Capítulo 17: Chapter 17: The Way We Cover Up
Bulletin Board
"Two announcements in a row", Coby tried to make his way in front of the bulletin board.
It was a crushing defeat. Coby knew how Rebecca tirelessly formed bonds with whomever she can make as an acquaintance. Some of the students are already feeling awkward around her. Though Coby is rooting for Luffy, he can't also bat his eyes from the lady who did her best without having a campaign team.
"There's still next-", Coby looked at the pink haired lady. He was worrying about nothing. She just chuckled. The students started to cheer for Luffy. "I knew he would do it", Bartolomeo and the fans club sobbed.
"So, Luffy. Am I going to be the president now?", Ussop filed his presidency and looked at the result. 0 votes. He crawled on the ground trying to escape embarrassment. Airi and Luffy were on their way to check on the results. They met Rebecca. There was tension in the surroundings as the students started to whisper at each other. They also heard some girls giggling.
Rebecca seems to see shadows of her past.
"Eh, she's still here".
"I didn't know someone like her exists".
"Don't feel pity for her. Let her be. You don't know what she might become someday. You see, she's an apple from the same tree.
"Becca, I heard there's a new ramen shop in town. Do you like to visit it again? You said ramen reminds you of home", Luffy talked to her casually. Her clouded vision seems to become clearer this time. "Ah, Luffy. Is this the time to talk about that?", Rebecca's sweat dropped.
"Oh, Beca. There's still a vacant position in the council. We don't have a secretary yet. Airi managed so far. You're a nice person so I'm looking forward to being in the council with you you", Luffy informed. "We haven't seen the result yet", Airi looked at her airhead president. "I don't have to. I just want to visit the cafeteria", Luffy said. "You're quite confident, aren't you", Rebecca just sighed. "That's a great help. Also, thank you for treating me a meal last time", Luffy waved and dashed into the cafeteria.
Airi looked at Rebecca holding back her tears. The pink-haired knew it was bold for her to suddenly make a bold move. "Luffy is exceptionally nice to those who treat his food. He's not taking pity on you or what", Airi said while looking at the ranking results. "I know. Just looking at the number of votes, I can tell how much people like him", Rebecca started to walk past Airi. She ran away,
Clinic
Trafalgar listed down the inventory of medicine. He heard something outside the window. As he opened it, he saw Rebecca wiping her tears. "Sorry. I didn't know this is the school clinic", she removed every evidence of her frustration.
"I see. The results came out", Trafalgar sat on his chair. "I... feel pathetic", Rebecca opened. The man just listened. "When I came here, I just felt I want to become someone significant as well. So, when people learned of who I am, those attachments will not cover my existence. I just wanted to change, that's all", Rebecca looked at the students walking and giggling with their friends.
"At some point, people will fear that their cover will be blown up. Which is why they overachieve hoping that it'll be enough to cover it up", Trafalgar stood up and reached his hand. "You'll look more pathetic if you mope in front of those who don't care at all", Trafalgar kept his hand extended. Rebecca took it and went inside the clinic through the window.
Rebecca looked around and appreciated how comfy it looks like. The smell of lemon is also soothing. Trafalgar poured a tea for her.
"Sensei, are you free to listen to my story?", Rebecca asked. "I have nothing else to do", Trafalgar sighed.
"Sensei. Do you know who I am?", Rebecca asked. The man put his hand on his pocket and nodded. "I'm a granddaughter of the former chief for the ministry of protection", Rebecca revealed. Trafalgar knew that his grandfather was sentenced to life imprisonment due to a massacre attributed to him. "Those who died were criminals. But he, who was innocent, was the one suffering", Rebecca stared blankly on the floor.
"The government couldn't find whom to blame the incident to. Whether the ones who died are civilians or criminals, someone needs to be punished", Trafalgar clenched his fist. Rebecca bit her lower lip. "For such a person to take the blame for peace, your grandfather is a great man", Trafalgar commented. Rebecca's eyes went teary again. "Thank you", she covered her face.
Corridor
"Aren't you going to take a nap?", Vivi saw Airi standing in front of the clinic. "I remembered I need to do something", Airi stepped back. "I see. I need to get some antiseptic, Koza and Zoro had sparring. Koza's forehead is bleeding", Vivi was about to open the door.
"I have an alternative", Airi grabbed on her arm. Vivi was sure to see a silhouette of people inside the clinic.
"I heard Chopper was working on a new ointment", Airi dragged her towards the Student Council's Office.
After Class
Locker
Airi wore her outside shoes. She heard a banging sound. She peeked and saw some girls pinning Rebecca on the side. The teachers are currently having a meeting.
"You need to resign from the position. It's not that we don't like the President's decision. Just think of the school's reputation as having an ill-breed individual inside the Council. Do you know how many people hated your grandfather? Your pyromaniac grandfather?", the senior started to lit up a lighter. Rebecca looked at the flame and felt that her skin is burning.
Airi was about to interfere. Someone pulled her bag.
"Wait", the husky toned voice made her recognize who it was.
"They're bullying your fiance, aren't you going to do anything with that?", Airi tried to get away from the man's grip.
"Just watch", Trafalgar didn't let go of her bag.
"It's not that it's my duty to clarify misunderstandings but this is the school ground. The Student Council exists for the students' welfare", Airi grabbed on his hand.
"Ah, and I just want to see how much she can handle herself. I'd like to see how much my woman can handle her concerns so it doesn't matter if I'm at her side or if I'm not", Trafalgar said in a bored tone. Airi felt something in her rise.
"I'm different from my grandfather. It's useless to discuss his innocence here. But then, I just want to live my life in this school as Takeshi Rebecca. I'm not just a granddaughter of someone, I am also myself", she said with such conviction.
Luffy went downstairs. "Ah, Rebecca. Are you still doing campaign speeches? I already won!", Luffy joined the conversation. "President, that woman is-", the group of ladies protested. "We judge people with their character and not because of their family backgrounds", Luffy gave stretched his limbs.
Ah, and I just want to see how much she can handle herself. I'd like to see how much my woman can handle her concerns so it doesn't matter if I'm at her side or if I'm not.
I was someone who that person chose because he thought I can manage without him!
"She's not bad", Trafalgar lets go of Airi's bag. "I don't know where you're coming from but...", Airi faced the man with an irritated look. Her hand suddenly made its way to Trafalgar's right cheek. She ran away.
Trafalgar just stood, slightly baffled.
No one ever slapped him except that person.
Clothing Shop
"Oh, my student. What are you doing here?", Boa went out of her office. Aside from working as a teacher, she also owned one of the best tailoring shops in town. "Someone's looking for a good suit. I recommended this place", Airi pointed at Kid picking some suit on the side.
"Hm, what a good model. Your...", Boa looked at Airi and back to Kid. "Friend", Airi said. Boa's mouth twitched to hear it coming from the lady's mouth. "Is that so? Well, we have just sewn a new design. With his height, it'll fit perfectly", Boa instructed her workers to prepare it.
Airi sat on the couch in front of a fitting room.
"This is so wrong. It should be the other way around", Boa commented.
Kid opened the curtain.
"How is this?", Kid asked. Airi played with her fingers. She just slapped Trafalgar a while ago. How could she face him at the next meeting.
"Young lamb?", Kid asked.
"You look like a beast", someone commented. Airi flinched.
It's not the next meeting.
"Are you also looking for something to wear? I have a lot of recommendations for you", Boa prepared some designs as well. "If only Luffy was taller", Boa sighed. "Since you already have accompaniment, I'll be going ahead", Airi gulped. Someone went in front of her. "You think you can get away that easy", Trafalgar smirked. Airi looked up and saw his prepared-to-punish-you face.
She wasn't wrong when she did that. She stood straight and raised her chin as well. "I won't apologize", she said with confidence.
Trafalgar walked past her. "Eustass-ya, I heard you don't have a partner yet", Trafalgar slightly turned his head to see how Airi would react. He saw how uncomfortable she looked. The scenario amused him.
"Oh, what if you make young lamb as my partner?", Kid suggested.
Airi pressed her lips together.
"Why not? She won't be able to say no. After you found a home for her cat", Trafalgar went closer to Airi and whispered.
"After all the things he did for you", Trafalgar gave a smirk.
Chapter end.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder