Science or Shadows

Chapter 8

Their gazes bore into me, weighing heavily on my shoulders. I avoided looking around and simply took my seat.

The intensity of their stares was unsettling, a scrutiny I shouldn't have to endure. I knew I was innocent.

Glancing at Livia's empty seat, I wondered if it was a family issue. Perhaps something she had to attend to at home.

The urge to reconnect with Livia tugged at me, a longing to confide in a friend.

Returning from a trip and stepping back into class, the tension mounted. Encountering Haden, the shadows of the past, and now being labeled as a suspect in Thomas's death weighed heavily on me.

Despite the clear evidence pointing to Thomas's suicide, the accusatory whispers painted me as the villain, the one to blame.

The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. Was this the reason for Haden's disappearance? Was it all part of his plan?

With a heavy sigh, I reached for my notes and pen, preparing to face the challenges ahead.

I turned to the first page of my notebook, noting the upcoming laboratory experiment.

Moments later, Mr. Lonfi entered the classroom. His gaze lingered on me, and I despised how he seemed certain that my classmates were watching.

They would likely assume that my dad was covering something up for me. In every chapter of our lives, there's always a hidden story-a tale for each side.

Mr. Lonfi avoided discussing the circulating issue, diving straight into the lesson. I listened intently, aware that the minds of those around me were likely buzzing with speculations.

"There she is."
"I don't believe Hylen would do that."
"You don't know her."
"That's exactly why!"

Their whispers reached my ears, a reminder that I was not deaf to their gossip.

I despised the disdainful glare from one girl and the pitying look from another. Their judgment weighed heavily on me.

Exhaling heavily, I muttered, "I detest this life."

With Livia absent, I lacked a confidante. Seated in the cafeteria, I set down my tray and began to eat, feeling the weight of their collective stares.

Aren't they weary of scrutinizing me?

"Are you going to the library?" a passing voice inquired.

It was the two girls from earlier. Our eyes met briefly before they averted their gazes and walked away.

The library...

Ah, yes! I needed to go to the library!

Finishing my meal promptly, I headed to the library. Opening the door, a blanket of silence enveloped me, with only a few students scattered about.

"Long time no see, Miss Hylen," greeted the librarian.

I locked eyes with her. "Good morning. Where can I find the students' portfolios?"

The librarian's expression shifted to confusion. "Why do you need them?"

"I'm just curious," I stammered, trying to explain.

A warm smile spread across her face as she gestured towards the last aisle of the library.

It seemed like a long walk, but I headed in that direction.

"Thank you," I muttered, not bothering to hear her response. She reminded me of Mr. Lonfi, a friend of my dad's who always seemed insincere to me. Perhaps they were only kind to me because of my dad.

Every step felt heavy as I made my way through the vast library. It was clear that few students visited this place unless required for research purposes.

Finally, I reached the last aisle and paused.

I scanned through the portfolios, taking a few minutes to locate the latest one. My focus was on finding Haden. The curiosity to unravel the mystery surrounding him consumed me.

Upon opening the portfolio, I found no information about Haden. He wasn't even listed in our section's portfolio.

Could it be because he was a transfer student?

Confusion clouded my thoughts. I grabbed another portfolio and flipped through it without checking the date. To my surprise, there was no mention of Haden either.

I exhaled heavily. There were so many portfolios, and I found myself aimlessly opening each one without a clear purpose.

A sudden thought struck me - I wanted to see Lily Perin. I grabbed my phone and checked Lily Perin's batch date.

One year ago?

I searched for 1-year ago portfolio and located it. As I opened it, a picture and a note greeted me.

"Nakakainis ka!"
"I'm sorry..."
"Kasalanan mo 'to."

A scene flashed in my mind, triggering a headache. I couldn't identify the individuals in the picture, and the mysterious note left me perplexed and in pain.