Lost Pages

Break the Rule

I looked at the ambience. Scattered colored papers on the floor, those art materials that they’re using are also beside the papers. I honestly don’t know why they’re sitting on that cold cement, doing the activity that our professor has been given on us— making a poem that is dedicated for the person whom we truly love— I mean, the romantic love that we can feel towards on our opposite gender— or maybe, same gender will also do.

I automatically smiled and viewed once again the literary piece that I made— and of course, it is dedicated to him. The one that I truly desire. Who I treasure and cherish the most.

“Beatryzelle, may I see your work?” Velvet giggled as she said those. I gave her my activity sheet.

While she’s reading my piece, I glanced at my phone. There, I saw my lockscreen wallpaper. I beamed. It was him— the subject of my poems. The main reason why the butterflies in my stomach became clear and vivid again.

Velvet returned my activity sheet. “You’re really a great poetess,” she lauded. “Pheus is so lucky to have you.”

“Not really,” I chuckled when I said those. “I mean, I’m still naïve and childish. It’s kinda hard to handle my personality, and I’m lucky to have someone like him— a person who’s willing to accept me despite my bad sides.”

“Okay, it’s almost time. Kindly pass your activities.” Velvet’s conversation with me was interupted due to our professor’s announcement. I passed my paper on the front.

The professor bid his goodbye and stormed out of our classroom. I stretched my arms; causing a soft moan to come out from my lips. I wagged my head and let out a deep sigh.

“Beatryzelle,” Shimmer, my friend, called me. I looked at her, confused. “Yes?” I answered.

She handed me a small paper. “Someone gave it to you.”

Clueless, I looked at the paper that she’s pertaining to.

“Dearest Beatryzelle,

If you’re reading this, please do put this on your mind: we have a rule— do not decode this if the whole message is not completed yet.

VZ FBEEM.”

“What’s this? Who gave this to me?” I asked again. She just shrugged.

“I don’t know. I just saw it on our classmate’s chair.” she said. “I’m also confused about that guy. Anyway, what’s that thing? Is it a code or cipher?”

“I also don’t know,” I said, still looking at the paper. I don’t have any idea on this guy, who just gave me a message— with this, err. Code or cipher? I’m not sure.

The bell rang, indicating that it’s lunch time. I packed my things, making sure that my area is clean. I grabbed my phone and wallet and went on the school’s cafeteria, together with my friends.

Imogen volunteered to order our food. She stood up and went to the counter.

Suddenly, we saw Vienna on the cafeteria’s door, gasping. Did she ran?

She roamed her eyes. I waved my hand in her direction so she could see us easily. She went to our table.

“Beatryzelle, someone gave me this. That person said that I should give this to you, so...” she gave me another piece of paper— with another message.

I hurriedly grab it and read it’s message.

“() >> <> [] )] ]] < ]”

Grumping, I spat my face. Is someone making fun with me? Playing or doing jokes? This isn’t funny anymore.