I’m a vampire.
Do you know why? It’s because I’m afraid of the Sun. The sun makes me weak. And for my own sake, I’m forbidden to go out during the day. As a conclusion, I’m stuck at home. I’ve to go through the same old boring daily routine every day. First waking up in the morning, brushing my teeth, wash up, eating breakfast, while waiting for the next meal, I flip through books that I don’t understand, later I have lunch, and start wandering around the house, counting the steps at the stairs, and after dinner I go to bed. To be frank, dreaming may be the only thing changing in my daily routine.
If I come in contact with sunlight, it’s not like I’ll sparkle and shine brightly like Edward from Twilight, or even burn to ashes like Dracula or any other vampires in the myths or folkloric. But instead, I’ll get severe sunburn or blisters after exposing even to small amount of sunlight. It’s not what I chose actually, but it’s what I’m given. Actually, I’m not some kind of vampire that sucks blood, can run fast, read people mind, predict the future or any other crappy superpowers. I can do neither of it.
I’m just an ordinary boy born with Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare genetic skin disease caused by a defect in the body's ability to repair DNA damage attributed to ultraviolet rays.
I was first diagnosed with rare disease when I first come in contact with the sunlight. It’s a few days after my birth when my mother and father were about to bring me home happily as they were gifted with a healthy little child. But actually I’m not that healthy because when the sunlight shined on my skin that day, the first sun exposer left me with a sunburn.
After the doctors took my blood and urine sample for check-up, it was unfortunate for me to get a very rare skin disorder where I am highly sensitive to sunlight. This photosensitivity is caused by a defect in one of the genes. It is an autosomally recessive inherited disease. In order for someone to inherit XP, a person has to inherit one recessive XP gene from each parent. So is this photosensitivity considered as one of my superpowers? If it is, I rather not have it. Because XP is not such a fun thing you know, it causes blistering or freckling even on minimum sun exposure.
Because of this rare disease, I can’t go to school even at the age of seven. Seeing other kids from the tinted window, carrying their schoolbag happily aboard the school bus really made me envy. I’ve really tried once to go to school. But in order to protect myself from the sun, I have to wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Oh ya! Even a visor to protect my face. But Malaysia is a year-long hot and humid country, temperature here rarely drops below 20°C even in the night and usually climbs to 30°C during day or even higher. So having those attire really make me like a freak. People around will look at me like some kind of alien have invaded Earth. Those curious looks in others really made me feel uneasy. So how can I even go to school? I will become a laughing stock among the students. And I don’t want that. I just want to be a mundane homo sapien.
*
There was once when I’m alone at home, there a cat that came to the gate, I was really curious to see a cat with such snowy fur. And out of my curiosity, I went out and started playing with the cat not knowing that the sun is just on top of my head as it’s 12 noon. Happy time passes really fast, without taking notice, I’m left unprotected for half an hour.
“Tae! Come back in!” My mum saw me outside with my short sleeves on and shouted desperately.
That scream of hers really was higher than 80 decibels, it’s not too hyperbole to say it can cause a noise pollution. When it channel through my ears, I remembered that I was supposed to apply heavy sunblock every time I’m required to go out like to the hospital or so. But this time, I was unprotected, not even wearing long sleeves. My mum ran out of the house and place a blanket on me swiftly, preventing the UV rays to attack my skin further. While I was playing with the cat, I don’t actually feel a slight pain, but now, the blister and the sunburn is killing me.
“Are you ok? Are you feeling pain? Why do you run out all by yourself? Do you know I’ll be very worried?” My mum’s a worrywart but which mother would not worry about their own child. Especially when your child is diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum.
Thus, I ended up with a serious sunburn for a month. And I even started having Ailurophobia, looking at cats simply just make me remember the pain that lasted for a month, sometimes even the purrs of cats give me goose bumps. Besides that, that day really wasn’t my day. That night after mum discussed with dad. They decided not to let me out of the house without their permission and accompaniments. So henceforth, home was like a prison to me. But reality itself is prison. Isn’t that true?
*
“Dad, can I go to school?” I asked innocently.
Dad’s early from work .So he took me to the park nearby for a walk. At least I don’t need to be in the house all day. And these were the times that we could have a father and son talk. I enjoyed talking to him because he has these interesting stories that can actually make my day. But that day the topic I brought out just wasn’t right, I knew well that it made dad felt bad.
“I hope you can. School is really a very interesting place. You can learn a lot of new things and make new friends. But the schooling time that’s normally in the morning or in the afternoon just isn’t suitable for you. I hope you can understand, Tae.” He replies with a guilty look.
As we walk, we saw a group of friends in circle playing “Truth or Dare”, the sound of their laughter just make me feel envious. I really hope I can have more friends but sometimes things are a bit difficult when you are a little extraordinary. That’s the way I always console myself. I bet envy is all over my face because dad notices it and feels even more guilt.
“Hey Tae, why don’t I spend a couple of hours every day to teach you something new. Let’s call that home schooling. I can be quite a good teacher you know?” Now I’m pretty sure that my narcissism comes from my dad. But what dad just said really caught my attention, although he has only received secondary education, he’s willing to teach me. So I’m not just happy, but grateful.
Later that night, we went to the book store to buy a couple of books which is up to my level. I’ve never gone to any schools, not even kindergarten, so I can say that I’m pretty excited about this home schooling thing. Because at my age, I’m actually supposed to be in secondary one. Starting from that day, my dad is officially my teacher, he teaches me simple mathematics, science and I even learn some new vocabulary every day. There’re times he will give me small test and reward me if I did well. Is this how it feels going to school? Maybe not but I pretty much satisfied with what I got from dad. This education from my dad actually lasted for quite some years.
*
Until the year I’m 13.
One day, I was waiting for dad to come home. Looking at the clock ticking.
The clock shows seven o’clock. No sign of dad.
Another hour pass and dad’s not back yet.
“Dad won’t be so late normally even when he’s working overtime.” I thought when the time is already past nine.
“Tae, I think you should go to bed. Dad says he won’t be so early today.” Mum gently touched my head and asked me to go to sleep.
”But dad promised that he’ll show me a science experiment today. And I’ve already prepared everything. Why did he break the promise?” I answered when tears was about to flow down my cheek.
“Maybe dad’s delayed by a bad traffic or he have to meet some clients. He can do it with you tomorrow right?” My mum said with a loving tone.
I was about to go upstairs to my bedroom, and this is when the door of the house is opened and father entered and said:”Tae, you’re going to school!”
“Are you sure dad? But I thought the time just isn’t suitable for me? How come I can go now?” I asked anxiously wanting to know everything.
“It’s a night school. But it’s not exactly a night school, more like a night class, it’s at Deltaz High School. One of the teachers there is actually opening a night class. I heard a parent paid her to teach their daughter. So since the class has been opened, so the teacher must well accommodate some students that can’t attend school at the normal schooling time. And the fees are actually free of charge.” Dad explained everything.
I was supposed to be angry with dad but the good news he just said just made my skin tingled with anticipation and forgotten about the anger. Soon, I found out that father was late when he heard the rumours about this night school so since there’s no harm checking so he went there to see whether the rumours are believable. And he really saw a female teacher teaching only one student. So he went to ask whether he could send me there as well because he knew that would not be able to teach me much and the teacher really agreed to let me join in.
“Really?” I pinched myself to check whether it’s only just a dream.
“Of course. This is her name card and she says you can start school immediately. And I think a few other students are joining the class as well.” Dad took out a name card from his pocket and showed it to me.
I took a look at the name card. And I saw Miss Angelababy.
*
That night I dreamt a dream I never dream before. In the dream, there are five persons at quite a high place. I reckon it’s the rooftop of some place, and we’re looking at the same direction. At first I don’t realised it but soon I found out that they are looking at fireworks.
Pop!
Bang!
Whooo!
Boom!
These were the sound I heard. And what I saw is the most beautiful scene I’ve ever seen in my life. I don’t really know who those people are. But no matter who they are. What I felt in that dream is. Blissfulness.
- Chapter 2: Deltaz
“Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!” The alarm clock started ringing when it struck nine in the morning. Thus, I woke up from my idle slumber.
Rise and shine! There’s actually no shine at all, because every day I wake up in a dim room. No matter how bright the sun is that day, no light is able to penetrate through. But that day was different, even though I woke up in the dark, but something in my heart made me feel light, because I knew that it’s going to be a really good day as I’m finally going to school for the first time of my life. Although it may not be what a real school is like, but being able to study in environment that felt like school, being able to make friends, I’m much more that satisfied. I simply just feel thankful being given such a golden opportunity to just feel what other felt when they are schooling.
“Mum, what should I wear? Should I wear this?” I asked while putting a red collar tee on me and waiting for my mum’s opinion.
“But I thought you say collar clothes make you uncomfortable.” My mum curiously asked.
“It’s the first day, formality may be able to let others leave a good impression.” I answered honestly. Same goes for everyone. Which boyfriend would want to screw up the first day? Which employee would want to screw up the first day of job? Even people that goes to heaven wouldn’t want to screw up the first day, or else they may end up in hell right? The examples are just a metaphor. I really wouldn’t want to screw up my first day.
“I know. But I think you should just stay who you are then that’ll be the best impression you can ever leave for anyone.” That’s when my mum started her nagging mood.
That night, I wore a simple V-neck t-shirt and off I go to Deltaz High. When I arrived at the school, I can really feel excitement all around me. In movies, this is the time the child would be crying of fear, wanting to go home and don’t want to stay another minute there. But I’m already 13, wouldn’t it be a little stupid to cry? But I have to admit that I surely am scared. No matter how old am I, it’s still the first time. And all sort of thought just emerged in my head.
Would Miss Angelababy be too strict?
Am I going to make friends on my first day?
Am I going to be the awkward one there?
Are my classmates going to friendly?
All these questions would be answered in just a moment. Deltaz High School, here I come. As I entered the school compound, I scrutinized the place because I’ve never seen the internal structures of a school. Deltaz High is quite a spacious school with 5 blocks, which are The Block of Wisdom, The Block of Honour, The Block of Spirits and The Block of Strength, where the classrooms are at. The design of each block is different according to its different aspects. And one other block is known as The Walk of Deltaz, the main building where the office, library, canteen, science labs and many other facilities is situated.
And at the façade of the main building, there was a few words written:
Deltaz High School
Since 1888
~Be the guardian of your life~
Be the guardian of your life. That’s one meaningful quote. I was admiring the façade of the building and this is when a girl with school uniform ran passed me. I was looking at her school uniform and thinking that why was she still at school at this time. And suddenly out of the blue she fell on the floor. I walked toward her and lent her a helping hand, but instead of thanking me, she hit off my hand and got up by herself. She glared at me and walked away as if I’m the one that made her fell. I was actually stunned for a few seconds feeling miserable. But never mind, it may be the first and last time I’ll be seeing her. She’s wearing school uniform which means she’s a regular student here, so there’s no point for her coming for night class. But that princess attitude of hers, that’s something real scary.
My father accompanied me to the Block of Wisdom because that’s where the night class was going to be conducted.
“Dad, you can go now. You don’t have to follow me in actually.” I said when we were walking towards the stairs as the classroom was at second floor.
“It’s my boy on the first day of school. Of course I must see it. Too bad I did not bring a camera along.” My dad said proudly.
“Ok. Just until the stairs. It’s awkward having you looking from the windows when I’m studying.” I said.
“Oh my boy is grown up now.” My dad was saying but suddenly the phone rang. I reckoned that would be mum worrying about me.
“Yes honey?” My guess was right! It’s mum. “He’s fine. He’s a grown-up now. Tae, your mum asks you to have fun. Ok. Bye honey.” My dad put his mobile phone back into his pocket. But it rang again moments later.
“Anything else honey?” Mum again? But it’s confirmed that it’s not when dad said,” Oh sorry, I thought you were my wife.” And moments later after the call, dad said he has to leave shortly because there’s a big Manchester United game on tonight. “Are you sure you don’t want me to walk your class?” My father confirmed.
“It’s ok dad. I’m fourteen now. Bye! Enjoy your match dad. Don’t be too engrossed and forgotten to fetch me at 10.30.” I bid farewell and walked up the stairs. Along the stairways, it’s lighted brightly and I could see many engravings that looked ancient to me. But there’s also drawing I reckoned is from the students there which really made me jealous of their artistic genes because I have none.
I’ve reached the 1st floor. And so I walked up another flights of stairs. Every step I took made my heartbeat faster. All the questions I’m thinking for the whole morning was about to be answered. Without my conscience, I’m standing in front of the classroom, and from outside I could see that a few persons were already sitting down in the class. Therefore, I knocked on the door and entered.
“Hi!” Miss Angelababy said with a special and pretty awkward accent. Is that Spanish or what? Whatever It is, it’s new to me.
I bowed and said,” Hi, I’m Tae.”
- “Have a seat.” Miss Angelababy is younger than I thought. From her looks, she looked like she’s only 18. But a women’s age is always their secret so better not ask. “Ok class, it’s already 7.30. Let’s start with our class. And for a start, let’s introduce ourselves. I’m Miss Angelababy and I’m going to be your teacher for quite some time. You may be curious whether I’m even up to age to teach you guys, but I’m already 23 this year. Looks may be deceiving you know. Haha.” She’s actually quite humorous and she has this way of talking that could just make me feel comfortable. And she even told us her age.
“So, I don’t know most of you here except for Celty because she’s with me for a week now. And I believe you’re here because of some special cases. And I hoped you all can open up to everyone and let us coexist in harmony. So next, Celty why not introduce yourself to them.
The girl at the right stood up and the chair of hers was pushed backward violently as if she’s in a real bad mood. And surprising it’s her! The one that fell down just now just that she changed to pink tops instead of the school uniform.
“My name is Celty, 13 this year and I don’t really want to be here, but I forced to by my parents. And you guys should be lucky to be here, because I’m the one that paid the fees. So make sure you don’t do anything that’s an eyesore to me.” She said in a real perfunctory way and she really must change the way she speaks, it’s like the whole world owed her. Really not someone I wanted to offend.
“Ok! Up next. You’re Chuan right?” Miss Angelababy pointed at the boy sitting at the middle.
He stood up and I could see he seemed shy.“It’s Chale actually. But my mandarin name ends with a Chuan. Haha.” I made my mistake. It’s not shy but nervous. “I’m 13 too. And it’s the second time I’m attending school. My first was when I was 7. But it didn’t work out because……” He was about to continue but suddenly someone opened the door and intruded. It’s a girl and she’s quite pale looking, she bowed and sat down beside me.
“Abugabegagabebe!” Her intrusion must have frightened Chuan because he accidentally hit down his water bottle and when the water bottle filled with water landed on the floor with a loud bump. He suddenly said some alien language that’s not understandable. What a weird person. I thought.
I saw Miss Angelababy smiling and showing her small dimples and she’s even wearing braces. “You may continue, Chuan.” She said.
“It’s Chale. Where was I just now? Haha.” He seemed to be an interesting person. “I’ve forgotten. Haha. Let me think, I’ll continue later if I remember.” I wanted to laugh but I control myself because it’s surely rude to laugh at someone else. Do he have short term memory lost or amnesia? I was thinking but I was interrupted by Miss Angelababy.
“It’s Tae right? It’s your turn to tell about yourself.”
“Oh!” I stood up clumsily as if I’m a klutz. “Mmm. My name is not Taeyeon, not Taecyeon or Taeyang, just Tae. This is actually the first time I’m attending school. I’m afraid of the sunlight because I’m born with Xeroderma Pigmentosum.” I supposed some of them wouldn’t know what that was because there were question marks all around them. But I still continued. “Thanks for giving me this chance to attend school. I hope I can get along well with everyone.” I was about to sit down but suddenly I remembered I forgot to tell my age. “Oh ya! I’m 13.” I stood up again to say and sat back down.
“We’re happy to have you here. And you are?” She pointed at the pale girl that came late just now.
“I’m Emily. I’m 13 too.” She said with a polite tone. It’s exactly the opposite from Celty. Emily was much more lady-like. “Thanks.” She bowed and sat down. That’s all? I thought. Maybe she’s more introverted. But once again my thought was interrupted by Chuan.
“I remembered!” He shouted like he found the long lost treasure of Treasure Island. “Sorry, I don’t have anything like amnesia or short term memory lost, just too nervous. Hehe.” He giggled. “I’m here because I couldn’t attend normal schooling time because I have to take care of my Down syndrome bro as my mum has to go work in the morning and only come back in the evening. I dreamt to be a doctor so that I can cure my Down syndrome brother. Hahahahaha!” He’s one optimistic person. But can Down syndrome actually be cured? Never mind. I thought.
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