Behind Closed Doors

six

Morning came and Aliah is now on her way to the principal's office because Mr. Laurien called her last night.

She raised her hand and knocked on the door. A few moments later, the door swung open.

"Please come in." the secretary stepped aside and let her in.

"Good morning, Mr. Laurien." She professionally greeted him. Mr. Laurien smiled back.

"Good morning, Ms. Arson. Please sit down." He motioned the chair in front of him. Aliah went to sit down.

"I will make this simple for both of us. I really want Miro to win this election." Mr. Laurien said.

"What about Rico's incident? Miro's impulsiveness worries me." Aliah narrows her eyes. Mr. Laurien lean back, arms crossed.

"Miro stood up against bullying. Her actions sparked necessary conversations." Mr. Laurien said as he pulled something out from his drawer.

Mr. Laurien handed Aliah a folder. "Review Miro's record. Her achievements outweigh controversies."

Aliah flipped the pages and her expression became serious.

"Give Miro a chance, Ms.Arson. She embodies change. Empower her, and she'll transform lives."

"I'll consider it. Miro must commit to openness, cooperation, and responsible leadership." Aliah said as she closed the folder and put it back on the table.

"I'll ensure she understands." Mr. Laurien smiled at her.

__

Miro woke up late this morning and missed her first class.

She just arrived at the parking lot. She got out of the car in a rush.

Miro rushed to her locker, swapping books for her next class. She glanced at her watch, worried about being late again.

Miro sighed, frustrated. "Great start, Miro. Missed calculus and now you're late for English. Focus!" she reminded herself.

Miro hurried past the hallway when she heard, "Miro! Wait!" Den approached, concern etched on her face. "Everything okay? You missed calculus."

"Do I know you?" Miro stood there looking at her with confusion.

"I'm Den, the restroom girl." Den chuckles. Miro's eyes widened in realisation.

"Oh right!" She exclaimed.

"Miro? Late ka nanaman!" Miro quickly turned to Jens.

"Uh sorry Den... I have to go. Bye!" Miro said in a rush as she run towards Jens.

"Masasapak na talaga kita." Jens smacked Miro on the back of her head.

"Masakit!" Miro caress her head as she glared at her.

They walked together to their next class.

_

"You're late again, Ms. Lecaros." Ms. Sam said when Miro walked in.

"I'm sorry Ma'am." Miro bow down as she quickly look around to find a vacant seat. She froze when she realised that the only vacant seat is next to Miezy.

"What are you waiting for? Take your seat." Ms. Sam said with annoyance.

"Y-Yes Ma'am." She mumbles.

Miro's eyes locked onto Miezy's cold stare.

"Don't be so close." Miezy whispered, voice dripping venom.

Miro clenched her jaw. "Miezy."

Ms. Sam's eyes narrowed. "Is there a problem?"

Miro forced a calm tone. "No, ma'am."

The awkward atmosphere lingers around the room. Miro never been so tense in her life until now.

Ms. Sam is explaining about the topic and everyone around her listens. But her mind is full of thoughts that enable to grasp on the words that is being said.

Miezy who's sitting beside her keep her eyes on the board. Miro can see her on her peripheral vision. She look down on her lap as she fidgets her fingers.

"Is there any problem, Ms. Lecaros?" an icy voice from Ms. Sam made Miro to look up.

"No ma'am." She utter as she shakes her head.

Ms. Sam just nodded without saying anything as she continue to discuss her topic.

'God get me out of here.' she prayed internally as she tried to focus.

Finally, after a very long endurance the bell rang. Miro immediately picked up her bag as she makes her way out of the room.

On her way out she bumped into Ms. Aliah who was about to walk in. She bowed down to her.

"I'm sorry Ma'am." She ran away to look for Jens.

As Aliah watch her walk away she just shook her head.

"Why are you standing there?" Sam asked her as she walked up to her.

"I'm waiting for you." Aliah push her thoughts on the back of her mind as she calmly replied to Sam.

"Oh, wait lang. Gutom ka na ba? I'll just wrap up my things." Sam said as she walked back towards her desk.

They headed to cafeteria together.

"Mr. Laurien wants Miro to run for the position of president." Aliah said as she walk calmly. Sam gasp in disbelief as she stop walking.

"Tell me you're not serious about that." Sam said as she walked again. Aliah didn't utter any words and Sam take it as a serious response from her.

"Siya na ang nagsabi na dapat malinis ang election tapos siya pa ang gagawa ng ganyan." Sam rolled her eyes as she scowled. Aliah keep her mouth shut. Knowing that no words can change her mind.

"Ay basta ako hindi ko gusto yang si Miro. Mayabang talaga." Sam insisted. Aliah shook her head and walked into the cafeteria.

"Anyways, you're are incharge to convince her." Aliah drop the main topic.

Sam sat down on the chair as she crosses her arms and rolled her eyes again.

"Whatever." She sulkingly whispered.

_

"Miro!" Jens shouted when she spotted her.

"Jens ang lapit ko lang oh." Annoyed, she said. Jens just grin at her.

"Hanap ka ni Mr. Laurien." She said as she put her arms around Miro's shoulder.

"Samahan mo ako." Miro said as they walked together.

Miezy stood not so far away from them, watching the scene infront of her.

Her eyes coldly stared at them as her lips curved up in disdain.