BLEEDING SILVER

Chapter 10

7:48 PM.

Alina just sat on the sofa at the guest area with her black sleeveless top and denim shorts. She was chowing on some popcorns while watching a horror movie.

Then the doorbell rang.

She thoughtlessly opens the door only to see no one in front of it. She then inspects and found no trace of anyone.

Then the lights inside went off.

Alina, creeped out by the sudden happening, jolted at the instant. She can clearly see her neighbors' lights. 'Something's off', she thought.

She was about to run away from the house but stopped when she found a note a couple of steps away from the door which says, 'If you ask for help, your safety is unguaranteed. Go back.'

She felt chills ran throughout her spine as her instincts tell her to oblige at once.

Slowly, she steps towards the now closed door.

'How come I didn't hear it closing?' Alina's thoughts are now starting to worsen by the second.

She sluggishly turns the knob. On a corner of the guest area, she found a lighted candle, as if encouraging her to come near.

And she unwillingly did so.

Just before she closes the three meter gap between her and the only candlelight in the house, the light from the bulbs instantly returns.

"Surprise!" she hears three varying male tones.

"What the hell?! You scared the crap out of me!" Alina complained, almost tearing up due to clumped up fear.

"Well—surprise indeed!" Chand spoke with delight. He was carrying a strawberry themed cake with the candle lit on top of it.

"How did you even enter?!"

"Through the back door. Your mom asked me to keep a spare key," Atlas smugly said as he shows off two keys juggling on his fingers.

'Accomplices!' Alina mentally screamed.

"We're sorry for frightening you," Lucian timidly said as he scratches his nape.

"Three, two, one!" Chand exclaimed then began singing happy birthday with the other two.

Alina's anger died out, appreciating their efforts. She just softly smiles at them as she watches them.

"Now make a wish!" Chand excitedly said.

Alina blew off the flame from the candle after a short pause. "Thanks guys. I appreciate it."

The other three showed satisfied gazes. "Let's eat. We've laid out variety of foods in the dining area," Atlas said then led the way.

Alina sat at the center seat; Atlas at her right, Chand at her left and Lucian beside Chand. They started eating three-themed food in front of them; Japanese, Italian and Mexican.

"So, how did the interview go?" Alina asked no one in particular.

"I got accepted on Operations Management in Dawn Corp.," Chand bragged with a complacent face.

"I heard they rarely accept students there," Alina commented.

"Yep, they still do," Chand grinned.

"I got an assistant overseer's seat at the Sports Complex," Atlas smirked as he glanced at Chand.

"Oh, wow! That's a big upgrade for a first year student. Just how?" Alina's brows were raised.

"I've been there a couple of times, I guess," Chand replied, still retaining his beam.

"How about you, Lucian?" Alina said as she glances at the quietly eating guy.

"Regullus Telecom Inc.," Lucian briefly replied.

"That's down south, right?" Just as Alina blurted this out, the other two guys almost immediately paused.

Lucian just nodded.

"I got in Dreamcatcher Inc.," Alina shared. "Weirdly though, I was somehow recommended by a person addressed as Mr. Hendrix."

It was then definite. The three boys halted doing anything as they eyed Alina. Alina, however, was clueless of this act as she continues to chow down.