Chapter 2

“Thank Goodness it’s Saturday”

A colorful statue of a clown holding the sign that contained the words stand near a portal of two doors, the kind of doors that scream at you saying: “Authorized personnel only” the stoic design that not only says don’t enter, but also keep out. But for those who are in the know, know that the clown always points the way and the way that it points to is always in.

Upon opening its doors the group was greeted by the cold, dull colored hallway that resembles a typical office corridor, with its bluish white fluorescent lights lining up the hall ahead as the only light source in this windowless space. The hallway had a simple layout, on the left were doors that led to rooms no one knows the purpose of, while on the left was nothing but a bare wall painted in two colors, a grayish white and a more darker grayish white with the darker color staining the walls lower half. There was a text painted on the wall that said “Stairwell” but no one really bothered what it meant. The group continued on towards the end of the hall where the path separated on the left and the right as they found themselves in a T- intersection. The wall had a new color painted on it, it was green and it separated the two grays in the middle. ‘Let's not get lost now, follow the gray paint.’ Said the man in charge as he leads the group to the left where the green paint had been discontinued. ‘Up the stairs.’ Said the leader once again as they climbed the dull concrete stairwell into another unknown floor but this time they were not alone as they started to see some people hanging around having a smoke as they climbed up. The group had no idea how high they had to climb as they must have climbed above two or three landings behind them, with each gradually having more people hanging out than the last as they were starting to get funny looks from the crowd. ‘Don’t worry they’re just curious’ Said the leader. ‘Different people from different schools come here but they know each other pretty well making them sensitive to new faces so just keep your cool alright?’

Finally after another flight of steps the group started to hear the faint beating of the bass drum thumping the inner confines of their chests as they reached the floor that was strangely unlit. The whole hallway was dark and the air was filled by the stench of alcohol and cigarettes, graffiti decorated the once plain white walls and there was a couple snogging violently on the same steps they were climbing. In front of them was another double door with thick black curtains flanking both of its sides and two people standing beside the opening. The leader went ahead and talked to the men, who seemed to be the “guards” of the entrance. Funnily enough two of the people from the group also approached the guards as they seemed to be acquainted with one another. Nonetheless the rest of the group waved forward and they all excitedly entered the dark room beyond the doors. It was an anteroom as big as an average high school classroom with significant soundproof padding lining up the walls with its black tufted ornaments with some of the panels already “enhanced” by some tasteful “porno grafiti” that everyone loves to view in this day and age.

‘Is everyone ready?’ The leader spoke once again as everyone nods in unison.’

‘Alright then. Remember the terms and conditions that were briefed to you before coming here. No one breaks the secret. This place never exists.’ The man said as he rests his back on the door, almost opening it.

‘Everything you are about to see is all in your head.’

The doors swing open.

‘Welcome everyone, to Jack & Barry’s!’

Everyone has a vision of what the future looks like.

Some had utopian ideas of what society could be where everything was clean, organized and kept in an efficient orderly fashion. A place where design is clean, streamline and simple. Some would imagine simple box houses painted in white, with topiaried lawns and clear blue skies and some would imagine it with curvy nature like forms surrounded by a tranquil water feature that reflects the healthy clean nature of the world they imagined. There are some who imagine it as a kind of dystopia where the streets are lined with trash, flying cars with a crude and utilitarian design. Huge monuments that dwarf the conventional skyscrapers, with huge advertising holograms blinding you with their bright neon lights as they pollute the night sky with their corporations branding of assorted products. There are a lot of interpretations of what the future would be like but as the doors swing open and the bright light blinds the people entering it for a few pausing moments. One would realize that none was the answer. It was a familiar sight but it was one to behold. None of the lights were white and none were dim and grimy. There were shades of bright yellow, cyan and blue and the hue kept changing from purple to green then red to blue. From this point of view one can see that the future is not washed up in a desaturation of values but is an explosion of interesting colors both old and new and though it may be messy and disorganized, there was a certain beauty to it, like the uneven sides of a puzzle piece that when coupled together and viewed from afar, reveals a beautiful colorful image.

The flickering of lights that contrast the walls colors were not from neglect but from the many bells and whistles that the games below would reflect. The shine of the chrome and checkered flag floor and the many colors and shapes of each individual door would make the eyes and mind go wild as you would lose your focus on the many things in store. There were games on each corner and on each corner there were games even the gift shop itself had its own small arcade and as one moves forward, directions matter least as one’s eyes will go mad to make sense of it all while the feet drag with ease. Bumper cars, basketball hoops, ice cream stands and an herbal store, strange things one can find but if there was one thing that grabs your eyes was the line by the betting screen as the guys from competing schools wager their lunch money on their favorite horse. And that’s where it snapped on him, suddenly he woke up from an overload of his senses as he realized that he had lost his group.

The boy was young and looked frail. He had glasses but not thick as he could still function without them and his hair was always kept neat and combed, at least he tried to. His stance was tucked in and shy and his shoes were the ones with no laces. He has a braced smile that he hides often and his eyes were tiny and worried as his chin was starting to look weak, the type of boy his mother would remind him not to mouth breathe. He looked lost after getting entranced with all the sights and sounds of the place and now he was starting to feel a shiver up his spine, the kind that evokes fear and danger from the depths of his heart. There were only two occasions in this boy’s life that he could attribute these situations from One was when he was five and he got lost inside the bookstore after he got engrossed in some of the new science fiction books that were on the shelves at the time and the other was when he was eleven when he lost his grip from his mother’s grasp while they were walking through a crowded theme park. Both occasions ended with him crying to the nearest police officer or person of authority for help, sadly though he was now fifteen and as much as possible would like to avoid shedding a tear as it would tarnish his “manly-ness” as he now considered himself a grown-up now and as he puts it, “Grown ups never act like babies”.

He thought to do the most logical thing to do and find any person in charge, but the more he walked around the more he figured the lawlessness of this place and was starting to feel despair in his efforts to rejoin his group. Already he could start feeling the negative thoughts of fear and loss, the worry that he might never get out alive forever was starting to drill in deeper into his consciousness. The stinging, swelling pain in his chest was monstrously urging him to vomit out his tears as he ran into the most secluded spot he could find so he could shed a few to ease his suffering. And then he remembered something, an important thing that was powerful enough to tug on his feelings, a promise to never act like he once acted, a promise to keep his world intact and functioning no matter how fast it was able to crumble, a promise to suck up his emotions and crush them like a real man would and to stand up to any challenge and adversity no matter how miniscule or daunting it might be. And with those thoughts running through his mind he had remained his feet in place, unwavering and still even if his heart and soul was screaming to hide in a corner and cry.

‘I’m not a boy anymore, I’m not a boy anymore, I’m not a boy anymore…’

‘There you are!’ Said a voice from behind the boy. ‘I thought you chickened out for a sec, c’mon the others are by the “Tally Alley” lounging around, let’s join them.’

He quickly turns around and, with a bright smile on his face, rejoins with the person that brought them to this fantastic place. ‘The name’s Neil by the way, what’s yours?’ Said the guy with a grin on his face.

‘Pai…’ Said the boy, wiping his eyes to clear any tears that might’ve escaped. He felt a bit bashful from the introduction but he kept his head up with a determined look as the flashing colors around him kept his eyes wandering around. ‘Nice to meet ya’ Pai. Here, have a Tally, it’s on me’ He said with a warm welcoming grin as Neil hands him a mug filled to the brim with a fizzy, frothy green liquid. ‘What’s this?’ Pai said as he took a sip from the mug to lessen the amount, fearing he might spill some of the contents on the shiny sparkling floor. ‘It’s flavored beer for minors.’ Said Neil as Pai froze after hearing what the drink was. ‘But I’m not allowed to drink--’

‘Nonsense, you’re allowed to drink anything, do anything and whatever. That’s what this place is for.’ Neil proudly exclaims as Pai takes another sip. ‘It does taste like lime soda’

He mutters as Neil raises his mug towards Pai.

‘Exactly!’ Neil replied as they clinked their glasses and continued their walk down the busy bustling colorful aisle that had arcade after arcade cabinets and kids around the same age as him, playing and having a great time with their friends. It was a sight he always longed for but now that he had someone like Neil who introduced him to this grand place, he could now actually imagine himself having fun.

Tally Alley!

Drink, Drunk and Flunk

The only place for a Talley Sparkly

The words appeared loud and boasting as if it were demanding everyone’s attention to look and be amazed at its existence, it was the first sight anyone with unblinded eyes would see upon arriving. Big clearly written letters in cursive font, and dazzling salmon color neon made sure that every passerby would be entranced by the place in front of them. Inside was a classic 1950’s diner motif with streamline shapes and automotive knick knacks that line up the walls surrounding the interiors but the most eye-catching sight of it all was the huge main counter that sat in the middle. Upon entering the premise it is the first to greet you with its huge flat screens playing different movies and cartoons as it curves around, half moon shaped, with each side leading to the main tables. Inside the counter were the people preparing the meals; all for everyone, outside and in, to see how the food is cooked and plated. At the center of it all is a huge soda dispenser that serves one drink and one drink only. “The Tally”

Of course the establishment also serves other drinks as Pai spots soda dispensers on both sides of the counter facing the tables, seeing two kids around his age come up to it and serve themselves a drink without any monetary exchange. Neil leads him to one of the booth seats on the side and is greeted by a myriad of people he recognizes as part of the group he came in with. The two pretty girls that sat in the middle of the C – shaped sofa welcomed him in as he took a seat next to a big burly guy who seemed to be romantically involved with one of the girls in the group, based on the fact that his hand was around the girl immediately beside him, and opposite of him sat Neil, who by this time, was looking at the menu.

‘So what are you guys getting?’ Neil asked.

‘Another Tally!’ said the girls simultaneously.

‘I’ll get the usual…’ Said the burly guy beside him.

‘Oh! Wait sorry I forgot about the introductions!’ Neil interjects, feeling embarrassed for Pai as he sat there awkwardly.

‘Guys this is the new kid, Pai’

Both of the girls turn and wave to the frail boy as he bashfully smiles back at the people around the table.

‘The Big guy beside you is Pete.’

‘Hey…’ He responds, looking uninterested.

‘The lady with the big bow on her head is Patricia’

‘You can call me Tisha. Okay? Neil’s too formal.’ Tisha butted in as he sighs and rolls his eyes at mention of his name.

‘And the one beside her is Aida’

‘Hey!’ She greets him with a warm smile, her blueberry colored shoulder length hair glows as Pai stares at the half Japanese beauty.

‘I think we’re still missing the other tourists, aren’t we guys?’

‘Why what’s the headcount anyways?’ Pete inquired.

‘Ten people including me, Pai and Pete, five other girls and of course the bottom two of the beauty barrel.’ He replied as both the girls rolled their eyes at Neil. ‘But I’m hungry’ He continued. ‘I’m pretty sure they’re enjoying themselves out there, c’mon guys they’re big girls now who somehow survived 15 years in this harsh, harsh world.’

‘Fine… you know for a self proclaimed gentleman, you’re not very gentleman like.’ Aida responds. ‘Whatever… Waiter!’ ‘Oh wait….Pai what’s your order?’

‘Uhh…’ He immediately felt pressure as he thought every second he tries to think of an answer is a waste of these people’s time. Luckily he remembers one of his mother’s teachings when he was a child.

‘Umm… whatever’s the best seller?’ He answered as Neil smiles with a wide grin in reply, just in time for the waiter to arrive at their table.

‘Three Alley sandwiches, and… do you want another round of those Pai?’ He asked as he points at Pai’s half finished Tally mug, shaking his head to decline the offer.

‘And four more Tally’s…’

The waiter nods and repeats their order as he returns to the main counter to relay the information to the cooks. Meanwhile the four resumed talking to each other about the past school week, leaving Pai out of the conversation.

‘Oh shoot sorry! I forgot Pai is new at the school.’ Neil cuts off the conversation after seeing Pai getting cut off. So? How was your first week like?’

‘I-it was okay… I guess…’

‘Go on…’ Neil eggs him further as Pai feels the whole table’s attention turning towards him making him feel small and nervous but he knows all too well that not speaking now will lead to disaster. A huge disaster, as he mustered enough courage to form any coherent sentence as a reply.

‘Well I’m still getting a hang of the new environment…’ A statement that holds true for the current situation. ‘And I’m still pretty nervous as everything’s still so new… I guess.’

‘Great! I mean that’s the most brutally honest introduction we’ve ever heard and we appreciate it… The honesty I mean…’

‘Oh… really?... wow that’s… Thanks!’

‘So where are you from?’ Tisha asked.

‘Oh…umm… it's near…it’s umm…’ Pai struggles as he was nervous to say where he’s from but doesn’t want to screw up this new chapter that he’d promised himself to obtain. By this point everyone at the table was waiting in anticipation and he reckoned he’d be a letdown if he chickens out now. So once more he musters the courage to speak, throwing all caution to the wind and hoping for the best.

‘I live at Block Six-One-Six…’

‘Oh cool! We’re neighbors… I guess… what street?’ Aida enthusiastically replied.

Pai’s eyes shine with her enthused reply. ‘Calle Salazar’

‘Oh… that’s quite far though… two Jeepney rides from ours.’

‘Why were you from?’ Pai asked curiously.

‘Palisades…’ She replied ‘Oh… it is quite far…’ He responds with a nod. Although deep inside it explains a lot to him as he had doubts to why someone like her would be living in around the same neighborhood as he is.

‘So why’d you transfer Pai?’ Pete asked with a cheeky grin.

Immediately after the question was asked, Pai felt bullets of cold sweat starting to form at the top of his forehead. He knew after seeing Pete that the question might be asked and he was prepared to give an answer, but still the incident was nerve racking from his perspective as he struggles to keep his composure. He figured he should take a swig out of his remaining mug of Tally before answering as a little bit of liquid courage would help in situations like this.

‘F-financial problems… you know? Times are hard… right?’ He answered, staggering his words awkwardly but felt that he managed to get his thoughts out in the open.

‘Yeah same here…’ Aida responds. ‘Cost of education is getting pricier every year, plus Tisha’s here so… yeah, buds!’ She raised her glass as both she and Tisha touched mugs for a cheer. Pete on the other hand was raising an eyebrow towards Pai, feeling skeptical with his statement as he finished his mug with one gulp. ‘Ahhh…’ He exhales in relief. ‘Good timing the order’s here!’ Pete exclaimed as the four mugs of Tally landed on their table and each of them took a hearty swig out of thirst.

‘How bout you..uhh..Neil? Do you always bring newcomers to this place?’ Pai asked as Neil smiled with a moustache of Tally froth over his lips.

‘Yeah… always did! Let’s just say it’s an inherited thing. I took over the icebreaker person position after my mentor graduated two years ago. Come to think of it, I kinda wonder where she is now…’ He replied as he took another nostalgic sip from his mug. ‘But make no mistake though, Tisha and Pete here have been in the school longer than I have.’

‘Yeah we’ve been here since elementary school.’ Tisha butts in as Pai’s eyes widened after hearing the revelation. ‘And Neil here came to the picture freshman year middle school, and ever since we’ve been coming here to pass time.’

‘Yea… those were the days… I still remember them… you were flat as a board back then…’

Pai had to leap away as Tisha slaps Pete hard on the side of his face making him stumble towards Pai. ‘Looks like someone’s not getting any tonight…’ Aida snickers while she sips from her mug. The other two were about to start a fight when luckily the waiter arrived with their orders. Three Alley sandwiches landed on the table in front of them., one for Pete, one for Neil and one for Pai. He examines the food in front of him, it was a spin on the classic clubhouse sandwich but bigger and from the looks of it, meatier. The smell of smoked ham was undeniably alluring and the juices from the pulled pork oozes down the sides of the bread, delicately pouring onto the other ingredients. The sandwich itself was big enough to fill a regular dinner plate and looks terrifyingly huge in Pai’s small frail hands. He thought to himself if he could actually take a bite from the sandwich without touching a fork and a knife and goes in for the kill.

‘Good?’ Neil asked.

Pai nods in appreciation, his mouth full of the sandwich he had just taken a bite from.

Suddenly there was a commotion that was building just outside the diner. Pai swings his head around to inspect as Pete stands up to get a better view. ‘Another fight?’ said Tisha as she swigs another gulp from her mug. ‘I think so… I’mma check it out…’ Pete taps Pai’s shoulder to let him through, he obliged as he storms off the diner and into the crowd outside.

A couple of seconds in when Pete disappeared the crowd suddenly got more rowdy as some of the Arcade’s “Guardians” rushed towards the commotion. The group, clearly sensing the action, curiously jumped off their seats to watch whatever it was that was happening. Pai on the other hand sensibly remained on his seat but quickly remembered his purpose for coming and didn’t want to leave himself out because of danger. He swiftly follows after taking another bite from his sandwich. Upon arriving he sees one person standing in a pile of still bodies. ‘Are they dead?’ was the first thought that came onto Pai’s mind upon seeing the bloodied and bruised carnage at the center of it all. He also sees Pete standing in front of the mess confronting the culprit of his crimes, his eyes already blazing as he stares down his foe.

‘What the fuck are you trying to do?!’

‘Ask these guys!’He said pointing at the unconscious bodies that lay on the floor. ‘They started it.’

‘So what if they started it? It doesn’t give you the right to make a fucking scene!’ Pete answers back as the culprit rolls his eyes and turns his back away from him, a response that provokes Pete into launching an attack. The culprit dodges the swing and hits him with his palm straight at his chin to counter him, which knocks Pete out. It was a good thing the guardians had come to surround him causing him to abandon the fight in order to escape as he might’ve caused more damage if Pete tried standing up to continue, gladly that wasn’t the case. Pai was unfortunate enough to be in the way as the boy tried to escape as he gets tackled hard towards the shiny checkered floor. The impact itself was enough of a shock as he struggled to get himself back on his feet trying to keep his eyes glued to the person that did this to him. Pai never got a clear view of his face though but he did notice the person limping away. He looked around as he tried to return back to his group but as he found out immediately, the group, including Pete, was nowhere to be found. He figured that since the four seemed close friends that they might’ve escorted him to some infirmary somewhere near the area, together with the other injured guardians, and thus as the audience left the scene of the crime he was left there standing once again, alone.

‘Hey weren’t you with the special touring group earlier? Have you seen them?’ Asked a girl in a white ruffled top as she approached him. Immediately he was taken aback by her looks as she looked far from most of the locals in the city. She looked, in the very sense of the word, “foreign”.

‘Y-yes I am… or was…’ he stammered.

‘Well where are they? I sorta wandered around and got lost and I needed to get home early… Do you know where the exit is?’ The girl asked as Pai pointed his finger towards, what he remembered, was the general direction of the exit. ‘Thanks! Just please tell them I’m sorry I can’t stay, curfew…’ She says solemnly as she bids him farewell and rushes towards the direction he pointed at.

‘Who was that?’ He muttered to himself as he pondered for a moment after which he remembered his sandwich, that remained in the table they last sat on, uneaten and left alone just like he was as he made the decision to not leave any leftovers as it would be a waste to those who are not as fortunate as he.