Saving Pandora

Next morning, I went to school way earlier than usual. I passed by Crisollogo Building, and everything that happened yesterday came flooding back, as if it happened just seconds ago.

I went straight to the Chemistry laboratory. Hermione and I agreed to meet there. It was way too early, so no way would students be present at this time, except the both of us. Carefully, I slid the door and saw her back facing me. She sat at one of the stools and so did I. I brought my notepad and pen out, and the recorder. But...

She may have noticed my discomfort and hustle that she had to ask, "Is there a problem?"

I gave her a glance and went back to searching for the recorder. But it was indeed, missing.

Didn't I take the recorder home? Could I possibly... I'm screwed.

"I'll be right back, Hermione. I must've forgotten something at the Lighthouse's headquarters. I'll be fast, I swear."

I ran down the building towards another building where the headquarters is located. I tried twisting the knob, when I remembered that I didn't have the key to the headquarters. Only the utility and the Editor-in-Chief has it.

"Oh hey! Eury!" Luna cooed. She ran towards me with her backpack and eyeglasses bouncing up and down. She stopped in front of me and reached out for something inside her bag. When she held it out, my heart sank. It's the recorder.

"You forgot it in the headquarters yesterday." She hazed into my eye as she reached out one hand to give it. My hands were trembling and cold. What's inside the recorder is a very private information. It must never be known, or worse, spread.

"Thank you, Luna... I must go now." My voice was shaking, and even I know that she heard it. I turned my back and was about to leave when she called me out. I halted with my steps.

"Eury," she whispered. Her voice shattered at the ending mention of my name.

"Yes, Luna?" I turned back around and tried to smile. Though, I knew it turned out to be awkward.

"I want to help in your investigation."

"W-What investigation?" I tried to act coy, but it only made her more determined.

"I know what you and Hermione are planning! Let me be a part of it! I was also Bria's friend. So please..." her voice completely shattered at this point. "Let me join your investig—"

I cut her off before she could completely shout her pleading statement. "Shhh! Okay, okay! Just please, keep it down. We wouldn't want the whole school to know what we're planning."

She mouthed 'thank you' and smiled. She tied her hair into a ponytail before we rushed back towards the Chemistry laboratory.

Shock registered into Hermione's face when she saw me enter... with another person.

"What is she doing here?!" Hermione sounded furious. She smashed her hands onto the marble table and stood up.

"I'm s-sorry!" Luna pleaded. Her words seemed to trigger something on Hermione that she calmed down and sat back.

"I'm sorry too. It happened that I accidentally left the recorder at the headquarters and Luna here, was the one who found it. And got her curiosity into the scene." All through those words, Hermione was spacing out. She seemed rather idle than calm.

"She sounded exactly like her... when she keeps saying sorry, because of me, scolding her."

"Who sounded like who?" Luna innocently asked.

"You. Bria," Hermione answered.

It was a moment of silence. The birds' chirps were all that was audible.