Baptism Of Fire

"A student was found dead on an abandoned building nearby Atkinson Street. The said victim experienced horrific tragedy, her face covered in bruises and was almost unrecognizable. The investigation team also suspected rape attempt as her sensitive spot was found swollen and bleeding. The victim's only identification was the ID she was wearing the night when the crime took place. The grief of the bereaved parent broke the hearts of those who have heard their painful cries. Up to date, the police have not yet identified the suspect of the heinous crime."

The droplets of rain were pelting down. The stars were concealed as ferocious thunderstorm roared upon the place. But the catastrophe happening outside is nothing compared to the utmost rage stirring inside the unlit room.

Their gaze narrowed as gruesome images flashed upon the screen. The jagged streak of lightning pass upon their eyes burning with cold fury.

There's only one thing in their minds right now- revenge.

"I will never forgive them for doing this to you. I promise, I'll break the rings of hell just to make them suffer."

LAUREN'S POINT OF VIEW

The continuous ringing of my alarm clock wakes me up from my slumber. I rubbed my bleary eyes and walked towards the window to open the curtains. There was a pearly glow in the sky. The sun poured through my window, its warm breeze fondle on my face and the melodic birdsong drifted in. Another day had dawned, bringing with it new hopes and aspirations.

After folding my blanket and doing my morning rituals, I immediately climbed down the stairs.

I let out an exasperated sigh before making myself a sandwich and a cup of coffee. I have no time to cook anymore. And I know my mother won't do it for me as well.

Luxury and extravagance are not something that you should expect in my life. We're living in a not so spacious house, but we're not that penurious. We're able to eat enough and I'm attending school. I have a roof over my head, so I guess I'm still lucky. Some people out there experience much worse.

After I finished eating my sandwich, I immediately took a bath. It's the first day of school, meaning new struggles as a student. I can already imagine the thick stacks of paper works that we need to do during the whole semester.

I'm studying in Ridley University, one of the most prestigious school in the country. Actually, this is just my second year in that University. I spent my junior high school years in a different school. If you're wondering how am I able to study there, that's because of scholarship. As luck would have it, I have the brain and intellect that I use to my advantage. I'm still lucky that in spite of my mother's imprudent behavior, she supported me in entering a reputable school, so she's not that evil after all.

The clamor from several students invaded my ears as soon as I stepped out of the cab. The way they greet each other seems like they haven't seen each other for ages, walking on the hallway while talking about their vacations.

I'm walking in silence while my earphone, in its maximum volume, was plugged in my ears. Suddenly, a girl smiling all ears came running towards my direction. I grimaced at her being so hyperactive.

"Lauren!" she exclaimed, catching the attentions of many students. I shoot daggers at her, mouthing 'shut up' that she ignored and continue shouting my name.

"Haven't you drank your medicines yet?" I asked scornfully when she walked beside me.

She rolled her eyes. "I just miss you much. Imagine, it's almost three months that we haven't see each other," she said dramatically and started narrating her vacation experiences, but my mind was too preoccupied with other things.

"Are you listening to me?" She asked with a creased forehead.

"Y-Yeah, what is it again?"

She scoffed. "Never mind. How about you, how's your vacation?"

I just gave her a flat stare and she already knew the answer. I was rotten in our house the whole vacation, enduring the never ending hissy fit with my mother.

Lorelei Shin, Lei for short, my only trusted friend here in the University. I can assure you that most of the students here are immature, self-centered and hubristic because of their parents' money and power. Since this is a prestigious school, expect those bunch of spoiled-brats. I don't want to be affiliated with them, the reason why I seem distant and aloof most of the time.

When we reached our room, the sight of a rowdy class greeted us. Samantha, Claire and Alexandria are talking about the places they went to during the vacation period. Carter, Lincoln and Asher are throwing papers with each other. Aeron and Josiah are bickering, their voices are too loud and I'm certain that the sections under our floor can hear them. Lucas, just like his usual self, is reading a book in silence. I sighed in displeasure.

I find a seat at the back near the window and plug my earphones in to lessen the noise. Lei sits next to her other friends, and I don't mind it though.

I'm about to close my eyes and feel the rhythm of the music when I felt someone poking my cheeks. I opened my eyes and my orbs settled on this stubborn guy. I stared at him flatly and gave him a death glare. If stares could kill, he's probably running out of breathe right now.

He raised his hand and let out a lunatic laugh that infuriates me even more.

"What?! You're too hot-headed. "

"Stop pestering me. Will you?"

He hissed. "You know what? That kind of attitude only suits beautiful faces. In your case..." He puts his hand on his chin while staring at me with a feigned curiosity. His lips are curved into a cocky grin.

I stand irately and search for a new seat before I lose my composure. I wanted to applaud him for successfully ruining my peaceful morning.

Sloane Hayne Laxon, one of the most popular guy in school, who happened to be my classmate. Girls flock around him because of his looks, which I could not repudiate, he's indeed an epitome of handsomeness. Not to mention his family is well-known for its reputation in the business industry.

The door opened and a woman wearing a small smile and carrying a thick text book enters the room. She's not familiar to me, probably a new teacher because of her attire. But she looks too young to be one.

"Good morning class," she greeted but no one bats an eye and continue minding their respective businesses.

"Good morning class," she repeated louder so I decided to stand up along with Lei and Lucas.

Don't be surprise, my classmates were not only ill-mannered towards other students, but also to teachers. They don't respect them as well. I highly doubt if they respect anyone at all aside from their conceited and imperious selves. Clump of obstreperous people.

"I said good morning class and only three students greeted me back. Are y'all deaf or just plainly rude?" she shouted, losing her last string of patience.

Defeaning silence filled the four corners of the room. Everyone stares at her in awe, even I was stupefied on my spot.

Amber suddenly stands proudly and raises her eyebrows. "Excuse me Ms. But who gave you the permission to shout on us? As far as I know, you're just a teacher," she taunted her.

"I'm a teacher, not just a teacher," she retaliated, emphasizing her words.

"Huh! You have the guts to answer back? Do you have any idea who am I?"

The woman in front of us sighed. "I don't care who you are. Now, I'm requiring you to suit yourself before I forget that you're my student, and this book might land over your face. Please stop showing your awful attitude," she said sternly, beckoning Amber to sit down. Our classmates giggle at the scene. She seemed embarrassed while returning to her chair but still frowning.

"I hate her guts! She will regret doing this to me!" Amber whined while stamping her feet.

The woman in front of us fixed her eyeglass before smiling. "Now that all of you are already acting according to your age, let me introduce myself." She writes her name on the board.

"My name is Clara Eloise Montreal, you can call me Ms. or Ma'am Clara. I'll be your class adviser and Personal Development teacher for the entire year."

She paused and roamed her eyes around, the beam on her face is now nowhere to be found. "I only have one rule to implement, listen or get out of my class. I don't care if you're the richest kid here-" she gave Amber a short glance. "I'm your teacher and you're my students, show me some respect. I won't tolerate nasty behavior inside my class. I don't care who you are outside this school, but for as long as you're inside my premises, behave and act appropriately. I'm looking forward on teaching all of you."

Maybe this is not the worst year after all. In recent years, all of our teachers gave up on us because of how chaotic our class is. They could not handle the behavior of some. I remember back then, our Statistics Teacher was about to enter the classroom when she was struck by a bucket full of red-paint hanging on the door. It's a trap set by Amber's group. They did that out of boredom. That's how immature they are.

"Now get a piece of index card and write your name, age and birthdate. We'll use that for our future discussions and recitations."

The start of my morning went well- or so I thought. In fact, I never imagined that this day will change everything in our lives.

"Our subject aims to provide students with knowledge regarding the key concepts and different strategies and methods in performing quantitative research. It also explains the stages that students should go through to successfully conduct quantitative studies. So after this semester, I'm expecting each and everyone of you-"

Our teacher was cut by the school bell indicating that it's already lunch time. The weary and gloomy faces of my classmates lit up. Our Practical Research teacher, Ms. Monroe, is still inside but they already run outside the classroom.

I didn't bother standing up because I have no plans on spending money on their luxurious cafeteria. My poor ass can't afford the expensive prices of their foods. Even their mineral water is too pricey. It would have been good if it can graced students with decent attitude, might as well drown my classmates there.

I chuckled at my own thought. Damn, they will surely murder me hearing all my insults to them.

"Lauren, why are you still sitting there? Let's go," Lei called me. Amber's other friends are with her as well.

They actually belong to one circle of friends. Even though Lei and I are best friends, I'm not close with them. They are not directly saying it, but I can feel that they don't want me in their group.

I shake my head. "I have no appetite. Besides, I'm still full."

"Excuses. You just simply have no money," Aerin, one of her friends, interjected.

"No! You will come with us. Come on, get your fat ass out of your chair, you dimwit," she said and pulled me up. I just sighed heavily in defeat and let her pull me.

Amber immediately frowned after seeing me that I choose to ignore. I know that she doesn't want my presence. She doesn't need to worry because I don't like her as well. If it's not because of my best friend, I will never ever let my self close to them.

We promptly go to the cafeteria. There, sitting on the table situated in the middle, are their closest friends. Ashley, Sloane, Ethan, Evan, and Pierce.

Sloane sneered upon seeing me. "Oh, Lauren's with us. You really like me that much that you even want to eat lunch with me? You know what, just confess your feelings to me, we can talk about it, babe."

I momentarily close my eyes to collect my composure after hearing Sloane's arrogant remark. I swear, his haughtiness ticks me off than anything else. I just rolled my eyes in annoyance and raise my middle finger as a retort.

I sit next to him resentfully because that is the only available chair. Too bad for me, really.

"Lauren, what do you want to order? My treat," Pierce said while smiling.

Aside from Lei, if there is someone who's decent enough on this group, it's him. He's actually the president of the class. He's smart and responsible, and don't start me with his looks, he can definitely weakens someone's knees just by staring at them. Rich people and their stupendous genealogy.

"Pierce is asking your order. Unfortunately, he's not on the menu, so stop gawking at him like a creep," Lei teased me with a playful smirk that makes my cheeks heat up. Remind me to smack her head later.

"T-The fuck are you saying?" I asked, annoyed, before turning my attention to Pierce. "Don't mind this psycho. Anyway, no need, I can handle myself," I said.

"Rights, she has her own money, she doesn't need yours," Sloane butted in. His mood suddenly changed. Weird.

I thought Pierce will stop already. "No! I insist, let me treat you. This is the first time that we get to have a lunch together, so please, let me?"

I'm still hesitant to accept his offer but his pleading face makes it hard for me to refuse. He seems to noticed my reluctance and smiled.

"Alright, if you don't want me to treat you, then..." I sighed in comfort on what he said. "our lunch for today is on me. Order whatever you want, guys."

They look at him in surprise.

"Are you sick, Pierce? Perhaps your head is not in right condition?"

"When's the last time that he treated us guys?"

"The parsimonious guy is acting weird. Don't you think?"

I bit my lips in embarrassment because of their reactions.

"I didn't know that you have something for a trash." But of course, the self-proclaimed queen will never let someone outshines her. She always wants to hoard all the attention.

The light mood suddenly changed and was replaced with tension.

"Amber, you don't need to say that," Pierce reprimanded her.

She looks at us with indifference and feigned apologetic look. "What? Stop looking at me as if I committed a crime. I didn't mean anything," she reasoned out. "Why Pierce? Do you like Lauren?" she taunted, raising her eyebrows.

"N-No, it's not like that. I just want to give Lauren a warm welcome."

I don't know why but my heart twitched a bit because of his answer.

"See? Come on guys, stop putting colors on my void words," she said with a snigger and sips on her frappe.

Defeaning silence filled the table, it's a good thing that Pierce's order arrived. And when I told you that it's a lot of foods, I mean it. I even saw some unfamiliar dishes, my indigent ass can't relate. I'm pretty sure we can't eat all of this.

We're in the verge of eating when Evan open up a topic.

"Guys, why don't we have an outing this weekend? We can have a short two days vacation in our rest house. It's just four hours drive from here."

They stop and look at him.

He gulp down the water and continue. "Let's spend the first weekend of the school together. It's been a long time since our last hang out."

"Count me in."

"No problem."

"I'll join."

They all said in unison, except me, of course.

"Alright, it's settled then. We'll be using our Van, we'll just pass over your houses to pick you up. Don't you dare ditch us or else I'll flip your houses."

They started talking about the outing, excitement is visible on their faces. But their beams disappeared when someone shouted out of the blue, catching everyone's attention.

"Guys! There's a dead body found on the girls' comfort room!"

Mayhem ensued. It only took a few minutes before the whole cafeteria became agitated, with noises and various comments from the students filling the perturbed atmosphere. Some came out because of curiosity, including us. But the only thing that we found was the victim's covered corpse.

I roam my eyes around. The gossiping students were staring at the crime scene in horror. I frowned when I saw scattered black petals on the ground. My eyes followed the trail of petals, and when I found its stem, I confirmed that it is a rose- a black rose.

Does that kind of flower even exist? And why on Earth someone would bring a flower inside a comfort room? Weird. Does that symbolize something? That thought gave a strange shiver to my whole body.

"What really happened?"

"I don't know either. We're just surprised when a student shouted, saying that he saw his older brother hanging in a cubicle of the girls comfort room, cold and pale."

"For real? That must be terrifying. You think that's suicide?"

"I don't know, maybe? I heard from someone that he's suffering from depression, so that angle could be possible."

I heard the whispers and gossips from the girls next to me. Suicide? Possible. But I'm wondering, why is the victim inside the girl's comfort room. Not to mention the peculiar black rose on the floor. Isn't it a bit odd and weird? It became a big puzzle for me.

I turned my attention to the people whom I was with a while ago, my forehead furrowed even more. Why are they so serious? Not that I want them to laugh at the situation, it's just a bit weird. Do they perhaps know this person?

They look so distressed and apprehensive. I became more confused when Amber started crying. What the hell is going on? I want to ask them questions, but I choose to keep my mouth shut.

I look at the wrapped corpse once again. I don't know why, hell, I don't even have the slightest idea who this guy is, but his death left a big question in my mind. I feel like there is something wrong with what is happening, that it is not the last.

The cold wind blow, the hair on my body stands on its end. I have no idea what's going on, but one thing I'm sure of, I should not let my guards down.

"Are you coming with us?"

I averted my gaze on the book I'm currently reading and look at Lei who's playing a mobile game on her phone.

I arched a brow. "Where?"

"On the outing, obviously."

My face crumpled. "I already told you this for like a million times. Unlike you and our classmates, I don't have the luxury of time and money to join your profligacy."

She stopped playing and grinned at me. "I'm sorry dear, but you'll come with us whether you like it or not."

I gave her an annoyed look. "Then what's the point of asking me?"

She shrugged her shoulders.

"Stop pestering me, okay? I have more important things to do," I snapped at her.

She's been bugging me to join their outing, even though I already told her my withholding. And seriously, my head hurts already listening to her continuous whining.

But of course, she's Lei, her attitude might be different from Amber, but they have one thing in common. What they want, they will have it. Just like now, she's been bothering me again while I'm reviewing my notes. We have an exam later for god's sake!

"Why though? If you're still worrying about your expenses, I told you to leave it to me. And I can handle your bitch of a mother if she refuses as well." I laugh a bit on her last remarks. She knows the cold feud between me and my mother.

I let out a deep sigh and look at her with a serious face. "Lei, even if I want to come with you, I really can't. If it's not obvious to you, Amber doesn't like me. The only reason why I can't come along with y'all is because we're best friends, but if it is not the case, they wouldn't let even a single strand of my hair gets near them," I explained.

Seeing that I'm now serious, she dropped her phone and looks at me with a gloomy face. "But I want you to join, it's been a long time since we go out together in a trip," she said, sulking.

I didn't bother to reply because she will not listen anyways. This woman is a hard-headed bitch.

"Is your decision final? You will not come with us for real?"

I shook my head while my attention was still fixed on the book I'm reading.

"Fine, if you won't come, I'll just sell this, I feel like this is kind of expensive. What do you think, Lauren?"

I immediately raised my head to see what she was referring to. My eyes widened at the stuff she was holding, it's the bracelet that my Dad gave me on my 12th birthday!

"How the fuck did you get that?" I asked her, my voice rising out of irritation.

She sticks her tongue like a child and shows a playful grin. "None of your business, Ms. Lauren Brienne Lewis."

I glared at her. "Lorelei, give it back to me!"

That bracelet is very important to me, it has a sentimental value. That's the last memory of my deceased father before he left us.

"No, I won't give this to you not unless you'll come and join the outing. You wouldn't like seeing this in someone's wrist, if this is indeed important to you, don't you?" She simpered and look at me.

This cunning bitch is getting in my nerves.

"What now, Lauren? I'm waiting for your answer.

I tightly close my eyes and compose my self. I look at her with an irked expression.

"Fine, I'll come with you. Now, give me that freaking bracelet and let me read in peace."

"Yey! I know that you can't refuse my charm. God, how can I be so smart and beautiful at the same time?" She praised herself and smiled like a psycho.

Remind me how did I end up being best friend with this crazy woman.

I rolled my eyes. "Sorry to burst your bubble but you have no charm at all. You just black-mailed me, dimwit. Now give me back my anklet."

"Whatever you say Lauren."

"Whatever my ass. Just hand me that bracelet."

She grinned devilishly. "No. You think you can fool me? This precious little thing will be mine till weekend."

That infuriates me more. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Lei, I'm serious, give me back my bracelet."

I was about to pull her hair but she immediately dashed out of the room. I shake my head and just go back on reviewing. I wish that lunatic would fall down the stairs. Kidding.

The entire week days flew quickly and it's already Friday. Nothing really special happened.

Just like what was already planned, we'll be having an outing tomorrow. I'm still a bit hesitant going out with them because those stinkers might drive me away again. Though Lorelei already informed them and according to her, they have no violent reaction about my company, except Amber, which I'm definitely not surprise, I'm still not comfortable of the idea spending time with them.

The night breeze brushes upon my skin, my fingers fiddling on the hem of my clothes as I fix the things that I will bring tomorrow. To be honest, I'm quite excited because this is probably the first after a very long time that I will go out of town.

Tiny droplets of rain drizzled upon the rooftop, serving as the music of the silent night. A slight shiver run down my spine as the cold wind brush upon my skin.

The corpse of the man who allegedly committed suicide came back to my memory. The strange black rose really made me perplexed. It's also mystifying why his death did not cause any ruckus the other day. The entire university doesn't seem bothered about it. Really bewildering.

I shrug those thoughts away before zipping my bag. I look at the wall clock inside my room, it's already ten in the evening. My body fell in the mattress and I decided to pull myself into a deep and long slumber. I need to wake up early.

I close my eyes. I'm stressing myself too much on things that should not concern me at all.

THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW

"I wonder what they are doing right now, without having the slightest idea of the dark journey waiting ahead of them."

She was staring outside the window. The beautiful blue shade of the sky is beginning to darken into gravel-grey. Large pillows of cloud were forming, blotting out the gold color of the sun.

A certain photo suddenly caught her attention. Her eyes glistened with tears. "I'm going to make them pay for what they have done. I want to witness their last breath. I want to hear their pleas and cries. They will taste excruciating pain in my hands, I want to see them suffer and beg for their useless lives," she said flatly that would probably give shiver to anyone who will hear it. Her voice is stern, lifeless and void of any emotion.

She averted her eyes on the photo and gaze over the dark sky outside. The stars look like a multitude of sly pearls that adorns the night sky, and it's not less inferior to the ethereal glow of the moon.

"How about you? Make sure that everything is going according to our plan. We can't mess this up." She gave him a quick glance.

He nodded before sipping the coffee he's drinking. "I am ready for a long time. I've been itching to cut the veins on their neck and watch them suffer."

She laughed before sitting down next to him. "You always impress me on how you manage to keep your anger and get along with those bastards."

He scoffed. "You don't know how much I restrain myself every time I'm with them. The smile on their faces ticks me off. Their meretricious attitude makes it hard for me to control my wrath. I badly want to stab their heart and gouge their eyes out." His breathing became heavy, fingers twitching every now and then as he dangerously spout those words.

Her eyes flickered with immense fury. "Those things will not be enough to pay for their debts. I want to hear their cries of anguish. I want to witness their bodies bathing in blood. I don't know where they get the insolence to rejoice when someone suffers because of them," she said with the same amount of animosity.

Silence hover between them.

"Enjoy and have fun as long as you want, as long as you have time. Let's see if you can still laugh when the scythe of demise dig in your flesh. I can't wait to see tears streaming down your eyes," he thought to himself.

A smirk appeared on his lips as he stares into the gloom of the night. "We will kill all of you in the most painful way possible."