Love Alarm [Based On A True Story]

On My Side

Around two in the afternoon, when most of the students of Newton High leave for home, the competition for the day finally ends, and only then do we notice Mr. Miles and the rest of the competitors of our school slowly walk out of the building, but strangely, some of them are missing. 

"I guess it's done." Claire says with a hoarse voice from all the crying she had done, while the rest of us stare on at the sight. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Mary walks forward. "Come on. Let's go."

We walk towards the group heading our way, and once we are closest to them, we receive strange looks from all of them, especially the guys who never really spoke to us. I think our fiasco earlier just proved to them that Nathan was right after all. And as much as I promised myself, I wouldn't let this bother me, I'll be lying if I said it doesn't affect me the least bit. I mean, who doesn't want to be loved?

"Ariana." Sarah calls out, catching our attention as we smile at her. The girl is already smiling at us, her chocolate brown skin shining under the sun as she grabs my hands and smiles up at me. "You did great back there."

Not great enough to win though.

It was rigged. I tell the voice inside my head.

"Thank you." I smile as sincerely as possible, only then remembering that she had won. "Congratulations to you Sarah. You made it."

"Thanks." Sarah then turns to Claire and Mary, engaging in little conversations with them while I crane my neck behind her, trying to see where her teammates are but unfortunately, they are nowhere to be seen. "Sarah, where are the others?"

"Who?"

"Pippa and Tracy. Where are they?" As if only now realizing that her teammates are missing, Sarah release a low 'Oh', before she says. "They must be still inside with Jesse and Hanna. I believe they are talking to the President."

"The President?" Mary asks incredulously. "What for?"

Sarah shrugs. "Don't know. You can go check if you want. I have something to discuss with Mr. Miles. I'll see you guys later."

With that, the girl walks away, joining her male classmates and Mr. Miles as they discuss today's events. Claire, Mary and I turn towards the building, the god forsaken place that staged this whole circus show. Sucking in a deep breath, I take the first step forward, followed by my two friends. The building is almost vacant, with most of the students and teachers already gone, but judging by the looks, the auditorium is still buzzing with some activity. We stare at the door for a good couple of minutes, wondering whether to go in or not and I know for a fact my two friends won't move unless I make the move first. 

So, I do just that. It feels weird coming back here, after all the nasty things that they did and we did in return, seeing the empty audience seats and the staff taking the equipment's away. This whole place gave of such an evil vibe once I realized the whole thing was staged, and every face that looked at me felt like faces of demons, but now, it doesn't seem as harmful.