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Thirty-eight

The one written in italicized form was the flashback. Amilyte will reveal her secrets!

Sparks xx

Amilyte's POV

Almost five years had passed since the incident happened. I never thought of it. Not until now.

Even in memory, the heat coming from the fire was palpable. I could feel it. The smoke and the burning sensation in my lungs were in the air. I could hear my own wicked laughter erupting from the room, the plans were about to make, the decisions I agreed too. And the decision I made. It kept rolling in my mind 'till I couldn't control my sobs.

"Amilyte, it's a fucking game of do or die. Either you or your little friends," Ericka said cattily. I was pinned in this damned chair. I couldn't do anything. Damn. It. Kanina ko pa gustong sabunutan si Ericka. And then I realized it's my fault too. If I wasn't being a bitch, sana walang gulo. If I just let this crazy girl ruin me. If I didn't pick my saving-my-own-ass plan over my friends, and then this wouldn't occur.

"I'm waiting for your answer, Amilyte. Do or die?" She said teasingly. I hate her child-like voice. I hate her curly hair. I hate her stupid porcelain-like-face. I hate her guts. I hate that her brother has a freaking gang. I hate that she got into my stupid nerves. I hate everything about Ericka dela freaking Rosa.

"If I do, they'll die. If I don't, I die. What the fuck do you want me to do?" I spat.

"Just pick." She smiled like an ill witch. "I'm going to let you think for 45 minutes. You don't mind being in the dark, right?" Before I could say a word, the lights were turned off and the door banged loudly. I exhaled exasperatedly and opened my eyes in the pitch-black room. Damn Ericka and her game plan.

Why did I even bring this problem to my life? Ugh! I can't think straight. I want my friends to be safe. I just need to find a way for me to be safe too while I'm saving them. It's fucking crazy to have this do-or-die game. I can't move without harming anyone-including me.

Ericka is studying at a different school. I didn't know where the hell did I meet her. All I know was that one day we saw her inside out campus. We were sitting by the bench and she happened to walk in front of us. Line being the friendly one happened to know her. Tinuro niya samin ni Bekah si Ericka. Bekah ignored her. But I didn't. I asked about Ericka. She's wearing a black tank top and super duper micro-short. At first glance, I thought she's a whore or a slut perhaps. Line and I decided to play games on her. I was drinking my frappe. Silly little Line dared me to throw my drink 'accidentally' at Ericka. She told me she hates Ericka. I'm a good friend, so I need to get a revenge for her.

Sinalubong ko si Ericka. She kept on facing back and forth the school grounds. Humanap ako ng timing, and then like an innocent girl, I threw the frappe at her dress.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" I said.

"Shit!" She cursed irritatedly, glancing at her dress, then back at me.

"Dear, that's not shit. It's a frappe. Sorry, my bad. I didin't saw you coming."

Tinalikuran ko siya. Hindi mapinta yung hitsura niya kaya naman umalis na ko, aware that she's killing me with her eyes.

Line winked at me. Sakto naman na dumating si Richard and Alder. Bekah was reading seriously; Alder took the opportunity to kiss her cheeks. Bekah slapped him again. Ilang try na nga ba niya? Is it 25th already? Alder laughed, so did Line and me.

I happened to glance at Ericka. Nakatingin siya kay Richard and Bekah. Uh-oh. I could feel she's into Richard. Too bad his heart is beating for Bekah.