The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 7: Doubt Arises

Quinn’s POV.

“What are you doing here?” 

I held my breath when the door opened and the principal barged in. My heart rate went up as fast as the speed of light.

I’m doomed!

“Ms. Naveen? What brings you into my office?” she asked once more.

My feet felt like they were nailed to the ground where I was standing. I was panting, as if I was about to pass out. I faked to cough and wiped away the sweat that would soon drip from my forehead. I tried not to show her how nervous I was. I gave her a small smile before responding.

“Oh, I’m here to submit our projects, Miss,” I managed not to stutter.

She locked her gaze on me for a moment. I thought she was doubting me or something, but it appears she was wondering if she had assigned a project to our section. I let out a sigh of relief when she remembered.

“Oh, I remember! I apologize for forgetting. You may leave it on my desk, Ms. Naveen. I’ll check your papers later,” she said.

I swallowed hard. “Yes, ma’am.”

“You may go. Thank you.”

I studied her for a couple of seconds before bowing to her and turning the doorknob to leave. But before going too far away, I came to a stop and casted another glance at the outside of her office.

What are you hiding behind your mask, Ms. Principal?

***

I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I came back to class. I remembered every name written in that old notebook. I intended to conduct research on them in the hopes of obtaining some useful information.

To be honest, I’m both confused and curious about why Ms. Carter’s name was included. It was the second time I’ve seen her name in the principal’s office. What she did for our school and her true identity was a mystery to me. Because almost every student here at Mystica Elementa High knows nothing about her, even the old students and staff who had been here for a long time.

Another thing I’d like to know is the meaning of the word written on the first page of that notebook. I couldn’t even recall what the word was. The language used was also different, so I couldn’t understand it, but I presume it was French.

Even the last name, which appeared at the bottom of the second page, I didn’t get a chance to read. I’d like to learn and discover a lot about them, so I need to find a way and an opportunity to return to the principal’s office. I have to decipher all of the names and information mentioned in that notebook.

But how am I going to do it without being caught?

I haven’t spoken a word since I stepped into the classroom. I didn’t quite understand our professor’s discussion because I was distracted throughout the class. My mind was somewhere I couldn’t locate.

“Class is dismissed. You may now take your break.”

I hurled a sigh and gawked at the wall for a few minutes. If Pracy hadn’t pinch me, I wouldn’t have realized it was time for our lunch break.

“Why do you seem so preoccupied?” she observed.

“I’m thinking about a lot of things,” I replied absentmindedly.

A lot of things are bothering me right now. I couldn’t take it all in. They all came up at once, and I’m not sure what I should put first and set aside. I’m at a loss for what to do. I’m baffled and under pressure at the same time. I have a strong gut feeling that I still don’t know much about the school where I’ve been studying for years, or the people I used to see and talk to on a daily basis.