Our Secret.

"That's all for today's class, see you tomorrow."

That's the cue for our class to dismiss. But I don't want to stand in my chair. I don't want to go out in this classroom. I don't want the class to finish. Because I don't want to know what will happen to me after this. But I don't have a choice. Absent-mindedly, I put my things in my bag. And I feel a cold gaze towards me. I close my bag as fast as I could then stare back to the cold eyes.

He is Third. One of the famous boys in our Academy. He just stared at me with a bored look. Don't worry, I feel the same towards you Third.

"Follow me," he commanded me. I really don't want to follow but as I said I don't have a choice.

He walks in the pathway with chest out and stomach in. What a boastful man that keeps my nerves boiling. I just follow him behind. He is not that handsome. Also his skill in basketball is so-so. I really don't know why he is famous. I think he use *gayuma*, a love potion for girls to keep them in love with him. That's the only reason why they are so inlove with him. And also I know him a lot. He is not kind nor a gentleman. If you're not interested enough he can't look at you. Even in one glance, that's how he does towards me every single day. But today he looked at me, because his girlfriend instructed him to bring me to his girlfriend's house.

His girlfriend, Desiree, wants to talk to me. But I don't know if in a calm way of speaking or in yelling? When she yelled at me last day, at the rooftop. I know her with hiler bad attitude but after that incident I look at her like a demon. That girl thinks she's the most beautiful girl in the whole Academy. She also wants to be Miss Academy, a pageant in my school. And I am not sure if she will win. All students in the Academy think she's not pure when talking about kind things. Also she's not that pretty nor intelligent. And I don't think she has talent.

Me and Third are now in the parking lot and still walking towards his car. Will he drive me to Desiree's house? Maybe, because I don't have a car nor know where Desiree's house is. We stop in a red, sparkling sports car. What a beautiful car. Where on the earth did he get this luxury?

"Hop in," he demand

I just follow what he says. And he drives like this in a race. Crazy diver. If we had a car crash I would kill him. I watch him as he enjoys driving fast. I am curious why Third always obeys his girlfriend? I remember when Third and Jasmine are still together. He agrees to what Jasmine says. And now he has Desiree on his side and still he is complying with his girlfriend's demands. But whatever Desiree will say later I hope my patience will be long. I don't want to slap that girl. That's her territory and also she has a problem. And also I don't want to tarnish my good reputation in the Academy.

Many turns before we finally stop. And I see a big, beautiful modern house but this house can't make me awe. Because Jasmine's house is better. Jasmine's house is like a palace. Making you feel shocked, surprised and excited at the same time. So of all the houses that I've seen, Jasmine's house is greater than.

Desiree's house has a guard. And when the guard looked at Third no question needed as he just opened the gate for us. It is so obvious that Third is always going there and everyone knows him. As he steps inside the house I see many maids cleaning like there is no tomorrow. We climbed up stairs and he did not bother to look in Desiree's maids. What b*st*rd guy. I just bow to the maids and greet them 'good afternoon.' They greeted me back and followed Third as he opened the door.

"What did you do to my brother?"

Dumb found what I heard from Desiree as a step inside the room. She doesn't have manners to offer me a seat nor ask me what I want to drink. Also no introductions like 'good day' or 'how are you?'. She just jumps in the climax and just shouts what she wants to say. But I know her so much but I am still shocked. A rich girl promoting kind things in the Academy doesn't know what is kind. She just have a b*tchy attitude.

"I don't do anything," I said with my still voice.

"Liar. You said you also received the black mail. Then where is it? I want a proof."

She says that with an exaggerated tone as always.

"I throw it already. Because as I say at the rooftop. I thought it's a prank" I say with my coolheaded.

"You're lying. Okay Mandy, I will forgive you this time. Just give back my twin brother, alive and no scratch," she demanded.

If I am the one who captures her twin brother I will kill him with no hesitation. And the reason is Desiree's annoying condition. She's demanding even though she is not in the right position. But I am not a killer nor a kidnaper. I breathe in and out multiple times so my nerves will relax.

"Desiree, think carefully. What is the reason why I will abduct your brother? I am not his enemy for being school president. And if your reason out is I am close to Jasmine and I am the black mailer. Remember Third and Derek is the most close to her. We, you and me are just in circle of friends but not close friends," I explain length to her.

"So you want in a hard way don't you?"

She's using a mocking tone to me. And she never listens. She just wants to follow her wants and doesn't bother to hear any other suggestions. Even if it's the right decision.

"Okay, my parents have reported my brother missing to the police. And we already gave the black mail to them. They will trace you and put you in jail. And we will sue you. And no matter what you plead, we will not stop until you will get a whole life sentence."

She's crazy. She's like talking garbage. All that comes out of her mouth is garbage.

"Got that? Go out to my house. I don't want to see your face ever again," she said in vex.

I go out to her room and keep my composure at peace. I don't want to storm out and slap her all the way. I know she can't fight. She just cried in her boyfriend's arms. She just talks crap but can't fight. She got an ego to say that in my face. Even they give the black mail to the police I will not be track because I don't do that sh*t.

The door opens and I see Third looking at me like I am an insect. If I am an insect for him, then for me he is a disease. He is holding a healthy body until the host dies. What a sucker.

"I will drop you where you can ride a jeep."

He did not bother to listen to what I said. Like his b*tchy girlfriend. He just walk passed by me and walk straight to the stairs. I just chase him even I don't want to. It's so satisfying if I see him rolling down these stairs. As he promised he would drop me where jeeps are passing by, public transportation. I don't know how much the fare and where I will stop. Because this is the first time I went here in Demon's lair. I will just ask the driver later.

Right now, I am at the front of a house that looks haunted. It has a very creepy vibes that can make my bones shiver and also it's been very dirty for many years. It has a gate that has been locked but the fence is destroyed so the lock of the gate is not useful anymore. I hear something, like a creaking sound. I did not pay attention to that sound. Because I don't want an abandoned house plus the creaking sound in one. The creaking sound is continuously with a knock. The jeep is so slow today. Please jeep I need you right now. I don't want to listen but I figure out the creak and knock has patterns. Three creaking sounds, then three knocks and then three creaking sounds again. It's repeating. I am questioned right now. Is that a ghost? A ghost that has a pattern? Is there a ghost that knows the pattern? And also I think that pattern is familiar? Is that a morse code? SOS in morse code?

Because of my curiosity, I abandoned the jeep that I have been waiting for ages. And go inside the horror house. I follow the sounds. They say curiosity kills a cat. But I say I am not a cat. So here I am in the back of the creepy house. I believe the sounds are coming from the underground. Because I just found out that there is a door at the back of the creepy house that I guess is underground.

"If there is a human being there please knock two times," I shout.

I think I am crazy shouting like that. I have so many what if's right now. What if it's not a human? And thank goodness it knocked two times. Yey I am not crazy. Wait, that's the person below. I immediately open the door but it's no use. I think it's locked from the inside or whatsoever. I observe my surroundings then I see a big rock.

"If you're near the door, please step aside. I am throwing rocks to destroy the door," I shout out of panic.

I count to 30 to be sure that a person is stepped aside. Then I throw the rock with all of my strength. The door is not fully destroyed but it makes a crack. I kick the door so it will fully destroy. I kick and punch until the hole in the door is the size of a human. So I can enter freely. Then I see the stairs going down. It is dark so I use my phone and open the flashlight. I observe the scene and I notice a teenage boy that has rope on both his hands and feet. He also faced down. He looks at me and I witness there is a handkerchief in his mouth and he's crying a lot. I walk fast into him. I untie his hands but it's so hard. We were in a desperate situation so I cut the tie using my teeth. After I cut the tie in his hands he wanted to sit up. I helped him. He unties his mouth right away. And I untie his feet. This rope in feet is not troublesome so I untie just using my fingers.

"Are you okay Derek? Who did this to you? Are you in pain? Did you eat already?" I ask Derek continuously.

Yes I found Derek. He is alive.

"Mmmmm," he whimper

I notice that his neck has been slashed and has dry blood in his neck, clothes and even in the handkerchief in his mouth. I am horrified by what I saw. His neck's been wounded directly in his Adam's apple.

"I-i will call for help. Ambulance and police."

I really don't know what to say and what to do. But just tapping my phone with my hands is shaking uncontrollably. I feel sorry for Derek and afraid that he is in danger. I need to find help fast. Because I don't know what will happen to Derek.

Jasmine Go has a perfect life. Still in Grade 8 but she has so many achievements in her life. She is reigning Volleyball Captain, reigning Miss Academy of our school, reigning Secretary of the Student Council and incoming President of the Student Council next year.

And the cherry on top of all of this is she is born freaking rich. Their company is where my parents are working. And also Jasmine's parents give me a scholarship. Very rich with a golden heart. Jasmine also offers a friendship to me even though I am not rich and my parents are only employees in their company. Even though I am just a scholar of her parents. Jasmine is a kind, intelligent, beautiful and talented person that I've met. Everyone feels jealous of her. But for me I feel annoyed. And I want her to die.

I don't feel jealous. I feel angry. Feeling so angry towards her that I want her to be death. I feel like she's strangling me and I can't breath whenever she's around. Not in a physical way but symbolically. Where is my anger rooted? I can't remember. I just woke up in the morning and I felt so annoyed with her. Very annoyed that I want her to die.

"Mandy!"

Here comes again. Jasmine walking towards me with a smile in her lips. You are so bothersome Jasmine Go. When will you go away?

"Mandy, I am calling you many times already. Your stare at nothingness," she said with a smile in her small lips.

"Huh? What's that?" I ask like I didn't hear her.

I want to stare at nothing other than talk to you face to face like this.

"I said let's go to the canteen. Derek, Desiree and Third is already there. They are waiting for us," she said with a cheerfully tone.

"It's okay just go already. I am not hungry," I excuse myself.

"It's a free food, Mandy. Don't be spikey. Let's go," she say and pull me out of my chair.

We exit the classroom and walk in the pathway. And all eyes are on Jasmine. But she doesn't care. She just wears her full smile and pulls me hard.

"Hello Jasmine," one of the grade 9 female student greeted her.

I know she is a grade 9 student because of the color blue in her ribbon while the boys are neckties. As for us, grade 8 students, we wear yellow. Grade 7 wears green. And for grade 10 they wear the color red. That's how to distinguish the differences of grade levels.

"Hello girls! Eat your snacks don't let yourself get hungry. We will go to canteen to eat too. Bye," She happily said to them.

Miss Congeniality is Jasmine. That's one of her good traits. Everyone loves her because of that. But not for me, I hate her more because of that.

As we enter the canteen I see Derek, Desiree and Third are sitting in the middle of the crowd. There is no other table around their chair. Because of that they look special and they are like VIPs. What kind sh*t if this? Are you saying that all of you are the lead of a story? What main character syndrome affects your brain that can't be used logically. If you just pick out the table then not all of that student in the Academy can't sit in the canteen to eat. Yeah they are fish brains.

Jasmine dragged me towards the center of the table. And all of the students in the canteen at that moment are looking at us. I am not comfortable. Jasmine sat on a vacant seat next to her boyfriend, Third. And her right seat is occupied by her best friend, Derek. Left side of Third is where Desiree, twin of Derek, is sitting. And the only vacant left is between Derek and Desiree. This circle of friends where Jasmine is the core. She found it and made sure to handle it well.

Their are foods already on the table. 3 pizza, spaghetti and individual shake. And the flavor of the shake is avocado. The top list of my hate fruits. Who the h*ll buy this crap?

"Enjoy everything. I bought all of this foods. I hope you love it," Jasmine happily announce.

Well Jasmine, I am not counting your mistakes to me but my anger towards you has increased again.

"Thanks Jasmine, I need this it's so healthy," Desiree say.

Healthy? Where is the healthy? Shake? Pizza? Spaghetti?

"Let's eat guys, I'm starving. My snake in stomach is growling," Derek said and start eating.

They did not pray, they just eat. Whatever, I just pick one slice of pizza. It looks delicious because of its thin crust. But when I taste it my expectation is crushed. What kind of pizza is this? It's so salty. Crunchy and cheesy. But I only taste salt. No other flavor. Like tomato sauce and pepper. Are they sure it's legit? I look at my companions and they look like they are enjoying this piece of salt.

I just eat my one pizza and scoop some spaghetti. I already miss spaghetti because the last time I ate spaghetti was three months ago on my little brother's birthday, Antonio. I am looking forward to tasting this. As I take my first bite. My face turned sour. Why is this spaghetti sour? They did not use banana ketchup. Only tomato sauce, are they out of the budget? If I am cooking spaghetti I am using tomato sauce and banana ketchup, for Filipino taste. And I see them, as always my companions have no violent reaction.

I just finished my spaghetti and I am not scooping anymore. Even though I don't like avocado I still drink the shake. And it's yucky. The taste of the avocado is lasting in my taste buds. And I don't like it. Also I can't taste sweets. This shake has no sugar.

Why does all of the food taste like crap? And my companion seems to be enjoying it. But not for me. I feel like I want to cry. This is the one reason why I don't want to be with them. Rich food doesn't feel good in my taste buds. After we ate, they did not care about leftover food. They just put it in the trash can. And that's also the reason I hate them. They are wasting foods as if the money that they expending is theirs. That's an allowance given from their parents. Talk big to me if they got that money from their blood and sweat. If they know how to work hard. And not whining to their parents when their allowance has been cut off by 10,000. But now they are just bunch of spoiled br*ts to me.

"Did you enjoy guys?" Third ask.

Why is he asking a question? Jasmine is the one who pay not Third. Are he the spokesperson of Jasmine now?

"Yes, I really like the pizza." Desiree says.

Yes, I really like the pizza that tastes like salt.

"I love the way they cook the pasta well," Derek says.

Oh! Pasta, I thought, ko spaghetti. I love the way they cook pasta. It tastes like green tomatoes.

"Yes babe, I enjoy the shake so much," Jasmine said.

Why are you answering? You are supposed to be the one who asks the question. Well, yes, I enjoy the shake that tastes like avocado. It's not yummy.

I just nodded with a smile like saying that this food is so tasty and I want more. When they look at me and waiting for my plastic reaction. After that big joke of eating crap. Me and the two girls went in comfort room. They want to re-touch their make up. While me I just want to pee.

"Did my eyebrow mess?"

I heard Desiree say while I am in the cubicle sitting on the throne. Maybe Desiree is talking to Jasmine.

"Nope, it's beautiful."

I hear Jasmine say. I am right they are talking to each other. And praising each other like h*ck. After I finished peeing. I flush the toilet and fix my skirt and open the cubicle. I see them busy in their faces. I just went in the sink and wash my hands.

"You need to powder your face Mandy," Jasmine said.

I just look at her with a bored face.

"I don't have a powder," I reason out.

"Don't worry you can use mine," Jasmine offer her make-up.

"No, it's so embarassing," still refusing her help.

"No need to be shy. Here."

She put a sponge in my face and started dabbing it gently. She is so serious about putting powder in my face. I look at her face. I can't deny that Jasmine is so beautiful. She doesn't have pores and she has pure white skin. She also has natural pouty lips. And she has thick eyebrows and eyelashes. And her best asset is her big light brown eyes. She also has long and straight hair lying down in her waist. She also has curves and she is tall. My height is 5 'flat and I am the same size as her. Jasmine 'Perfect' Go indeed a perfect. Irritating.

After she finishes what she's doing in my face. She turned my head towards the mirror. She smiled while looking at our reflection.

"Done! Look, your so pretty," she says.

She's right, I am more pretty right now. She just put simple powder but the effects on my face are so obvious. Maybe because the powder has high value ingredients. That makes my face vibrant. Or Jasmine is good at make-up. Na-uh the high price powder is the true answer of that question.

"Yeah we are pretty," Desiree says while making herself in between me and Jasmine.

What the h*ck is she doing? I just make myself out of the frame. I don't want to look so desperate like Desiree's doing. After that we decided to go back to our classroom. As we walking the Miss Congeniality, Jasmine, get greetings again.

As we enter our classroom. Third and Derek I saw them sitting at the back. And feels they own the back row. We are in alphabetical order but the br*ts at the back feeling VIP's as always. Desiree and Jasmine walk towards the boys. And I sit in my designated chair. At first Jasmine insisted that I will sit in the back. But I say I can't see the board. And that's the time Jasmine let me go.

Class hours are the best hours in school. No annoying Jasmine and her friends. Then our teacher in this subject entered our classroom.

"Class I will return your quiz paper last time. And congratulations to Jasmine Go who perfect the quiz. Let's give her a round of applause," our teacher said.

Our classmates clapped and were happy for Jasmine. The Jasmine 'Perfect' Go is still annoying sh*t out of me. I just clap while smiling too. But in my mind and heart I hate it.

When I received my quiz paper I got 5 points wrong only. I am proud of my self. After that our teacher discuss her subject matters. Studying times runs so fast. And the last subject lasts. I put my books and notebook back from my bag. And ready to go out in our classroom.

"Let's go in my house. Derek have good movies. Let's watch it together," Jasmine says as she approach me and stop what I am planning to do.

"No, it's okay. Just enjoy the show without me," I reject her offer.

"Nope, I don't accept 'no' as an answer. Let's go!"

She just pulled me hard out of my chair. Third, Desiree and Derek are waiting outside the classroom. We walk together as she pulls me happily. She never gives up on my rejections. And she didn't understand that I don't like to join them, particularly her. She is the main reason why I hate joining them.

Me, Third and Jasmine are in Jasmine's car. While the twins are in their own car. They has a driver that's a good thing. And whole ride is like h*ll. Jasmine is talking and talking while me and Third is just listening. I salute Third for being good listener toward his girlfriend. Maybe Third is also annoyed inside just like me. He's just smiling like me but he's hiding his strong disagreement for Jasmine. Maybe or maybe not. I really don't know what going on someones mind.

When we arrived at our destination, I was still captivated by Jasmine's house. How this place looks and big as a real palace. And how this looks like a spaceship in NASA on how amazing that technology is. How many times have I been here? Can't count anymore but still I am captivating in this house.

We took the elevator and went to the cinema hall. This house has its own cinema that looks like a whole cinema hall in Malls. And yeah they have elevator because they are lazy to walk. I just want to roll my eyes. But I stop myself. Even they are not looking at me I know if I roll my eyes my perfect goody to shoes image will suffer. So I just breath in and out to release my frustration.

Jasmine's maid operates the movie. And we just sat their and watch movies. What a great life. Being a Jasmine is so easy having money and everything. You can have the world and change it on what you want to do. Many people want to be her except me.

"Dunno if my brother and sister will go but I invited them already," Jasmine says.

I never met Jasmine's brother. But I know he has own separate castle. He is senior high but don't want to go to class. He shut himself in his castle. And the castle is not far away from Jasmine's house, they are same compound. And still receiving allowance from his parents. I've met Jasmine's little sister, Precious. Once and we didn't talk. Maybe she didn't remember me at all.

The movie starts and I sit in front of the cinema. And no one dares to sit next to me and I am glad for it. Because it's hard to watch movies in front. You can't see the whole picture. It's okay, the movie is not good. A typical love story about a poor girl that falls in love with a rich boy. So I don't bother myself to understand the movie. I just focus myself on eating. Because Jasmine is rich and they own a popcorn machine and soda machine. I enjoy these unlimited snacks. And I am happy that my poor taste buds like popcorn and soft drinks. Before the movie finished I almost fell asleeps. Thank goodness no ones next to me so no one see me in my sleepy state. And I am glad the boring movie finish. I stand up and stretch my body because I feel stiff. I am about to say goodbye but Jasmine and always Jasmine interfere with me.

"Did you finish the project already, Mandy?" she ask me.

"Yes."

Not actually knowing what project she is talking about. Because we have 6 projects and I only finished one. Still currently making the other 5.

"Can you stay? Cause I need your help," she plead to me.

What the h*ck Jasmine? Your so self-centered b*tch. I know your genius and I know you can make your own project. You just want me to be your servant and make your whole projects. You're lazy.

"Sorry I had lot things to do in our home," I said to her.

I want to go home already. I don't want to stay in the same place with her. I feel suffocated whenever she's around.

"Please pretty please?"

She's not cute in what she's doing. More like desperate. And while I am making more excuses in my mind. Someone texted me. I opened my phone then an idea hit me hard.

"I am sorry Jasmine. I really want to help you but my Mama text me already. And she wants me to go home now," I say.

Then I ran towards this big palace. I ran and did not wait for what Jasmine would say. Because the truth is my Mama is not the one who texts me. An unknown scam message. I just got that opportunity to escape from Jasmine. And I succeeded. When I got home my siblings, Ante Lume and her son welcomed me. Ante Lume is the one who babysit our baby Armina. As I go to school and my parents are at work, we need Ante Lume. I iron my uniform and my brother's uniform for tomorrow. And I cook our dinner. My excuses about many house chores are true. I am an older sister and I am responsible for household chores and my siblings. My parents arrived late and because of that I slept late too.

Tomorrow is another day. I wake up early, not bothered by my baggy eyes. I cook our breakfast. And we eat together. Breakfast is important meal of the day. And also very special to us. Because this is the time we eat together. I arrived at school and was confused why Jasmine has not yet arrived. I know Jasmine is always arriving first. But now she's late. Many minutes later Derek and Desiree arrive at the same time. Because they are in the same house. And before the bells rang Third arrived. But no Jasmine. Our advisory teacher arrived with a sad expression on her face.

"Class, I have a very sad announcement. Jasmine Go committed suicide last night. We will take a minute of silence to pray for her soul."

My teacher said that clear but it doesn't sink in my brain. I feel like it's just a prank or something. Still did not recover from what I heard. But someone sobs loudly and reality spank me. Jasmine 'Perfect' Go is dead. My wish has been answered. And I am so happy right now. But I feel sad at the same time. What a roller coaster of emotion I am experiencing.

I saw the ball falling towards my face. I quickly adjusted my stance, jumped, and hit the ball towards the net. The ball landed right on the opponent's line. They couldn't stop it, and we scored a point. Our score leads to more points over the opponent's. Because of that, we won against the other school that came to our school for a practice match.

"Yeaaaaaaaahhhhh"

My teammates cheered, and we gathered in the middle, hugging each other. That's our volleyball team tradition – we hug each other when we score, no matter how sweaty we are.

"Good job, captain," my teammates congratulated me.

"Good job to all of you too," I replied.

I am now the Volleyball Captain, after Jasmine's incident. After the match, we headed to the changing room for us to change. I prepared my change of clothes and removed my uniform for volleyball. Then, I went to the shower room. I gently massaged my entire body and let the water flow over me for a moment.

It's been a year since we found out that Jasmine took her own life. The entire school mourned and grieved for her. It was a sudden event, so everyone cried intensely. After her burial, groups starts to form for the awareness of the suicide issue. Different campaigns were launched. And until now, Jasmine is still the face of their campaign.

I turned off the shower and dried myself with a towel. I left the shower room and noticed my teammates were getting dressed as well. I changed into my school uniform because we still had afternoon classes. After I changed, our coach announced that we would have practice after school. As the captain, I need to inform my teammates again.

I left the gym and headed to my classroom. While walking down the hallway, I saw a tarpaulin on the announcement board. 'Vote for Desiree for Miss Academy'. Desiree is now running for Miss Academy, a title once held by Jasmine. Also she and Third are now a couple, and they announced it about a month after Jasmine's passing. They comforted each other during Jasmine's absence and developed feelings for each other in the process as they said. Third became the Basketball Captain and initiated the suicide awareness campaign. He gather for funds to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Meanwhile, Derek is running for President of the Student Council. Jasmine was supposed to run for this position this year, but it won't happen anymore. The four of us managed to be very okay after she passed. Even Jasmine's parents, according to my parents, are expanding their business.

I didn't feel too sad like the others when I learned that Jasmine had taken her own life. To be honest, I didn't really feel sad at all or mixed emotions. Is it just a normal emotion maybe? And maybe it's because I'm still angry at her. Even now, I haven't forgiven her. I'm still mad at her. But I'm moving forward; I won't get stuck. So I'm setting aside my feelings towards her every now and then.

I made my way to the classroom and took my assigned seat. I also noticed Derek seated at the front and Third and Desiree sitting together at the back. I heard some giggling coming from the couple at the back. Third and Desiree is talking loudly like there is no one around this classroom. And now that I realized Third is clingy. He wasn't like that when he was still with Jasmine. After Jasmine passed away, our so-called friendship dissolved. Jasmine was our core, and without her, the group fell apart. The couple is not talking to me, I am like air to them. And Derek is not in favor of the couple's relationship. It's fine with me. I might not be able to stand Desiree's fake attitude and Third's foolishness for too long. Derek is still okay to talk to, although he only wants to talk to Jasmine.

Class ended, and I messaged our group chat to remind them not to go home yet because we have practice. After that, I headed to the gym.

As I walked towards the gym, I saw Derek putting up his campaign tarpaulin for the Student Council with his allies. I briefly read the content of the tarpaulin and continued walking to the gym. I didn't have any issues with Derek before, and I don't have any now. Maybe it's because our relationship is normal. We're just classmates.

I saw the basketball players stretching, led by Third. We made eye contact, but I quickly looked away. I wasn't angry at him before. However, something has changed since Jasmine's death. Maybe it's because of how quickly he got together with Desiree and he was a jerk to me now. That might be the reason. Regarding Desiree, I've known for a while that she was fake to Jasmine. If she wasn't Derek's twin, Jasmine wouldn't have included her. It's just a guess. I don't really know what was on Jasmine's mind.

I headed straight to where the volleyball team was practicing. I pushed aside any thoughts about the others for now. My focus is on practice. We're practicing diligently because we'll be competing in a competition next month. We're excited to bring home the trophy. Last year, we didn't win because Jasmine had just passed away, and we couldn't compete to mourn for her.

So this time, we want to win the trophy for Jasmine. I don't want to do well because for that reason, but my scholarship for senior high school is at stake here. I need to impress the sponsors who will watch the competition and I want to get a scholarship. And maybe I can even get a scholarship for college. If that happens, my parents won't have to worry about my tuition fees anymore. So here I am, giving it my all best to get noticed.

Our tiring practice finally came to an end. The grade 7 students were picking up the balls and nets. Meanwhile, us grade 8 and grade 9 students headed straight to the locker room to change. That's how it always goes, the never mentioned rule. Grade 7 students do the tougher tasks for the team. Similar to being a ball girl, refilling water, or looking after your teammates' bags, especially during games in other gyms, are common tasks. When you're in 8th grade, you might not need to do those tasks anymore, but you're also not yet included in the lineup, especially if you're not good. When you're in 9th grade, you could be part of the lineup even if you're not that skilled.

I experienced all of that, but now I'm finally the captain. There's only one person I know who didn't become a 'servant' in 7th grade. That is Jasmine, she immediately made it to the lineup. So, she passed all her tasks on to me back then. I worked twice as hard in 7th grade because of her.

But it's not because of that why I'm angry at her. I got annoyed back then, but it wasn't deep-seated anger like it is now. Why I am remembering Jasmine 'sh*t' Go again? Can you believe that even when you're gone, you still manage to trigger my anger towards you? Could you just stay quiet wherever you are in this world or in hell? I know you can't go in heaven. I'm done taking a shower and I caught up with the grade 7 members in locker room.

"Thank you for today, Captain," my members greeted me again.

"Thank you too. Go home and rest," I reminded them all.

"We will," they replied.

As I left the gym, I saw Desiree sitting on the bleachers. She's probably waiting for Third. I just ignored her and headed straight home.

When I got home, I found Aunt Lume with my three younger siblings and Aunt Lume's son, Lucas, who's 3 years old in our garden. My siblings greeted me as soon as I arrived.

Arturo is 10 years old and currently in grade 4, Antonio is 5 years old and in kindergarten, and Armina is still a baby. Aunt Lume takes care of Armina and picks up Antonio from school. She's our neighbor, and Mama and Papa asked her to take care of our siblings out of pity. Because Aunt Lume's husband left her and her child were still young to work far away. She didn't have anyone else to leave her child. So, Mama and Papa hired her as a nanny because they felt sorry for her. She also earns while taking care of her son, Lucas. When I'm at home, Aunt Lume heads home to rest. So she can relax and do whatever she needs to at her place. Then I cook dinner for us. Because our parents often come home late, I usually prepare dinner. After I cooked We had dinner and Arturo and Antonio changed into their pajamas. I put Armina to sleep and changed into my sleepwear too. I also put the two to sleep, although they'd probably play around a bit before falling asleep. I'll wait for our parents before I go to sleep. That's my responsibility. I need to be on watch since they don't have their keys. When they arrive, I head straight to my room. I can easily fall asleep when I'm this tired. That's why I slept soundly, not worrying about what would happen the next day.

The next day, we didn't have a practice match in another school, but we had practice in the afternoon. I immediately messaged my teammates. Classes for the day ended. I went straight to the gym for practice. All my teammates were already there. I opened my locker to change into my sports clothes.

After changing, we began our intense training again. They aim to win the trophy, while I aim to catch the attention of potential sponsors. Our goals are different, but we both working hard.

We did some stretching and ran around the gym. Then we started passing the ball. Even though the grade 7 students weren't playing yet, they still participated in practice. They might have to substitute if someone from our team gets injured. But I hope no one gets hurt. We also had a friendly match against each other. And the time came, practice ended.

I took a deep breath to catch my breath, which I'd been feeling since earlier. I wiped my sweat away with my palm, which had been resting on my forehead. Then I went to where I placed my drink. I took a sip to avoid choking and grabbed a towel to wipe my face, which was drenched in sweat.

"Mandy, we have practice again tomorrow afternoon. Remind your teammates," our coach instructed me when he approached me.

I nodded in agreement.

The grade 7 members needed to tidy up before they took a shower. I went straight to our locker room. I opened my locker as I usually do.

A black envelope had fallen to the floor from my locker. I picked it up and checked who it was from. There was no information, so I put it in my bag. I'll find out what's inside and who sent it later at home. For now, I need to take a shower.

When I got home, I finally looked inside the black envelope. Inside was a black piece of paper. Luckily, the writing was in white ink, making it readable. It said:

'Dear Mandy,

You forgot to give me flowers at my grave yesterday. It's my death anniversary yesterday and even on social media you didn't remember me.

But anyway I am not to gonna nag you. I just want to remind you. And your sins. I mean you thought no one will know. Expose your secrets before putting yourself in danger. A friendly reminder.

Ps. Did you know Derek cheats, especially in math exams.

your understanding friend,

Jasmine.'

Who the heck did this shit? Whoever did this, it's not funny. It's just infuriating. They're involving the person I dislike just to annoy me. Whoever you are, I hope karma gets you.

I just tossed the letter into the trash because it's a pointless prank. I won't pay any more attention to it. And why involve Derek? If they're blackmailing Derek, why write to me?

They're causing unnecessary stress. I'll let it go this time as long as they don't repeat it. If they do, I'll report them to the principal or the police. Good luck, blackmailer, because no one's going to fall for your tricks.