Starstruck Battle Royale - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

It’s just a harmless school trip

                 A particular school day had been rather interesting for class 5 Starstruck. Partly due to the fact that Tim, the class clown, had been caught by the newly appointed homeroom teacher, Miss Ann-Marie for trying to slip a fake snake into her purse. He was punished so severely by the new, stunning teacher – by standing in front of the class for the whole period with the fake snake on his head without making any noise – that the teacher had earned new respect from the whole class in a short span of time.
                 “Okay, class, since the semester break is coming, are you planning on doing something?” Miss Ann-Marie asked innocently – while still glaring at Tim who tried his hardest to not laugh.
                 “I don’t think so, teacher, my parents will be busy overseas so I’m stuck at home“ replied Ashvin, the class president with a tendency to be kind to everyone.
                 “Noob” whispered a voice – Felix’s – from behind, causing some giggles from his pals, Darren, Adrian and the mischievous girls.
                 “Me and Arreya are planning to go to the big mall in the city, I heard the cute new dresses are already there to be purchased by us” Shu Ern winked at Arreya who winked back, God save their dads’ credit cards after they’re done with them. Some other enthusiastic students expressed their wishes to visit some places, some even said that they’ll just hibernate for the whole holiday.
                 “Farid? Are you with us?” The concerned teacher asked a silent boy who seemed to not be interested with the commotion. The boy named Farid looked up from his desk, blankly stared at the teacher and continued watching the wall. “Yes, Miss, I’m still here” replied Farid dully.
                 “Ahah, don’t worry, teacher, he’s always like that! Maybe he’s stuck in his own world?” Chuckled cheerful Lucas, trying his hardest to ensure that the new teacher was not offended by Farid’s action. The class buzzed on with excitement as they wait for the final bell for the first semester to ring, signifying the end of school for the semester; Tim seemed to be extra eager to end the class, seeing that he had been standing for a really long time now.
                 “Too bad if you already planned something for the holiday, because I’m proposing for us to celebrate the end of the semester together, how about that?” Ann-Marie’s sentenced echoed around the class; sparks begin to shine in the students’ eyes upon hearing that.
                 “Do I have your attention? Ah good, I’m thinking, since we’re free for 2 weeks, what about we all go on a school trip to somewhere fun? You know, like a fun park or someplace intriguing” Said the teacher with a smile a teacher shouldn’t have – especially among her own students.
                 “But teacher, where exactly? What about the fare, permission letters and such?” Asked the curious vice president of 5S who seems to find flaws and problems even as tiny as an amoeba.
               “All can be taken care of, I’ll call all your parents for the permission and even better, the fare will be sponsored by me, I came from a rich family, you know! The only requirements for you guys is to be standing by at the school gate with clothes and other necessary things enough for a 4 day trip. 1st of June, everyone agrees?” Miss Ann-Marie cheerfully explained that the location of their destination is to be remained a secret, but she promised that it will be “a trip of a lifetime” for everyone. Almost every student agreed with the plan immediately, even suspicious Claire decided that there’s no harm in that.
                 “Daryl, you’re going?” asked caring Aifa who perfectly knows that Cheah’s discomfort with other people.
                 “I don’t know, Aifa, maybe not” answered Cheah nervously to the only human in the school that he found comfort with talking to.
                  “Come on la Daryl, it’s just a harmless school trip. When else can we find a golden opportunity like this? I’ll definitely be going so I expect you to do so too. Come on, don’t make that face! It’ll be fun.” Aifa said innocently, completely unaware on how wrong her statement was.