Hide & Seek [Weston Heights Edition]

"Intriguing"

All students sat eager and fearfully in their auditorium seats. Everyone already knew why they were gathered here. They already knew what was in store for this assembly. The silent air was so thick you could almost reach out and touch the high levels of anxiety and fright. I swallowed hard as I tried to unlax in my seat.

"Come on Cornell," I thought to myself, "you've done this for 3 years, pull yourself together!" My real name is Cornell Romana Lee, but I despise that name so I always introduce myself as just 'Corey'. I tried to distract myself from my thoughts by looking around the auditorium for my friends. I caught sight of Jacob and my shoulders eased a little, even though I was still really pissed with him. He was sitting in the 3rd row with his friends Craig and Rayan.

I continued my search-by-eye for my other comrades. I found Tayln, Jayla, Cameron and André, automatically setting my nerves into a calm state. My eyes met André's from a few rows back and we both gave each other encouraging smiles. But my calm stage didn't last for very long once I heard the principal speak into the mic.

"Goodmorning, students, teachers, advisers," Principal Wicket cheered before clearing his throat to continue, "we all know why we're here, and I hope you're all ready for it." He gave the sea of students a grim smile, sending fitful chills down my spine.

"Now, as always, I will announce this year's lucky 15 students who will host this lovely occasion, before I lay out the rules and regulations..." Each ticking second of silence felt like hours.

"So lets begin," Principal Wicket boomed and took a few moments to look down at his list. I was getting ready to hear the first name when I felt a tap on my leg. It was Courtney.

"What kind of sick education system enforces these kind of things?!" Courtney barked in a hushed tone. I shook my head in a saddened form.

"I don't know," I whispered back, "but we've been doing this for 3 years, this will be our last time ever doing this and then we can get the hell outta here. We can make it," I reassured before shooting Courtney an encouraging smile and turning my attention back to the stage.

"Destiny Keyes," Principal Wicket called and glanced up at the audience. Everyone turned their heads toward Destiny's direction as she shakily got out of her seat in the last row, walking fearfully down the aisle leading to the stage, climbed the stairs.

"Desmond Gibson....Amber Lynch....Robert Hanks....Griffin Conely...Anthony Hill.....Rachel Mullens....Tyson Neilson....Jacob Perez-" My entire world froze. Am I hearing things? My body stiffened and my heart sank to my stomach as I watched Jacob slowly approach the stage. Jacob shakily scanned the audience until he found the pair of eyes he was searching for; mine. We locked eyes for a few seconds, until Jacob cut off our contact and slid his hands in his cargo-short pockets.

"Chresanto Augu-"

"HELL YEAH!!" Everyone's attention shifted to an oddly excited Chresanto as he ran onto the stage, giving the crowd a bow. The audience stayed silent expect for a few people. I. cannot. stand. him. Even hearing his name made my skin crawl.

A few of Chresanto's friends began cheering him on until the Principal told them to quiet down. My eyes met Chresanto's and he gave me a flashing flirtatious, yet evil smile, along with a wink. I scowled in his direction before turning my attention back to the principal.

"Tayln Clarke."

"No no no," I whispered to myself, freaking out. I looked at Courtney and she freaking out just as much as I was.

"Ebony Taylor."

My body automatically filled with rage, anger, hatred, displeasure, resentment, miff, the list goes on.