Say That You Believe

/4/ Challenge Accepted

/4/ CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

"For I know the
plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord

- Jeremiah 29:11

KHEL'S POV

"This conversation won't last long, Mr. Davidson. I just want you to know something that might pique your interest," said Ms. Blanche.

We're now on the hallway, only the two of us, since this area is empty-crowded. Standing face to face, Miss Blanche opened the folder that she's been holding since I saw her.

Inside the folder, there are papers. The teacher searched among those pages until she stopped at one.

"As your English teacher, I've witnessed your potential in photography," aniya.

I can't help but to frown. Well, I do like taking pictures but not because it's my passion. It's not even my hobby. I simply enjoy capturing photos. Hindi sa pagmamaybang pero, I think it's my nature to be good at anything.

"Here. Remember this?"

Ipinakita sa'kin ni teacher ang isang papel kung sa'n naka-print ang mga litrato ng butterfly, daisy, at morning sky. Of course, I do remember that. That's my homework that I've passed to her last week. That homework entitled: "Beauteous Nature", and I actually took those pictures with my own camera.

"Noong nakita ko ang mga pictures mo na 'to, I thought that you've probably get these from the internet. Pero noong tinanong kita, sabi mo'y ikaw talaga ang kumuha ng mga ito, right?" she asked.

I nodded my head without a word.

"And you know I trust you, Khel. You're the smartest student in this campus. You're the math and science prodigy of this school. That's why I'm going to challenge you."

Napataas ang kilay ko. "Challenge? What does that mean, ma'am?"

Ms. Blanche flipped the folder and went to another page. "You see, there's this upcoming English Competition that's newly announced from the regional office. Aaannnd... In addition..."

Ipinakita niya sa akin ang isang papel, something that looks like an invitation form that says: "Arthur High School, you're invited to participate in English Publishing Contest to represent your region: Region IV-A CALABARZON. Congratulations and good luck!", and there's the signature below from the regional office itself.

"The regional office assigned our school among all schools in CALABARZON region to participate in the contest," teacher explained. "Now, I know this is a big pressure on our side, especially in the English Department, since this is an english contest... but! It is also a big honor to be chosen from thousand of schools in the region. So, we have no option but to accept the challenge."

"Okaaay? I get the point. But where's 'me' in the picture?" I pointed to myself.

"Oh? Yes, I forgot..."

Teacher nods her head, then she transferred to another paper in which there's a list of details about the competition.

"It says here, each participating school must pick two students- a duo collaboration- to be the main participants," she explained by reading the context on the paper. "And so, the participants were be given less than two weeks to polish and publish a certain magazine. The magazine's content must be about promoting their each and own region."

"In short, you're picking me to be the photographer of the magazine's content?" I directly asked while folding my arms.

"Exactly. I'm glad you understood the situation quickly," Ms. Blanche answered.

My eyes squinted. "Bakit hindi na lang po ang mga photographer ng journalism club ang offer-an n'yo niyan? I bet they have more experience than me in the first place."

"That's the point, they already have the experience. Now, one of the purpose of school is to enhance the students to find their talents. I saw your talent, that's why I'm entrusting you to participate in this contest. For you to have your own experience because you have the potential," aniya.

I appreciate her complement, seriously. But I'm used to it, anyway.

"So, you're choosing an amateur participant for the big contest? Aren't you concern that my opponents may be better than me?" I raised my eyebrows.

"I know you're just being practical, Khel. But this isn't just about winning. This is about seeing the students develop their skills and improve as a person," Teacher Blanche answered. "Don't you see its importance?"

I can frankly contradict her idea but I chose not to talk, because she sounds so inspiring.

"So? Are you willing to accept the challenge, hm?" Ms. Blanche looked at me with a motivating smile.

I was quiet for awhile, looking down blankly with hand tapping my chin.

Well, I can straightly reject the offer if I want to. But there's something inside of me that's resisting. Something whispering that says, "Grab the opportunity and see what journey lies ahead."

And because I've been winning the same old boring Science Quiz Bee competition every year, my gut-feel is searching for a new task to fulfill. New game to play. New crown to win.

But wouldn't it be too risky? Wala akong proper experience sa photography. But then, I remembered, I am Khel Davidson. The one adored by many. The gifted. The best. The godly.

Should I be scared of this challenge? Nah.

I smirked. "Alright, then. I'll take the challenge."

Nagliwanag bigla ang mukha ni Ms. Blanche. "Re-Really?! You're participating in the contest, Khel?!"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Guess this is a good opportunity to slay another round and to build another image of Khel Davidson. You know that I love testifying my abilities, ma'am."

"Wow! You really are a man of confidence. Now I know why many students adore you," patango-tangong aniya.

I deserve the admiration. No need to boast about it.

"Since I have your word, kakausapin ko na lang ang head ng English Department para bigyan kayo ng budget for making the magazine," she said. "Oh! And before I forgot, nakausap ko na rin ang magiging ka-collab mo. She's a very good writer. You two will represent our school's name for the competition."

She? It means my partner is a girl?

"I'll just inform you if there's any further detail, okay?" teacher declared.

Tumango na lang ako.

Before Ms. Blanche leaves, she smiled at me and said, "I'm really glad that you accepted the challenge, Khel. I have this feeling that you and your partner are perfect-match for this project."

But why do I feel we're not?

Thereafter, Teacher Blanche turned around and walked down the silent hallway. Her heels echoed as she made her way out of my sight.

I was left standing on my spot, swallowed by the hall's quietness.

I sighed, "Hope I made the right decision."

_________________________________________

A/N:

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