It had been a straight month at Hallmark, and a studious one too. Everyone, had been in their best, studying, for their finals. An even better reason, was for the upcoming Halloween Party, tagged The Halloween Fever.

The Principal, nearly had it scraped, from the activity sheet, as he described it as 'a disturbance, an avenue for kids to jump around, and sing for nothing. They should be studying!', he however insisted, that if it must be, it must have strict monitoring, only light dances, and not so scary outfits.

The exams begun a week after, Mr. Drey, had them wear headphones, each for their revision. Apparently, he couldn't bear to repeat what he had already taught,



***

At the football academy, there was a total change of schedule, Thankfully, the duration for the tedious training, closely drew to an end. Some of them thought about, furthering their football pursuit, than the one year training they received, others, Daniel inclusive, weren't so sure.

There was a tight routine practice, from the dawn of day, till when the afternoon's heat, scorched their bare heads. A routine practice, with the following schedule;

9 am: Report to the training ground, collect your training kit, and get ready for breakfast.

9:30 am: Breakfast; A typical bowl of porridge.

10:30 am: Training; Light hearted, and relaxed to begin with, gradually easing into the session.

Training, begins after twenty minutes, with the players, taking Parton lots of passing exercises where the focus, is on keeping balance.

12:00 pm: Lunch; Generally a pasta, or a chicken based dish. The Pasta, will replenish depleted energy stores and chicken will give the body protein aiding muscle repair.

Eating the right food, is extremely important, for a footballer's health and general performance.

1-2 pm: Gym strengths, and power work. For example squats, dead lifts, bench presses, and pull ups.

These workouts, change on a daily basis.

2 pm: Finished. That's it, the afternoon is free to do as they wished with it. Rest is essential, so typically, the players will return home, and relax for the remainder, of the day.

Rules.

1. No drinking, smoking, or going out to clubs. Fine-up Two weeks wages.

2. No participating, in extreme sports of skiing.

Daniel had gotten used to the routine, in no time.

They were being served lunch, Daniel hurriedly took out his plate, for a perfect serving spoon of pasta to be dished.

It was routine, he got that part, but he longed for another. Then, he would trade anything, to eat Sofia's prepared meal, and PS; she was horrible at cooking.

He suddenly longed for home, as he played with his meal. He didn't wanting to be a footballer, could be this extreme, he knew he was a wonderful soccer player, not until the older guys proved him wrong. They were all so professional, and athletic.

Yes, he had always wanted to be a footballer, or was it just because his father wanted him to, Footballers were highly respected, probably wanted him to have such repute, but the real Daniel, had other ideas.

"Hi" Jack called, holding his boots on his left, swaying them, and holding his pasta, on his right. For all honesty, Daniel wished he hadn't brought his boots, to where people ate.

"Hi" Daniel muttered, chewing.

"Where were you?"

"Right here" he said, still munching

"Where were you, after showering, told you to wait for me."

"I was starving." He finally swallowed.

Jack was a lot clingy, but he understood, and never complained, he liked him nevertheless that way, and wouldn't want to hurt him.

"Anyways, have you visited, the Hallmark's School's blog in a while?"

"Why exactly, would I do that?"

Jack let out a breath, then continued.

"I think, you might want to see this,"

"What is it now Jack? I'm not in the mood, for news reading."

"Just this one page,"

"Fine, what's in it?"

"See for yourself."

Latest School News.

The Halloween School Party, the Halloween Fever, is gradually drawing to a close, despite the School exams.

Students, are however advised, to be on their best, avoid terrifying costumes, that would freak the rest of the students out, short dances, and a light music are expected...

Well, typical Hallmark, definitely looks like something, Principal Rowlings, would frontier.

"I'm done reading,"

"No you aren't, read on."

Daniel, hesitated for a bit, but continued.

The beginning, and the end, of and academic session, surely changes a lot, some couples began this session together, some broke apart at the brink of it, others started off, towards the end.
Let's start off, with the beautiful School's head cheerleader, Allie Patel. The School's former Queen, in all her Glitter, and glamour, was initially, said to have dated, the School's ex head Captain, Daniel Bryant. Along the line, things grew sour between the two, when a new girl, came to School, became the Queen, and stole the heart of the striker.

That was for a while, till we got a visit from the past, Abigail Shippman, the once lost but found, girlfriend of Daniel...

"Why would they write this about me?"

"I'm not sure that should currently be your problem, you might want to see this part."

..Maya Anderson has moved on too, having being spotted a couple of times, with Scott, they seem to be into a serious relationship now,
Well, what can I say, I'm just a reporter.. Till later for some more juicy School Gist,
         
She forgot me, she has finally moved on.

"I suppose you are done reading."

"I don't get, all I have ever done is care for her... She forgot me, so quickly like I never did exist."

"I told you to never trust a woman, didn't I tell you my experience with Allie, I liked her, I gave her my lunch, when she didn't like hers, but she still got obsessed about you.. "

"I'm sorry man."

"That's OK, I understand, I never did have the charms anyways...but I know for sure, if you want something or someone, to notice you make it."

"What's your point exactly?"

"You'll see."

***

The 'Fever' took a whole week, to prepare for. Everyone was a bit carried away, they anticipated it amidst exams, and now, they were done with High School! The Halloween party, was a confirmation to that. Indeed, their joy knew no bounds.

They carved out their pumpkins, set up spooky decorations, like an inanimate witch, on her broom. The hall was entirely designed, with orange and black. Performances, would be held on the ready stage, it was going to be a great night, so they hoped and were ready to make it.

"So are you ready?" Drey asked his little group of minions.

"Yes," They chorused

"Remember your parts... Where is Anderson?"

"I haven't seen her," "Neither have I,"

"Scout for here! The show will begin anytime soon.. She's the lead singer." He commanded.

Off they went, class to class, lab to lab, the basement, the closet, Art class, Everywhere!
screaming "Maya!", but they found her not.

"Maya!" Tess tried, she ran into the restroom to use the bidet, and notice a feet shuffling, in the next toilet.

"Maya?" she called.

Silence.

She breathed out, and called again.

"Amaya Elisa Helene Taylor Anderson."

"Wait, what? How did you know my full name."

"What's up Jelly Bean? everyone is looking for you."

Jelly Bean, How I love the sound of that.

"I have never sang this openly, I can't do this."

"Oh but you can! All you got to do is believe."

"I'll flutter."

"You won't, just believe." Tess said, her hands firmly squeezing her shoulders.

I feel so short!

***

(Drum roll)

"Good evening everyone, welcome to the Halloween Fever! is it just me? Or does everyone feel amazing..." Drey addressed the large population of students dressed in their Halloween best. He wore a sky blue shirt, and a pair of black jeans. He appeared decent, as he was fully aware of the presence of the principal, standing in the dark, monitoring the whole event.

"First up! We have a presentation, by the T-stars, enjoy..."

Backstage, Maya and the others, waited to be called upon. It was no competition, but it had to be amazing. It was only then, they realized they didn't have a group name and they were up in minutes.

"Uhmm... The Beetles!" Lyon commented.

"Einstein, a real music group bears that." Allie replied sarcastically, observing her nails. It was painted with black nail polish, it added the whole dark effect on her Goth outfit.

"You are so smart, come up with one."

"I didn't have anything to say, so I didn't blurt out rubbish instead."

"That's enough you too, can we just go a day without fighting, we are up in minutes and we don't have a name." Maya replied, she wore a dark pink gown, with black tiny stars, creating a particular sense of harmony. She had on her hand, a matching bunny eared hat which she wasn't going to wear anyway.

"How about Maya's crew?" Tess replied, she wore a black leather jacket and a matching trouser, a blue inner loose top and for some reason, wore a black shaded glass.

"Definitely not, we are going in as a team and I'm not the founder of this."

"Yes definitely not, Allie's crew would sound better." Allie replied.

"I think Tess is right, Maya stood for what she believed in, and besides she's the lead singer." Owen commented.

"Hello, you guys, you are up next."

It was Abigail, her voice swiftly penetrating their midst, so calm, but audible. She wore a princess gown, it rang so much of royalty. It was exquisite! Wearing an artificial wing, with smooth sparkly edges, and a face mask, which she held on one hand.

If only Daniel was here, to see how beautiful his girlfriend looked, beside a shabby me!

Tess whispered the group name to Mr. Drey, from behind the curtains, and he quickly called them next.

They were welcomed, with applauses and whistling.
Maya held unto her microphone, her hands slightly shaky, Tess stood by her right hand side, giving her a thumbs up, as a head start. It was comforting. Allie, also had a positioned microphone in her front, Lyon and Owen, handled the guitar, and drums respectively.

Scott came in minutes later, looking the coolest. He appeared to be dressed, as Tess, but in the male version. His black leather dressing, squeaked a bit as he walked. It had a slight chain, dangling from his side pocket and wore a white top instead. His hair looked well treated, and it shone under the stage lights.

Maya's face lit up when he appeared, and suddenly mustered up All the courage, that was needed and began, being aided, by the drumming.

"Hello everyone, we'd be singing 'The greatest piece there is, in my heart.' it's a slow song, so, a soft clap, and a left to right movement, would do." Maya said, obviously fidgeting a bit, while holding her mic, still staring towards Scott's direction.

🎶 Maya: Someday we'll be gone
Leave some things undone,
But our memories, will still be there...

Always remember you are the greatest piece there is in my heart.

🎶 Allie: No matter what may be
We'll still be friends you and me...

All the laughs and all the sadness you keep out,
I'll break the shell and shout,
You're the greatest piece there is in my heart.

🎶 Tess: What joy there is, in finding a friend.
One to take you through life's curves and it's bend.

I found you, and I found all I want coz you are,
The greatest piece there is in my heart.

🎶(All three): One thing to know, I have you.
You are the best that there is, and the best that there would be,

One thing to know I have you,
You are the greatest piece there is, in my heart.

The song continues, with the audience clapping and some slightly dancing, the harmony makes the Principal, join the beat, by nodding his head, to the music he now listened to. Although his countenance, remained the same.

"Not bad," he commented, from where he stood, spotting another couple, for separation. "A meter rule distance!" he bellowed.

The stage was brightly illuminated, with the stage lights, so that it was quite difficult, to see the audience, but Maya was able to recognize some figures, walking towards where the rest stood. One was taller than the other, and they weren't dressed up, in any costumes.

Probably visitors..

It took minutes, for her to recognize who they were; It was Daniel, walking beside Jack. Jack whispered something into Daniel's ear,  that was all she saw.

Maya began fluttering, as she watched him walk up the stage. Her legs, slightly shaking, her grip on the mic, loosened, and she tightened it back again. For all there is, she prayed for the ground to swallow her up.

The rest of the students, shouted in recognition, of who it was. Mr. Drey, smiled and still holding a thin sheet of paper, folded his arms, and watched.

Daniel took a mic, and began singing....

   🎶 Daniel: I know I wasn't true with you..
I know sometimes I left no clue..

But, I promise to make that right,
Holding unto this mic all night saying;
You are the greatest piece there is in my heart...

🎶 (Maya and Daniel): One thing to know, is that I have you..

🎶 Maya: That I have you..

🎶(Maya and Daniel): You are the best that there is, you are the best that there would be

One thing to know...

🎶Maya: One thing to know...

🎶(Maya and Daniel): You are the greatest piece there is in my heart...

Everyone clapped and whistled, it was an amazing feeling..

Daniel moved closer, one drawing step, at a time, he now stood so close to Maya, although she wore heels, she seemed so short beside him...

He made for her smooth face, getting closer, to her lips,

Until, the old grumpy Principal's voice, cut his attempt short...
"Break apart, or I'll give you both detention.. I don't care if you're graduating the next minute, no kissing on my school. "

He let go of her, not before letting out a laughter, more of embarrassment than humor.

Owen began drumming, and they sang all over again. The event was colorful. Maya remembered Scott, she busied her eyes, in search for him, but he was no where to be found.

"Hey! You guys!" Tess said stopping the instrumentalists. "Am I the only one bothered, how did he know the song?"

"Tess!" They all screamed.

The End,
          is just the beginning...
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Author's Note: So it's officially over now, Thank you all for being with me through this journey.

Sorry I was a little late in updating, I had to come up with a song, so as not to dub someone else's... And about the song, it's supposed to be slow, so, fit in any tune, that feels OK to you.

Once more, please vote and comment, and I'll see you in the sequel; The Journal hopefully 😉

#Cheeahmahkah

6:12 pm.