MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Chapter 22

"What's going on?" Jhoanna asked, her voice tight with concern as she approached Colet, eyes wide with worry.

"I can't get the door open," Colet replied through gritted teeth, still jiggling the handle and pressing his shoulder against the heavy door.

His face was flushed with frustration, and a hint of fear crept into his eyes as he kept trying, hoping it would suddenly give way.

Jhoanna took a shaky step closer, her heart pounding as panic set in.

She tried pulling at the handle alongside Colet, but it wouldn't budge.

"What do we do now?" she whispered, glancing around the small, windowless room, realizing how trapped they were.

Colet turned back to the door, pounding on it harder, her voice rising.

"Hey! Somebody, help us! We're stuck! The door's jammed, and we can't get it open! Please, is anyone out there? Help!"

****

Outside...

The second bus finally pulled up, and a wave of relief swept through the group of tired students as they hurriedly gathered toward it, eager to sit down.

A few muttered complaints could be heard, but mostly there was a buzz of chatter and laughter as they shuffled into the line.

Mikha climbed aboard, glancing back to see if Jhoanna was close behind.

The teacher had tasked one student with counting everyone as they entered, but the assigned student, barely paying attention, counted lazily, missing a few students in the process.

Once Mikha found a seat, she let out a long breath, the day's exhaustion settling over her.

Closing her eyes, she leaned back, waiting for Jhoanna to sit beside her.

Moments later, she felt someone settle into the seat next to her, the slight shift in weight a comforting presence.

She sighed softly, finally letting herself drift off, trusting Jhoanna was there beside her.

Meanwhile, Stacey was practically dragged to the very back of the bus by Aiah and Maloi, who plopped her down between them on the farthest seat.

"Why are you guys taking me here? I was supposed to sit with Colet!" Stacey protested, eyeing the two older girls who had draped their arms around her, effectively trapping her.

"Shh, just relax, will you? Don't you want to hang out with us instead?" Maloi teased, giving her a playful grin.

"Yeah, you're hurting my feelings," Aiah added in an exaggeratedly whiny voice.