Haven't You Heard?

2007

"Takumi Hikohito and Chip Martin!" Brad's voice echoed through the classroom, capturing the attention of the entire class. Mr Jackson, their teacher, beamed with satisfaction, relishing in the fact that none of the students seemed familiar with those names. He shared a knowing glance with Brad and their fellow group members, Delilah and Jason, as they revelled in their triumph.

"Thank you, Mr Johnson, Miss Smith, and Mr Davis," Mr Jackson acknowledged, granting them permission to return to their seats. He strolled across the classroom, his steps navigating the narrow path between the desks, and addressed the class. "So, class, you know what to do, right?"

A collective response of nods and affirmations filled the air.

"Remember the rules," he continued, his voice commanding attention. "No internet usage, and no seeking assistance from the librarians."

The students of Hanson High School were already well-acquainted with these rules, having participated in the Who Are We assignment numerous times before. This particular task was a favourite among the students—a chance to showcase their skills and engage in a thrilling challenge. Periodically, they were divided into self-selected groups of three, with one group assigned as the decision maker. Their task was to select a novel, preferably one that was not widely known or recently released, and then present a few characters from the book to their classmates. The challenge for their peers was to deduce the chosen novel based solely on these character clues.

During Mr Jackson's occasional visits to their classroom, the students embarked on an exciting quest through the shelves of the school library, meticulously scanning row after row until they uncovered the elusive novel. Secrecy was of the utmost importance for the group that successfully found the book. Conversely, the group that failed to locate it would face the penalty of performing a scene from the chosen novel the following week, at the behest of the decision-making group.

The students of Hanson High School held a deep fondness for Mr Jackson, although it took them years to fully appreciate the uniqueness of his methods. They remained blissfully unaware of why he devised the Who Are We activity, but the joy it brought them was undeniable. They believed this to be the very essence of his professional responsibilities—creating an atmosphere where learning was not only educational but also exhilarating.

2023

"Seems almost unnatural, doesn't it?" Brad remarked, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "The way Mr Jackson structured his assignments around those novels, you'd think he was an English or creative writing teacher."

Mason nodded vigorously, his disbelief evident. "Absolutely! Who would have guessed he was our school counsellor all along?"

Nick chimed in, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I owe my love for books to that man, no doubt about it."

Brad couldn't help but tease Nick, a mischievous grin stretching across his face. "You know, watching your gang pull off that 'weekend warriors' kidnapping scene was downright hilarious."

Nick playfully scowled, his eyes narrowing in mock anger. "Curse you for roping us into that!" he exclaimed, the words laced with humour. Laughter spilled forth from the trio, blending harmoniously with the rhythmic crash of the nearby waves against the jetty wall and the melodious chirping of sanderlings soaring through the salty air.

"Ah, but you guys nailed it," Brad complimented sincerely, ensuring his words carried the weight of truth. "Far better than the film version, I must say. Smith and Goldenberg should have witnessed your stellar performance to truly understand how it was meant to be done in their series."

The three men chuckled cheerfully, their laughter carrying them back in time to their high school days, now distant memories, faded like the pages of a well-worn paperback. A decade and a half had passed, and the once-adolescent trio had grown into men burdened with responsibilities, dedicated to their own chosen paths and families.

Yet, despite their demanding lives, the occasional reunion at Gilbert's had become a cherished tradition. The serene vista of the sea, adorned with yachts gently tethered to the jetty, offered a respite from their daily grind. It was a place of solace, where time seemed to slow, allowing old friends to savour the tranquillity and reconnect amidst the ebb and flow of life's tides

As time ticked on, and the neighbouring tables filled with more patrons, Mason's thoughts wandered back to a significant moment, coinciding with a bite of his Garden Hummus toast. Swiftly dabbing his mouth with a tissue, he interjected, "Hey, remember what went down a week before Mr Jackson handed us that assignment?"

The two companions shifted their demeanour, their faces contorting in concentration as they sifted through faded recollections. Suddenly, Brad's countenance turned grave, and he uttered, "We lost Ethan, right?"

Mason nodded, affirming the sombre truth. "Yes, that's exactly it."

"It hit us hard, no doubt about it. The accident happened out of nowhere, and we lost him just like that. He had been grinning ear to ear just the day before," Nick added, a touch of melancholy in his voice.

Brad's tone matched the gravity of the moment. "Losing a friend like that was tough. Thank goodness for Mr Jackson and his assignment. It brought us some solace to see it through."

Mason agreed, a hint of sadness lingering in his words. "Yeah, it helped us find some comfort in finishing that task." Then, determined to shift the mood, he flashed a smile. "Hey, do you guys remember Jacob Hunt?"

Without skipping a beat, the two men chimed in unison, their voices infused with memories. "Yes!"

2010

Eleventh grade had arrived, yet Mason and his peers retained their enthusiasm for Mr Jackson's occasional classroom visits. Today was one of those special days, and Mason's group had been bestowed with the honour of being the decision maker for the renowned Who Are We activity. Coincidentally, Mason's mother had been captivated by Jodi Picoult's latest literary offering, House Rules. Although Mason hadn't delved deep into the story, he had a hazy memory of glancing at the start of the book, spotting the main character's name.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mason proclaimed to the perplexed class, "Jacob Hunt!"

As anticipated, confusion clouded the faces of his classmates, an unmistakable sign that they were clueless about the book he had alluded to. The book hunt commenced in the school library, each group scouring the shelves in pursuit of the elusive title. Inevitably, David's group found themselves on the losing end of the quest.

Mason wasted no time in choosing the scene his group would re-enact. The opening pages of House Rules lingered vividly in his mind—a captivating portrayal of Jacob Hunt orchestrating a fictitious crime scene, where his brother Theo was purportedly the perpetrator. Mason recalled Jacob's ingenuity in utilising his mother's corn syrup to mimic the appearance of blood. The scene fascinated Mason to no end, and he eagerly awaited its transformation into a living, breathing performance.

2023

"Ah, the memories with David's group, they always make me feel kinda nostalgic," Mason mused, a wistful tone lacing his words.

Nick nodded in agreement. "Kyla absolutely nailed it playing Jacob's mom - totally amazing!"

"And who could forget Kim?" Brad interjected with a chuckle.

Laughter rippled through the group. "Kim was unforgettable," Mason replied, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "He absolutely committed to the teenage rebel role, making sure his portrayal was as real as it gets. Let's be honest, we all knew that he was super geeky and always on point in real life."

The scene they recalled grew even more humorous when considering the diversity of the trio—David, a Caucasian, Kyla, an African American, and Kim, an Asian. Their portrayal of a tightly knit family was a delightful sight to behold.

As they shared these cherished memories from their teenage years, smiles illuminated their faces. Nick shifted the conversation, alluding to the days when stress consumed them during SAT preparations, making these moments of levity all the more precious.

"Speaking of Kim," Nick continued, "do you recall when it was their group's turn to be the decision maker?"

Brad's eyebrows lifted in recollection. "How could I forget? I distinctly remember the heated argument between Kim and Kayla before they revealed their chosen book. Kayla insisted on 'Pecola,' while Kim insisted on 'Shek.'"

Mason shook his head in amusement. "In the end, Kim emerged victorious."

Brad smirked knowingly. "Of course, it was a no-brainer. Who isn't familiar with The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison? Pecola's character was instantly recognizable. But the main reason that day's ingrained in my mind isn't that. It's because our group came up short and we were hit with the 're-enactment' punishment."

Mason's eyes ignited with a spark of recognition. "Yes, your group's performance. I remember how emotionally profound that scene was."

Nick chimed in, "Indeed, not all of Mr Jackson's Who Are We sessions were lighthearted."

Brad nodded in agreement. "I recall our group being tasked with the scene where Shek and Wong find themselves caught in an avalanche. I played Shek, Jason played Wong, and Delilah took on the role of the narrator. Delilah couldn't help but shed tears during our rehearsals. It truly was an emotional scene."

"Yet, it pushed the boundaries of our minds, didn't it? You all did a remarkable job bringing that scene to life," Nick praised.

Mason piped up, a hint of sentimentality in his voice. "Yes, even Mr Jackson couldn't hold back his tears while watching your performance."

A brief silence settled upon the group. Suddenly, Mason rose from his seat, announcing, "I'll be right back."

Brad and Nick exchanged curious glances as they watched Mason stride toward the café's glass door and disappear inside. In that moment, they became aware of the sinking sun, casting its golden rays low on the horizon. Yet, the dazzling light didn't bother them, and they made no move to relocate indoors. The sky, painted in magnificent shades of orange and yellow, greeted their eyes, while cirrus clouds adorned the heavens in comforting hues of pink and purple. The breathtaking view was too captivating to miss.

Unable to resist the allure of the picturesque scenery, Brad reached for his phone, capturing the beauty before him in a snapshot. Meanwhile, Nick sat in silence, engrossed in his own digital world. Their attention was soon drawn to Mason emerging from the café, holding a glass of refreshment. It was a customary sight, as it was not uncommon for someone to order a second drink after finishing the first.

However, curiosity stirred within them when Mason, instead of placing the drink in front of himself, positioned it before the empty chair with an unmistakable smile. Their puzzlement grew as Mason announced, "Someone's coming. Thankfully, he agreed to join us."

"Who?" Brad and Nick inquired simultaneously.

"Patience, my friends. He'll be here in just a few minutes," Mason assured them.

Thus, the trio sat in silence, appreciating the breathtaking view or occasionally glancing at their respective phones. The sound of the café's glass door opening elicited an excited smirk from Mason. "He's here, boys."

Brad and Nick redirected their attention toward the approaching figure. The African American man appeared noticeably older than their memories, his hair thinning and greying, sporting a pair of spectacles. Nevertheless, his eyes retained their kind gaze, and his smile was unmistakably familiar. Yes, time had left its mark, but he was unmistakably the same person they had admired during their high school days.

Both Brad and Nick rose from their seats, embracing him warmly, the nostalgia permeating the air. "Hi, guys," Mr Jackson greeted them. "You've all grown up. Remind me of your names again."

"I'm Brad," Brad replied.

"Nick," Nick added.

"Long time no see," Mr Jackson remarked as Mason pulled up a chair, gesturing for him to sit. 

"You wanted Nitro Cold Brew, right?" Mason addressed Mr Jackson, then turned to Brad and Nick. "I managed to get Mr Jackson's number from my neighbour, Jim. Remember him? His nephew is currently attending Hanson."

The reunion unfolded with a sense of familiarity, as if the years apart had only served to strengthen the bond they once shared. The sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the landscape, but their focus remained fixed on the cherished presence of their esteemed counsellor.

Engaging in a lively conversation, the four men began catching up on each other's lives. Mr Jackson expressed genuine pride upon learning that his former students had become successful individuals in their own right. Curiosity brimmed within them as they inquired about their old school, their smiles warm and welcoming. They listened intently as Mr Jackson shared that much of the school remained unchanged, save for the upgraded computer lab, now equipped with more sophisticated devices. However, not all was sunshine and smiles. The solemnity of the moment settled upon them as Mr Jackson revealed that three of their former teachers and Jamilah, the beloved cafeteria lady, had passed away.

Hoping to lighten the mood, Brad interjected, "How's the library, Mr Jackson?"

Nick and Mason exchanged curious glances, their eyes filled with excitement.

To their surprise, Mr Jackson shook his head, his expression filled with a tinge of sorrow. They awaited his response with bated breath as he finally spoke, "You wouldn't want to know."

"What's the matter?" Brad probed.

"Do you remember those days when I would assign you the book-hunting game?" Mr Jackson questioned, searching their faces for recognition.

"The ‘Who Are We’ activity," Mason interjected.

"Yes, that one," Mr Jackson confirmed. "Have you ever heard of bibliotherapy?"

All three men shook their heads, curious to learn more.

"Essentially, it's the use of books as therapy," Mr Jackson explained. "I miss those days. I'm certain that those books you chose provided you with solace."

The men nodded vigorously. They recalled how those books had been like a warm hug, guiding them through their grief when loved ones passed. Those pages became mirrors, offering clearer views of the people they knew, helping them open their hearts wider. The book about Jacob Hunt, for instance, was like a blueprint to understanding their friend Kurt, who lived in a world coloured by autism. Then there was the story of Kesh, which was a hard pill to swallow, but it shed light on the harsh reality of racial inequality. The books made them understand people, and in doing so, helped them understand themselves too. "We particularly enjoyed re-enacting scenes from the books," Mason shared.

Mr Jackson chuckled nostalgically. "Ah, yes! I recall those golden days. Among the earliest books you chose, there was one by John Green. What was it called again? Something related to Alaska or the like..."

"'Looking for Alaska,'" the three men chimed in enthusiastically.

A smile graced Mr Jackson's lips. "It was your group, wasn't it?" he said, turning his gaze toward Brad, who affirmed the truth. "I admit I was a tad apprehensive when I asked you to choose a scene. Remember the one between Lara and Miles?"

"Oh, that one," Brad chuckled. "There was no way we were going to select that scene, Mr Jackson."

"Exactly!" Mr Jackson exclaimed. "Teenagers aren't fools. I've always known that in my heart." He took a sip from his drink, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "I've always been curious. I never posed this question to you openly when you were my students."

The three men leaned in, their anticipation palpable.

Mr Jackson spoke, his words laced with curiosity. "What did you guys think about that scene?" He emphasised the word 'scene' with air quotes. "What I truly want to know is, did it pique your interest in pornography?"

Laughter erupted from the trio. Between the bouts of chuckling, Brad managed to respond, "Mr Jackson, we didn't need novels to develop an interest in pornography. Porn sites were already widely available during our time. But to answer your question, I don't believe that scene sparked an interest in pornography for us. If anything, it made us more repulsed by it. We did have discussions about it, didn't we?"

"Yeah," Nick chimed in. "That scene, it kind of blew our minds and got us thinking about porn differently. It drove home that many porn actresses might be dealing with the same emotional mess as Lara did."

A smile of deep satisfaction spread across Mr Jackson's face as he listened to his former students. The immense pride he felt in that moment was unmistakable, shining through his eyes. "You've all just proven my point beyond measure. Teenagers are far from foolish. So many studies show that it's the internet that's exposing teenagers to porn. I've yet to come across any research that points towards mainstream fiction being a source."

Interrupting the joviality of the conversation, Brad leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "So, Mr Jackson," he began, "what exactly happened to the library? You mentioned earlier that we wouldn't want to know. Why is that? What did you mean?"

Mr Jackson's head shook in quiet gravity. "Those shelves," he began, "are nearly bare now. Many of the books, including the one about Alaska, have been confiscated."

"What?" Nick exclaimed. "But why?"

A puzzled expression crossed Mr Jackson's face as he glanced from Nick to Brad and Mason, finding the same look of ignorance mirrored on their faces. Despite March being halfway done, they were still out of the loop. He opened his mouth to speak, but the weight of the situation overwhelmed him. It was evident that attempting to explain the circumstances would be a difficult and emotional task. He turned his gaze to the Florida's sun, now just a crescent 'D' peeking over the horizon. The day was ebbing away into darkness, their young faces sparsely lit by the wall lamps of the café. A myriad of emotions raged within him - sadness, anger, frustration. But all he could muster was, "Haven’t you heard?"