The Stardelle Trio (I)

The rising sun is the shape of hope of the gloomy sky.

A calm noise of the engine stood alone inside the wagon as the train ran on its rails. Some passengers are sleeping on their seats while some are on their phones. I was different though. I'm standing in front of the cart window as the train makes its way to the next station. My eyes enjoy the view of the city landscape, tinted by an orange light of the early morning.

I felt a vibration from my pockets. I opened my phone to see a text message from a friend, Allison, "Hey, Jeiro, where are you? The orientation is about to start. You better be here, dummy." I rolled my eyes.

I shoved my phone back to my pocket as I continue to relax with the scenery.

"There you are!" Allison nagged, "You missed the orientation! Stardelle's band performed and you missed it. You're such a loser." Kyle, another friend of mine, suddenly popped out behind this blonde. "Nobody really cares about that, Ally." Allison let out a 'hmph.'

"I really won't be surprised if the two of you end up together," I said, before slurping a can of sprite. Allison was shocked in dismay, "Wha- you… I'm never going to date a guy like… like… that," she crossed her arms and turned her back on me. "Watch out, Ally. What you say can always turn around," Kyle winked. Allison rolled her eyes and stomped her feet away. The both of us followed.

As we leave the entrance part of the University, our eyes was welcomed by such a view of the quadrangle. An open area filled with stalls and decorations, enclosed by a heightened 7-storey building that stretches out for miles. These decorations of different colors are to welcome us, freshmen. Yes, honor us, you peasants. Kyle was offered a flower necklace and he smilingly accepted it but as the senior placed it on his neck, she gestured her palm for payment. What an idiot.

"Hello, students of Stardelle!" A voice of a lady, whom I suppose to be the principal, greeted from the speakers throughout the campus, "Welcome, freshmen to our humble University." Humble yet this school is always a newspaper headliner. "First day of school is always an exciting yet pressuring day. To ease this pressure, I announce that all 1st year students can enjoy the booths of games and food in the quadrangles up until 12 in the afternoon. 2nd year students and above, please get to class."

The students of the other year levels made an "Aww," hehehe how unfortunate, losers. The seniors went to their respective classrooms, leaving the field to us, the new ones. For some reasons, that made the area a bit more narrow.

"Kyle! Let's go to the ducks!" Allison pointed at the booth with rubber ducks before pulling Kyle's sleeve. Wow, they really left me here. It wasn't too long before they we're out of my sight. Oh well, who needs 'em. I can entertain myself, thank you very much.

I roamed around the area to look for something that would hopefully get my interest. Sadly, only one won that. "Um, is this booth about arts?" I asked. The facilitator nodded with a smile, "Yes, sir. For only a dollar, you'll be a contestant for a painting contest that we hold!" I tilted my head, "So where are my competitors?" I asked. "Over there," she pointed at the booth's side to reveal three people. Two men and a woman.

"Okay then," The facilitator said, "Begin!"

The objective was to emulate the object at the table, a flower vase, topped by a rose. Piece of cake. I grinned as I started to scribble my brush over the canvas. Little by little, I copied every detail I can see in the object. Lighting, shadows, shape, and textures. I glanced at my competitors to see struggling faces. Ha, losers.

"Well, the time to vote has finally arrived!" The facilitator announced, excitedly, "Meet our judges," she pointed her finger to a table of two seniors and a professor. "Whoever wins this contest shall receive this big teddy bear!" I don't like that but I do like winning so, whatever.

"Contestant No. 1, please show us your work," she said. Eventually, my time to show my work has arrived. "Contestant No. 3, please show yours." I turned my canvas around to see surprised faces from both judges and participants. You're welcome that your eyes are blessed today.

Contestant number four turned her canvas to show her work. WAIT WHAT?! The judges were completely astonished and even gave a standing ovation. I stood to see what her canvas offered only to have my mouth agape. The details were perfect. The colors were blended smoothly. The lighting feels so real. How is this possible? How can someone be better than me?

"You… WHAT?!" Allison shouted at the middle of the quadrangle, stirring up some attention. "Jeez, Allison, shh, calm down," I shushed her, "It doesn't matter, I didn't even wanted that teddy bear." I rolled my eyes. "But still, Jeiro," Kyle butted in, "It feels so unusual for you to lose an art contest. I mean… you are a three-streak champion in painting back at our old school."

"You know what, forget it," I said. "No. You, losing an art contest, is not a thing. There must've been an error. I mean, you've been doing art for years. You even did art just to sustain yourself—." I cut Allison's sentence, "Don't bring that up." She shut her mouth up, mouthing a 'sorry' at me. "Like I said, let's forget this ever happened. Me, losing, is a sign that I should do better here in Stardelle."

"That's Stardelle for you," Kyle muttered. "Excatly. So I'll do better in my art. Next contest, I will win for sure. The two of you better promise me that you'll improve yourselves as well. Allison, your cooking and Kyle, your computer programming."

The two nodded in agreement. "Great. We made it to Stardelle and let's make ourselves not only students but also glorious students." The three of us paused… and then laughed. "Oh wow, this pep talk is what I missed! Come here you!" Allison opened up for a hug. The three of us embraced before looking for a booth that we can entertain ourselves with.

Losing a contest meant deeply to the both of them, even for me, honestly. The fact that they we're sadder than me, despite that I was the one who lost, made me feel grateful to have them as friends. The three of us worked hard to get to where we are today, at Stardelle. We will do our best to shine amidst the sea of spotlights. Just like how the three of us used to be.

The window pane showed a fantastic view of the illuminated buildings, drenched by the pouring light of the moon. The whooshing sound of the train was the only audio present at the moment and I found it calming. The moon shone elegantly as it reigned over the kingdom of stars in the black canvas of the sky. Just like the darkness of losing, I will win again just like how the sun will shine once more.

I felt a tap on my shoulder

I turned around to see another student who seemed familiar. He was smiling at me, his eyes were sparkling above his well bridged nose. His skin was snow and his lips were peachy pink, carved in the shape of a crescent.

He is so familiar.

"Hi," he greeted, "do you remember me?"

Is there an answer between yes and no?