Chapter 28: Friday the 13th, Full Moon, Unfortunate Thirteen.

It will be my last five days in Athena High School. Sa loob ng isang linggong pananatili ay maraming nangyari sa akin dito but now those are just memories. I still have few days to enjoy here.

Kahit wala na si Phobie, I'm still thankful dahil buhay pa kami. For me Phobie is a hero. She sacrificed herself by jumping down on a fast moving car to save us at ito lamang ang sumabog. Though we never really had a long conversation, she will never be erased in my heart. She's a friend for me and she's one of the best.

"Special A, nakikinig ka ba?", pukaw ni Khael sa akin. I have this bad habit of reminiscing things and totally ignoring people around me.

"Uy, Khael. Anong sabi mo?", tanong ko sa kanya. Looking at him, I'm also thankful dahil nakilala ko ito. Also, his friendship with Gray inspired me a lot. In desperate times, Gray would call to him as if he's asking for a friends encouragement and it makes me want to find my own best buddy through thick or thin.

"Sabi ko, will you marry me", wika niya which made me frown.

"Yung totoong sinabi mo", wika ko sa kanya. If I would be a typical lady, I would already have fallen head over heels in love with him. Ano nga ba ang hindi kaibig-ibig sa isang Mikhael Timothy Alonzo? He's drop-dead gorgeous. Smart. Rich. Gentleman in every manner and he has a cool and humurous attitude that will surely attract girls.

But things aren't easy as they are. Hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang Genesis. Though they already left Athena, it doesn't mean that everthing will be fine. They left, that's what we presume since wala na kaming nakikitang suspicious sa Athena and things aren't eerie like the way they used to be.

Back with Khael, as I was saying, he could be a perfect prince for every girl. He's been bold in his ways of telling me that he likes me yet he never made a move to court me kaya iniisip kong baka pinagti-tripan lang nito ako.

"Sabi ko, anong susuotin mo mamayang gabi sa acquaintance party", wika niya. He was eating a pizza roll na kinuha niya mula sa plato ko. Jeremy was on the long line for the iced coffee.

"Pajamas", sagot ko.

"Ha-ha-ha. Okay na?", he said and made a face. "Sige na Special A, sabihin mo na para terno tayo."

"Khael wala pa akong napiling suotin", wika ko sa kanya. Like I've said, I wasn't a typical girl. I don't shop for clothes few days before the party or have my nails fix or prepare a six inch stilleto. Nah, that's not me.

"Aren't you wearing a long gown?", he asked. Meh! Long gown eh?

"I'd rather wear a nightie", wika ko. It was actually a lie ngunit mukhang sineryoso yata nito ang sinabi ko.

"Aheeem. I will be looking forward for that Special – uh!" Natahimik ito ng hinagis ko sa kanya ang coke in can na hindi pa nabubuksan.

"Ang savage mo Bes!", wika ng kararating lang na si Je at nilapag sa harap namin ang tatlong iced coffee. "So, ano na? Handa na ba kayo mamaya? Wait, dude do I need a haircut?", tanong niya kay Khael at hinawakan ang buhok.

"Hmmm, let's see", Khael said at sinipat ang mukha ni Jeremy. "Yes you need one. I suggest you should shave your head."

Hinampas ni Jeremy ang kamay nito. "Kalbuhin kita dyan eh." Pinanuod ko lamang sila habang naghahampasan, too bad with Jeremy, hindi hampas ang binibigay ni Khael kundi mahihinang suntok.

"Oh, nga pala, may sabi-sabing matindi daw ang pagdadaanan natin mamaya sa PE class natin", wika ni Je. "Sugo talaga ng Diablo si Sir Monte. Kalahi ni Satanas—"

"Hoy, baka may makarinig sayo", paalala ko sa kanya. Mahirap na baka magka-record pa ang exchange student na si Jeremy Martinez at magba-backfire ang impression na iyon sa Bridle.

He lowered his voice and whispered to us. "Kalahi ni Valak, Sinister, Kayako, Sadako, Black Bride, Anabelle, Chuckie—"

"Sino yan Je?", tanong ko sa kanya. I have no idea who those people are.

"Seriously Special A?", naka-pokerface na wika ni Khael.

"Sino nga? Teachers din ba yan dito?", tanong ko sa kanila at napafacepalm si Jeremy.

"Ugh, Bestie. If they would be teachers here, I bet kung hindi ka mag-alsa balutan pabalik ng Bridle", sagot ni Jeremy. Uh, they're weird. Sino ba kasi ang mga taong iyon?

That afternoon ay tila kakaiba nga ang ambiance nang pumunta kami sa gym para sa PE namin. Just like Bridle, Athena does promote sports at hindi lamang puro zumba at pagkuha ng BMI ang ginagawa namin sa PE.

Pagpasok namin ay nakaupo sa isang monobloc chair si Sir Monte, and just like what Jeremy said, he had a demonic expression. He was neither smiling nor frowning. He maintained his pokerface hanggang sa makapasok na kaming lahat sa gym.

No one dared to speak. It seems like Sir Monte is not on his best mood today kaya ramdam ko ang pananahimik ng mga kaklase ko. When I look around, there were targets which looks like human figure at may red dot sa ulo at sa puso. May mga bow and arrow din sa tabi ni Sir Monte so no doubt this will be target archery class.

"Squat on the floor", wika ni Sir Monte at naupo naman kaming lahat. "What do you think will be our activity today Miss Lopez?"

Tumayo ang estudyanteng tinawag ni Sir Monte. "Archery Sir."

"Okay, sit down. What are the equipments used in archery, Mister Deltran?"

Bored na sumagot si Zywon ngunit hindi ito tumayo. "Bow and arrow, of course. And the protective equipments like the Bracer, Finger tab and Thumb ring.

"Good one but next time learn your manners and stand up when I'm talking to you", wika ni Sir Monte but Zywon just ignored him.

"We already had a discussion on this right? This is target archery and a unique one because I'm carefully testing your accuracy.  As of now, let's have a one by one practical application", wika ng guro at tumawag ng pangalan para maunang gumamit sa bow and arrow.

"Saan ba sila gumraduate ni Maam Saderna? Bakit ang hilig nila sa mga sariling variations sa mga activity nila, yung parang may hidden agenda kumbaga?", bulong ni Jeremy sa akin. Hindi ko na siya pinansin at nanuod lamang sa mga estudyante who shoots at the human-figure targets at varying distance. We were called alphabetically. Khael did good but he wasn't able to hit the heart but he was close. When it was Zywon's turn, ganoon din ito. Jeremy's not good at all. His arrow was too far.

When it was my turn, I slowly raised my arms and focused on the target. When I released the arrow, everyone's mouth gaped open when I hit the center red dot. Yeah guys. I've been doing this since I was a kid.

I shoot on the next distance and just like the first one, it was on the center of the red spot. The last target which was the farthest was no sweat at all at pumalakpak silang lahat. Uh, it's not necessary. I hate attention.

Akmang babalik na ako sa tabi nina Jeremy nang magsalita si Sir Monte.

"Wait Miss Sison", wika niya. "Please take five steps backward and then shoot."

Saglit akong natigilan but I did as what I am instructed. Bullseye.

Sir Monte took deep breathe. "Take another five steps backward", sumunod ako sa sinabi niya. It's a bit far but maybe I can still do it. When I positioned myself to hit the target ay pinigilan niya ako. "Wait up Miss Sison, I'm yet done. Mr. Alonzo and Martinez, please stand beside the farthest target."

Napasinghap ang lahat sa sinabi ni Sir Monte at mas lalong nagulat ako. "But Sir...."

"Just do as what I say", wika niya. Nakita kong napatangis bagang si Khael and Jeremy had a scared expression on his face but he just followed Khael. "Stand close to the target. Make sure you only leave a small opening for the arrow to pass. And you Miss Sison, hit the head."

Biglang napatayo si Zywon. "Nababaliw ka na ba Sir? That's dangerous—"

"I'm not asking for your opinion Mr. Deltran so take your seat."

"Delikado ang pinapagawa mo. If Just Amber would miss her shoot—"

"Then we'll leave that to her if she let her shot miss", bumaling siya sa akin. "Now shoot."

Zywon groaned at tiningnan ako ng masama. Ang mukha ni Khael ay seryosong-seryoso samantalang mababakas naman ang matinding takot sa mukha ni Jeremy.

My hands were shaking. Paano kapag hindi ko to nagawa? Then I'll be harming either Khael or Je!

"Shoot Miss Sison."

Muli kong inangat ang kamay ko but I can't focus this time! Napepressure ako! What the hell is this teacher thinking?

"Shoot."

Hindi ako gumalaw matapos kong ibaba ulit ang kamay ko. My mind was black and empty at hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Lumapit si Sir Monte sa harapan ko at tinawag ulit ang atensyon ko.

"Miss Sison! I told you to —"

Inangat kong muli ang kamay ko and pointed it to him. No, I wasn't pointing at him. I'm pointing my arrow at the target kung nasaan din si Khael at si Jeremy ngunit dahil nasa harapan ko si Sir ay parang nakaturo sa kanya ang arrow na hawak ko.

"What? Are you—" I released the arrow and it passed him, grazing his cheek. The arrow landed on the target which passed through the small distance between Khael and Jeremy. Napasigaw sa tuwa ang mga kaklase ko at pumalakpak. Khael ran towards me and he greeted me for being awesome.

"Nice one Special A", wika ni Khael. Bumaling siya kay Sir Monte na halos hindi makagalaw sa harapan. His right cheek where the arrow graze was bleeding. It seems like he was shock for what just happened. "Oh, Sir. I think you need to put a bandaid on your cheek."

Saka lamang ito tila natauhan. "What on earth was that Amber Sison?", galit na tanong nito. His voice boomed on the four corners of the big gymnasium and he really sounded so pissed. Natahimik ang mga kaklase namin na panay ang cheer ng marinig ang galit nitong boses.

"You told her to shoot so she did. Hindi na niya kasalanan kung nakaharang ka, Sir", Zywon said. He stood up and emphasized the word 'Sir.'

Nagdilim ang anyo nito ngunit saglit lamang iyon. He stared at me at pagkatapos ay kay Zywon. "Class dismiss", wika niya. "As of the two of you, Mr. Deltran and Miss Sison, follow me at the detention."

Lumabas siya ng gym at naiwan kaming lahat na tahimik doon. Nang makalabas ang lahat ay muling umingay and they all told me that I was amazing.

"Grabe ka Bridle Girl! Idol", wika ng isang lalaki kong kaklase.

"You're a legend Bridle Girl! This is the first time that Sir Monte's humiliated!", wika naman ng isa.

Patuloy pa rin ang pagbati nila sa akin nang magsalita na si Zywon. "Sorry fans. Your idol have to go to the detention. Let's go Just Amber", wika niya at nagpatiunang naglakad. Agad akong nagpaalam sa kanila at sinundan ito, totally ignoring how he called me Just Amber.

Uh, detention huh? Well it's really a Friday the 13th. This detention was a bad start, I guess.

The counselor talked to us for a while at parang wala lamang iyon sa amin ni Zywon. Ilang saglit lamang ay tinapon na kami sa madilim at masikip na detention room. Good thing there were only the two of us.

Habang nasa loob ay walang nagsasalita sa amin. Nagtatalo ang kalooban ko kung kakausapin ko ba ito at magsosorry sa kanya for dragging him into this mess.

"Sorry", mahinang wika ko. Bahagya siyang mag-angat ng tingin at tiningnan ako.

"For what?"

I sighed. "For this." I roamed my gaze around the area.

"It's not your fault Just Amber. It's my freewill to tell those words to him. You don't have to apologize", sagot niya sa akin. His fault? But I think it has something to do with me.

"Still, I'm sorry." Yes, maybe he was worried about Khael being accidentally hit by the arrow in case I will miss it so I believe it has something to do with me.

"Let"s see it in a positive way Just Amber. Being in the detention means I won't be able to attend Filipino class. I hate that subject", wika niya at naupo sa sahig. Sumandal siya sa dingding and he bumped his head slowly on the hard wall. "Oh, that was amazing. And you know what? Mas lalo lamang tumindi ang pagdududa ko sayo. What I see in you is not what you are. I'm now thinking you are a dangerous woman. You're fearless and you don't seem to have a weakness."

"That's not true. In fact, I'm  weak. I can't stand dark places. I panic with guns. I'm afraid of ghosts and ghost stories. I have so many fears Zywon. I have so many weakness too so you have a wrong impression about me", wika ko sa kanya. Not because I'm good in archery, I'm good in all things if that's what he is thinking.

"But it's written in your eyes that you are strong", wika niya. Naglabas siya ng malalim na hininga. Mukhang andami nitong pasan na problema. I wish I could know some but I don't want to ask him about it. "Mabuti ka pa. I think the reason why you put your ass in other's business is because you don't have trouble yourself. You've got a complete family...."

Nahimigan ko ang hinanakit sa boses niya. His issues about losing his mother must be his biggest problem. Iyon marahil ang pinagmulan ng iba pa niyang problema.

"My life isn't perfect and Im just fortunate that I haven't lose a family like you do but open yourself Zywon. You have a life ahead you. Wag mong hahayaang lamunin ka ng galit at pighati mo", wika ko sa kanya. "You're still human after all."

Tumawa siya ng mapakla. "Of course, I'm human. I'm living because of my beating heart. Alam ko iyan Just Amber."

"Just because you have a heart, it does not make you a human. You need to have emotions in that", wika ko sa kanya. His life must be very boring. Wala akong nakikitang barkada. Maybe he shuts himself to the world.

Hindi na ito nagkomento pa at naisip kong ayaw na niyang pag-usapan pa ang tungkol doon. Hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog na pala ako sa habang nakasandal sa dingding.

I was woke up by the voice who keeps on calling my name. Nang buksan ko ang mata ko ay nakita ko ang nakasimangot na mukha ni Zywon.

"Detention is over and acquaintance party will be tonight at eight. If I were you magmamadali na ako, girls usually take too much time in fixing themselves", wika niya. Uh, I'm not one of those girls. Agad akong napatayo at pinagpagan ang sarili ko. When I glanced at my wrist watch, it was already past five in the afternoon, ibig sabihin ay magdadalawang oras din kami sa loob ng detention since it was almost three when PE ended.

Umalis na si Zywon at umuwi naman ako sa dorm. Pagdating ko roon ay wala pa ring tao gaya ng inaasahan ko.

Black and white acquaintance party. Gusto kong dumalo pero hindi ako naghanda ng masusuot. I opened my drawer at naghanap ng damit and that's when I spotted my black fitted tube dress. I brought along my black knee length boots kaya iyon na lamang ang susuotin ko mamaya.

Agad akong naligo at nagbihis. While preparing ay tumatakbo sa isip ko ang tungkol sa kwento ni Khael about the Unfortunate Thirteen.

It was past seven when I considered myself ready. I wore the black tube dress na hapit sa katawan and paired it with a black knee length flat boots. Nilugay ko lang din ang mahabang buhok ko. Good thing it grew fast after it was being cut at London.

The make up that I did myself is light and simple. I just applied a little pressed powder but I emphasized my eyes with thick eyeliners and waterproof mascara. I also wore a red lipstick for a change. Panay lipbalm lang kasi ako kapag umaalis. A knock on the door caught my attention and it was a girl wearing a black long gown. Nakasimangot ito sa akin ng pinagbuksan ko siya.

"Khael is waiting for you outside", wika niya at tila disgusted na tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Uh, what now? I wore black right? And I don't think my attire isn't appropriate. As far as I can remember, the acquaintance party announcement said it's a freestyle-attire as long as it's black and white. I thanked the girl at kinuha ang itim ko na hand clutch kung saan nakalagay ang wallet at cellphone ko. Agad akong bumaba kung saan naghihintay si Khael.

I almost gasp when I saw him. He looks so dashing in his black suit over a black jeans. A combination of formal and rugged attire. He was smiling all the way ngunit bahagyang napakunot ang noo.

"Yo, Special A. Are you having a action movie taping?", wika niya sa akin and I smirked at him. Uh, I admit, I really look like an action star of an action movie for such outfit but who cares?

"Ha-ha-ha. Okay na ba?", wika ko sa kanya, returning to him his words kaninang umaga.

"Well, I bet you're gonna be an eyecatcher. Oh, you look like Nikita by the way", he said while chuckling. "You got a gun on your leg?"

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at mas lalo lamang itong natawa. He offered his arm to me. "Let's go My Lady", wika niya at agad naman akong umabresete sa kanya.

Pagdating namin sa Grand Hall ay marami na ang naroon and it made me regret my outfit. Tila nagpapatalbugan ang lahat sa suot nilang black, white or black and white na cocktails at long gowns! My outfit was out of place!

Uh, who cares? This is a freestyle-attire party anyway. Bumulong ako kay Khael. "Do I look disgusting? Why does everyone looked at me that way?", tanong ko sa kanya.

"No Special A. You look so amazing", he said sincerely and it made me wanna blush. Khael is really a sweet-talking guy. Hindi ko alam kung binobola ba niya ako o hindi.

A handsome guy in a white longsleeved polo and black jeans walked towards us and it was sooner when I realized that it was Jeremy. He really got a haircut which made him look so fresh.

"Whoah. You're handsome Je", wika ko sa kanya and he gave me a shy smile.

"So as you Bestie. You look fierce. Not second, not third but fierce", Jeremy said which made me and Khael frowned.

"Yo dude. Saan ang binyag?", tukso ni Khael dito. Agad naman nitong sinagot ang huli.

"Ikaw? Saan ang lamay?"

I wanna laugh at them. For a week here ay naging close ang dalawa. Pareho silang nagbabarahan ng kung anu-anong mga salita.

The hall was amazing. From the area decoration, to the lights and sound system. There was even a DJ. The student council pulled some strings kaya may tila bar doon which serves cocktails with less alcohol and ladies drinks. There were even guys who did some flairtending which was really amazing.

Agad na pumwesto kaming tatlo doon and I was so out of place. Marami ang lumalapit kay Jeremy at Khael upang kausapin ang mga ito! They really wanna be acquainted with them samantalang ako ay halos mabusog na sa kakainom ng inumin na isineserve ng bartender. Maingay ang paligid kaya wala akong marinig sa mga nag-uusap sa tabi ko. Isang bartender ang lumapit sa akin at nagbigay ng isang inumin.

"Compliment from the school Ma'am", wika ng bartender at agad ko namang tinanggap iyon matapos magpasalamat.

Bahagya ko iyong inamoy at dahil halos lumubo na ang tiyan ko sa kainom kanina ay hindi ko na muna ginalaw iyon.

"Bestie, ibaba mo kasi ang isang kilay mo para naman may maglakas-loob na makipag-usap sayo", wika ni Jeremy. Uh, seriously? Am I raising it like all the time?

Suddenly, the music was off and a spotlight was in front. Lumabas ang lalaking nakasuot ng glasses and he greeted everyone.

"Hello guys! Are you enjoying the night even if it's Friday the 13th?", tanong nito and the crowd cheered yes. Tumabi si Khael sa high stool na nasa bar counter.

"His name is Robert Vincent Yu. He's the SC president", wika ni Khael sa akin and I nodded.

"You've heard about the Unfortunate Thirteen, right? Are you excited to know who will be part of it?", tanong ulit nito at muling umingay ang paligid.

"Hindi ka ba kailangan doon? You're an SC senator right? Hindi ba kayo ang nagplano sa kung sino man ang magiging unfortunate thirteen?", tanong ko kay Khael but he shook his head.

"Nope. SC has nothing to do with it. It's the regent's choice", sagot niya. Muli akong nakinig sa nagsasalita sa gitna.

"Now take a look at the glasses that we're given to you as compliment of the school. Tingnan niyo ang pwet ng baso and look if there's a gold seal with the numbers on it and if there is, please proceed outside kung saan naghihintay ang kotse na maghahatid sa inyo sa 13th room ng mansion sa 13th street. Happy Friday the 13th!", wika nito and everyone look at their glasses. Dahil may laman ang baso ko ay agad kong inilipat iyon sa isang baso and there was a gold seal with the number 11 on it!

Gotcha! I'm one of the unfortunate thirteen. Uh, I don't know if I should be glad or not but my curiousity about the Unfortunate 13 was strong.

"Oh, I'm number 4 Special A", wika ni Khael.

"And I'm number 11."

Je came to us showing his glass. "Look guys, I'm number 7! Should I'll be happy to be unfortunate?", he asked. I saw Khael's expression became serious for a while bago kami lumabas. We presented our glasses at agad kaming hinatid ng mga sasakyang nakalaan.

Naghihintay sa amin ang isang itim na sasakyan kaya agad kaming sumakay doon. Agad iyong umaandar at nang sulyapan ko si Khael sa tabi ko ay tila nasa malalim ito na pag-iisip.

"Oh my God! We're all doomed! Kasali tayo sa Unfortunate Thirteen", excited na wika ni Jeremy. Uh, we're doomed pero mukhang natutuwa pa ito "I had this feeling that it's gonna be a good night."

Napatingin ako sa labas ng kotse. The streets were not dim at dahil iyon sa malaking buwan. Tonight was a full moon and a Friday the thirteenth. Whatever will happen today on the thirteenth room of the old mansion at the thirteenth street, we never know.

It took a while before we arrived at the old mansion. Just like what I have imagined, the mansion was creepy. Malaki iyon at old colonial style. Pagbaba namin ay sinalubong kami ng isang babae.

"Welcome Ma'am, Sir. This way please", wika niya at giniya kami papasok sa mansion. There were dim lights there but the light from the big bright moon passed through the mansion's big windows. Napahawak si Khael sa aking braso.

"And I thought I won't be in this mess but then Robert said this isn't a SC activity. Damn", wika niya. Umaandar na naman ang pagiging matatakutin nito.

"Hala? Bakit nanlalamig ka dude?", Jeremy asked him at agad na siniko niya si Je.

"I'm not. Wag ka ngang kumapit sa akin", wika niya.

"Takot ako Dude", Je answered and I made a face to both of them. Great! The three of us are afraid huh?

"I thought they're trying to convey an unlucky ambiance. Hindi naman nila sinabing horror pala", Khael said. I looked at the area. There weren't cobwebs like what displayed in the horror houses at sa halip ay malinis ang paligid it just happens that the area was dim.

"Pwede ba, bumitaw kayong dalawa sa akin", wika ko sa kanila at tinanggal ang nakaabriseteng kamay nila sa braso ko. "Hindi ito Halloween kaya walang horror."

Agad naming bumitaw ang dalawa. "Yuck Dude, matatakutin ka pala", kantyaw ni Jeremy kay Khael.

"I'm not."

"Kunwari ka pa."

Patuloy lang sila sa pagtatalo hanggang sa dumating kami sa harap ng pinto kung saan may nakasulat na 13. The room was very large at may mga pinto pa sa loob ng silid na iyon. In fact ay papasa iyong living room dahil sa lawk niyon. When the girl open the room, there were already five people inside and to my surprise, Zywon was sitting on the black sofa inside.

"Oy, nandito ka pala Zywon", bati ni Jeremy dito and the latter just smirk. Niyaya akong umupo ni Khael doon and he stared one by one at the people inside. His facial expression was serious as ever. I wonder what was going on his mind.

"Hoy."

Bahagyang sinulyapan niya ako.  "Yes Special A?"

"Anong iniisip mo?"

"Something's not right here", bulong niya sa akin.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?", tanong ko sa kanya. Ano naming hindi tama sa nangyari?

"Do you know some people who have friggatriskaidekaphobia?", tanong niya.

"What? I know Triskaidekaphobia, it's a fear of number thirteen but what's with the frigga?", tanong ko sa kanya. Nakinig na rin si Jeremy sa usapan namin.

"Frigg is the Norse goddess where the word Friday is derived", sagot ni Khael.

"Ibig mong sabihin ay fear of Friday the 13th ang froggy thirdy phobia, ganoon ba yun dude?", wika ni Jeremy. What the hell?

"It's Friggatriskaidekaphobia. Yup, that exactly it is", sagot ni Khael. "It's a perfect time to creep out someone with such fear. Full moon. Thirteenth room. Thirteenth street. Thirteen people. Look around, there are thirteen roses on the vase, thirteen paintings on the wall. Thirteen single-sitter sofa.  Everything here is thirteen."

Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya. "Why? What's wrong with it? Hindi ba kaugalian na ito ng Athena tuwing acquaintance?

Umiling si Khael. "Of course not. Ngayon lamang nangyari na tumapat sa Friday the 13th ang acquaintance party. Yes, there are other activities before but this one's different lalo na t hindi ang SC ang nag-arrange nito. I heard about this few days ago, usap-usapan naming ito sa SC office. Ayon sa kanila, one of the regent used to love a number thirteen too much so he devised this scheme."

"Anong nakita niya sa 13? Hindi ba unlucky number iyon?", tanong ni Jeremy.

"Yes. A theory which says that it is unlucky is the Judas theory. Remember Jesus' twelve disciples? During the Last Supper, he's the thirteenth one to sat on the table but that's debatable dahil walang written accounts na magpapatunay na siya nga ang ikalabingtatlo na naupo sa mesa", paliwanag ni Khael. "Other theory which explains why thirteen is an unlucky number is about the Norse God of mischief, Loki, which is believed to be the thirteenth god in the Norse Pantheon. According to the myth, he devised Balder's death and he was he thirteenth guest to arrive at the funeral."

Meh, mythology? They're interesting but I believe that they really meant to be myth only and not a reliable basis for facts.

"But still, those are myths kaya wag kayong maniniwala doon", wika ko. Natahimik kami nang muling bumukas ang pinto at dumating ang babaeng naghatid sa amin dito kanina. She was was with another two to make up the list. Pumasok ang dalawang bagong dating at naupo sa bakanteng mga upuan. Nang muling sumara ang pinto ay nagpatuloy sa pag-uusap ang mga naroon. Everyone was very excited for this scheme.

Isa-isang tiningnan ni Khael ang nasa loob ng silid. "Something's not really right here", bulong niya ulit. Ginaya ko siya at tiningnan ang bawat isa. There were already ten people inside at apat sa amin ay babae. All of us were wearing black and white clothes dahil nanggaling kami sa acquaintance party ng Athena.

No matter how I look at each other, wala akong nakikitang mali. Two girls were busy chatting at one side. Ang dalawang  lalaki naman ang panay tawanan sa pinag-uusapan nila. Zywon was busy with himself. He was not talking to anyone at tila malalim ang iniisip nito. The two people who were the last to arrive are lovers at may sarili ding mundo sa isang tabi. Tatlong tao na lamang ang hinihintay at makokompleto na kami.
Biglang tumunog ang isang speaker na nasa loob ng silid.

"Good evening Unfortunate Thirteen. Please have a little patience and let's wait for the remaining three guests that will complete the list, thank you", wika ng boses mula sa speaker. The voice was manly and authoritative kaya marahil iyon ang sinasabi ni Khael na bahagi ng board of regents ng Athena High.

"Excited na ako. The last event like this was the cotton-candy party na in-arrange ng SC last year. That was amazing ayon sa kaibigan ko na naging kasali sa Special Twenty", wika ng isang babae. She was giggling in excitement for what privilege will she get for tonight's event.

"Do you know about this cotton-candy party?", tanong ko kay Khael and he nodded.

"Yeah, I'm still part of the SC last year and we're the ones who came up with such ideas."

The door flung open at uniluwa niyon ang dalawang lalaki. Umupo sila sa bakanteng upuan at nakipagkumustahan sa mga naroon na kilala nila.

Good. Only one guest left amd the Unfortunate 13 will be complete.

"I really have a bad feeling for this", wika ni Khael.

Nagtatakang tiningnan ko siya. "Why?"

"I'm not yet sure, but if my deduction is right, I will tell you the moment the last guest arrives", sagot niya sa akin and that's when the door opened at pumasok ang isang lalaking nakasuot din ng itim. He looked around the area and there was a hint of surprise and recognition in his eyes nang dumako ang paningin niya sa gawi namin.

"Silvan?", tila hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Khael. Napatayo siya at lumapit dito. "What are you doing here?"

Maging si Zywon ay nagulat din sa pagdating ni Gray. Nagbulong-bulongan din ang ibang naroon. Of course they knew Gray. He was a famous one way back on his stay at Athena.

Lumapit siya sa amin at nagtatakang tiningnan ako. "Just as I thought. Nakatanggap ako ng isang special invitation from Athena inviting me on this event and telling me to wear something black. Naisip kong  isa itong trap mula sa organization and looking at everyone here, yes it's a trap but there's a possibility na hindi ito mula sa organisasyon."

Khael smiled. "Yan din ang iniisip ko. This is a trap. The people here are not ordinary Athena students."

Sumingit si Je sa usapan ng dalawa. Everyone was back on being busy chatting with each other kaya walang nakakarinig sa usapan namin.

"Ibig sabihin, extraordinary tayong lahat dito?"

"No, we don't mean it that way. You see those two girls over there? That's Khaye Alarcon, heiress of the Moonbeam voices, one of the largest recording companies here in the Philippines. Ang kausap niya ay si Grezel Luisana, heiress of large building rentals here. That guy in his black and white suit, he's Anthony David, son of a known rich and popular politician. The other guy in white is Zach Araneta, oh well, the Aranetas are known so I guess I don't have to introduce their enormous business. The couple over there are Ralph Legazpi, known for his family's chain of hotels, his girlfriend Shaina Becera, daughter of Arthuro Becera, the CEO of the largest software company here. Zywon's family owns large chains of famous resorts and spa. The other two guys over there are Marlon Ponce, his family is known for their hospitals. Terrence Arevalo is an heir of the known manpower agency and other large factories. Alonzo is a son of a police chief but his mom is a known businesswoman from a known family. My dad's known in business world too or maybe they knew about my mafia connection after all", paliwanag ni Gray.

"Oh, I'm surprise you knew all those people", komento ni Je. "But I'm not from a famous family. My parents are starting only a small business."

"So am I", pagsang-ayon ko.

"You're just flowers to this event. The host of this party just wanted to invite the exchange students in Athena", wika naman ni Khael.

But why does the host which was a part of the board of regents invited rich people inside this huge mansion? Ano ang iniisip nito?

Natahimik ang paligid nang muling tumunog ang speaker na naroon.

"Magandang gabi sa inyo Unfortunate thirteen. I'm glad that you're all gathered here. You might be wondering what this was all about. This is a dangerous game of survival in which you will consider yourself as unlucky. You will meet unfortunate events in this mansion. I will not limit you in that small room, you're free to roam around the mansion to find the number which was written in your glass at the party and for the guest, the number on the envelope.  But every time you hear a bell rings, you have to gather in this room. The ring will only happen once a particular person finds his number at kailangan nating i-recognize iyon. You will not be leaving this house alive if you don't find all your numbers. Happy Friday the thirteenth", wika ng boses at agad iyong nawala.

"Their scheme this year is a good one. I can feel the excitement in me my veins. Alright, let's hunt for our numbers", wika ni Zach at niyaya na palabas ang ilan sa amin.

Dumaan sa harap naming si Zywon kaya tinawag ko ito.

"Zywon."

He stopped at nilingon ako. Iniwasan nitong sulyapan si Gray na nakatayo sa gilid ko.

"Why don't you go with us? Mas madali nating mahahanap ang mga numbers if we're in a group."

"I'd love to go in a group with you Just Amber but Holmes and Moriarty can't go together", wika niya bago kami nilagpasan. It took me few while to realize that he meant about his relation with Gray when he said something about Holmes and Moriarty. They're mortal nemesis.

Hinarap ako ni Gray na nakakunot ang noo. "Why are you wearing such piece of cloth?"

Bigla na lamang napatikhim si Jeremy at mahinang siniko ako. "Sagutin mo Bestie."

A piece of cloth? This is a tube dress in case he doesn't know. "It's a dress Gray."

"It's too short."

"That's how it was designed." Nakangiwing wika ko.

"It's a little liberated dress", wika naman niya. "Hindi ba yan malalaglag?"

"Hindi. What the hell are you thinking Gray?", tanong ko sa kanya. "Oh, never mind. Let's go". Nagpatiuna na ako ng lakad at sumunod naman sila. The hallway was dim lighted at may mga painting sa mga dingding. Napakapit si Khael sa braso ko.

"If this painting will move, we're really unlucky",wika niya and to our surprise ay bigla na lamang nahulog ang isang painting na counterfeit ni Monalisa.

"Shit!", Khael cussed. "Damn! Dapat sinabi nila na may pagka-horror pala ang theme dito, I should have traded glass with the others. And oh, I always hated that browless Monalisa. She got an annoying smile."

Natawa si Jeremy sa reaksyon ni Khael but he was afraid too. Nagulat na lamang ako nang tinanggal ni Gray ang kamay ni Khael na nakakapit sa braso ko. He stood between me and Khael.

"Masyado kang bakla Alonzo. Wag kang kumapit sa babae kung natatakot ka. This isn't a horror house kaya umaayos ka", wika niya kay Khael at napangiwi naman ang huli sa kanya.

"Damn you! This is your entire fault. Kung hindi mo ako tinakot dati, I shouldn't have been afraid like this", wika niya at mas lalong nainis ng tinawanan lamang siya ni Gray at Jeremy.

The house isn't horror at all but there's something eerie in the ambiance. The door on the main entrance was lock at walang ibang tao roon maliban sa amin. Gone was the woman who brought us inside. Tiningnan ko rin ang labas mula sa malalaking bintana but the cars which brought us there was nowhere of sight. Tanging ang asul na kotse ni Gray ang nakapark sa labas.

Pumasok kami sa isang pinto and it looks like an old study. Malamlam din ang ilaw na naroon gaya ng mga ilaw sa kabuoan ng mansion. We looked around the study and then Jeremy called us.

"Tingnan niyo guys, may malaking frame kung nasaan ang mga mukha at pangalan ng mga board of regents ng Athena", wika niya at agad kaming pumunta sa tabi niya at tiningnan ang bagay na sinasabi niya. It was really the board of regents.

"Updated ba ito?", tanong ko and Khael shook his head.

"No. There are new regents  kaya malamang dati pa ito. Hindi na bahagi si Mr. Isidro Cortez, he already retired and move to Chicago. Ito naman si Mr. Peter Medrano, he focused on writing his novels. He's a sci-fi novel writer. Ms. Imelda Lopez, focused on being a business woman", paliwanag ni Khael.

Imelda Lopez? She seemed so familiar! Inalala ko kung saan ko nga ba narinig ang pangalan nito and I stared at the picture. Her face seems familiar too!

Saka ko lamang naalala na bahagi pala siya ng Euler Case, a case back then kung saan ang biktima, which happened to be a Mathematics professor wrote the formula na siyang nakapagpaturo sa salarin. In the end ay nalaman kong bahagi pala ng Mafia si Miss Imelda when she called her mafia connections informing them about the death of the man na siyang sadya niya. No wonder that she's part of the board of regents. Bahagi kasi siya ng mafia.

Nagpatuloy kami sa paghahanap doon when the bell rang kaya napagpasyahan naming pumunta sa thirteenth room. When everyone was gathred, muling nagsalita ang lalaki via speakers.

"Let's give our applause to Zach Araneta. He already found the number 6", wika ng boses and then Zach showed everyone the number two which was a little bigger than the largest keys.

"Mister Araneta, you can't help them find their number. You may stay in this room or roam around. Continue your quest, Unfortunate 13", the voice said at nawala ito. Napagpasyahan ng lahat na ipagpatuloy na lamang ang paghahanap. Palabas na sana kami ng thirteenth room nang bigla na lamang tumunog ang cellphone ni Khael. Nakatunghay lamang kami sa kanya ng sinagot niya iyon.

"Yes, Cynil? I'm a bit busy right now. What was it all about?", he asked. Nakinig siya mula sa sinasabi ng kung sino mang nasa kabilang linya at napakunot ang noo. "Tortured?"

Napatingin din kami sa kanya. Whoever called must be in a serious situation.

"Okay, I'll call you as soon as I'm done here. Goodnight", Khael said at pinatay ang tawag. Agad niyang tinago sa bulsa ang cellphone.

"Sino iyon?", tanong ni Gray.

"Cynil. She called me and told me about what happened in their school. Tinawagan niya rin ako noong nakaraan para sabihin na may nangyaring sunog and now she called me dahil may dalawang guro na tinurture bago pinatay", he answered. So it's the same person who called him the last time?

Naging curious din si Gray tungkol doon ngunit ipinagsantabi na muna nila iyon at nagsimula na kaming maghanap ulit sa mga numbers namin. We checked at the back of the paintings, under the table cloth, inside the figurines or in the statues ngunit wala pa kaming nakikita.

We continue searching hanggang sa makarating kami sa kusina kung nasaan si Zach at nagtitimpla ng kape.

"Hello Gray", bati nito kay Gray. He's not smiling kaya marahil ay hindi ito close.

"Hello Araneta", bati naman ni Gray dito. Zach was putting hot water in the twelve cups kaya marahil ay para iyon sa amin. Naglabas din siya ng isang cake mula sa freezer. The voice in the speaker said that we can now head straight towards the dining area for some coffee. Ilang saglit lamang ay naroon na ang lahat.

"Someone called in the telephone at the thirteenth room and he instructed me to prepare here. I don't know how you prefer your coffee kaya kayo na ang bahalang magtimpla", Zach said. Bumaling siya sa isang babae. "Khaye, please serve the cake."

Sumunod naman ang tinawag nitong Khaye hinati-hati ang cake para sa lahat. Together with Grezel, they serve the cake to everyone. Nagsimula na ring magtimpla ng kape ang iilan.

"Bakit labing dalawa lamang ito? Hindi ka ba magkakape Zach?", tanong ni Marlon dito.

"Hindi ako nagkakape. I'd rather have some water", sagot ni Zach at naupo sa isang upuan doon.

Grezel handed the cakes to everyone. When she handed one to Shaina ay nagreklamo ito.

"Hindi ako mahilig sa chocolate cake. Wala bang iba?", she asked and her boyfriend headed towards the fridge.

"I'll check it for you", wika ni Ralph at binuksan ang fridge. He searched for other foods there at tinulungan ito ni Marlon.

Nagtimpla ng kape niya si Terrence. "Wala pa ba kayong nakikita na number guys? Ang hirap namang maghanap."

Sumang-ayon naman si Anthony. "Oo nga. Paano mo ba nahanap yung sayo Zach?"

Tumawa lamang si Zach at tumayo. "Why should I tell you? Hanapin niyo", he walked towards the fridge kung saan nakakuha ng strawberry cake si Ralph. Kumuha ito ng isang tumbler na may tubig at nagpaalam. "I'm gonna take a nap at the thirteenth room. Have a safe Friday the 13th", he said chuckling at naglakad palabas ng dining hall.

"Geez. That Araneta is really selfish", komento ni Terrence. "So, what are we gonna do now? Nabo-bore na tuloy ako. Excited pa naman ako dati."

"Ano naman ang makukuha natin kapag nakita na natin lahat ng numbers?", Khaye asked.

"Makakalabas tayo dito. Didn't the man say na hindi tayo makakalabas ng buhay kapag hindi natin nakita lahat?", Anthony said.

"That gave me chill. Parang totoo yung sinasabi niya. Kung hindi lang talaga ito Friday the 13th party ay iisipin ko ng mamamatay tayo", natatawang wika ni Ralph.

"Oh, I'm glad that we have our two famous detectives back", wika ni Khaye at napatingin ang lahat kay Gray at Khael. Both of them are seriously thinking kaya hindi nila napansin na sila ang pinag-uusapan namin.

"Let's finish our coffee and resume our search", wika ni Marlon. Nagtimpla na rin ang iba ng kape nila samantalang naupo lamang kami doon. I'm still full kaya hindi ko trip magkape.

"AHHCKKKK—"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin ng marinig kong tila nahihirapan si Anthony. Kasalukuyan itong nagtitimpla ng kape at ngayon ay nakahawak sa leeg niya as he fell on the floor.

"AAAAACCCCKKKK!" His eyes started to bulge as he struggled. Napatayo kaming lahat at tiningnan siya.

"Anthony, what's wrong?", natatarantang tanong ni Terrence. "Anthony!" Bigla na lamang itong natumba sa sahig at nawalan ng malay. Gulat na gulat ang lahat sa nangyari.

"Anthony!!!!!"

Gray and Khael immediately dashed towards him on the floor. Khael checked his pulse. "He's dead."

"What?!!" Gulat na gulat ang lahat sa sinabi ni Khael.

"There's a hint of almond scent, no doubt this is a case of cyanide poisoning", wika ni Gray. He stood up and checked the table kung saan nagtitimpla ng kape si Anthony bago ito mawalan ng malay. Nasa mesa ang nagkalat na powdered coffee at ang isang platito na may chocolate cake. It seems like he was eating it bago malason.

"Don't eat the cake! The poison must be there", utos ni Gray.

"Too late Mr. Detective. I have already finished mine. I'm kinda hungry", Zywon said and he showed us his saucer na wala ng laman. Then the poison must not be in the cake, kung ganoon ay nasaan?

"Can anyone call Zach please? We need him here bago pa umatake ulit ang killer", wika ni Khael. Nagmamadali namang sumunod si Khay at Grezel and they rushed towards the thirteenth room.

Patuloy pa rin sa pag-iimbestiga sina Gray at Khael habang nahintakutan naman ang ibang naroon. Things started to turn out unfortunate.

After a while ay muling bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa niyon sina Khaye at Grezel.

"Si Zach.....", humihingal pa ang mga ito. "Zach won't wake up!"

Naalarma ulit kami and we dashed towards the thirteenth room. Pinagtulungan ng mga lalaki na dalhin din doon si Anthony. Pagdating sa thirteenth room ay nakahiga nga sa malaking sofa si Zach. On the table beside him was the tumbler na halos mangalahati na ang laman.

Lumapit ang mga lalaki dito at agad itong ginising. "Zach!"

"Zach! Zach!", pukaw nila ngunit ayaw talaga nitong magising. Lumapit din ako kay Zach and stared at him. Mukhang tulog lamang ito but he wasn't breathing!

"He's not breathing", wika ko at agad na nataranta silang lahat.

"What?"

"Let's call the police!", suhestiyon ni Ralph na sinang-ayonan ng lahat maliban ni Zywon.

"Why don't we let our detectives solve this case bago tayo tumawag ng police? You see, this aren't the doing of the host at sigurado akong isa sa atin ang killer. Anthony died in front of us kaya ko nasabing nasa atin ang killer", wika niya at sumang-ayon ulit ang lahat.

"Gosh! I'm gonna see Khael and Gray in their deduction show again!", excited na wika ni Shaina.

"I agree with Zywon. The killer is one of us. Let's call the police later after we figure out kung sino man ang killer na may lakas ng loob na pumatay sa harap ng tatlong detective", wika ni Khael and he flashed his mischievous smile.

I was expecting that Jeremy would react at sasabihing kasali siya sa mga detectives but there was no Jeremy to butt in. I looked around the room but there was no Jeremy around! Bigla na lamang akong kinabahan! I remember running on the hallway towards here with him ngunit ngayon ay wala ito. Bigla na lamang akong sinalakay ng kaba. I'm sure he would not roam around here alone dahil takot ito!

"Gray..... Khael! Je—Jeremy is missing!", I said while shaking. Damn! I hope he's not a cold corpse by the time we can find him!

#

— Shinichilaaaaabs.