to," he said as he leans on the door frame and folded his arms on his chest. "But hey, the school needs you, you know."   "You see, I'm really desperate for a job right now but..." I paused and thought for a second. If I will be a teacher at this Rich Boys Academy, will it be a good decision?   Yes, my subconscious answered. Just take this opportunity and worry about things later.   "Ugh," I sighed. "It won't be that hard right?"   He smiled, "Are you up for a challenge?"   "Why are you answering my question with a question?" I frowned.   He replied with a smirk and a shrug which made me roll my eyes. "Okay, fine. I'm up for some challenge," I replied.   "Good," he winked. "Now get yourself ready for the interview. I'll be waiting outside."   "O-okay," I replied. He nodded and walked off.   I quickly typed Rich Boys Academy on Google. And guess what the result was?   Nothing. There are no any results for Rich Boys Academy.   Hmmm, I thought. No results on Google. The email said that the school's address was a top secret. And someone came to pick me up just like the email said – and note that he's a hottie. My question now is, why is the school a top secret? Is it like FBI? I gasped. What if it is!?   It's a school for rich boys, silly, my subconscious replied.   "Boys. So it's an all-boys school huh," I told myself. "Exclusive only for the rich kids who are males... But why me? Why would they hire a teacher as young as me? I just graduated high school last month. This is so weird."   Well, I guess, all I need to do is find out everything at the interview. I guess I really have to go then. Oh well, I won't lose anything anyway. There's no harm in trying, right?   "So much for boy allergies," I scoffed at myself.