Chapter 65: Amanda Provokes Ella
Thursday morning, Michelle and I were inside the classroom for media ethics class. Unfortunately, neither Erin nor Taylor was present that day.
Shortly before class, Erin sent a message to inform me about Taylor's absence. She revealed that he caught a severe fever the other night and was confined to the hospital.
Just then, Kyla entered the classroom and sat in with Michelle and myself.
"What are you doing here?" Michelle inquired her longtime teammate. "Weren't you supposed to attend class right now?"
"Great works class became a free cut," Kyla revealed to us. "That's why I'm sitting in."
"But how were you able to instantly find us?" I sought Kyla.
"I secretly followed you two from the gym to the classroom," she happily revealed.
"Well, you're welcome to sit in but please behave in front of the professor," Michelle subtly reminded Kyla. "Are we clear, captain?"
"Crystal," Kyla responded favorably.
At 9:50 a.m., the professor promptly entered the classroom and inserted a portable USB drive onto the computer. One of the students stood up and was instructed to click and operate the PowerPoint presentation.
"Today's class discussion is on nudity in local media," the professor opened.
As he revealed the topic, I tried tucking my face with both hands. But Michelle coaxed me into looking at the gaudy presentation.
To cut the whole story short, the professor basically summarized the aspect of nudity in media and why the conservative and Catholic-leaning Philippines is more restricted on the matter. He cited other countries' more lenient procedures for comparison.
"No wonder our soap operas are poorly conceived today," Kyla quietly commented on the lively discussion. "They wouldn't allow exposed breasts and butts to be shown on television."
As class was dismissed, Michelle, Kyla and I briefly engaged in a fierce discussion about nudity in the country.
"To state you the truth, there is nothing wrong about revealing yourself," I strongly remarked on the matter. "Unfortunately, being at a Catholic country meant certain restrictions."
"Personally, the rest of the world were more open than us," Michelle replied. "Why can't we be like them? Is it because of fear and doubt, or in that the rules dictate otherwise?"
After this short discussion, Kyla bade farewell to us and Michelle and I went outside for lunch.
Fast forward to 2:40 p.m. as television production class got underway. Having missed one class due to illness, it was clear time was not on my side.
Fortunately, Michelle showed me a few snapshots of the studio and even promised to send some notes from last week. To cut the long story short, that day's television production class became an orientation about producing a newscast.
The professor then revealed next week's project: producing your own newscast. She further disclosed the whole class must get involved in this assignment.
"This is awesome," Ella exclaimed upon hearing the announcement. "We can be news anchors for a day."
After every student had submitted their contact information to Michelle, she promptly announced that each of them would receive a text message from her. Michelle did not disclose further details other than reminding the class to wait for more information.
Then it was off to video production class. But just as we arrived, Amanda suddenly came out of nowhere to confront Ella.
"How is it going, old friend?" Amanda sarcastically greeted her. "It's been awhile since we talked in person."
"Listen," Ella bravely responded. "I don't care about your claim as the most ingenious person in this class. You are still as obnoxious and pompous as ever. And I don't want to confront you anyway. So leave me alone."
"And Ella, I can't stand your tomboyish face," Amanda angrily retaliated. "The mere sight of you inside this classroom sickens me."
"If you allegedly claim to be very smart then prove it," Ella screamed at her. "But let me remind you this."
Ella jabbed her finger close to Amanda's head and yelled at her face.
"You are not genuinely that smart," Ella defiantly declared.
Having heard enough of Ella's taunts, Amanda forcefully pried her out of the classroom and into the comfort room. Just then, the class professor arrived.
"Hey Amanda, what the hell are you doing to Ella," he called her out. "Let her go, or I'll send you to the dean."
Amanda reluctantly released her grip on Ella's arm and the two promptly headed back to the classroom. Then she uttered one last warning to her.
"It's not over Ella," Amanda declared. "Believe that."
Once at the classroom, Michelle and I convinced Ella to sit near the door away from Amanda. At that moment, the professor summoned us out for a presentation.
Throughout the three-hour class, each group presented a 15-minute short video of our food travels. After every presentation was shown, the professor promptly announced he would give us his overall grades next week.
As video production class was dismissed, Ella and Amanda once again stared menacingly at each other. Not willing to witness another physical encounter, Michelle immediately pulled her out and we quickly walked downstairs.
Ella silently went to her condominium, not bothering to even greet us farewell.
"What's the matter with Ella," I asked Michelle as we walked toward the parking lot. "She seems to be in a terrible mood."
"Don't worry about it, Christine," Michelle answered back. "Ella remains our loyal friend. But she must cool herself down."
But as Michelle drove her Vios through the bustling streets of Manila, we suddenly encountered some horrendous traffic. I looked closely at my smartphone and saw a tweet from the MMDA.
"An SUV just crashed at the barrier below the flyover," read the tweet. "Sorry for the inconvenience."
With the traffic still barely moving, I grew weary and fell asleep. Even Michelle felt more tired as the precious minutes passed.
It had taken us an hour before we survived this ordeal. But it was already 11:00 p.m. and our eyes were getting more weary.
At last, Michelle's Vios arrived over two hours after our previous class ended. I was clearly drained by that point, so she promptly carried me straight to the unit where Charissa awaited.
A wearisome day has officially drawn to a close. Now to get some much-needed sleep.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
ralphierce
ralphierce Amanda's boastfulness has not lost on Ella as the two went face-to-face anew. Good thing cooler heads prevailed otherwise they would have been sent to the discipline office for boisterous behavior.
But the rivalry between them is far from over. Meanwhile, Christine looks ahead to tomorrow's photography project. That's coming up next.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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