THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, AND THE evening air suddenly upsurged; I settled the letter on top of the bed and readjusted my eyes to perceive the thick expanse of dusk. But the lone rays of moonlight from the tall window creeping amid the dark red curtains help me from the sudden rigidity; walking out of the bed before grasping the leather cloth that blocks the overcast blue rays of moonlight—just as I hoped it would be—the moonlight-rays enlightened the room with the most eerie and disconcerting way.

Where are you? I thought as I closed my eyes, holding the curtain too tight between my fingers.

I've been feeling that something was wrong lately, and the intuition of doubt that someone has been following me has been thriving itself into life; I open the curtains wider, hearing the shuffling sound of the crisp linen fabric before putting its edges on the lock-pins. When I finally settled the massive curtains, I searched for the candlesticks and matched them, opening up the drawers near the bed.

The obscurity made the things harder to find, but I peered my eyes to see the objects as visible as I could, fishing out the conjoint equipment that's been put inside of the wooden drawer—my fingers suddenly graze into something that had a sharp edge but smooth base, taking it before confirming that it's a match, lighting up the reedy candlestick and the room was filled with the dull and flickering lights emitting from the candle.

The drawer was left open, and I held my light source, finding more candles to be lit when I found something adjacent to the other things instead; it was a red velvet box with a beautiful rose sculpted against its opening. My hands touched the smooth granite, and my chest rose from the familiar excitement, taking it from the drawer before fathoming its details—I felt bad—But I wanted to see what was inside…

My hands instinctively brushed the box, having a mental debate about whether I should open it or not; when I finally made up my mind, putting manners before curiosity—I put it back inside, closing the drawer, leaving a crisp sound of 'thud' midst the deafening silent of the room.

I suddenly froze when the candlelight vanished as if someone had propelled it; the room grew into an unearthly cold, and the hair behind my neck stood.

"Mary Jane…" the baleful voice of a female whispered through the evening air.

I closed my eyes, and fear overtook me—my whole body became stiff—my breath got caught up in my throat—my heartbeat stopped from the sinister voice behind…

Don't answer back…or she'll remain…

"Why are you ignoring me?" the voice sounded livid and subterranean; her throat was gurgling from liquid, and the disturbing cold brushed against my ears.

A sob escaped from my lips, and I shut my eyes tight, holding my nightgown tightly between my fingers, and my whole body shook violently, fearing the voice that's been haunting me in every one of my nightmares…every night…

"If you don't answer me, you will die..."

"Just leave me alone,"

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

"Stay away from my life."

"I will… If you do what I want…"

THE WOODEN DESK FELT COLD and dull against my forehead. The distant chattering of my peers seemed to be chaotic and raucous, so I held up my arms and covered my ears, trying to relax my state on my first period since our lecturer hadn't arrived yet—last night was a living nightmare, and It troubled me to the point, that I haven't been able to sleep like I did a few days ago.

I didn't tell Dominic what happened because I wanted to deal with this alone.

My mind was so preoccupied with my thoughts that I didn't notice Alex sitting at our desk—I was expecting that he would also slump like I did since he always likes to sleep, but what he did surprised me the most.

"My brothers are talking about you lately,"

His voice sounded rich and deep; it was a public r from a kitten. I became stiff about whether I should face him directly—because I hadn't seen his eyes before—I swallowed down my nervousness and raised my head slowly from the table.

Alex's eyes were silver. It was intensely captivating and sincere; it juxtaposed his thick, long eyelashes and pale features—I tried not to space out long enough to answer his question, putting the blond strands of hair behind my ears. "Perhaps it's because some of them are my friends," I spoke unsteadily.

He lazily smiled and rested his head sideways on the table, observing me. "You seem to be a decent and nice lady."

"Thank you, I appreciate the compliment."

"What's your name again?"

"Mary Jane Heathers, but you can call me whatever you like," I smiled courteously.

"I'll just call you Jane since it's easy to pronounce." He started to yawn, and his eyes started to flutter close, but he fought the urge to return to his slumber.

"I know it's already late, but thank you for lending me your book when no one else did. I owe you one for saving me on my seat work,"

His silver eyes kindled, flashing his slow smile spreading across his lips, "You're welcome. But you don't have to be too courteous; you can just call me Alex. I'm completely fine with it."

"Right, and thanks again, Alex," I smiled more genuinely this time.

Alex's features softened, and I became acquainted; he seemed strangely comforting and adhered. Even though I still felt quite hesitant to talk with him, we discussed some relevant information about ourselves until he finally slept, and I listened to the lecture, frequently glancing at the new acquaintance that I had.

When the third period started, we proceeded to the University's Auditorium instead of practicing in our lecture hall—the auditorium was magnificently wide, good enough for a thousandth people to be acknowledged, and the stage in the center looked explicitly elegant, with a smooth combination of dark red curtains and outright wallpapers for the scene breakdown, even the black leather chairs are meant for luxurious plays, occupying almost half of the enormous auditorium.

Mrs. Hopkins thought our acting would be better if we were self-conscious, so she let the other people from different classes watch our rehearsal.

The actors and props-men were gathered accordingly, divided between the backstage and the front, and each one had to do something before the English time ended. Alda seems to be displeased by the sudden decision of Mrs. Hopkins, but she later agrees when there's no other way to alternate her state. When the groups were being organized by Mrs. Hopkins, Reid stood beside me.

"This is your first time performing, right?" Unlike Alex, Reid's voice sounds grim and irritated at the thought of talking with me. His red eyes glare directly on my frame.

"Yes, it's my first time."

"Interesting, it's barely unusual for a new student to perform in front of a thousand people unless you're seeking your own fame?"

His words stung in my chest. But my barrier was too vulnerable, so I managed to hoax, "What if it really was the reason?"

"So you have the gallantry; I look forward to this play."

The hair behind my neck stood as Mrs. Hopkins's subdued announcement echoed backstage—Alda nodded in encouragement across the room, and the characters proceeded according to their appearance. I got out backstage since I would be playing on the first up to the second scene, bidding my practiced script to George, playing the role of Miranda's father.

Only a few people are entering the auditorium. I was slightly relieved when only Mrs. Hopkins watched our rehearsal. A massive spotlight blinds me while I'm on the stage, and my eyes barely open because of the light.

"Ms. Heathers, you must open your eyes while acting." Mrs. Hopkins scolded when scene 2 ended. The entrance opened, and few students had entered, but I recognized three faces, making my stomach churn in displease.

"Let's proceed on the next scene, chop, chop." She said while clapping her hands twice.

I walk back onstage with the other characters, lowering my head in sudden embarrassment and peeve. I'm quite sure that Calvin and his fraternal brothers are here to mock me, and they are doing their job precisely so far.

Alda gave me a bottle of sparkling water when she saw me. Her dark curls were darker and slightly straight due to the sweat dripping from her forehead. She wore a gray tank top covered with paint, knowing that she was a props man, and her sweater was now tied around her petite waist, covering her black sweatpants. "You can make it; there's only a week before you know it. This nightmare will finally end." She muttered under her breath.

I nodded and took a sip from the bottled water.

"By the way, I heard Mrs. Hopkins scolding you a minute ago. Why?"

"It's because I'm uncomfortable by the spotlight, and I unconsciously closed my eyes while acting…" I mumbled, grasping the water bottle.

Alda patted me on my shoulders, "It's just a matter of time, and believe me. After this play, you're gonna be like a celebrity. Most leading characters become popular in Mastema after they go through the theatre stage,"

The stage crew suddenly told me the next scene was due in five minutes. Alda nodded in encouragement, and I smiled faintly, grabbing a ribbon before tying my dark blonde hair. I smoothen out my crumpled skirt and stand in front of the thick red curtain, Reid came beside.

He didn't speak a word and seemed as peevish as before; his hands were placed in his pocket, and his red eyes were fixed in an agitated frown. It took another three minutes before we entered the front stage. All chattering was abruptly stopped, and the soft, melodic background music played against the speakers.

I was initially uncomfortable when Reid started to deliver his line—the massive spotlight still blinded me, but I forced my eyes to open and fought back the tears starting to form. When Reid finished his first part, I managed to deliver mine with my most steady and genuine voice, but my uncomfortable and nervousness ate my attention away. Mrs. Hopkins noticed it, too, but she didn't say anything.

"Those red lips, Desir's for belonging; will you grant it upon your future spouse, my dear Miranda."

It's not on the script.

Reid took me off-guard when he said those words—I never see this on the manuscript that Mrs. Hopkins gave us. I steal a glance from her, and she seems to be anticipating the part while the audience grows more interested, even the triplets. I swallowed the protuberance in my throat, saying an ad-lib line before Reid insisted again.

The spotlight turns dimmer, becoming fuchsia, before Reid comes closer. Brushing the strands of hair behind my ears alarmed me—he delivered his few remaining lines, but I was half-focused on his axiom.

My heartbeat became heavy when he came closer, holding the side of my head; he barely even made an inch when I turned my head.

"Cut! Ms. Heathers, why did you turn your head?" Mrs. Hopkins chastised with a frantic voice.

I didn't respond, and my cheeks burned from shame; she bit out a few words concerning my act and finally dismissed us. Reid shows no emotion after the play, interspersing with the other peers from the other class—but my eyes suddenly prickle from the spotlight and the embarrassment, letting the tears fall to ease away the pain.

Nobody will notice, nevertheless.

My head remains low when I walk towards the exit, already halfway through when those three brothers block my way; I'm not now, please, I thought, but I froze when Enrique embraced me and Calvin ran his fingers through my hair. I was hesitant when the triplets cornered me, and one of them held me even though I always hated them—but at least they cared.

'Don't cry, lamb; we promise we'll make Reid pay the price." Darius whispered softly.

I held the tempest book in both of my hands when I entered the library, reminding myself that I should thank the librarian for letting me loan her books five weeks past—the air in the library was comforting and crisp; even the scent of old books and fresh books calmed my state. There are tall and small shelves combined, organized and well-taken care of. I was about to walk towards the librarian when I went to the long wooden tables instead, surprised when I saw Luca sitting at the next table beside mine.

He flashed a kind smile and maneuvered towards the seat before me, taking the books placed recently on his former table. "Hi, Mary Jane." He said timidly when we were only spaces apart. I fought the giggles when his soft blue eyes revealed his genuine emotions.

Luca's blonde hair was slightly curled, and he looked like a baby angel that I always see in paintings; his skin was not pale but an apricot color complemented by the blush in his cheeks. He wore his uniform quite clumsily, just like what I always did while wearing mine. "Hello Luca, I didn't expect that you're also here in the library," I said as softly as possible to avoid being caught by the librarian.

"I always go here every Tuesday and Friday because I hate attending my Reading Class,"

"Why is that? It's not that bad,"

"It's not the subject that I hated, but Reid is. He always acts coldly against me and has acted like that since your play started." He grumbled under his breath.

I interjected and figured that Reid was intimidating and quite peevish. Not was, because he's already been like that since we first met in the detention class.

"I understand, but I have one question to ask, if I may,"

"You may, Mary Jane."

"Why do you always seem intimidated when we're in our gym class?" I said as honestly as I could, anticipating his response.

Luca paused for a while, carefully choosing his words. "I'm not intimidated, but I'm just cautious because you look so beautiful and kind, and Emily might tease me that I'm a crybaby and childish when I talk to you timidly in front of her."

"You seem to be close friends with Emily," I smiled.

"That's because she's been my classmate since we were in the first grade, but I always think of her as my big sister since I never had one. And my brothers would frequently ignore me or, even worse, use me. Just like my three brothers would often act whenever I'm around them."

"Did you feel comfortable towards the popular group?"

"No, not even once; I always perceive them as fake." He shrugged, and then his blue eyes lit up, "Oh, I just remembered that you have your rehearsal today; how is it?"

"It's worse actually because there's part of the scene that's not even written on the script,"

I thought that Luca might ask more, but he didn't press, and I decided to take the initiative, "Luca, I have some favored to ask; it's not that big, but I wanted to keep it a secret for now."

"It's fine, what is it?"

"Can you help me with the information here in our school? Since you've already studied here for quite some time, I think you're the only one who could help me."

He didn't have any second thoughts, and he agreed instantly. Now, I finally manage to take my first step. I alleged in my mind.