Chapter 39: Doll Domination
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"Stand."

Attentively, the class stood up in respect for the male teacher that strolled in, although they were expecting their usual female teacher. The young sir placed his books on the desk in front before flashing a pearly white smile at the class, "Greetings. Your English teacher, Mrs. Liane, is currently hospitalized due to a horrible car accident. I'll be taking over as a substitute teacher instead, so please address me as Mr. Alex."

"Gosh, you look hot," Sally blurted from her seat, staring dreamingly at the new teacher. "My English is terrible, sir. Do you mind if we had private tutoring after classes?"

"Now. Now," Mr. Alex paced himself, placed his hand on the desk and leaned. "Kadic Academy is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. At least, that's what I've heard. But in my opinion, you all play hard, and work hard. That's the uniqueness that is very astounding here, I find."

Kiara too stared at the handsome professor, once he started out his lessons. True, he had magnetic amber eyes just like hers, capped with a some-what stylish messy chocolate brown hair. Very attractive indeed, she thought to herself. It had been a weird weekend, with all the sword training and David being a vampire. At least, he's not as crazy as how she had seen when Cornelia and her got him out of the tower. Actually, it was all his doing.

Kiara sighed, not wanting to turn behind and look at David. He might still have that expressionless look plastered on his face regardless of his new physical change, but still... Kiara couldn't help but feel guilty by not noticing. He was also there, and she didn't know.

"Oh, yes before I forget," Mr. Alex stopped scribbling on the whiteboard and faced the class once more. "Your ex-principal, Mr. Galili, has decided to give all of his students several gifts. There's a variation. The gifts for boys and girls are separate. So later on during lunch, please collect your 'gifts' at the cafeteria."

♥

When the school bell rang, indicating lunch break, all classroom doors burst open and the corridors were filled with students on a stampede. Rumours had gone round that big red trucks had been seen carrying many huge boxes of gifts into the school, but none knew what the gift was. Most girls were seen running towards the cafeteria while the boys just ambled their way.

However, the glass door to the cafeteria was sealed shut, having a sign that said, “Will open once arrangements have been done.”

The men in suits started unloading the boxes onto the tables one by one, and when the first pink-coloured box was buckled, all the girls gasped in astonishment. One by one, the men fished out dolls.

The dolls were then arranged in rows on the table. Each, were dressed differently and all had a tag on the arm, indicating a name. But all the girls squealed in delight when one particular doll was taken out. The doll had blond hair, with a green jacket and dark green military jeans. Since each doll was as small as both palms joined together, with the height of only probably twenty centimeters, it was obvious that it was from a famous toy company called Phantomhive Industries. It was famous as they are known to make the most cutest dolls with adorable faces of celebrities. People who were rich enough could buy one for friends or lovers.

Once every doll was lined up, a man stood in front of the doors and held onto a microphone, “To all of the young ladies of Kadic Academy, Phantomhive Industries present to you the dolls of every matching boy in the academy! There is only one for one boy, and I’ve heard of several popular ‘people’ in the school who would probably have more than half of the school cohort secretly crushing on. So even though Mr. Galili requested for some boy-dolls to be made more than one, Phantomhive has a policy of only making one doll to one person. Once I open the doors, please exercise patience and caution when selecting your toys.”

“For the boys,” he continued. “Watches from Rolex. Once you have received your gifts, please register them at the general office or the auditorium. No girl or boy should be left without a doll or a watch. So without further ado…”

The man signaled his hands over to the doors, and the mob poured out. All the girls rushed over, shoving and pushing one another. There were squeals of “Give me that doll!” and “I got it first!!” all over, and the man found it hard to move back out into the open.

The boys, knowing of the squeezy crowd inside, dare not enter. Instead, they decided to take theirs later and let ladies be first.

“Tsk! How is anyone going to get anything from this?” Cornelia spoke as she leaned onto the wall outside of the cafeteria. Tiadora and Kiara were with her. All three girls didn’t want to get stuck with the ferocious crowd. “I don’t want one anyway.”

Tiadora then said, “But the man said that we…”

“Look at them, gal,” Cornelia thrusted her thumb towards the other girls. “I don’t think you will be able to get the Jason-doll with that rampage. In the end, the CLs will send to us those that were not taken.”

“The rejects,” Kiara muttered, combing her red ponytail. “Geeks, jerks, nerds, freshmen, goths and all the unknowns.”

But very soon, the crowd dispersed, and the room was emptied as fast as it was filled. The three girls entered the vacant room. On one side were the Rolex watches that were meant for the boys, and on the other table, with some on the floor, were the leftover boy-dolls. Kiara walked over to a corner and picked on up.

“Well, I’m not surprised that you are here,” Kiara pinched the soft toy’s no-finger hand before hugging it tight.

“That is…” Tiadora started.

“David,” Kiara giggled. “Although, I am wondering why Shaniqua didn’t take it. She always thought David was cute even though Sally didn’t.”

Tiadora smiled and her eyes darted to almost every inch of the room. “Sorry, gal. But I doubt Jason-doll is here. Someone might have already taken it.” Cornelia nudged at Tiadora and passed her a coke. “I’ve decided not to take one and let the CLs choose for me.”

“Maybe it’s because the Ulrich-doll has also been snatched away,” Kiara cunningly whispered I into Tiadora’s ear, but loud enough to tease Cornelia.

All three burst into laughter. Cornelia urged Tiadora to take one, but she just shook her head. “Between the guardians, I don’t know any other boys. So I think I will follow Cornelia’s plan.”

“Alright~!” Cornelia slung her arm over Tiadora’s shoulder. “Plus, who needs dolls? We’re already big girls!”

“But the texture is so soft and cuddly!!!!” Kiara squealed as she rubbed her cheek again the dolls’ face. Like all dolls, it only has the eyes. Mouth, nose and ears weren’t part of Phantomhive Industries’ trait for dolls as they thought it would be much cuter. “They even have powerpuff girls’ hands!!! Oh, David!!! If only the real you were this soft and lifeless… I can do anything I want with you!! Ha-ha!!”

“Urgh,” Cornelia smudged and started walking outside. “Come, Kiara, we’ve got to register that doll of yours!”

♥

As evening approaches, Cornelia ambled back to the girls’ dormitory. She thought of taking a shower before dinner commence as she had been practicing her volleyball skills after she, Kiara and Tiadora parted ways after registration. The stench of perspire was unbearable but familiar as she walked up the stairs to her room.

Cornelia thought she felt stronger. Probably because of the training on the day before. She could feel her muscles tense every time she did a perfect strike. It made her feel good.

At first, Cornelia didn’t realize it, but just as she started to take off her sweaty jersey in the dark, she notice something in the moonlight. The pale blue light was shining onto her desk revealing a bulky figure in the shadows on the table. Slowly, Cornelia approached her desk and drew the curtain open to let the moonlight shine.

It was a doll! In the dark, it had a weird shape, but it was obviously one of the boy dolls. The CLs must have already decided, Cornelia thought as she switched on the switch to her desk lamp and gasped. Recognising its traits, it looked just like Ulrich! What the-? It was then she realized that there was a rectangular box beneath the box with a note on it. Cornelia picked up both the doll and the note, and read:


Hey! I managed to snag the 'Ulrich' edition before the boxes got into the academy. And since your name wasn't in the register, I'd assumed that you've not taken any of the dolls. Admit it. It's as cute as the original, ain't it? :) Just wanted only you to have it.


P.S.

I hope you're free tonight. I know it's a school night, but I felt like spending time with you. The package below the doll is for you too. If you're free and available, wear that and meet me at the school main gates at eight o'clock tonight.

Yours Truly,
Ulrich.


Immediately, Cornelia torn open the plain brown box to reveal a pink gown. It was glittering with beauty, with the skirt all the way to her feet and lace tracing her shoulders from the strapless top. Cornelia admired the gown for a while and realized that it was just six-thirty in the evening. One hour and thirty minutes of time! Then she picked up the phone and rang help.

♥

“Oh My Goddess!! You look gorgeous!!” Kiara squealed when she thrust open the door at seven-thirty, staring the just bathed Cornelia wearing the gown. “When you said that you needed fashion help, I didn’t think it was this. Where are you going?”

Cornelia just handed Kiara, Ulrich’s note as she read. “AWW!! This is so romantic!!” Kiara squealed out loud, hurting Cornelia ears. “Man, I’m really jealous. You and Tiadora get guys who actually initiate these things, but mine isn’t even interested!”

“Wanna help me with my hair?” Cornelia pointed to her messed up short-long blond hair.

“Of course!” Kiara yelped, totally forgetting her jealousy and hugged Cornelia. “Eew. What’s that smell? Adidas? NO!! Gosh, what will you do without me?”

♥

The piano black limousine was right on time, just as Cornelia emerged from the main gates. The chauffeur came out and opened the door as Ulrich stepped out with his tuxedo, holding a rose in his hands. “Shall we, mademoiselle?”

Cornelia smiled as she took his hand which led her inside the limousine. Soon, the engine started and they were on their way. “So…” Cornelia leaned against the shiny grey leather seat. “Where are you taking me? I’m kinda hungry.”

Ulrich chuckled, “You shall see very soon. The food there is indeed exquisite.”

“Hrmph,” she folded her arms and raised her brows. “Well I am hard to please when it comes to food. Ha-ha.”

“I can assure you that it will be appetizing,” Ulrich sat opposite her as he spoke. “Nice dress. Who got it for you?”

“Don’t be so modest. I knew you bought it for me,” she blushed. “Even that stupid doll…”

This time he laughed louder, “It was easy. Phantomhive Industries is my uncle’s company, so it wasn’t all that difficult to…make enquiries.”

“And regarding that dress,” he continued with a crooked smile. “When I first saw it, the gown was in snow-blue colour and that was such a beauty. However, when I saw the pink, it just screamed for you.”

“Exaggerator.”

After several minutes, the limousine grew to a halt, and the chauffeur opened the door for them to descend. As Cornelia stepped out, she noticed that it was around city area, and the building in front looked like a hotel. For a while it looked familiar, but then again couldn’t recall. “El Caballero de la Triste Figura.”

“Ain’t that Spanish?” Cornelia wondered aloud. “The Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance.”

“Exactly,” Ulrich smiled and held out his arm. “It’s a posh restaurant on the penthouse of this hotel. How do you know it’s in Spanish? I thought you took Latin?”

“I don’t know,” Cornelia shrugged her shoulders as she took his arm while walking through the sliding doors. “It just sounded familiar to me.”


♥

As Kiara slowly sneaked back after seeing Cornelia off, she suddenly banged against someone behind her. To her surprise, she saw Jason, whose gaze was actually more fixed to the getaway limousine than her crash. “Where is he taking Cornelia?” Jason moved his gaze to Kiara. “You seem to look excited.”

“I am!” Kiara squealed and put her hands to her hip. “Well, it is more like a surprise date so she herself didn’t know where it was going to be, but not to worry! I have put a lil’ tracking device on her skirt. So, all I have to do is look into my GPS and I’ll know where she is.”

Jason raised his brows. “Are you up to something again?” he folded his arms and sniggered. “You never use the tracking device unless you’ve got something up your sleeves.”

“Clever,” Kiara snapped her fingers and giggled. “I’m going to spy on her! I’ll drag David along with me and just treat it as a date. It’ll be splendid.”

“Alright then,” Jason rushed his fingers into his blond hair before turning around to walk back to the boys’ dormitory. “Have fun.”

“Hey! Since Cornelia is on a date with Ulrich, and David and I are sort of spending time with each other…” Kiara suddenly blurted. “Why don’t you bring Tiadora somewhere? It’ll be like a triple date.”

Jason smiled from behind, “Good idea.”

♥

Although Jason knew that girls’ dormitory was officially off-limits to boys, and vice versa, he crept up the steps to the third floor. By now, he knew that all of the girls would have reported back to their rooms after dinner and probably hogging over their boy-dolls by now. Then he smiled, and shrugged off the idea if one of the girls happens to spot him there, but he knew how to fish his way out. Being him has its advantages.

Tiadora’s room was the fifth room from the right. Jason stopped his tracks in front, wondering how to piece his words together, but before he could even compose himself, the door swung open. “Jason?” Tiadora stood there, dressed for sleep already. He knew that since she started the school and that she wasn’t close to anyone but the guardians, she always slept very early. “Anything wrong?”

“Must there be something wrong just for me to see you?” Jason chuckled as he just let himself enter Tiadora’s room to find the place more neat and tidy than his. “Anyway, would you like to… I mean if you think you want to… I was just wondering if you…”

“I’m waiting,” Tiadora folded her arms and giggled at his nervousness.

“I was hoping that maybe you…would like to go out with me tonight,” Jason finally said it. “I thought of giving you a surprise. Something that would take your breath away, I think…”

Tiaodra thought about it for a while, and looked at Jason’s face to see if he was serious about it. After some time, she relaxed and walked over to the bathroom. “Okay! I’ll get changed and meet you downstairs?”

“Definitely!” Jason said it almost too excitedly before he exited Tiadora’s room to give her privacy.

♥

When Kiara slammed opened the door, even Mokona fell from the desk due to the resounding impact, but David still snored quietly on his bed. “I thought vampires were supposed to be more active at night,” she shook David’s shoulder. “Wake up~! David! It’s a god-damn emergency!”

Immediately, David bolted from his bed and looked seriously into Kiara’s eyes, “What’s the emergency?”

“Cornelia’s going on date with that Princeton kid, and you have to put on this…” Kiara lifted a hanger with a slick tuxedo, on her finger. “…so that we can get to the bottom of their relationship!!!”

David just stared at her with his mouth slightly gapping. Soon, he found it ridiculous and just slung his blanket over his head, ignoring Kiara. “David! I’m serious! C’mon!” Kiara sighed, beating the blanket. “Okay, how about it if I phrase it as…we go on a date together at the same restaurant as Cornelia’s date but we don’t spy. So? Watcha say?”

“Two syllables,” David groaned from under his blanket. “Buzz off.”

“Come on, David!!” Kiara continued to shake while Mokona just slumped back on David’s desk to sleep. “When was the last time you and I went out on a romantic date together?!”

There was silence at first, then Kiara heard soft counting by David. “Seven years, 96 days, 3 hours and 45 minutes ago….” David said it from beneath the blanket, again with a monotone voice. “I can’t remember the seconds…”

“Urgh!!!” Kiara yelled in defeat and pondered for a while. “What if I brought some of the blood bottles? Then you can use that as the champagne or the sauce of your dish or whatever. As long as it’s not weird and obvious…”

David then bolted upright, more forceful than before and snatched the tuxedo from Kiara. “Alright, we go.”