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Chapter 12: Protract

Chapter 12

I BELIEVE that trauma teaches us to close our hearts and armor it up. That's why, people can't blame me if I always choose to guard who enters in my life, especially the one who wants to be part of my heart.

"Thea good morning!" bati ni Nina sa'kin pagpasok ko pa lang ng classroom.

I just responded with a nod at saka naupo na. I felt tired, naubos yata lahat ng energy ko kagabi. I tried so hard to find for another translation of Ella's death note. Hindi ko na nga namalayan ang paglipas ng oras.

I yawned and stretched my neck. Inikot ko ang tingin ko sa buong classroom at bigla na namang uminit ang ulo ko. Nasa right side ko ba naman kasi ang nakangising si Deven. He's leaning on his seat tapping his ballpen on the arm chair. Nang-iinis na naman ba ang isang 'to?

I rolled my eyes and I glanced on my left side and it was Yuan who gave his poker face expression to me. As far as I could remember, yesterday he was giving me his sweet smile. Ang lala naman talaga ng mood swings ng lalaking 'to. Or else, baka nga may tama talaga sa utak ang isang 'to.

I shrugged my shoulders and leaned on my seat. As I glanced on my armchair, I saw a white envelope.

Dinampot ko 'to and I saw my name written on it. Anong meron dito? It was well sealed pa.

I opened it gently but my heart jumped out from my chest when I saw what's inside of it. Naitapon ko pa ang mga laman nito kay Deven.

"What the hell is with you!" he yelled. He even stood glaring at me sharply.

My breath quickened as I calmed down myself. I slowed down my breathing clenching my fists. Those bunch of cockroaches inside the envelope almost gave me a heart attacked.

I looked down and I gritted my teeth. It was too late when I realized, fake cockroaches lang pala 'yun. It seemed real kasi even though it's made of plastic.

I heard laughter from some of my classmates. Lalo akong nairita nang marinig ang malakas na pagtawa ni Zian. I felt it, maybe he's the one who pranked me with that fake cockroaches.

I slowly moved my head up and looked with wide eyes on Zian. He still managed to give me his playful smile. He even crossed his arms and leaned on his seat.

Now I confirmed, siya nga ang may gawa nito. I saw how Leah and Nina picked up those fake cockroaches and then threw it away.

"I thought you're so brave Ms. Chua, but unfortunately... cockroach is your weakness lang pala," Yuan giggled.

I didn't look at him. I sat down quietly and I didn't give them the privilege seeing me getting affected anymore. But it doesn't mean I'll allow them to never pay for it.

"Class! Kindly settle down!" sir Alfred came in. All my classmates went back to their seats. I rolled my eyes as I glanced on Zian. He still managed to give his sarcastic smile. Walang hiya talaga ang isang 'yun! I knew it, he's the responsible of that pathetic prank. Gosh! Nakakapanggigil na talaga!

After our class with sir Alfred, I quickly went out of the classroom. Gusto ko munang pakalmahin ang sarili ko, or else I don't know what I'm capable of doing with that Zian guy.

Mabilis akong naglalakad sa hallway when I heard footsteps of someone following me. I stopped from walking and I turned back crossing my arms.

"What?" I raised an eyebrow.

"We need to do something," he replied.

I smirked, "do something like what Mr. Castro?"

"Follow me, it's about Ella," he stepped forward and walked fast.