Hide and Seek (High School Liars series #1)

Liar 1:02

Karma Satomi

I ended up continuing my sleep because of the long trip. Tacenda High is located beyond this chaotic city. Dapat pang lumabas sa syudad bago marating ito pero dahil sa trafic ay mukhang ala una pa kame makakarating sa school. I brought some bread in case I'll get hungry. Good thing I don't have "travel sickness," and the school bus is air-conditioned with free wifi.

I was awakened by a sudden bump. Looks like we are already outside the city. I looked outside the window and saw nothing but tall trees. The road is also bumpy.

I wonder if may nakabuntot ba na ibang bus sa likod kaya sumilip ako at nagtama ang paningin namin ng isang lalaki. His sleepy eyes are staring at me blankly while he's hugging his backpack. I smiled at him. I expected him to smile back at me, but instead, he closed his eyes.

My face soured and didn't bother to look back after what happened. That man is surely tired to even notice me looking at him.

We already passed the border of Tacenda, and now we are heading to its town. Ang magulong halaman ay napalitan ng maayos na kumpol ng mga ibat ibang bulaklak. It's as if we're going on a vacation and not to study.

We passed some small stalls, restaurants, boutiques, and villas, and the most centred attraction is the school gate with its gold bars and high red-bricked walls. I can't help but adore its workmanship.

Habang pinapark ng driver ang bus na sinasakyan namin ay hindi nakatakas sa aking paningin ang chopper na kulay pink sa hindi kalayuan. Napapikit ako at napabuntong hininga.

Zian.

Paisa isa kaming lumabas bitbit ang sariling gamit. The smell of the sea enveloped my nose. Mas sariwa ang hangin kaysa sa syudad, malamig at masarap sa pakiramdam. I think I'll definitely enjoy my stay here.

A staff member made us line up kaya pumila na rin ako. They serve as a guide as we take our path into the main hall.

"Alright, listen up! You have to wait for your turn to get your individual school... related stuff," the staff said in a disgusted way. "And wait until your bus number was called and it's 13. Feel free to roam around the main hall, but make sure that each of you will be lining up after the number is called. Are we clear?"

"Yup!"

"I guess?"

"No worries." The staff received different responses from us.

"Alright then, any questions before I leave?" He asked impatiently.

"Me!" A high pitch voice said while raising her hand. It was a girl in a piggy tail, the wind dances her brown curly hair. Her morena skin reflects the colour of the sky when the sun is set and mostly turns golden brown when it kisses the sea.

"Yes?"

"Where's the nearest washroom?" She asked.

"Right wing, near the staircase," the staff said. She immediately went to the said direction, leaving her things and forgotten to at least thanked the staff.

"Ok, I think that settled. Welcome to Tacenda High," he said before leaving us. Nagsimula namang maglibot libot ang nga kasama ko pagkaalis niya.

I can hear the giggles of the girls and the chatting of the boys. They seem to have already found a new friend. While here I am, I am lost from the crowd. Labas pasok naman ang mga tao, may bagong dating at may umaalis matapos makuha ang pakay sa registrar office.

There's nothing much interesting inside the main hall. Just, trophies and certificates are displayed to honour the school credentials.

Out of nowhere, ay may kumalabit saakin kaya napatingin ako sa aking likod.