L O R E L E I

"Lori, Lori! We're here," nakaramdam ako na iniyuyugyog ako. Dahan-dahan kong minulat ang aking mga mata.

Nandito na naman pala kami ulit. Nga lang, ngayon, kasama na namin si Loki at Jamie. Iginala ko ang paningin ko. Nasa loob kami ng isang kotse at ako na lang pala at 'yong gumising sa akin, si Jamie, ang nandito na agad din namang bumaba.

"They all went down already. Tayo na lamang ang hinihintay," sabi niya. Agad-agad naman akong umupo ng maayos at inayos ng konti ang buhok ko pati na rin ang damit ko at pagkatapos ay bumaba na.

Namataan ko ang pangalan ng eskwelahan na kaharap kong muli. SHERRINFORD HIGH. Nakaukit ang malalaking letra nito sa entrance ng paaralan.

Hindi ko sigurado kung tama nga ba na bumalik muli dito- kasama pa si Loki at Jamie. Inimbitahan ako ni Al na sumama sa kanya at dahil wala rin naman akong gagawin, sumama na lang din ako. Hindi naman sa gustong-gusto kong pumunta. At dahil na rin sa walang pasok, niyaya na lang din namin si Loki. Pahirapan pa nga eh.

"Ano ba ang gagawin doon?"

"Mabubusog ba 'ko kapag sumama ako?"

"Ikauunlad ba ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas kung sakaling pumayag ako?"

"Mawawala na ba lahat ng paasa sa mundo kung ganoon?"

Pero sa huli, wala siyang magawa kundi sumama dahil wala talagang tao kina Tita ngayon at kinakailangang umalis ng lahat dahil magpapageneral cleaning siya at dahil parang buntot na ni Loki si Jamie, sumama na rin siya.

I tied my hair and fixed myself to look and act the same as before- Lorraine. Pagkababa ko naman, nagulat si Jamie.

"Lori, anong nangyari sa'yo?" Nagtatakang tanong niya.

"Uh, wag mo na lang pansinin."

Tumango na lang siya kahit may pag-aalinlangan at naglakad upang masabayan sina Al at Loki. Nakita ako ni Al kaya bumalik siya upang masabayan ako. Patuloy kaming naglakad hanggang sa makapunta kami sa gate ng paaralan at agad din naman kaming pinapasok.

Ngayong araw na ito, tumatanggap ng mga bisita at outsiders ang Sherrinford dahil na rin siguro sa event nila ngayon.

SHERRINFORD HIGH'S FIRST EVER HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL. OCTOBER 30 TO 31.

So basically, kaya kami naririto ngayon ay dahil inanyayahan si Alistair na inimbitahan ako na inimbitahan si Loki na sinamahan ni Jamie na makilahok sa Zombie Run nila para sa Halloween Special Festival nila.

Hindi naman ako ganoon ka interesado sa pakulo nila, sadyang gusto ko lang talaga lumabas at no choice din ako.

"O, Alistair!" sigaw ng isang pamilyar na tinig. Napaatras naman ako ng konti. "Lorraine!"

"Adel," bati ni Al pabalik. Tumango na lamang ako bilang 'pagbati'.

"Anong pakay niyo dito?" tanong niya.

"Ah, wala naman. Binigyan ako ng letter upang pumunta at makilahok mamaya rito," sagot ni Al. Nilingon naman kami ni Adel ng may pagtataka. "Siya nga pala. Ito ang mga bago kong kaklase na sina Loki at Jam-"

"Hi! I'm Jamie Santiago!" putol ni Jamie.

"Kilala mo na rin naman na si Lori- Lorraine at sembreak na rin naman kaya niyaya ko na rin sila. Hindi naman masama, diba?" Alistair said.

"Siyempre, siyempre! Welcome na welcome kayo rito," sagot ni Adel.

"Salamat."

"Mag-enjoy sana kayo," wika niya sa amin at saka hinarap muli si Al. "May gagawin pa 'ko kaya maiwan ko muna kayo, pasensiya."

"OK lang 'yon. Magpapatuloy na rin kami." Ako naman ang sumagot at bahagyang nagulat si Al. Gusto ko lang naman na umalis na siya.

"Lorraine?" Jamie scoffed habang inisnob lamang ni Loki ang lahat ng mga nangyayari.

"It's what they call Lorelei when we were still studying here," si Al na ang sumagot. Siniko ko naman siya ng mahina.

"Bakit?" tanong ko sa kanya. Well, not that it really matters. It saved me from an explanation. He gave me a smug look with a saving-you-from-an-explanation-duh face. Eh, thanks anyways. Tumango na lamang ako. Lumapit naman sa'kin si Loki.

"I can see that you're both lying," he whispered. "But I won't say a thing. I don't really care. It doesn't pique my interest after all," he added.

"I'll tour you around Sherrinford High so you would be familiar even just a little bit with the place," Al said.

We wandered around the school. It's actually spacious. We passed by the basketball court, the volleyball court, the multi-purpose hall, as well as the buildings. We also passed by the field where I assume the event would be held. It's the widest place here and it's the only possible place where a lot of students and outsiders can run freely.

And of course, after a lot of walking, napagod talaga kami. We decided to go to the nearest cafe to rest and fill our stomach. And luckily, the nearest one is actually a cat cafe.

Upon entering, we saw a number of cats. Ang cute nilang lahat!

"How I wish we brought Freya along," Loki finally spoke as he gaze around the place.

We stayed there for about an hour or so then left. Babalik talaga ako rito, panigurado. And then, we decided to go to Starbucks. We each bought our own drink then left again.

Nang mapagod na kami, napagdesisyunan namin na bumalik na upang magpahinga para mamaya. Hindi naman ako nagdadala ng kahit sinong lalaki sa bahay, kaya naghotel na lamang kami dahil 'richkids' din naman 'tong mga kasama ko.

We occupied four rooms, one for each of us. Although solo room lang kinuha namin. Hindi rin kasi ako sanay na may kahati sa room. Sa tinutuluyan namin ni Loki kina Tita, it's not that big of a problem dahil may sari-sarili naman kaming kwarto.

Hinanap na namin 'yong rooms. 401 kay Al, 402 sa akin, 403 kay Loki, at 407 kay Jamie. Occupied na kasi 'yong rooms 404-406. Pero kung hindi, malamang sa malamang 404 kukunin niya. There were paintings hung on the side of each wall. There was one painting wherein a boy is looking at the ground while it's raining heavily. Another is an abstract painting. There's also a painting af a sunset. Another is a house of gold. There were more as we walk. The owner must be fond of paintings to the point that he or she displayed it on his or her hotel. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga room number na nakaukit sa pinto. 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367-

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Nagulat kaming apat. Agad kaming naalerto at pumunta sa pinanggalingan ng sigaw. Napag-alaman naming galing iyon sa Room 384 dahil nakaukit ito sa pinto nito. Nadatnan namin ang isang hotel staff katabi ang isang cart na hindi ko mawari kung anong tawag. Nakaupo na halatang napaupo lamang sa sahig ang staff na iyon. Bakas ang gulat at takot sa mukha niya habang may tinuturo.

Nilingon namin iyon at medyo nagulat ako sa aming nakita. Isang babae na nakadapa sa sahig, nakadilat ang mata and her mouth is slightly open. Nakaagaw ng pansin ko ang nakasulat sa dingding.

YOU DESERVE IT

Nakasulat ito ng kulay dugo ngunit marahil ay hindi ito galing sa biktima dahil walang bakas ng dugo ang biktima. Titingin pa lang kami, naroon na si Loki naglilibot. Inalalayan ni Alistair ang hotel staff at inutusang tumawag sa police habang kaming dalawa ni Jamie ay lumapit kay Loki. May inilabas na apat na pares ng gloves si Loki.

"Wow. Daig mo pa ang girl scout sa pagiging handa, ah," komento ni Jamie ngunit hindi na iyon pinansin ni Loki. Malamang ay iniisip niyang masasayang lang ang energy niya sa pagsasalita. Inabutan niya kami isa-isa ng gloves.

"T-teka! A-anong ginagawa n'yo?" Tanong sa amin ng babaeng staff na iyon. "A-alam n'yo bang maaari niyong masira ang crime scene?" Tanong niya pang muli.

"Parating na ang police ngayon kung natawagan mo na," sabi ni Loki. "At nakunan ko na ng mga litrato ang buong scene," dagdag niya pa.

"May experience na rin kami tungkol rito kaya huwag kang mag-alala, marunong kami sa mga ganito," tuloy ni Jamie. The girl looked at us in disbelief kasunod ng pagdating ng police. Nagsimula na ring makiusyoso ang mga occupants ng mga kalapit na room.

"Anong nangyari?"

"May natagpuan atang patay."

"Ha!?"

"Bakit ang ingay?"

"Anong meron?"

"Hala!"

"Grabe naman iyan!"

"Ayoko na ata bumalik rito."

"Lilipat na 'ko ng tutuluyan."

"Ew! So kadirdir!"

"Now I'm doubting if this really is a safe place after all."

Iilan pa lang 'yan sa mga reactions na natanggap. Nilagyan na ng harang ang crime scene. May isang pulis na lumapit sa amin.

"Mga bata, bawal kayo rito! Ano sa tingin niyo ang ginagawa niyo?" sita sa amin.

"Kanina pa po kami rito at nais sana naming tumulong sa imbestigasyon," magalang na sabi ni Al.

"Anong akala niyo rito? Laro? Seryosong pangyayari ito!" sagot niya sa amin. "Hindi ito basta-basta. Mahirap na kapag-" naputol ang kanyang sasabihin pa sana nang dumating ang isang pamilyar na tao.

"Hayaan mo na sila, malaki na rin ang naitulog nila lalo na sa huling kaso na hinawakan ko," sabi ng kararating lang na si Senior Inspector Stanley Hernandez.

"Inspector Stan!" bati ni Alistair.

"O, Alistair! At 'yong pinsan mong si..."

"Lorraine," ako na ang sumagot.

"Ah, Inspector! Ito nga po pala si Loki Mendez at Jamie Santiago, mga bago kong kaklase na kasa-kasama rin namin sa paglutas ng mga kaso," sabi ni Alistair.

"Ah. Siya nga pala, alam kong may mga nakalap na kayong impormasyon kahit papaano. Maaari mo bang ibahagi iyon sa amin?" Inspector Stan said.

"Naglalakad kami papaunta sa rooms namin," simula ni Jamie. "Nang may marinig kaming sigaw. Agad naman kaming pumunta upang makita ang nangyari at nakita namin ang isang hotel staff na takot na nakaturo sa nakita niya," dagdag niya pa.

"Tapos nakita namin 'to," tuloy ni Al. "Wala naman kaming ginalaw masyado."

Napalingon naman si Inspector kay Loki. "Bata, dahan-dahan lang baka masira ang crime scene," wika niya kay Loki.

"Ah, about that, Inspector. I have taken pictures around the scene already," sabi ni Loki habang pinapakita ang litrato sa phone niya.

"Ah, ganoon ba? Salamat."

"And I also think that poisoning is the cause of death," he began to sniff the victim's mouth once again. "It smells like bitter almonds."

"Ah, and this glass of iced tea over here may have traces of potassium cyanide," si Jamie na ang tumuloy. Habang nagsasalita si Jamie, may napansin ako.

"Based on the victim's wallet, I assume that her name is Janina Deverell, and that she is a graduating college student. This could either be homicide or suicide for now," Al said.

"No." I firmly said. "This can not be suicide at all because the victim somehow struggled. On the verge of her death, the murderer should have some sort of scratch or wound or something because the victim's nails have traces and bits of skin in it, and it definitely isn't her own skin." Kontra ko.

"All we have to do is to find suspects and once we determine who's the murderer, case closed!" Loki said with a slight smirk- if that's what you call it. Basta it's kind of weird.

We left for a while and left the police to search for the suspects. Napagdesisyunan naming ayusin muna ang mga gamit namin sapagkat baka mawalan kami ng oras mamaya.

Chineck ko kung anong oras na. 5:02PM. We have about three hours to solve the case. The event starts at 8:00 PM, according to Sherrinford's official page.

We went back to the scene where three suspects were waiting. They shook their head in disbelief. I also think na kumpleto na 'yong results ng mga tests.

"So these are the four we've been waiting for?" The girl said sarcastically. It seems like they're all about the same age as Janina.

"They're just a bunch of highschool students!" The man said.

"Correction- highschool detectives," Loki said.

"Enough with it all, kids! This isn't some stupid game for you to play!" Another guy said.

"Is this even believable!? The police nowadays are letting detective wannabe students handle cases!?" The guy said once again.

"Excuse me, but we're not just any detective wannabes. We have contributed a lot to the police, especially the police back in where we currently reside," Loki spoke again.

Pumagitna na kaagad si Inspector Stan at baka may masama pang mangyari. "Anyway, Alistair and friends, these are Neo Corpuz, Vianne Bernardo, and Quigley Santos. They are all the victim's classmates and are all the latest people the victim talked to before dying."

I suspiciously looked at them all. Based on their physical structures, of course they are capable of doing this.

"What are you all doing!? I don't even get the point why am I considered as a suspect!" Vianne said.

"The victim is Janina Deverell, a graduating college student. She was found murdered inside Room 384 of Hotel N68," Loki started. "You are all considered as suspects because, you are the only three who talked to the victim before she was killed, and you all have a motive for doing so," he continued as he scans through the files.

Loki found a specific folder. "So, Ms. Viva-"

"It's Vianne!" Vianne cut him off.

"Yeah. So, Ms. Vianne Bernardo. You are the victim's classmate and as well as her former best friend."

"But I was only talking to her to make amends! I betrayed her and I talked to her to apologize and treat her to lunch in return," Vianne continued.

"Noted. Where were you at the time of the crime? About 1:30-2:00 in the afternoon?" Loki interrogated.

"I-I... was just eating lunch that time at home," she said.

"Is there anyone who can prove that?"

Bahagyang nag-isip siya before speaking again. "N-no one. I was alone that time."

"Noted. How about you, Mr. Neco, the ex?" Loki asked.

"Neco?" Jamie questioned.

"It's Neo!" Neo defended.

Tumango na lang si Loki. "Fine. Mr. Neo Corpuz, where were you at that time?"

"I was doing my project due the next week."

"Is there anyone who can prove your alibi?"

"I don't like being disturbed while doing schoolworks, so no one."

"Noted. How about you, Mr. Jiggly, the rival when it comes to grades?" Loki asked once again.

"Do you have to get all our names wrong!? It's Quigley for Pete's sake!" Quigley yelled.

"I apologize for that, I'm not good at remembering names. You see, Sherlock Holmes once said that-"

"Just get straight to the point!"

Loki calmly recomposed himself. "Same question. Where were you at the time of the crime and if there is someone who can prove your statement."

"At that time?" Quigley started. "I was- I-I was..." he trailed off.

"You were?" Jamie asked sarcastically.

"I was watching a movie," he said.

"You sure 'bout that?" Jamie asked again.

"Yes. I-in fact, I was watching..." he continued.

Nanlaki naman ang nata namin lima, including Inspector Stan.

"You were watching..." Jamie uttered.

"T-Teletubbies!" The guy said. Nakahinga kaming maluwag. Akala ko ano na eh.

"Noted," Loki finally said.

We started to recall their alibis, what happened, and such. One of them could be lying. Unless he or she has an accomplice, then two of them are lying. Yes, it is possible to eat lunch, do schoolwork, and watch... uh... Teletubbies that time. Although I have a suspect in mind, it's too early to conclude so I just kept it to myself.

Wait! if I'm not mistaken... the victim could've scratched the killer or something. So...

"Where did that wound came from?" Alistair asked.

"Huh? Me?" Quigley asked.

"Yeah, you."

"I tripped this morning which scraped my knees and arms."

I looked at the wound. No, it's impossible. It should really be a 'scratch' that pulled a bit of skin.

Something came up in my mind. If I'm not mistaken...

"No! The criminal is not one of these three," I firmly said.

"Kid, are you saying that you've wasted all our time?" Vianne said.

"Ms. Vianne, you have no visible wounds," simula ko. Bakas naman ang pagtataka at inis sa mukha niya. "Yeah, so what?" Mataray na tanong niya. Nakuha naman nila Loki, Al, at Jamie 'yong point ko. Alam ko dahil mukhang narealize na rin nila.

"Ah! Bingo! You two, Vivianne and Nero, have no visible wounds," Loki stated.

"It's Vianne and Neo," Al corrected. Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Quigley.

"So you're saying that it's me?" Sabi ni Quigley mg may diin. "Just because I have a wound?" he continued. "If so, then I should have just stayed home to avoid tripping over a rock!"

"No, sir. You are not the murderer," I said.

"In fact, the murderer is..." Alistair said.

"That lady over there!" Jamie stated while pointing to a lady. I smiled when I realized na tama pala talaga 'yong iniisip ko. Nanlaki naman ang mata ng killer.

"Ako!?" Gulat niyang sabi at napatayo mula sa paglilinis.

"Yes, you, the hotel staff, and the one who found the body," Jamie continued.

"H-ha!? Wala akong ginagawa!" Depensa niya.

"Bakit mo nililinis at inaayos 'yan?" Tanong ni Loki. "Alam mo bang dapat nakapreserve ang crime scene hanggat hindi pa ito nasosolve?"

"Ah... eh... inutusan na 'ko na linisin 'to eh."

"Oh really?"

"Atsaka, bakit ako ang killer!? Hindi ba't silang tatlo ang suspect? Kakasuhan ko kayo!" Depensa niya pang muli. Ayaw talaga sumuko.

"Then, Miss, what's with that scratched wound on your leg?" Al questioned.

"That was from my fall earlier! I fell kanina due to shock! Hindi ba't nakita niyo 'yon? Sayang, walang CCTV na makakapagpatunay ng sinasabi ko."

"Speaking of your fall earlier, then why is your skirt very clean?" I asked. "It should've even the slightest bit of dirt because the floors here are a bit dusty. Probably not swept for a week or so."

"You changed clothes and washed yourself to remove the poison while we were busy investigating," Alistair said.

"Yes, and then, returned here to "clean" when actually, you're trying to remove and look for any possible evidence that might be held against you," Loki said.

"Wait! Kristine... is that you!?" Vianne suddenly said.

"Oh, hello Vianne. Remember me? Isn't it nice that you didn't even recognize me? The girl whom your former best friend took everything away from?" The staff rolled her eyes.

In the end, the murderer admitted to killing the victim. It was a story of betrayal and faking.

"Ah, once again! Thank you for helping us once again, Alistair and friends!" Inspector Stan thanked us for the nth time.

"No problem, Inspector. Just call us anytime if you need help!" Loki said.

"Sure, Loki. Thanks again!" Inspector said ulit before waving goodbye.

I checked the time. It's 7:14PM. We have roughly 45 minutes to prepare for the "Zombie Run" kuno ng Sherrinford. It'll probably start 8:30 anyway, despite saying that it'll start at 8:00. Filipino time nga naman.

We were asked to wear comfortable clothes so we would not have a hard time running. People with disabilities and sickness were forbidden to join so nothing bad would happen to them.

We arrived at Sherrinford High at 8:04PM and just as expected, hindi pa nagsisimula. Nagulat ako sa itsura ng Sherrinford ngayon. Although noise is not my style, the setting still amazed me. It was dark but colorful lights were flashing every now and then. Zombie-themed decorations are also scattered everywhere. Loud music was playing.

After minutes of waiting, a loud voice boomed through the speakers.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Day 2 of Sherrinford High's First Ever Halloween Festival, highlighted by today's Zombie Run! " it said.

"The mechanics of this 'game' is to survive. You will each be given three ribbons that you will be holding throughout the run. You need to escape from the 'zombies'. The zombies won't harm you but instead take your ribbon. Although they might grab your arm if necessary. Once your three ribbons have been taken, you're out of the game!" It explained. "Please proceed to the entrance."

As said, we went to the entrance. We were given three red ribbons each. Once we enter, we need to 'run away' immediately. I didn't bother tying the ribbons around my arm, wrist, or fingers like the others did. I might end up getting broken bones if they grabbed it and its tied to my hand. And besides, I don't want to stay for too long anyways.

While running, Jamie kept on clinging to Loki and clutching onto him. Medyo naawa tuloy ako sa kanya, 'di niya masyado maeenjoy 'yong game thanks to Jamie. But he doesn't seem to care anyway. It seems like Jamie is the only one imterested talaga. Me, Loki, and Alistair do not take this game very seriously like others did.

I felt someone near me while I was running so I immediately dodged. But then, instead of getting my ribbon, the zombie crashed into Jamie and Also Loki because Jamie is clinging onto him. They stumbled. I stopped amd Alistair also stopped to help them. The zombie proceeded to stand up and get one of each their ribbons, ran towards Al and grabbed one of his ribbons too while I voluntarily gave one of mine. Nagulat pa nga siya but took it anyway and ran.

"Ugh! That- that... that... that zombie!" Annoyed Jamie screamed. We continued to run. And what I mean by we is me, Alistair, and Loki. Jamie was just clinging onto Loki the whole time. At times, she would even scream such things like:

"I'm gonna die!"

"Someone help me please!"

"Loooookiiiiii!"

"Kyaaaah! Lokiiiii!"

"I don't want to die yet! Help!"

And she would also say prayers and she would also constantly scream that she's going to die. And suddenly, a song played and Jamie sang along although she's actually screaming and not singing.

"Wake me up! Wake me up inside! Wake me up inside! Call my name and save me from the dark!" She screamed. It must be one of her favorite songs. I realized that other people were also singing along, err... screaming along.

"Bid my blood to run, before I come undone, save me from the nothing I've become!"

"Bring me to life!" They all sang. I'm not familiar with the song so I did not join them.

After it ended, the background music was consumed by the loud sirens of police cars coming. We decided to leave to check what is happening.

People were already gathered around a tree. Nakisingit ako at muntik na 'kong masuka sa nakita ko: A girl whose lifeless body is lying beside a tree. Her hands and fingers were cut. Her eyes were also taken out and her legs were also cut off from her body. It looks very disgusting and the smell is so nasty.

Kahit sina Loki ay napaatras din. Napapikit at napakapit naman si Jamie kay Loki. I can't blame her though, she has photographic memory after all.

We asked the police for details. At first they denied, but then Inspector Stan came again to the rescue.

"This is the second one today," he said then heaved out a sigh. Suddenly, three people, one in a zombie costume, a runner, and what I suppose is a facilitator, came against their will, they must be the suspects. "The victim is Tria Torres. There are three suspects: Ken Dy, the boyfriend, Julienne Cruz, the childhood friend, and Den Garcia, the ex."

"Anong kalokohan 'to? Bakit ako naging suspect!?" one of the boys said. "Nagluluksa pa nga 'ko sa pagkamatay niya eh!" Ah, so he must be Ken Dy, the boyfriend, and the zombie.

"At bakit ako naman!? Bakit ko papatayin ang kababata ko!?" I assume that she is Julienne Cruz, the facilitator and friend.

"Wala na 'kong pake sa kanya, okay!? Ex ko na siya!" He must be Den Garcia, the ex, and the normal runner.

"Calm down," Al said.

"At sino naman 'tong mga 'to!? Bakit sila nakikielam?" Den said.

"Hoy mga bata! Trabaho 'to ng pulis, wag kayong mangielam. Iniistorbo niyo lang ang trabaho nila!" Julienne said.

"We are given the consent to help with the investigation. We may be highschool students but we've helped the police a lot," Al explained.

Habang nakikipag-usap naman si Al, nagbabasa naman ako ng information tungkol sa nangyaring krimen kasama sina Loki at Jamie. Loki looked up from reading the files.

"Ms. Jennie, where were you at the time of the crime?" Loki asked.

Siniko siya ng mahina ni Jamie, "It's Julienne."

Minsan talaga mapapafacepalm ka na lang kay Loki. Sabagay, it took time rin naman for him to get my name right.

"I was, of course, helping facilitate the ongoing Zombie Run," She quickly said.

"Is there anyone who can prove that?"

Bahagyang nagulat si Julienne. "They were buying snack that time, so no one."

"How about you, Mr. Candy? Where were you at the time of the crime?" Nagpipigil kami ng tawa nina Alistair at Jamie. Candy!?

"Nah, call me Ken na lang," he sniffed. "I was chasing the runners that time."

"Is there anyone who can prove that?"

"Yeah, I think you and your friends can prove it. I even bumped into you four," he sniffed again.'Oh, I remember him na! Siya 'yong binigyan ko ng ribbon.

"And you, Mr. Garden, same questions: where were you at that time and if there's anyone who can prove your alibi."

"My name's Den Garcia and not Garcia Den. Don't call me Garden," he rolled his eyes. Ay ang taray. "I was just running normally but out of all the people I don't think anyone can remember me."

"Noted, only Candy has a proven statement. But still, you are not allowed to go yet for interrogation," Loki stated.

We roamed around the scene for a bit. Pinaiwan na namin si Jamie sa isang interrogation room kasama ng suspects dahil baka 'di niya kayanin pang makita pang muli 'to.

Sabi sa report, strangling talaga ang cause of death. Pagtapos sakalin, saka pinutol-putol 'yong paa't kamay niya. Hindi pa nahahanap ang murder weapon.

Pagkalingon ko, bigla ko namang nakita si Loki na napangiti. No, no. You don't understand. Ang creepy. It looks like nasolve niya na ang case.

"Alistair, Lorelei, let's go back. It's deduction show time," he said with a creepy smile plastered on his face. We followed him back.

"Oh, ano? Done with your detective stuff?" Mataray na tanong ni Julienne.

"Yup! And we'll reveal the culprit once and for all!" He answered back. "You see, the cause of death is strangling, am I wrong?" he asked. "Of course not! Strangling is really the cause of death. There are many things out there that can be used to strangle someone." I suddenly realized his point. Al and Jamie did too.

"But what is the most convenient thing to use to strangle at the moment?" Jamie asked a rhetorical question. "Something that you wouldn't be suspected of tonight?"

"A ribbon," Al continued. "A ribbon is the most convenient thing for now. You wouldn't be suspected because many have ribbons right now."

"But that ribbon is too short to be used as something to strangle. It's like, only the size of a regular school ruler, you would require to double it 6 times to be able to strangle properly!" Julienne said.

"But, if you have several of them, you can simply tie them together and you now have a murder weapon," I answered.

"And the only one capable of acquiring this is a zombie. Zombies get ribbons so they most like have more than three, the regular number of ribbons a runner has," Loki continued. "Therefore, the murderer is you, the zombie, Candy!" Ken looked shocked.

"What!?" Napatayo siya. "Bakit ako!?"

"From us pa lang, that's already four ribbons. How much more kung kasama pa 'yong iba mo pang nakuha?" Jamie said.

In the end, he confessed to the crime and the ribbons were found. Sabi niya na nalaman niyang may iba si Tria kaya out of anger, pinatay niya at pinutol putol pa.

"This is one tiring day. And once again, thank you for solving the case, Alistair and friends!" Inspector Stan said before waving goodbye.

We went back to the hotel and as soon as I got to my room, I immediately fell asleep.

The next day, I woke up to the sound of knocking on the door. I lazily put proper clothes on and fixed myself a little before opening the door. I was surprised to see the three of them all ready.

"Good morning, Lori!" Masiglang bati ni Jamie.

"Good morning," bati ko pabalik at pinapasok ko na sila.

"So, anong meron?" I asked then yawned.

"My uncle called me and invited me to go to his halloween party. He also asked me to invite my friends," she said.

"And?" I asked.

"Bukas na tayo uuwi! Isasama ko kayo at doon na lang din tayo magstestay for the night. Kailangan na nating magcheck out mamayang 6:30 eh."

Okay lang naman, sembreak din naman eh. Wala namang masamang sumama. "Yeah, sure." I agreed.

"Great! Mag-ayos ka na Lori and we'll go shopping para sa susuotin natin mamaya!" She excitedly said.

Nagsimula na 'kong mag ayos at umalis na kami. We went to the nearest mall. The day passed by quickly and before we knew it, 5PM na. Agad agad kaming bumalik dahil 7PM ang party so may isa't kalahating oras lang kami para mag ayos at tatlumpong minuto upang pumunta roon. Napagdesisyunan naming magkita-kita na lamang sa lobby at 6:30

I dressed up as a vampire. Konting ayos lang ang ginawa ko dahil 'di naman kailangan ng sobrang effort ang pag aayos bilang bampira. May susundo raw sa amin kaya bumaba na 'ko kasama ang mga gamit ko. Nagulat ako ng makita ko sila. Sobrang ganda ni Jamie. Nag ayos siya bilang witch and I can say na ang ganda niya sa suot niya. Nakita ko namang naka-wizard si Al. Bagay na bagay din sakanya. Nilingon ko ang ulo ko at nakita kong naka-dracula si Loki. Waaaah! Ang cute ni Loki. Tumawa ako ng mahina.

Dumating na ang susundo sa amin kaya umakyat na kami sa kotse. Uncle pala mismo ni Jamie ang nagsundo.

"O, Jamie! Ang gaganda naman ng mga suot niyo," compliment niya.

"Siyempre Tito!" Confident na sagot naman ni Jamie.

"Hindi mo ba ipapakilala ang mga kaibigan mo?"

"Ah oo nga pala. Tito, ito po sina Loki Mendez, Lorelei Rios, at Alistair Ravena. Mga kaklase ko po sila sa Clark. Gaya ko, matatalino rin po sila. Hehe!" sabi niya.

"Loki, Lori, Alistair, ito nga pala si Tito Mark," pakilala niya sa amin. Binati naman namin siya bilang paggalang.

Hindi kalaunan ay dumating na rin kami. Ang laki ng bahay niya. No, correct that, mansion niya. Halloween na halloween ang itsura. Pagpasok pa lang namin, ang daming mga halloween decorations at pagkain. Hindi naman ganoon karami ang mga tao, mga 30 lang siguro, excluding us.

Ngunit pagkapasok pa lang namin sa party area, which is 'yong garden, nakarinig kami ng sigaw.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Agad naming nilapitan iyon at nakita ang isang katawan na nakahalandusay sa sahig, bukas ang ulo na mukhang natanggalan. Halos masuka ako. Pangatlo na 'to sa dalawang araw, ah!

Huminga ako ng malalim. Narinig ko namang sumigaw si Loki, "STOP! Don't go near and stay away from the crime scene! It needs to be preserved until the police comes for investigation!"

Sumunod naman ang mga bisita although against their will. Pumasok sila sa loob ng mansion. Nakita ko naman na nagpapaliwanag si Jamie sa tito niya. Although nakikita kong nagulat siya, tumango rin naman.

Habang tumitingin-tingin, may nakita akong lalaki na kanina pa nababahala. Lumapit ako. "Maaari ko bang malaman kung anong nangyari?"

"Ah... eh..." he stuttered. "Baka pagtawanan mo 'ko eh," tuloy niya. "A-ano kasi... may nakita akong zombie..."

"Zombie?" Kunot-noong tanong ko.

"Oo, nakita ko siyang nabuhay mula sa lupa. A-ayon oh..." may tinuro siya at ang bahagi nga noong lupang iyon ay sobrang gulo. Nakita kong lumapit si Loki. Naintriga siguro.

Sinama namin ang lalaki pabalik sa party venue.

"Hindi raw makakarating ang pulis!" Sabi ng isang babaeng inutusan upang tumawag. Well, no choice kami. Kinunan ng pictures ni Jamie ang crime scene at naglabas ng gloves si Loki. Naalala ko tuloy na sinabihan ni Jamie si Loki ng girl scout.

Sina Alistair at Jamie ang naghanap ng suspects. May tatlo silang nakuha although 'di pa rin namin isinawalang-bahala 'yong kwento ng lalaki. Nalaman namin na si Xylea delos Santos ang biktima.

Pasalamat kami ngayon, medyo cooperative naman ang mga suspect.

"Sandali lang, sino ba kayo at bakit nagmamagaling kayo?" Tanong ng isa sa kanila.

"Ah pamilyar kayo! Kayo 'yong mga highschool detectives diba? Wah! It's such an honor!" Sabi noong isa pa.

"Anong pangalan niyo? Asan kayo nang mangyari ang krimen? At may makakapagpatunay ba ng alibi niyo?" Diretsahang tanong ni Loki.

"I'm Parker Reyes, nasa pagkainan ako mag-isa ng mga panahong iyon."

"I'm Ninia Vega. Kausap ko si Lance ng panahong iyon."

"Lance Andrada, kausap ko si Ninia that time."

Pumasok muna ako sa loob upang tingan ang kalagayan nila roon. Pagkatapos ng mga tatlumpong minuto, bumalik na rin ako sa garden. Nadatnan kong nakaluhod sa sahig 'yong lalaking kausap ko kanina.

"O-oo! Ako nga ang pumatay sa kanya! Inis na inis na 'ko sa kanya. At oo! Gawa-gawa ko lang din 'yong zombie eklabu na 'yan! Deserve naman talaga ni Xylea na mamatay. Pagkatapos niya 'kong hiwalayan!?"

"Habang wala pa rin ang pulis, kailangan ka munang bantayan," sabi ni Alistair.

"HINDI! Umamin man ako na ako ang pumatay, hindi ako makukulong! Deserve niya talaga 'yon!" Sigaw niya sabay labas ng baril.

"Huwag kayong lalapit o papaputukin ko 'to!" sigaw niya pang muli. Lumapit naman si Al. Nagulat ako.

"Al! Alistair!" Huwag siyang magpadalos-dalos!

"SINABING WALANG LALAPIT!" He shouted then pulled the trigger. Hinintay ko ang pagtunog ng putok, ngunit walang dumating.

"Tinanggalan ko na ng bala 'yan. Nakita ko kasing may baril ka kaya palihim kong kinuha 'yon, tinanggalan ng bala, at binalik," he calmly said.

Napasigaw naman siya sa inis. Pasimple akong lumapit mula sa likod niya at ginamitan siya ng stun pen ko. Bumagsak na siya. Saktong dumating naman ang pulis upang i-arrest siya.

"Maraming salamat sa tulong niyo," lumapit si Tito Mark sa amin.

Nagpatuloy ang party kahit na may dalawang nawala: isang namatay, and one sent behind bars.

Meanwhile, nagulat kaming tatlo nina Al at Jamie. May isang kababalaghan kaming nakita, isang hindi kapani-paniwalang insidente.

Si Loki... hawak ang kanyang phone habang naka-on ang front camera at nagselfie siya.

...nagselfie si Loki habang naka fierce look upang tumugma ang dracula niyang costume.

Napatahimik kaming lahat. "L-Loki? Is that you?" Tanong ni Jamie.

"Yes. Meet DracuLoki."

"Lorelei, pwede pakihampas ako? Titignan ko lang kung nananaginip ba ako," sabi sa akin ni Al. Kahit ako ay hindi makapaniwala.

"Ah, selfies are just amazing," sabi niya na mas lalong nakapagpagulat sa amin. "It's amazing on how you could take pictures of yourself without the help of others. You can easily adjust the angle to your own preference and you would not have to worry about the horrible and disappointing shots other people take of you especially on once in a lifetime opportunities and moments." He continued talking about selfies in a scientific way.

I could only say one thing...

Change has come.

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