Hide and Seek (High School Liars series #1)

Liar 1:10

Karma Satomi

I inhale sharply as I shut my eyes frustratedly, contemplating whether to knock or not. Nasa harapan ako ngayon nang school publication office at gusto kong sumali bilang photographer nila. But I don't have DSLR, sana ay hiniram ko nalang ang kay kuya. But I do still hope that I will be chosen.

"Aren't you going to knock or what?" Bigla naman akong gumilid. Zhayed went in without knocking, leaving his scent on the corridor.

Maybe this is a sign na 'wag nalang tumuloy. Perhaps I should borrow kuya's camera. May next week pa naman. I'm sure a lot of students are still undecided about what club they want to join.

I was about to step away from the door of the school publication office when I heard it open. The door chime even makes a sound, and a baritone voice makes me stop on my track.

"Hindi bubukas ang pinto ng mag-isa," Zhayed said. I rolled my eyes and faced him. I smiled bitterly before going in.

He growled silently nang hindi ko siya pasalamatan.

I was greeted by the chilly air and spacious office. Neat and clean, which I didn't expect.  I was looking forward to the chaotic room and massive sound of the keyboard, like their fighting in a never-ending war. But instead, it's quiet.

Everyone is busy on their seat, facing their laptops. Only one person is assigned to serve those students who want to be part of the school publication family.

"Hi! I'm Chasty! Welcome to Outlook! The official school publication of Tacenda High! Would you like to join Maharlika or Enigma? Editorial or Column?" Takang taka naman ako sa mga sinasabi niya. Mukhang nabasa naman niya ang aking mukha kaya humingi pa siya nang tawad.

"What is this, Lyza? Kindly visit the sslg office later. This is a violation of the student rights," pagalit na sabi ni Zhayed. Ang kaninang tahimik na kwarto ay mas lalong tumahimik. Padabog naman niyang inilapag ang isang newpaper sa harap ng babae.

"I believe we did not violate anything. But, sure, let's talk about it in your office." The woman stood up and did not bother to look back. Nakita ko naman ang pagkainis ni Zhayed. Tiniganan niya pa kami nang masama bago umalis.

First week palang mukhang andami nang issue sa school. Highblood na naman siguro ang mga nasa student council.

"Uhm, sa editorial... photojournalism?" Dumeretso na kaagad ako sa aking pakay at hindi na nagpaligoy ligoy.

"Ah, ok! Just list down your name here and contact  number, and you also need to submit your taken pictures on monday, after uwian. Ang I-pipicture mo man is ang mga nangyayari ngayong clubbing. You should at least take 5 pictures and have it printed in a short bond paper tapos ilagay mo nalang sa short brown envelope and sa likod naman, you put your name and your section." Mahabang pagpapaliwanag niya. Tumango naman ako. Ok lang naman kun selpon ang gagamiting pang picture. Sana lang talaga ay hindi ito topakin ngayon.

Isinulat ko ang aking pangalan at napangiwi dahil walang lumalabas na tinta ang ibinigay niyanh ballpen. Ballpen ko nalang ang aking ginamit na nakasabit pa sa collar nang uniporme ko.

Hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko ang nangyari kanina. Ano kayang issue 'yon? Curious lang. Siguro ay kay Zian ko nalang tatanungin o kaya kay Fae at Vhez.

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta. Walang klase ngayon dahil sa clubbing. Si Zian, nasa sslg office dahil gustong tumakbo sa susunod na election. Si Fae, nasa art club. Si Vhez, nasa gym dahil sa basketball try out. Si Janea, nasa math club. Si Sharinel naman ay nasa BKD org.