“You are indeed like a nanny.” Sylvester grinned sheepishly, “This is the ‘n’th time you’re complaining.” They entered the principal’s office after a knock. Today was the day they had to return to the campus for their punishment.

“Sylvester and .” Mrs. Lydia stared at them with strict eyes, “The both of you should know pretty well the consequences of fighting in school. Be blessed that David De Cruz has decided to drop the matter.”

Both and Sylvester immediately had their livid eyes at David, who was standing beside the principal. Smiles of triumphs were all over his face they wanted to smack him again.

“What the hell is he doing here?” whispered to Sylvester, carrying traces of vexation under her breath.

“Silence!” Mrs. Lydia’s hoarse voice hollered, stunning them with dread.

“But Mrs. Lydia.” Sylvester took a bold step towards the desk. “This matter is between David and me. has got nothing to do with it. I hope you’ll excuse her.”

“Impossible.” Mrs. Lydia remarked sternly. “Everyone should be responsible for what they have done. All of you were at the scene when the fight started. Benjamin Eio has made up for it by tidying the library yesterday. Today, you and will be cleaning the music studio.”

“But Mrs…” the dissatisfied Sylvester was about to protest when held him back.

“Stop it.” she hissed quietly, nudging his elbow. “We can’t afford to irritated Mrs. Lydia. Not now at least.” Heeding her advice, Sylvester gave in.

“You guys will follow David to the music studio now.” Mrs. Lydia instructed, “And do a good job. I want to see no speck of dust in the air.”

::::

Equipped with a pail of water, rags and brooms, Sylvester and followed David De Cruz to the music studio. was carrying a heavy pail of water she had a difficult time balancing herself.

“I will help you with that.” Sylvester said, taking over the pail from her.

“Thanks.” she mumbled, feeling lousy.

“You guys better do a good job.” David De Cruz smirked cunningly at them. After escorting them to the door of the music studio, he left the scene, humming a happy tune as he swung his arms in the air.

“I can’t stand his cockiness.” commented with frustration, “If I’m invisible, I would have played a prank on him.”

“Lets get cracking. I don’t want to miss Auntie Florence’s chicken rice tonight.” Sylvester said, his stomached crumpling with appetite. At this instant, music started playing from the music studio.

“Heard that?” frowned. They pushed the door open and was welcomed by the sight of the school’s vocal coach - Mr. Patrick Khoo.

“Hi Mr. Khoo.” they both greeted with smiles, entering the big room. The music studio was the size of two classrooms. Music equipments and instruments were neatly in place.

“Shh.” Mr. Khoo place his finger at his lips, motioning for them to remain quiet. Melodies of the music played as he slowly melted into the rhythm of the song. “Wo.. Wo..wo..Hmm..Hmm” he whined, lifting his hands to his ears. “I feel so unsure…” he started singing. “As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor…”

“Oh man, what is he doing?” Sylvester asked, scratching his head in puzzlement.

“He’s singing ‘careless whisper’. “ tried hard not to chuckle, “Mr. Khoo always sings this whenever he needn’t teach his students.”

“But I can’t hear it.” Sylvester replied, further amused. “Is this really the vocal coach of Caldecott Campus?”

Embarrassingly, nodded. “Teacher Babes Conde and Iskandar are on overseas attachments. So the school has to make do with him.”

“I never goanna dance again.. Guilty feet has got no rhythm..” Mr. Patrick Khoo continued singing, thinking that he had managed to captivate the hearts of and Sylvester. When he finally ended, he looked joyfully at the two of them.

Exchanging bewildered glances, Sylvester and brought their hands together, clapping clumsily. Patrick grinned with at them with a sense of fulfillment and bowed. “Thank you. My apologies that the sound system isn’t that good today.”

“Its okay.” added fast enough to ease the discomfiture.

“It’s a rare chance you guys can get to hear me sing. Count yourself lucky” Patrick replied with a tinge of pride. “Okay, I see you two are here for cleaning. Shan’t disturb you.”

“Mr. Khoo!” called out when he was about to take his leave, “What about your CD? Don’t you want to take it along with you?”

“Its okay. Let the music continue playing.” he smiled. “Perhaps you can learn singing the song as you clean this room. ‘Careless Whisper’ is a song which is very difficult to sing. You have to use your stomach power. I’m off to promote my World-Peace-Campaign now. Bye!” With another enthusiastic grin, he flashed them his trademark victory sign and bounced out of the room.

cast a weird look at Sylvester. “Mr. Khoo is like that. You just have to get use to it.”

Sylvester remained quiet with that deadpan face of his, seemingly deep in thoughts.

“Sly?” scowled, waving a hand in front of his face.

This time, his pokerfaced expression broke into a thin beam. Then it developed into a wide smile. Followed by that, a soft laughter escaped from his mouth. He was actually struggling not to laugh.

But finally…

“WAHAHA HAHAHAHA!!” Sylvester exploded with uncontrolled laughter, collapsing to the floor. He flipped himself backward and slapped the floor with his hand repeatedly. “HAHAHAAHAHA!!” His blast of hilarity continued.

“What’s wrong with you!” had to shout to make sure he heard her. This crazy cousin of hers was rolling on the floor like a hamster, laughing frenziedly.

“Hahahaha.. Sto.. Stomach power..HAHAHA!” Sylvester managed to choke out words in between his hysterical cackle. “I thought it’s suppose to be diaphragm?” His hand pressed onto him tummy, which was feeling pain from all the laughs.

“Stop it Sly! Your are getting irritating!” reprimanded, sending him a kick.

“Ouch!” he exclaimed and got up to his feet fast. “But honestly, what kind of vocal coach has our school hired? Stomach power.” he let out a snort of laughter again.

“That’s why we never win in any singing competitions for the past two years.” sighed. “Come on, we need to start cleaning now.” she shoved a broomstick at him.

Suddenly, there was a bang on the door, making her jumped with fright. They responded to the noise and found the door shut. Giggling and shuffling noises from outside could be audibly heard.

Confused, both of rushed to the door. To their shock, they couldn’t open it.

“Its lock from outside!” froze with panic at the realization.

“Hey the two of you! Enjoy your time!” a voice mocked.

“It’s David De Cruz!” recognized, “Let us out!” she shouted, pounding the door with her angry fists.

“What is he up to again!” Sylvester seethed with wrath. He tried with all his might to thrust the door open but failed miserably.

“Our bags are at the office! Our hand phones aren’t with us!” was all tensed up, seeing no hope of getting help. “Don’t tell me we are going to spend the night here! It’s a Saturday and not much people are in school! How would they possible pass by here?”

“Oh my God!” Sylvester slapped his forehead, tramping backwards as a sickening thought tore him, “Chicken rice! This means we can’t eat Auntie Florence’s chicken rice tonight! I want to eat! I seldom get to eat it in New York!”

“Stop it Sly! This isn’t important!” fumed with her hands at her waist, “Lets think of a way to get out now!”

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End of chapter..

Woohoo.. Locked.. Lol.. Okay.. Nothing much more to say.. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.. Thanks for reading!! ^^,

Leave me your comments here or drop it at the SI forum. (^.^ ) … …

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