Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 10:31:15 +0000
From: theadlaotribe@gmail.com
Subject: Falling for a Straight Guy Chapter 2

Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. It involves romantic
and/or sexual relationship between males. If you are offended of this
subject matter, if you are a minor, or if you are in a place where it is
illegal to read this type of literature, please stop reading now.

Copyright © 2008 by Fritz Diantan Ilagan. All Rights Reserved. Except as
permitted under the law, no part of this publication may be reproduced
without the prior written permission of the Author.

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>>> AUTHOR'S PRE-STORY NOTES <<<

As suggested by one of my readers (thanks, BB), here is a mini-glossary of
Filipino words used in the story so far.

Barkada: a group of close friends, can be literally translated to "gang or
crew"

Totoy: a small boy

Bunso: youngest child in the family

Okray: (slang) a funny commentary, usually a criticism or banter

Kikay: (slang) a cute, sassy girl who loves fashion and looking pretty

Jeepney: a vehicle that is most used form of transportation in the
Philippines. It has been remodelled from the jeeps of the US Army after the
Second World War.


Now, to the story...


Chapter Two: The Perfect Man

	"I'm thinking a huge booming poster with your picture and a slogan
in bold colors. Something so eye-catching it will stop people in their
tracks. What yah think?" asked Ferdinand to Dave.

	The gang congregated together in the library. Ferdinand was holding
a big sheet of paper in front of the gang... his plans for Dave's campaign
posters. The kikays were nodding in agreement with the plan and Marcelo put
up his thumbs. Dave, however, was a little self-conscious with all the
planning. Ferdinand overly detailed schemes made him feel as though he was
running for the Senate.

	"You don't have to get into too much trouble designing this stuff
Ferdy," said Dave. "I mean, simple pamphlets would be okay."

	"Pamphlets? Pamphlets! Oh my gosh Dave... we are not in third grade
you know," said the energetic teen, waving the poster with his hands like a
windmill. "You have to make an impression of grandness! Do you want the
students to think you're like those people in jeepneys that give little
leaflets about vague organizations and ask for change from passengers?
So... NO! We can't just give pamphlets!"

	Any more objections from Dave were drowned down by Marcelo's and
the kikay's suggestions for color schemes and catchy slogans. Marites and
Mica started arguing which catchphrase was better: "VOTE Dave for
President. The INTELLECTUALLY well endowed student!" or "Stick to Dave!
You're guaranteed to graduate!"

	Paul just patted Dave on the back to ease the look of horror on his
face.

	"Let them do it for you. Just enjoy it and let your `artistic
support staff' run your campaign."

	"Yeah, but don't you think it's a bit... exaggerating?" asked Dave
as he listened to Ferdinand talking about back-up dancers for the
room-to-room campaigning. "And I don't want any double meaning in the
slogans! I sure as hell don't want to be expelled!"

	"It's politics," said Jaypee sagely. "It's supposed to be
exaggerating and double meaning. Well, let's just leave the girls to the
campaign... what do you think about our homework, huh? I mean, is just it
me or our teachers having some serious power trip or something?"

	Paul, Dave, Belinda and Jemma nodded vigorously in
agreement. Jaypee was talking about how senior life was nothing new except
for the fact that their teachers tend to constantly remind them that after
this year they will be facing a whole new world called college thus giving
them loads of work "in preparation for the world ahead". Dave could not
decide yet whether the teachers wanted them to go to college or to prevent
them from graduating due to the mounds of assignments.

	 The first two weeks of classes ran exhaustingly rough. By a
majority vote, Dave was elected as the class president three days after the
start of school. This gave him less chances of dodging the student council
elections as Mrs. Mendoza rather made it clear that as the president of the
star section, Dave needed to uphold what was expected of them.

	But the pressure was not just coming from the responsibilities from
his affiliations. Dave noticed that many of his new classmates were more
than determined to outshine him. Moreover, the teachers were not helping at
all, as they tend to stoke the fire between the competitions. The gang had
never been in a fight about academics but everyone noticed that Jaypee was
rather on edge just after their third week. They deduced that this was
either due to the piles of work or the toll of rivalry between Randolph and
Dave or maybe even both.

	"And that Randolph, the red-nosed reindeer, is getting to my
nerves!" said Jaypee

	"Why? He's not bad," said Jemma looking at Jaypee frowning, yet her
fingers never stopped from jumping on the keypad of her cell phone. "He's
intelligent and kind of nice."

	"Nice? You like him don't you?" Jaypee accused.

	Dave groaned a bit. He never liked to be near the two whenever they
have a row. It was a well-known fact among the gang that Jaypee and Jemma
can bicker for hours.

	"Oh, don't be immature. I am just saying that you don't have to
hate a person just because he is different from you."

	"So you think I'm not intelligent or nice? Maybe you would like to
have a go with that six-foot gorilla!"

	"You are such an idiot," Jemma said through gritted teeth. Jaypee
just opened his mouth to retort but Dave cut him off.

	"Guys, we're in the library," Dave pleaded as he automatically
looked around for Mrs. Spinel, the librarian. "Keep it down Jay."

	"Now you're taking her side?" said Jaypee incredulously. "I'm
worried about you and this is how you repay me?"

	"What?" Dave stared at Jaypee in disbelief. "Why are you worried?"

	"I just heard that Randolph is planning to run for the council as
president too. I think he's doing it to get back at you for beating him in
the class elections."

	"So let him be the president," said Dave. "Truthfully, I would be
glad to have some of this pressure off my shoulders. First you guys then
the class and now some of the faculty joined the throng."

	Unfortunately, Dave's "artistic support staff" heard. They put down
their notes and plans, glared at Dave while Paul said, "I thought you
wanted to be valedictorian?"

	"Yes I want to...so?"

	It was Marcelo who explained the point. "Let me remind you that
being the student council president rakes in points for extra-curricular
affairs which is half of the basis for being a valedictorian. And if you
want to have a higher chance of getting a college scholarship I advise you
not to let the presidency slip. Not all of us are given a chance to make a
difference like this so don't act so tactless, Dave."

	Dave looked away from them and scowled to himself. He was always
capable of taking stress and pressure before but the past week gave more
than the usual amount of tension. He felt as though the world was pushing
him to the top regardless of what he wanted. It was his duty, they say. It
was an honor, they say. And often, the argument was always manipulated into
making him believe that it was in his best interest to be the slave of
other people's plans for him. Dave felt as though his life was slowly
slipping out of his hands... and it was scary.

	"Are we correct or are we right?" asked Ferdinand sarcastically.

	"Yeah whatever," said Dave. "So what am I supposed to do? I'm
getting overwhelmed with everything. Next week I have to think of ways on
how to invite new staffers for the school paper... I barely have time to
complete all our homework and now I have to add some political agenda to my
long, never ending to-do list."

	"I told, you we'll take care of the agenda," Paul said while the
others nodded in agreement. Looking rather reluctant, Dave forced a smile
for them... he just hoped he was not walking into the lion's den.

						* * *

	Mrs. Claire Veloso, the school paper adviser, just texted and Dave
was getting rather edgy himself. As editor-in-chief, he had to make sure
that there were enough staffers this year so that they can print the paper
in time. Creating a short-funded, short staffed but spectacular school
publication will not be a walk in the park and two years of experience
taught Dave that recruiting members was the toughest part of the
job. Without writers, there will be no publication.

	Many of last year's staffers had already graduated. Jerry Belami,
the editorial cartoonist and Dave's classmate, was the only one left. Even
though they have at least four months worth of preparation, Dave knew it
would still be hard. He learned that as time passed, less and less students
got interested in writing for the Herald. And as their publication was in
English, many students felt rather intimidated. Albeit the fact that the
Philippines regards English as its second language, teens today appear to
be having trouble with the subject.

	Of course, the starting point in recruiting members and staff was
in seniors-A. The gang, as much as they love Dave, never tried to join the
Herald. Dave figured this out after he tried two years ago and got the most
hilarious excuses.

	"Writing just isn't my thing honey," said Mica, giving Dave an
apologizing look from her mascara-lined eyes. "They give me eye bags."

	"Me too," added Ferdinand while faking a shiver. "I mean, I can't
possibly be expected to sit down for hours and just...write."

	However, they expressed their support for Dave by inviting people
to join. Belinda, even if busy in their family business, still hangs out
with the gang every afternoon discussing tactics in recruiting students and
how to draw support for the campaign. Paul was getting a little busy
himself as he started working in the mall after school just to help out his
dad.

	Ferdinand, Marcelo and the kikays, tend to hang at school after
classes to practice their moves and they rarely accompany Dave in his club
meetings. They just tend to hang out on the grounds.

	Jaypee and Jemma, both had been given liberty by their parents,
often get to go home with Dave after school as they all lived near each
other. They just stay at the back of the club quarters while Dave did his
speech to students that expressed interest.

	After the Herald's first invitational meeting, Dave was still
bothered, as he knew that though many expressed interest, not even half of
them would stay in the club after they find out how hard it is to create a
school paper. Fun as it is, certain sacrifices were needed to be a true
full-fledged member of New Valley Heraldry.

	"I think we should do another meeting," said Jerry, the Herald
cartoonist. "What you think?"

	"I guess," said Dave while rubbing his temples. He had a hard time
sleeping for the past week, thinking up the most effective speech to give
to the students to ignite some interest for them to join. "Students will
probably think that not much people were interested in joining the first
time because we're inviting them again... which would give the impression
that our club sucks. But, what choice do we have right?"

	"Well, I'll go make more posters then."

	Jerry gave his editor an encouraging smile before turning
away. Dave closed his eyes; he felt a migraine forming at the back of his
head. When he opened them again, Dave was greeted by Daniel's face,
grinning in front of him. Dave gulped.

	"You alright man?" asked Daniel, sounding rather amused.

	"Yah, I'm good." He did not know what was the matter with him, but
Dave suddenly felt his mouth going dry and his heart pounding like a base
drum. Then suddenly, Daniel looked rather sheepish and this made Dave
curious.

	"Um, I heard you and Jerry talking about the Herald," Daniel
started. "Well, I was just thinking if it's okay for me to try and join."

	"You?" asked Dave raising his eyebrows. He knew the way he said it
was a bit incredulous because Daniel looked suddenly defensive. "I mean,
why would you like to join the Herald?"

	Dave got the impression Daniel was not into writing, as he never
openly participated at discussions in their English lessons. But he can't
just rely on his impressions.

	"Well, I guess I want to experience seeing my name in print but if
you don't think I'm good enough..." said Daniel rather steely, taking
Dave's surprise reaction as an insult and started to turn away. Panicking,
Dave grabbed Daniel by the shoulder and stopped him from walking.

	"No! On the contrary, I'm glad that you're interested. We're having
trouble recruiting members lately and I guess, I'm just quite relieved."
Daniel looked at Dave a bit more then turn towards him again.

	"But, you know, I have no idea about newspaper writing and stuff,"
Daniel said looking worried this time.

	"No prob," said Dave, offering a smile and discreetly wiping his
hands on his pants. His palms suddenly felt sweaty all of a sudden. "That's
where I come in. As editor-in-chief, I'll help you with anything you
need. Just come to the meeting next Wednesday after classes."

	"Thanks," said Daniel as he smiled at Dave too. He started to turn
back to his seat as Mr. Davis, the P.E. teacher just got in the room then
Daniel glanced back to Dave and whispered, "By the way, you have my vote
for the council."

	Dave smiled tightly and felt his face burn a little. He sat down as
the teacher started to check the attendance and Dave wondered why he cannot
keep from blushing.

						* * *

	It was a day before the student council elections. Every student
party in the school was busy going from room to room to promote their
candidates. And currently, Dave didn't know whether to look proud or
humiliated as Ferdinand, Marcelo, Micala, Marites and Shaina flipped, cart
wheeled and gyrated their hips in front of the screaming and cheering first
years in their invitational promotion. Even the teacher that let their
campaign group interrupt the class was chuckling as the dancers finished
chanting their campaign jingle.

	"So now that we have your attention," said Ferdinand, staring at
the amused students and panting a little, "I'm glad to give you the
'Collective Objectives and Organized Leaders' a.k.a. the COOL Party List of
New Valley High, lead by our own David Garcia!"

	Dave smiled as the class and the teacher clapped enthusiastically
as he walked to center stage.

	"They're all yours," whispered Ferdinand, winking. Dave smiled to
Ferdinand before facing the class. The look on the students' faces made
Dave want to laugh; it was as though he was a pop star or something.

	"Good morning to you all. Well, as I can see we have great students
in front of me today," said Dave as the class cheered again for the
compliment. "And great students are what this school really needs.

	"We believe that the only road to success is not by trudging alone
on its path but by working together to achieve common and vital goals
together. This is not just our fight but also yours. We assure you that the
COOL Party's agenda will be founded by issues that uphold the studentry's
best interest. That our programs will be for the promotion of a more
productive and fruitful New Valley High and that the COOL Party shall be
striving to make this year's high school experience more fun and enjoyable
to everyone.

	"But of course we cannot do these without all of your support. We
all know, any school, any society, any country is only as strong as the
leaders that uphold its morale and spirit. And any leader is only as strong
as the people where his authority and power emanates from. We, in the COOL
Party of New Valley High, are asking you to lend us your authority and
power to lead our school to its greatness. Our supremacy comes from you. We
need your voice... we need your power. Vote straight COOL Party List! Thank
you all!"

	The class cheered again as Dave smiled and beamed to everyone. Then
he started to present the other members of the party. After some more
persuasive speeches from the other members and a final entertaining
routine, the COOL Party List bade the class goodbye.

	"How many more classes do we have visit?" asked Marcelo to
Ferdinand who checked his clipboard.

	"Three more. Two sophomores' and one juniors' class. You okay? Can
you still do the routine?"

	"You're asking the great Marcy `Rouge' Berson?" asked Marcelo while
twirling and making a high kick in the corridor. "Of course! Dancing for
the millionth time is piece of cake!"

	Everyone laughed. Dave entwined his arm to Marcelo's shoulder and
said, "Guys, thank you so much for doing this for the party. And Marcy, the
party list name was just... cool. Thanks a bunch."

	"Oh, no biggie," said Marcelo. "But I'm not doing this for charity
Davey dear."

	"You're not?" asked Dave, looking to his friend. "I have to pay
you?"

	"Of course," said Marcelo. "One night in your pad with only the two
of us will cover everything."

	Dave drew his hand so fast from Marcelo's shoulder that everyone
laughed again.

	"You're not serious right?"

	Marcelo looked disappointed and touched Dave's cheek. "Well, a girl
can dream right?"

	"Okay dream on," said Shaina, playfully slapping Marcelo's hand
from Dave. "You won't be the first lady once Dave gets elected. What will
the paparazzi say?"

	"That he is utterly downright lucky to have such a fabulous
fiancée!" said Marcelo raising his hands in emphasis.

	"Whatever!" said Dave as they all laughed. The campaign was great
and everyone seemed to think the COOL Party has a great chance of putting
the gold in the pot. "What's the update with Randolph's party?"

	"A sophomore told me Randolph's getting some attention, mainly from
the girls because of his looks," said Belinda. "Well, it was a good tactic
using his features to draw support."

	"He's just a poster boy," said Jaypee in disgust. "Well, we can be
confident that Dave won't be outplayed in that department as our candidate
rakes the attention of the females too. Aren't you Davey? How many girls
asked for your number back there?"

	"Shut up," murmured Dave while his co-candidates snickered at the
back. Their party continued to walk through the corridors as they looked
for the last three rooms they needed to visit.

	"Randolph is not as eloquent and persuasive as you are Dave. We
needn't worry," said Marites while checking her image in a pocket mirror.

	The day went on and Dave's party never missed a chance to amuse the
remaining classes with the gang's dance performance and by Dave's great
speech. The rest of the party were very awed and rather honored to have
Dave as their leader. At the end of the day, Dave knew he made the right
choice in accepting the nomination for president.

	"Told you," said Paul as the gang gathered in their usual spot in
the cafeteria, reviewing the campaign's progress. "We might as well
announce your victory right now."

	"Oh don't be cocky guys," said Dave, blushing slightly. "I don't
want to be disappointed."

	"Don't give me that modest act," said Jaypee smirking to Dave. "It
is time you own your achievements."

	"The surest way to live with honor in the world is to be what we
appear to be," said Marcelo. Everyone stared at him. "What?"

	"And since when did you talk like a fortune cookie?" asked Belinda,
smiling widely.

	"Whatever!" said Marcelo rolling his eyes, then added, "Stop
looking at me like that."

	"Well, guys I'm off to work," said Paul.

	"Me too. Mom needs all the help she can get in the shop," said
Belinda. "Good luck for tomorrow Dave."

	"Thanks but I'll come with you guys. I have to withdraw some money
for groceries," said Dave.

	"Okay, we'll just stay here for a while and plan your victory
party," said Jaypee.

	Dave just shook his head, smiling. He was surely lucky to have a
family outside home.

						* * *

	"I thought Marina stocks your groceries?" asked Paul while he and
Dave walked towards the mall entrance.

	"She told me she needed to go to some of her friend's house to do
some project," said Dave before giving a huge yawn. Walking and talking in
front of all the students for three consecutive days for the campaign was
exhausting and Dave's body was finally feeling the lack of rest. "I tried
to tell her I have some stuff to do in school but she just said I'm still
in high school and whatever I've got to do won't be as important as her
college school work."

	Paul was looking compassionately at his friend; Dave was the only
one in the gang that has parents but doesn't have parents. They considered
Dave as the guy that has everything but they knew it must be hard for
someone to cope with life on his own and with only an insensitive sister
for company.

	The two teens entered the establishment and although he really
wanted to be there for his friend, Paul was already running late for his
work.

	As if hearing Paul's thoughts, Dave smiled wanly and said, "Don't
worry bro. It's been this way since I was eight. Ten years of living like
this and even you would get used to it."

	"Okay... I have to run," said Paul, still looking guilty. "We'll
bond next time, I promise."

	"Thanks big bro."

	They parted ways. Paul went up on the escalator while Dave walked
to the supermarket. As he usually spend his free time in the mall whenever
he needed some load off, Dave memorized the layout of the building by heart
that it would be impossible for him to get lost even if he was
blindfolded. As depressing as it sounds, Dave had considered the mall as
his second home... as he felt more comfortable there than just sitting
around in an empty house.

	The entrance of the supermarket was packed with shoppers but Dave's
first destination was the ATM's beside it, which was miraculously clear of
people. After withdrawing the amount for groceries, his allowance and for
the payment of their bills, Dave got a cart and started to fill it with
groceries. He blushed as older people stared at this high school student
filling his shopping cart with toilet paper, pork chops and detergent,
probably silently asking, what Dave's parents made him eat to persuade him
to do the shopping.

	`Well, you've got to do what you've got to do,' thought Dave to
himself as he ignored the stares and distracted himself with what would
happen tomorrow in the election.

To be continued...

From the Author:

Hi guys! Thanks for reading the lastest installment. To those who have sent
me their support and thoughts, thank you so much!

If you guys are interested to read my other works, just follow the links below:

Love Assassin: (a dark love story at the Gay Adult-Friends section)
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-friends/love-assassin

I also have a fantasy, adventure novel available in Amazon Kindle called
"ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe." If you like my writing so far, you can support
me and give me a cheer by downloading a copy :)

ADLAO: The Hidden Tribe:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F1JUK7S

Check out my thoughts and articles:
http://theadlaotribe.wordpress.com

For other comments, suggestions, or if you want to get a heads up when new
chapters are available, you can reach me at theadlaotribe@gmail.com

Peace,
Fritz Diantan