Contrasting Colors of Us

simula

Napatingin ako sa maliwanag na langit. The twinkling stars made me reminisce something. Like the stars in the sky I also used to be so bright. Tinitingala ng lahat ng nakakasalamuha. The mere mention of my name awakens the inner envy in each person.

"Via, what are you doing here? Hindi ka na pwede dito." Charlie said.

Look's like I'm banned.

I am being accused of libel and plagiarism,  such things I didn't do. Akala ko hindi nila paniniwalaan ang mga inaakusa sa akin, ngunit kung sino pa ang mas nakakakilala sa akin ay ang siyang nauna pang tumalikod. So much for friends, I say.

I felt insulted. Kilala nila ako, they know that I am a woman of integrity. I can't do such vile accusations. It's a black propaganda against me.

"I'm just here to get my things, Charlie. Hindi rin ako magtatagal, and please tell the new EIC that she needs to be prepared because all these she's doing..."

"It might backfire. We'll never know." I said before going inside the office.

The Harbinger office is at it's usual busy self. Naghahabol ng deadline ang mga writers kaya naman ay puno ang office kahit gabi na. They came into a halt when I entered.

Whispers started to fill the air. I could sense the heavy atmosphere. I could sense that I was not welcome but I don't care.

These people should be the avenue of the truth. A mediator between the the students and the events in and out of the school.

Their judging eyes pierced through me. I totally expected it already. Pero iba pa rin pala pag andiyan na.

"Via!" A happy voice called.  In a sea of judgemental eyes, may isang naiiba. She had friendly aura in her.

"Katherine." I smiled.

"I thought I wouldn't see you again." she said. Biglang lumungkot ang boses nito. She pulled me towards her small office.

"I wanna know the truth, Via. Tell me…. please." Katherine pleaded.

"I refuse to take sides this early. I wanna know your side." she said.

"Why? What's the use? All of them concluded already." ani ko.

"We were taught that there is always two sides of a story. I want to hear yours."

Hearing Katherine made me realize na meron parin talagang taong may integridad. Napabilib niya ako. For someone as young as she is, mature siya mag-isip. She's only in her last year in Junior High, ngunit talo pa niya ang mga mas matanda sa kanya.

"I didn't do it. Those articles were not approved by me. Hindi din ako ang nagpublish nun!" I said.

It was the truth. Those articles were not approved by me. I was surprised as they are. When I opened the Harbinger website madami na ang comments and backlash all directed to me!

Nung tiningnan ko where it came from, I saw that it was from a very malicious article about Alpheus Monte Azul!

Ang pangalawang article naman ay isang feature nanalo na ng Pulitzer Award. It was altered and its author was put under my name, to make it appear that it was my article.

The school administration found out. They stripped me of my position as EIC! No further investigations was carried out, basta nalang akong tinanggal. They even threatened me of expulsion.

"If it wasn't you, then who did?" takang tanong nito.

Who did?

Gracia of course! She's been after my position since Senior High! It's not surprising.

"I don't know. But I'll find out soon... but first, help me get my things." I said.

Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin that it was Gracia. It was just a hunch. I need something that could prove my claims.

Tinulungan ako ni Katherine na hakutin laman ng gamit sa mini office ko patungong parking lot ng school.

Halos lahat ng estudyante napapatingin sakin. They started whispering to one another, but it was cut short when Alpheus Monte Azul appeared. His broad shoulders made him look mature than any of the guys his age, his tan color also made him  more masculine.

"Let's talk.." he said.

Hinawakan niya ang aking papulsuhan.

"Wait.." I said.

Ngunit hindi siya nakinig sakin. He pulled towards the direction of the Student Council Office. Nagpatinaod na lamang ako.

"I could sue you, for writing those derogatory and baseless articles..." panimula nito nang makapasok na kami ng SSC office.

I have no doubt that he could do that to me. He has all necessary connections and money to do it. Being the son of a fierce congresswoman and a ruthless businessman, they are a powerful family.

"but, I won't do that. All I need is a public apology." he said while carefully adjusting his black framed glasses.

Napaawang ang labi ko. No, I will never apologize! Wala naman akong kasalanan! Why do I need to apologize to him. The nerve!

I admit, I have hatred towards him but not to the extent sisirain ko ang pangalan niya in a way sobrang obvious na ako ang may gawa. I'm not that stupid!

"I'll apologize if I'm at fault, Mr. Monte Azul." I said.

He let out a laugh which angered me. How dare he! Does he think what I said was funny?

"So, are you saying that there is nothing wrong with the article you wrote about me?" panunuya nito.

"I'm saying that I had nothing to do with those articles!" sagot ko rito.

"But it was published under your name." ganti naman nito.

"Tell me, Mr. Monte Azul. Does a criminal put her name on a crime scene?.."

"No! Because she's a afraid of being caught! Right?" hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko.

"Now, if you wan't to pursue the case, just give me a call." I said.

I will never apologize, its just like admiting that I am at fault.
"Give you a call? Gusto mo lang ata ako makausap every night eh." he said.

"I really think that you did it. Siguro hindi ka pa rin maka get over sa nangyari satin two years ago." he smirked.

I gritted my teeth. Fuck him! Inaamin ko I'm still hurting but I won't stoop  this low!