"Deep vengeance is the daughter of deep silence."

Vittorio Alfieri

CHAPTER TWO

     "Are you sure you heard right?" I asked Nicolas as he was cleaning the lens of his camera. Nicole, on the other hand is trying to fix her mask. It was tweety bird's face. She must've caught me staring at her so she looked back, with wondrous look. I smiled and she did the same.

     "I might just be silent about Justine's dirty works the whole semester, but she crossed the line," I sensed him tightening his grip on his camera, his eyes glitter with anger, "Hurting my friend is not something I can just ignore," I stood beside Nicole and helped her with our mask, "I don't actually know what Mr. Castor's role here. But I know for sure he took part."

     "So, Mr. Castor was also part of framing me?" The sun, almost at the horizon still shines brightly, casting shadows behind us, "Was it when he didn't turn himself to the office when he was asked if he took my phone? I don't think we, I mean, I have done anything wrong against him. What will he gain out of this?" It was then I suddenly felt like the whole student body and the reagents really hate me. Ever since I entered the school, I know I'm left out. Given the fact that I was just from the poor faction and was admitted through a scholarship grant. No one befriended me on my first year, they treated me like an eyesore and been the center of their badmouthing, it never stopped. Of course it bothered me until I got used to it. The twins were in different private school back then. I was in a living hell. I wanted to transfer so bad but even a public's tuition, we couldn't afford. That's how poor our family is. I could work my ass off while studying but this school is one of a kind. The reputation is so good that anyone who graduates from here with the highest GPA will be granted an automatic pass on any university in the city, all expenses paid. Time to time, I stayed quiet and become some slave who accepts their orders. I did all the things I could possibly do, one mistake, even my scholarship wouldn't help me survive, they can kick me out of this school if they had the chance. And this was their chance.

     "Well then, let's start the operation," Nico said and started to lead the way, "I heard the witch talked to Mr. Castor that they will meet at the old library," he looked at his watch then smiled wickedly, "We'll be arriving ahead of time. Everything's going well."

     "How did you know? Aren't you being a stalker, brother?" Nics teased and I just giggled. The twins were my savior the past two years when they got transferred to this school. It was for my sake, they say. Their family owns a big company in town so I think it's a good reason why the students never crossed path with them. They took my side and the students grown to ignore me then.

     "Shut up, Nics. Of course, to make this plan work, I needed to gather some dirty data. It took me 3 days before I finally caught her. This better not fail," this is the first time I saw Nicolas so ferocious. He's a silent type of boy, he talked less, typical introvert. I really love their company, "If this works, you wouldn't be suspended anymore, Trinity," I heard him whisper.

     "About that. What if someone caught me in the school premises this day? Even the issue will be cleared, I still disobeyed the school rules."

    Nics grabbed the hem of my blouse, I looked at her and she smiled.

     "Leave it to us," she exclaimed.

     We arrived at the old library. Nico opened the door and it was really dusty inside. I could smell the old books and shelves rotting as time passes by. This is the first time I’ve been here. It was huge and spacious. The spiral staircase leads you to the next floor and thick, old books - looked like older than our school's director, were there. I covered my nose to avoid myself sniffing around and sneezing because of the dust.

     "Expected time they'll arrive?" I asked as Nico looked around to find some place to hide.

     "Around 5," 5? Why in the world would a student and a teacher be in a secluded place in that said time? Don't tell me..

     "Nic-" Nico covered my mouth and pulled me to sit down. Aw. My fingers were just pinching my nose, you know.

     "Shhhh, here they come," he said. I gulped and I can feel Nics tightening her grip on my arm. The door creaked open and I can see two pairs of feet walking.

     "I waited for this," a man's voice echoed inside. Mr. Castor? They continued walking until they have passed our location. Nico stood up, Nics and I did the same. A tall shelf was blocking our presence, perfect for our hide. Nics started to use the mask and I just giggled softly.

     "I think that isn't necessary anymore," I commented as she shook her head, "Well, if you wanted to use it, go on."

     I heard the footsteps stopped and I peeked through the books and saw Mr. Castor sitting on a chair. Justine was well..

     "They're going to do it," Nics said and turned her gaze to the guy beside me, "Nico, this will not end up good," she said, holding the hem of her skirt. Her eyes now were looking down to her shoes. Her legs were shaking terribly, "They'll catch us."

     "Why are you being a chicken now, Nics?" Nico positioned the camera, the lens on a perfect place to shoot the disturbing actions going on inside this library. Nico clenched his fist against his chest, "This will end soon. Get a good grip there, this is for Trinity's sake, okay?" And he started to push the record button.

     "Well you have done your part, even if I have to do this in return," that was Justine and she started to take off her blazer, "Just keep your mouth shut. Don't tell anyone that it was just a set-up," I knew it!

     "She's talking about the lie that Mr. Castor took your phone and brought it to that room," Nics muttered under her breath.

     Mr. Castor's starting to touch Justine's skin now. And I can't help myself but have goosebumps.

     "I'll only let you do this now, mongrel!" Justine seemed unentertained by this. It was just this old man's perverse desires. But still, both of them is on the wrong path, "I'll do anything to give that girl hell."

     And it struck me, like a bomb. She hated me that much? But why?

     "Trinity," Nico called. I looked at him and he was blushing hard. That's a first, "Take over the camera," without asking, I nodded and we exchanged places.

     "Why'd you take all these measures just to have her out of this school?" Mr. Castor asked while caressing Justine's chest. I gulped and I felt my face heat up. More importantly, that question has the same objective as mine. I want answers.

     "Why?" I heard Justine's voice tone got higher and my blood started to rush faster, "She's just a commoner but she has it all!"

    "Inferiority complex?" Nics asked.

     "More like insecurity," Nico answered as he leaned against the shelf.

     "She topped all throughout the semester, she's pretty, she's talented even if she doesn't have any friends! Except for the Haynesworth twins. What do they even see in her?"

     "That's the most absurd reason I have ever heard!" Nico raged. I can agree. Just because of that? "And that's because Trinity is a kind girl!"

    "You're quite a jealous classmate, huh?" With that, we heard a moan. The three of us got alarmed with the awkwardness resulting to Nico's sudden movement, causing the shelf he's leaning on to quaver. Some books fell, "Who's there? Shit!"

     "The camera!" Nico informed. I got the camera and pushed the stop button. He tossed my mask and used it, "This is the time for it to be useful."

     We heard Mr. Castor's ragged voice and heavy footsteps coming our way. This is bad.

     Nico pulled my hand as well as Nics'. We went the other way when we saw a glint of shadow on our side. The only thing I knew was we're getting far from the exit.

     "Nico, I think we have to split up," I tossed him the camera and I pulled my hand away from his grip. He grabbed it again and we stopped running just to hide below the desks to discuss.

    "Are you crazy? Then one of us will get caught!"

     "You've done your part, let me do mine," he gave me a confused emotion but I can say he's angered.

     "But, Trinity.." Nics looked at me with concern.

     "It's okay, Nics. You guys shouldn't be caught, you're both my witnesses, right?"

     "Yeah, but-"

    "Nico! Listen to me!" He shut up and looked down, "It's pointless if the three of us get caught here, Mr. Castor is a grown man, there's a big chance he can catch us. Look," I held Nico on his shoulders, "Take the camera and go, while I lure them away from the exit."

     "What will happen to you?" Nics asked. I smiled at her. Smiling is the only thing I can do to reassure her. It's not like we'll die here anyway.

     "Don't worry, I'm a commoner, escaping from bullies were my thing during my freshman year. I'd get out of this, unscathed," I joked. But I, myself is getting nervous. Like something is going to happen hereafter.

     "I understand," Nico finally gave up, "Then here's the plan-"

     The plan was clear, but it didn't sound like I would be the decoy, instead, Nico presented that I should stay put and let them do the running. So - the exit's on our southwest, if I would to locate where they are, based on where the sound of their footsteps came from, that might be at somewhere on our west or near the exit. If we force our way to the exit, they'll see us or they might be even waiting for us to go there. Our location seemed crucial, or an advantage, which is near the center of the library. Fortunately for us, they lack number so basically, cornering us would be out of their option.

     "I'm going to throw this book on our North. Specified distance from here to its landing point may vary though. Once I make sure their distance is already on the direction of the throw, Nics and I will start running to the exit, it will buy us time before they can chase us and you will have to distract them if they did," I nodded, "The shelves will cover for you. Don't get caught, Trinity. But you see, you can also consider this option, run with us. I am ninety-nine percent sure they won't be able to chase us."

     "Even a one percent chance can change the turn of events in this situation, Nico."

     "I know you're still here!" Shouted Mr. Castor. Just as we figured, they are somewhere near the exit. They pretty much secured it first.

     "On three, I'll be throwing this," Nico waved the book in front of my face. He turned to his sister saying, "Nics, you have to get your legs riled up, consider this as a ten-meter sprint in PE."

     "Okay!"

     "One," Nico started but we heard the footsteps hitting against the floor, faster and faster, "Forget the counting!" He then threw the book, unluckily, because of his anxiousness, the distance of the book was shorter, "This is bad."

     "I'm going to run, hide on these and when you see them pass this direction, run!"

     I didn't take any more of their complaints. I ran to the History section and I can feel heavy presence coming my way. This is not good. There's nothing in this room that can actually cover for me. I ran to my only hope, a room. Locked the doors and the banging on the other side started. I pushed all the things I can get against the door to stop them from opening it.

     "Having a problem?"

     I looked around but there was no one inside but me. Hallucination?

     "Come out!" It's Justine now, "I know it's you, Trinity! Get out, now!"

     "Need a hand, Allison?" Same voice again and how did it know my name?

     “Oh come on. I’m not in a state of panic and the last thing I would want right now is a pudding, not a talking room!” I rolled my eyes. I actually am panicking, not from being cornered but because of the voice I’m hearing.

     I gazed around and I saw something unnatural. A book encased in a glass cage. It was glowing and it flickers when it said, "Come, the Academy needs you."

     I moved closer out of curiosity. What is this?

    "What Academy are you talking about?" I asked. The things I got to block the door started to fall down.

     "Explanations later, Alice."

     "I’m not A-" The light shone brightly against my eyes. And before I knew it, I was already travelling into some unidentified space.