Hide and Seek (High School Liars series #1)

Liar 1: 14

Karma Satomi

We always put our mask on; in accordance to the group of people we interact with, but never forget your principle.

That's what I've learned from the guest speaker. We, journalist should put the appropriate mask to gather some information, for we are bound to give accurate and fact article. Our principles are important to not let ourselves in the process.

In short, kahit na hindi ko gusto ang lilitratuhan ko ay kailangan ko pa rin gawin ito. I'll just wear my masked on and do my job.

''Alam mo ba ex ko 'yung naka itim,'' Chasty said out of the blue and pointed out a man not so far from our table who's really paying attention to the guest speaker of broadcasting.

I did not say a single thing because I don't even know what to say. It would be awkward to ask why they broke up lalo na at hindi naman kami gaanong close. Instead, I just listened.

''Ex bestfriend,'' sabi niya. Napakagat naman ako ng labi dahil hindi ko inaasahan ang sasabihi niya. Ex bestfriend pala hindi ex boyfriend.

''Ikaw ah! Alam ko kung anong naisip mo. Sorry to burst your bubble pero nbsb ako.'' Napatango tango nalang ako at nagkunwaring nakinig sa guest speaker.

''Ang nonchalant mo naman,'' rinig kong sabi ni Chasty and I know that she was pertaining to me pero hindi ko nalang siya pinansin.

Naiinip na ako but I don't want to be rude at pumunta sa likod. Kanina pa kasi tapos ang sa photojournalism. I even attempted to go home but before I even stand up Zhayed message me to sit down kaya hindi na ako nagbalak pa dahil baka deretso prefect of discipline na ako imbes na pa uwi sa bahay para sa isang kasakalan hindi ko naman alam.

Pa simple naman akong sumilip sa gilid kung saan nandoon ang mga student leaders. They are also paying attention while munching something. I immediately avoided my gaze when I saw Ziana eating like a horse.

I scoffed.

What is she doing here anyway? She's not yet an official in student council at hindi naman siya journalist.

Natigil ang iniisip ko nang may naglapag ng turon at softdrink sa harap ko. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin, It was Kairon.

''Ay, snack time na? Hindi pa nga tapos mag salita ang guest speaker ah?'' sabi ni Chasty nang maharangan ni Kairon ang guest speaker sa paningin namin.

''Hindi pa. The snacks will be distributed after the guest speaks,'' sabi nito at umalis na. Naging awkward naman dahil tinitignan ako ng mga kasama ko sa lamesa at binibigyan ng makahulugang tingin.

''It's from my cousin,'' padadahilan ko na mukhang hindi nila pinaniniwalaan. It only makes me more suspicious, especially that I sounded so defensive.

''Ok girl, sabi mo eh,'' makahulugang sabi ni Chasty. I awkwardly smiled at them at nahiyang kumain. It would be rude to eat in front of them kaya isinantabi ko muna ito kahit na gustong gusto ko ng kumagat.

''And again use your voice to speak the truth.'' Ito ang huling sinabi ng guest speaker bago siya bumaba sa stage. We clapped our hands and our em-c thanked her once again. Finally, snack time na at ang sslg ang nag distribute ng pagkain. Si Zian naman ang lumapit sa table namin na may bitbit na malaking kahon. Ang kasama naman niya ay may bitbit na drinks.

''Nakita ko 'yon kanina,'' bulong ni Zian sa akin. Hinila niya pa ang isang bango sa kabilang table at umupo sa tabi ko.

''Hi, Chasty,'' baling ni Zian kay Chasty.

''hi beh.''

''You will not mind naman if I'll sit here diba?'' Tanong ni Zian gamit ang maamong boses nito. I almost rolled my eyes buti nalang ay pinigilan ko. I even saw Chasty shook her head.