The days passed quickly. After their music class, Felix told Serena and Charlton about the feedback from the attendees regarding the song. He said that it was well received and has taken everyone by storm. A lot of people tried to reach out to him, asking if it is possible to have it sang on their or their relative's upcoming wedding. There was also a start up company owner who approached him, asking if he can talk to his students regarding a recording deal. He talked about using their song to launch his company's flat disc product along with a certain device wherein people can have the song played.
Serena realized that this is history in the making. The flat discs of late 1800's is about to enter the market. She immediately understood how big of a deal this will be. So, she told Felix that she is interested with the man's recording deal and to help her set a meeting if possible.
Felix told her that he didn't have the man's contact as he was too busy at that time. However, the man would most probably be attending the golden anniversary of Maestro Ligeti, as apparently, the Maestro boasted that night that the pair will be playing during his event, not only that they will even present a new song. Talking about the song, he asked how she and Charlton were progressing.
Charlton told him that Serena was already half done with the lyrics and she even had the melody prepared. Currently, he is working on the sheet music accordingly.
Felix nodded in approval and asked them to inform him if they need any assistance. Also, he would like to listen to the song once they're ready with it.
—
"The numbers don't tally with the information provided during our last meeting." Artemis remarked after Geoffrey explained about some minute changes.
As it was only 8:30 in the morning, the student council meeting room was only occupied by 4 members. They were discussing about their plans for tomorrow.
"Yes. I was also surprised last week when I visited. Initially, my understanding based on the information sheet given to me, was that there were only 34 children. However, they gave the excuse that there was a typographical error and when they handed me the updated version it says that there are 84."
"This is blasphemy. Clearly, they tried to deceive us. Are we still pushing through tomorrow?" Diether reacted.
"Never mind that. Anyway, the effort we will be making is almost the same. We also have additional volunteers. At the very least, we will be helping more children." Geoffrey answered.
"The president is correct. However, with regards to the budget, there will be some constraints. 84 is a far cry from 34." Mary interjected.
"It's too late to change plans now. The children are already expecting us tomorrow. I know I am also at fault, so I will find a solution for the matter regarding the budget." Geoffrey finished.
—
At 8:52, Serena arrived in the council room with Leonard. As everyone was already there, the meeting started a few minutes early.
"Good morning everyone. Today, we will discuss some details regarding our excursion for tomorrow. Last week, I was informed that there has been a mistake regarding the number of the children in the orphanage. Instead of 34, it should have been 84. I know that that's a large leap in terms of numbers, but I believe that as there are 10 of us here and have 6 volunteers for tomorrow, we will manage." Geoffrey began and just after he said that Leonard raised his hand to speak.
"I don't see any problem with the numbers, but I don't think that the budget we allocated earlier will be sufficient."
"Yes, I understand that that issue is indeed perturbing. However, I will make efforts to find solution to that. I would like to offer my sincere apologies as this happened because of my negligence. But let us not take it out on the children tomorrow. They are innocent."
Leonard nodded his head in agreement.
Serena silently listened at the sidelines. She thought that the real numbers must be the initial 34. Perhaps the news of their school delegation's outreach has circulated, thus, the number. But she must agree with Geoffrey, the children are innocent in this matter.
"As discussed last time, we will be leaving the school at 8 in the morning. The meeting place is at this building's lobby. Also, there's no need to bring your own carriage as the school will be providing us service. Lastly, try to wear something appropriate for tomorrow. Are there any questions?"
The members shook their head.
"Okay, now, let us move to our next agenda. Representative Joan if you may."
"Good morning everyone. The second agenda for today is regarding the school's founding anniversary ball set next month. As we all know, our school's foundation day is celebrated on the 22nd of December and today is the 4th of November leaving us approximately one month and 2 weeks to prepare. Now, we will need to start organizing by assigning the head of each committee, clearly defining their roles and responsibilities."
"I volunteer to head the committee on design!" Representative Gina quickly raised her hand while grinning.
"WAhhhhhh no!!!!! I want to do that! I've been wanting to do that since first year!" Mary voiced out.
The boys started laughing. Well, girls always get excited during these kinds of events.
"Well, me too! We can work together though." Gina compromised.
"Alright you two will lead the design. How about the others?" Joan said.
"Ugh… I'll just go with the logistics, lest someone complain regarding the food." Diether said.
"Then, I volunteer as the food coordinator. Leonard, you should be the program coordinator. You're good at that." Artemis said.
"Alright. Serena? How about you join me?" Leonard asked.
Serena smiled and nodded her head.
After a while, everyone was done with the assignments.
"Ok, let us summarize our agreement regarding the roles and responsibilities of each of us. Let me write it on the board." Joan said.
Head organizer: Joan, Geoffrey
Responsibilities: Oversee the whole event, delegate tasks, make sure all are set for the ball.
Programme Coordinator: Leonard, Serena
Responsibilities: In-charge of coming up with a set of activities for the event. From guest speakers, writing the script, music for the event.
Design administrator/ Venue coordinator: Mary, Gina
Responsibilities: Making the whole venue and event aesthetically pleasing, sending out invites, banners, props and the likes.
Logistics coordinator: Diether/ Douglas
Responsibilities: Ensure that all equipment needed on the day is secured and delivered on time. This includes the sound system, tables and chairs.
Food coordinator: Artemis/ Diana
Responsibilities: The food and drinks for consumption during the event.
"Alright, so all is clear regarding this matter. Thank you very much."
"Thank you, Representative Joan. Alright. As we only have those as our agenda for the day, do you still have matters you wish to raise or discuss?"
The council members said no, and Geoffrey adjourned the meeting.
—
The sun was shining brightly that Sunday morning. When Serena walked towards the school building annex with Via, who volunteered thanks to her insistence, in tow, it was 7:50.
"what are you doing here?" Serena asked pleasantly surprised.
Before entering the building, Serena saw Charlton loitering outside. When he saw her, his eyes lit up and he quickly approached her. As he walked, the rays of the morning sun shone upon him and the wind rustled his hair which was parted sideways. Just like the first time she saw him, Serena blushed. He was so handsome that even his simple clothing could not conceal his charm.
"I'm volunteering. Why? Are you not happy to see me here?" Charlton said, then he acknowledged Via with a nod.
"Of course not. I thought you have other things to do." Serena replied giving him a smile. She did suggest for him join, but he told her that he might not be able to because he still has to work on a paper.
"I wanted to surprise you." He said with a cheeky smile.
Via rolled her eyes, their sweetness making her skin crawl. "Ok, I'm out. See you inside."
Serena and Charlton laughed.
"you go ahead inside with your friend. I'll follow you shortly."
Serena nodded her head and entered.
Inside, she saw that all of the council members were already there. In addition, she saw a man she didn't recognize. Kylo who was busy talking with Leonard. Emily at the side talking to a girl. Then, as if on cue, the girl turned around. She turned towards the entrance then her face instantly turned beet red.
"Ugh… isn't that Isabel? What is she doing here?" Via, recognizing Isabel, asked.
Serena saw Isabel whose face suddenly turned beet red and turned to look towards the entrance. As expected, Charlton just entered the lobby.
'Oh the drama.' She thought as she rolled her eyes.
TBC
