Science or Shadows

Chapter 4

"Sure kang pupunta ka?"

We were still in the cafeteria, the echoes of our conversation lingering in the air. He hadn't given me a straight answer about whether I could trust him, but something about him made me want to. Maybe it was his kindness, or the way he made me feel safe, like nothing bad could ever happen when I was near him.

"I'll go," I said, my voice firm despite the knot of uncertainty in my stomach.

This was the first time I'd believed in this stuff, this whole other world that felt so far beyond anything I'd ever known. But it felt real. It felt true.

Haden reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace. "Suotin mo 'to."

"What's this for?" I asked, taking the necklace from him.

It was a skull pendant, intricately carved. I turned it over, and gasped. There was a heart, pierced by a knife.

"Protection," he said, his voice low and serious. "Suotin mo, okay?"

He held my hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Mag-iingat ka," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

"Why are you helping me?" I pressed for an answer.

He didn't look at me. his movements slow and deliberate. "You need it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And they won't stop until they get to you."

He didn't look at me. He avoided my gaze. He just opened the bottle of water that had just arrived.

"Kailangan mo, eh."
"At hindi ka nila titigilan."

The hours melted away, and before I knew it, it was 6:00 PM. I found myself back in my room, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. Glancing at the clock, I headed downstairs, asking the helpers if Mom and Dad were home.  They shook their heads, their faces solemn. "They're at the hospital," one of them said quietly.

I retreated to my room, a heavy weight settling in my chest.  I told the helpers I was going to sleep and not to knock. They nodded, understanding the unspoken urgency in my voice.

The clock ticked past 6:40 PM. I finished getting ready, my heart thrumming in my chest.  I opened and closed my window, a silent signal. 

Then, I booked a Grab, my mind racing.

Walking towards the campus, a hand clamped over my hands.

I gasped, startled. "Haden?" I whispered.

"'Wag ka d'yan," he said, his voice firm. "Mahuhuli tayo." He took my hand, his grip surprisingly strong.

Before I knew it, we were scaling the wall, my legs scrambling for purchase.

Haden looked at me, his brow furrowed. "Ano?"

"I can't climb..." I stammered, my voice small.

"Tatalikod ako. Daan ka," he said, his voice calm. He turned away, creating a makeshift step with his body.

My breath caught in my throat. This was insane.  But I took a deep breath and began to climb, my fingers gripping the rough brick. My heart pounded in my chest, but I managed to pull myself up.

"How about you?" I asked, my voice breathless.

He smiled, his eyes meeting mine. "Kaya ko 'to."

In a flash, he was up, his movements fluid and effortless.  I stared at him, a question forming in my mind.

Is he used to it?

"Tara."

Haden and I stood in the laboratory.

"Gets mo na plano?" Haden asked, his eyes searching mine.

I nodded, my heart thumping against my ribs. "I'll go now." I asked, my voice a little shaky.

He nodded, his face grim. "Babantayan kita."

His words were a comfort, but a shiver ran down my spine. I turned and walked towards the tree, the time ticking past 7:00 PM. My hands started to tremble, my breath catching in my throat. My heart clenched, a tight knot of fear forming in my chest. I clenched my fists, trying to control the rising panic. I couldn't breathe, my chest feeling tight.

What was happening? Was the ghost coming? Was that why I felt this way?

I looked towards Haden's spot, expecting to see him there. But he was gone.

No...

Where was he?

My eyes darted to the tree. I saw a shadow forming, taking shape, becoming a ghost. I stepped back, my heart pounding.

My fingers instinctively reached for my neck, but my hand met only bare skin. Where was the necklace?

Shit.  I hadn't put it on.

The ghost drifted closer, its spectral form growing more distinct, its presence chilling me to the bone.

Haden... where are you?

As I stumbled backward, I lost my footing and fell to the ground. I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"Help," a whisper slithered through the air, sending shivers down my spine.

I remained frozen. I kept my eyes closed, my body trembling.

"Help," the whisper came again, closer this time.

I gripped the grass, a desperate attempt to ground myself.

The whisper faded. I opened my eyes, my breath catching in my throat.

"Help!" a loud whisper echoed, sending a jolt of fear through me.

I screamed, a primal sound of terror tearing from my throat. "Ah!"

The ghost vanished, disappearing into the night as quickly as it had appeared.

I gasped for air, my chest heaving. My heart was still racing, my body shaking.

I scanned the area for Haden, but he was gone.

Betrayal washed over me, a bitter taste in my mouth.

I stood up, my fists clenched.  I saw a flashlight beam cutting through the darkness.  I rushed to hide behind Haden's spot, my heart pounding.

Why was the guard still here? It was 7:00 PM. Was he this dedicated to his job?

I disregard my attention to the guard and look around to see Haden. But he was nowhere to be found.

I sighed.

He betrayed me.

I get my phone to message him. But ny thoights pulled my thoight to message him.

There's no reason to.

I don't want to see him again.

I felt so betrayed.

I hate it!

I walked towards the wall we climb.

A tear fall on my eyes.

No...

I shouldn't cry!

I freaking hate people!

I shouldn't just believe him.
I should've just sleep and belive it was all just a lie instead of beliceing it was truth.

I took a deep breath.

I tigjten my fist.

Then i climb. But i fall.

I hate it.

I tried once more and i climb.

I then book a grab.

I shouldn't waste a time.

I wanna go home and rest and took my pills to calm myself.

In the end, science is real and shadows is a mere myth, a lie rather.