Reconciliation through a Case
by @bbyreinicorn_

[Timeline: After DFU The Explosive Getaway]

Dalawang buwan na simula ng makapunta kami sa Medusa Waterpark and everything was going alright as far as I know.

May natitira parin kaming dalawang linggo bago magsimula ang klase. Kung kaya't napagdesisyunan namin nila Gray na sulitin ito. Lalo na’t mahihiwalay kami kala Jeremy and Math. We decided to move and study at Athena High School. I don't know what with the rush but meh, its okay for me since I'm comfortable na with Bridle and Athena High School even though it contains bad or to good memories.

Normally we choose to spend our time sa bahay ng kanino lang, pilian. But most of the time we stayed at MY house. Naging tambayan na nila ito. But we also stayed at the Mansion sometimes, basta wala lang meeting about business and stuffs about the Mafia.

Pero for today we decided to hangout on a different place, not much different but a place where we considered our second home. Yes, in Bridle.

They were recruiting student who we're willing to give hand in cleaning and fixing other stuffs. It was a three day 'event' I guess but it was a good idea to spent time on. Especially saamin ni Gray dahil aalis na kami dito. Every part of this school reminds me so much and ang dami na nangyari sa buhay ko these past few years.. Kahit summer ay mayroon rin namang ginaganap na events dito, Like music fest, game plays, and much more. I still hoped about staying here pero wala rin kasi sila nung kurso na plano kong kuhain.

It was weird since parang yung suot namin ngayon ay may pattern. Gray was wearing a polo and maong pants. Along with his black jacket which perfectly matched with his hair. Si Math naman ay naka pulang paldang jumper. Jeremy in red t-shirt and maong pants while i was wearing long sleeves and a below the knee black skirt.

"Bestiieee!!" pangungulit saakin ni Jeremy. Ayaw niya kasi dito he said na he prefer museum's nalang but we disagreed. This is our Alma Mater after all!

"Jeremy. Ang ingay mo" I replied. Dahilan para magpout ito. Mag sasalita pa sana ito but instead hinawakan niya nalang ng mahigpit yung kamay ko, like he normally does. Napatingin naman ako kay Gray and he was there glaring at us. At biglang nanguna sa paglalakad. Hala, ano problema non?

Pero kahit summer aswell ay hindi talaga namin maiwasan ang Police works, we still helped and it was fun kasi sama sama talaga kami non, Me, Gray, Jeremy and Math. Pero dahil rin dito ay mas lalong napuri si Math kaysa saakin. Even Detective Adler was close to her!

Naramdaman kong may kumalabit saakin and it was Math. "Amber, I was just wondering..." Aniya. As we we're walking down the hallway towards sa classroom namin "Kanina ko pa kasi napapansin yung singsing sa kamay mo, well know you, ofcourse. You don't really like wearing jewelry so whats with the change?" she continued. Sumunod namang nagsalita ay si Jeremy

"Oo nga Bestiee! Kanino ba galing yan? Kinasal ka ba?" he asked worriedly bago tumingin kay Gray. Kung nagkataon, baka isipin kong may gusto na rin si Je kay Gray eh. Agad ko naman itong binatukan.

"Anong kasal pinagsasabi mo?!” I hissed at Jeremy and continued shortly. “Pero this ring???” I asked and showed them my hand and the ring that was in my fingers. All of them nodded.

"Oo nga, saan ba galing yan Amber?" Alas! Gray finally spoke. Kanina pa kasi siya tahimik sa isang gilid as if he was thinking deeply into something like thinking about a case or something.

"I was cleaning the house last week and I saw this ring. I already saw this dati pa and nakita ko rin ang carvings niya. Turns out it was from my mother. Sayang naman yung ganda kaya I thought of wearing it nalang." I replied. Sakto namang nakarating na kami sa room.

We we’re all assigned in one room and luckily, yung room na inassign saamin was our classroom. It was all covered in dust and may mga dahon nanakapasok rito dahil lagi namang bukas ang bintana. But even with these, eto ang naging dahilan para rin mas magmukhang maganda yung buong paligid.

"Ay Abo!!!" Jeremy shouted kasi natapilok siya sa may platform, making the dust flow away. He then grinned after and it turned into a laugh. Napatingin naman kaming lahat lalo na si Gray. He glared at Jeremy pero hindi parin mapigil ito kakatawa

"its not funny puns" wika ni Gray. I stifled a laugh since it was kinda funny naman. Mabuti nalang ay wala pang tao dito. Masyado kaming napaaga pero for sure darating na yung iba mamaya.

"Geez this is much worse than I expected" Gray said. Tumango naman kaming tatlo in return.

"Anyone saatin ang may Allergy in dust?" tanong ni Math. Wala saamin ang sumagot. Giving her the answer na walang may allergy saamin sa Dust. Her typical genuine smile formed in her face

"Okay lets get it started then!" maligayang wika niya. She assigned us our task and we all followed and started off. Pero bago magstart, I heard Jeremy mumbled something like "Pabida" I guess.

Je was assigned in the Bathroom, Gray in the chairs, Math in sweeping the floor and me in Mopping and wiping the desk.

We went ahead and made a good start kaso nagsalita si Jeremy.

"para mas masaya ang paglilinis natin... Here's a new Quiz!!!" Jeremy shouted excitedly in the room. Napabugtong hininga naman kaming tatlo kasi alam naman naming hindi na namin mapipigil pa ito.

"How many times do I have to tell you na its not a quiz, Je. Its a pun" Gray said lazily.

"Basta wala ka nang pake don, Abo!!"

"Bahala ka nga dyan" wika ni Gray. Bigla namang humarap saakin si Jeremy at nagsumbong. Bakit saakin to nagsusumbong? I was looking at them all the time!! Jeremy always have been weird.

Patuloy lang nagsalita si Jeremy when Math suddenly cough to grab our attention. "Oh Maya bakit? Okay ka lang?? May TB ka ba?! My God beh!! dapat sinabi mo ng mas maag-" Hindi na nakatapos pa si Je sa sinasabi niya dahil nakatanggap ito ng malutong na palo sa ulo.

"What are you saying?! I was just about to ask about your pun, akala ko ba may pun ka??" Math said and gaved Jeremy a eye roll effect.

"Himala Maya!! may nasabi kang maayos ngayon! pero eto na nga yung pun ko."

"Anong Prutas ang hindi mabilis mamatay?" tanong ni Jeremy.

"Nothing." wika ni Gray. Nagulat naman kaming tatlo kasi basta basta lang sumingit si Gray sa usapan.

"Tama si Gray! Nothing. Walang prutas ang kayang tumagal within so long after a week. Even so hindi na healthy iyon. Well if you know, fruits contains vitamins and those vitamins fades awa-" napatigil naman si Math kakabuhat ng bangka niya nang sumabat si Jeremy.

"Ang dami mong satsat! pwe! dyan ka na nga! ikaw bestie?? ano sagot mo??" he then turned around to me.

ano ba kasing prutas ang matagal mabuhay or mapanis?? all of them leaves naman. Nothing stays forever even so.

I just shrugged and said nothing. Napabuntong hininga naman si Jeremy. I could imagine him saying his normal lines na 'Ang taas taas ng IQ niyo pero di niyo masagutan'. Napa-tsk nalang si Jeremy bago makasagot.

"Ang tamang sagot ay Avo'CARDO'!!! Kasi yung si Cardo Dalisay sa Probinsyano!!" He replied and then laughed after. Inikot ko nalang eyeballs ko due to the bad joke Jeremy has given us. Pero did I heard it correctly?? 'Cardo??' from Probinsyano??

I heard it from a few classmates before pero never ko paring nakita. TV drama's in the Philippines are too over exaggerated for me. Unrealistic and so on. Magsasalita pa sana si Jeremy kaso bigla nalang tumunog ang cellphone ni Gray

"Excuse me for a second" he said. Kung kaya't nagpatuloy nalang kami muli sa paglilinis.

after a few minutes, Gray came back with the same expression he had kanina. Although even deeper. Dumating na rin sa wakas ang iba naming kaklase. Lumapit dito si Math at Jeremy leaving me and Gray on the side. Gray was still looking deeply at one place and silence was filling us in and it felt a bit awkward so I decided to break the gap out.

"A penny for your thoughts?" I asked to grab his attention. I fulfilled dahil bigla naman ito napaayos. He was staring at me for a few seconds and saka nagsalita.

"N-nothing" he said and sighed heavily. Sa tagal na naming magkaibigan ni Gray, I don’t believe that nothing's bothering him. Although I badly wanted to ask is as badly as I respect his privacy that much. Curiosity must not kill the cat. And that cat is me.

Sumandal nalang ako sa pader tabi ni Gray and looked over the other side where I heard Jeremy and Math were quarreling while our classmates were laughing and giggling. Napatahimik kami lahat ng marinig namin ang malakas na kabog dahil sa pagbukas ng pinto.

It was Inspector Dean!

"Is Gray Ivan Silvan here?" wika nito habang hinahabol ang kaniyang hininga. It seemed like Inspector Dean just went running in the halls to find Gray. Napatingin naman siya saamin at biglang ngumiti at kumaway. We waved back and soonly after he turned around to Gray once again  "Ah, yes Inspector Dean?" Gray said as he suddenly stood up and walk towards the door.

They we're having a conversation. A case perhaps? We went back in with our own business but we all heard a knock on the door naman. I suddenly have this feeling of Annoyance. Its weird and I feel like I already know why. When I turned my head towards the door I saw the person who activated my feeling of disturbance. It was Detective Adler. Same as a jerk he is, he was grinning happily when he saw my face.

He's no different with Ryu at all. Naglakad ito palapit kay Gray bago magsalita. "Are you ready Gray?" He asked. Gray nod in advance. Detective Adler hand signed Math to come towards them, and she quickly obeyed. Nag-usap ito ng kakaonting minuto atsaka naglakad saamin ni Jeremy. I heard Jeremy whispering to me saying "Oh its that jerk again" pero hindi ito natakasan ng pandinig ni Detective Adler

"What did you said kid?" He asked. I looked back onto Jeremy and I caught him glaring at the jerk who is infront of us. Pero bago pa man makasalita si Jeremy ay inunahan ko na ito. "What do you need Detective Adler?" I politely asked. He grinned again like he just won a trophy or whatever.

"Please lead your classmates while Gray and Math are gone. They will be with us for 2 days. So yup, Good luck my dear, Amber" wika nito at lumabas na ng classroom namin at nawala ng parang bula. As much as I'm pissed with that guy is as much as I'm confused with Math and Gray. What? Mawawala sila ng two days?! why weren't we updated? Sila lang dalawa? as in?? The thought just made me frown but also bothered at the same time.

"Can't we really bring Amber with us?" Gray begged Inspector Dean. Pero walang epekto "Sorry Gray, leaders orders. But trust me I don't really have the energy to do work with that jerk. I don't even know why was I even paired up with him!" wika ni Inspector Dean saamin.

"Haysss akala ko pa naman magsasama-sama tayo ngayon. How disappointing! And how come Math is the only one needed?? Oy helloo? Amber is the original patner in crime here" Pagpro-protesta ni Je. I was also wondering about that and I was thinking too if this is somehow related to Gray's deep thinking kanina? Lumapit naman saamin si Math after talking and reminding some of our classmates.

"I’m so sorry Jeremy and Amber if iiwan namin kayo. I actually can't believe that I was invited by Detective Adler! He admired my works about devices and I'm just super proud! Gray I can't wait for this trip! Don't worry Jeremy and Amber, Babawi nalang kami after" Math said.

Nagsalita naman si Jeremy "Maya... Kilala mo si Queen?" he asked.

nagtaka naman si Math "Queen? Marami akong kilalang queen, please be specific."

"Queen-to mo sa pagong" Je said with matching irap pa. And muli itong lumapit sa aming mga kaklase. Leaving Math speechless and furious. I was busy watching the scenery but I heard Inspector Dean cough and pointed at his watch. Gray then snapped his fingers to grab my attention which he did succeed. He hugged me and started to talk. "I'm so Sorry Amber that you aren't part of the police works for now. Just count this as your free day! We need to go. I’m really sorry. I'll explain everything once we come back."

After that, he called Jeremy and said to him na wag akong pababayaan. Jeremy nodded and even gaved him a salute. We heard a hoink outside meaning na they have to go now.

Once they went down, I silently watched them get into the car and drive out until they were far enough to see. Hindi ko maiwasang malungkot. Who wouldn't be?? Its always sad when the time na you're happy with everyone eh bigla nalang magiging malungkot lahat. And why didn't they informed us earlier?? Are we that useless ni Jeremy for them? It kinda stings.

Nagulat nalang ako ng makita ko si Jeremy sa tabi ko. "It feels kinda lonely huh?" Je commented. Jeremy is always that type of guy whose foolish and kind but he knows when is the time to get serious. He then pulled me from the windows and a smile started to form again within his lips. "Tara na bestie, tama na yang emote emote na yan ha! di bagay sayo maging emo. HAHAHA! Tara! lets grab lunch, my treat!" paga-ayaya nito.

A wonderful feeling just enlightened me. It's always Je whose been there with me and natutuwa akong makilala ito and makasama for the years of my adventures. He'll always be the guy who'll turn your frown upside down.

"Uy Be!! bakit ka nangiti dyann. May sinabi ba sayo si Gray kanina?? ikaw ha!! di ka na nagkwe-kwento. Magtatampo na ako sayo." Je said as he tries to pout and convince me to spill some tea's out. I just gaved him a Genuine smile and said out "Oh, its nothing" and we continued walking down the hallway, taking the path towards the Cafeteria.

Jeremy ordered the typical lunch we have during our school days and one of them is Pizza. He also bought Carbonara for us two. We sat at our table that was reserved for us. Hindi ko talaga alam kung bakit walang may umaagaw ng pwesto namin or sadya bang made for us lang ang table na ito.

"Bestie after this could we roam around the school?" Jeremy asked. Of course I couldn't deny his offer so I told him sure.

While we we're eating, we we're greeted by alot of students. Some of them are the person we've helped and some were my and jeremy's classmates noon. It felt nostalgic especially when they greet me everytime. I always remember that time na Me and Math had a deduction show but I failed and Gray then deducted again declaring that I also indeed was right and so. Wait, what am I thinking!? eto ba epekto ng pagkawala ni Gray? I must have been crazy.

Napabaling yung tingin ko pabalik kay Jeremy and his posture was surely telling na he's board. Same feeling goes for me kaya I can't believe I'm doing this but..

"Je, Do you have any puns? I'm bored." I told him. Nasilayan ko naman yung matamis na ngiti nito and he became that joyful bestie again.

"Hala bestie eto ba epekto ng carbonara sayo?? Edi sana lagi nalang kita pakakainin ng carbonara!" Je said. Pina-ikot ko nalang eyeballs ko. But he continued

"Sige, sige eto... hmmm... anong tawag sa shawarma na malamig na?" Je asked

"Pareho lang naman yon. Wala namang tawag sa shawarma na malamig eh."

"EEEENNKKKKK!! Nope mali!! Ang sagot kasi ay Shacoldna!!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA" wika nito. Habang patuloy paring tumatawa hanggang sa napaubo ito.

"So bestie since tapos na tayo kumain halika! Ikot na tayo." Aniya. Tumayo ako at nagsimula nang maglakad. Nagtaka ako kung bakit hindi sumusunod saakin si Je.

"Uy Je tara na!"

"Hindi!! Mali ka kasi Bestie, ganto yan!" He said and then turned and spinned around.

"CHAARANNN. Edi naka-ikot na ako!"

I just froze still and cringed. 'Oh my Lord, he's gotten worse. Please have mercy on him.' I muttered to myself. Mabuti nalang at hindi niya ito narinig.

"Joke lang naman be! Tara!" Wika nito. At nagsimula nang maglakad papalayo.

We we're at the garden when Je suddenly asked to see the ring that I showed kanina. I gaved it to him pero I told him not to lose it. Perhaps its the last memory mom left before she died. Je was looking at it mesmerized, patuloy parin kaming naglalakad when something lighted up my head. Dad and mom had two rings. Parehong isinabit sa kamay ni dad ang dalawa. Maybe hindi nailagay ang isa pang ring ni mom kung kaya't naiwan ito. Not sure why two though. But even so, I believe dad was the sweetest guy, mom have ever known.

Nakaabot kami sa field na ngayon for baseball, softball, football, and etc. The floor was quite muddy since kakaulan lang kahapon. Good luck to our shoes I could say. Kanina parin kaming naguusap ni Jeremy. We passed by some guards who we knew and made a small talk, more likely lasting about 5 minutes.

"Je, satingin mo bakit hindi tayo isinama nila Gray ngayon sa case nila or so?" I said as if was trying to start na new conversation. He just shrugged pero sumagot rin naman.

"Maybe we are much of a burden. A extra baggage."

That hitted me so much. Maybe I am a burden?? Maybe Gray have been tired with me lately?? Maybe I wont be useful anymore. There were so many questions and what if's filling my head. Napansin siguro ito ni Jeremy kaya nagsalita ito.

"Pero bestie!! Wag ka mag-alala. Atleast magkasama tayo and importantly is hindi na natin makikita pa yung makapal na mukhang ni Maya!" Je said cheerfully as he was trying to make me smile.

"Ahhh eto para di ka na malungkot"

"Anong tawag sa balls ng snowman?" He asked

"Je naman eh!! Kadiri to, stop asking suck silly question!" I hissed at him. How could he think such perverted things at this time?

"No no, this one's funny!" He insisted

"Okay fine. Shoot"

"Edi Snowballs!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA" Je said and laughed and laughed.

This time natawa ako. Pffttt it was corny but I'm happy na Je made an effort to make me smile. Patuloy parin sa pagtawa si Je until he didn't noticed na may bato sa harap nito dahilan para madapa siya.

"Oh my gosh, Je are you okay?" I asked and gaved him a hand. His face was filled with mud pero buti nalang yung damit niya hindi nalagyan. Looking at him didn't made me feel pity kasi dahil dito ay napatawa ako. I laughed at his face and he started to laugh too! When we both came settled down ay buti nalang nakabalik na ulit kami sa room. Je excused himself para mag CR muna. I agreed. Kaya nauna na akong pumasok sa classroom. And to start up cleaning again.

It almost 3pm and malapit na kami matapos mag-ayos ng room. Hanggang 4pm lang rin naman kami and we still have 2 days to spend. We decided na bukas nalang I mo-mop. I told everyone of us should take a break first or kahit umuwi na yung iba. Eat their merienda, rest and such stuffs. I sat down where jeremy was sitting beside. He was playing a game or some sort sakanya cellphone. His game filled the whole room with words such as "you HAD slain an enemy!" "Double kill" "An ally HAD been slained" "ace!" And the last one was "Your team has destroyed the TURRENT" before Je started jumping out, punching the air and screaming 'wooh!'

As I was staring at his face I remember something. "Je."

"Yes bestie???" Wika nito

"Je where's my ring?" I asked

"Andito!" He said atsaka kinapa ang kanyang mga bulsa. He tried to find it pero he couldn't. At this point I was already mad and furious at Je.

"Je.."

"Wait Amber, dito ko lang nilagay yon!" He started panicking. And I was on the verge of tearing.

"Je naman eh. How could you! Napakahalaga saakin ng singsing na yon! That was the last thing mom left for me. Hindi mo na mapapalitan iyon paano na yan!" I said as I started crying

"Hahanapin ko lang wait" the last thing I ever heard before Je disappeared like dust. I was left there alone. Niyakap ko ang dalawang tuhod ko atsaka inilabas ang mga luha ko.

Je never came back to the room but he texted me around 5pm. His text said: "Amber I'm so sorry bestie. I couldn't find it. Please forgive me. Pag-uusapan natin ito. Maybe it also fell kanina nung nadapa ako. I went looking for it in the whole campus but I couldn't find it. I'm so sorry" And that just made me cry more harder.

I went home after the reading Jeremy's text. Pero nagulat ako ng pagkalabas ko ay nandoon ang kotse ni Cooler along with him and Ryu.

"Amber!!!!" Cooler shouted as he saw me coming. Ryu exposed his grin within a matter of second pero nawala rin ito and pinalitan ng isang worried look ng makita nito ang mukha ko.

"What happened to you witch? You look like you've been crying all day long. Pero sa school pa?" Ryu said.

"Yeah what happened Amber?" Pagsunod naman ni Cooler.

I guess I couldn't hide it to them anymore. But "I'll tell you guys everything but let's head onto a nicer place could we?" I suggested.

"Ah, sure." Wika ni Cooler.

Sumakay na ako sa kotse on the back part. Cooler suggested the shot gun seat infront but I refused. "Before that. Why are you two here again?" I asked.

"The boss told us to pick you up. Sasama sana namin yung kaibigan mong maingay pero we saw that wala siya. Bakit nga pala wala yon?" Ryu replied.

I wasn't comfortable speaking pa so I remained quiet. So as Ryu and Cooler. Well I’m glad they do respect my privacy.

"We're here!" Cooler said as he nagged me gently. Seems like nakatulog ako saglit on the ride. We we're in the Park. Cooler had a basket with him and I'm positive na wala pa iyon kanina. "Shall we?" Wika nito. Tumango lamang ako bago lumabas sa kotse.

Ryu was already there and siya ata ang nag-ayos ng blanket sa damuhan. Padilim na yet the place was beautiful. Maraming mga tao rin ang nandito. There were childrens running and screaming, lovers walking. And families whose also eating like a picnic.

Looking at those families made me pity myself at magselos. And hence it made me remember about the ring again. Bigla nalang nagsimulang tumulo yung mga luha ko. "Hoy witch okay ka lang?" Nagtatakang tanong saaking ni Ryu.

Cooler immediately ran back to the parking lot near and went back with a handkerchief. He handed it to me and I gladly accepted. They waited for me to calm down and there I started to tell them the story.

They were very great listeners. They asked me a few questions but they were questions which made them make up a answer.

"Thinking about the situation. I could tell your in-between the two. Pero I think you should forgive Jeremy." Cooler said.

"Yeah, witch. Tama si Cooler. It may be a important ring but do you think it is much important than your friendship with that guy?" Sabat naman ni Ryu

It made me think for a few seconds. Kaso I couldn't really weight the choices. I was having a hard time to choose. I guess nahalataan nila yon kaya nagsalita muli si Cooler.

"Look Amber, I know you've been into much worse. The ring is important indeed but everything was an accident. You can't blame someone for an accident right? And to add up that Jeremy made the effort to find it. How do you think he is going on right now? Do you think na nagpa-pakasaya yun?? Surely he's suffering about his mistakes too. You never saw your Mother, yet her love for you will live on! Materials are nothing. Even the smallest materials can break or ikalawang rin. But your friendship with that guy? Nah, I bet you guys would still continue being besties until the end. A ring shouldn't intervened with both of your relationship. Lalo na dapat ay hindi ito humadlang sa pagkakaibigan niyo. Talk in a way, listen and hear out. Don’t be closed door Amber."

"Yeah he's right Witch. Buti nga ikaw nakasama mo si Mom for years. Simula noong bata ka palang. I never had a mom ever since that incident happened and I'm happy that she's back now. To add up that your dad still left you treasures such as your house.. And Mom also gaved you that pendant remember??" Pagkumbinsi saakin ni Ryu.

It made that final push for me. It felt like it was all I needed. The advices they gaved me was right. Wala akong karapatan para maging selfish when it was really Jeremy who was with me by all times. Minsan lang maging seryoso si Cooler and Ryu and I'm glad to be able to see this side of them. Tears began to roll down from my eyes again as I bite into the sandwich Cooler and Ryu had brought. Both of them just genuinely smiled at me as they both watch me cry all of the tear I’ve been holding on to.

"Thank you Cooler and Ryu for this. I would have been so lonely and problematic if it wasn't for both of you. Thank you." I told them and bid my goodbye's pero bago pa man ako makapasok sa bahay ay lumapit ako pabalik sakanila at nayakap sila ng mahigpit and then ran back inside.

I’m back here in this house yet everything feels lively. Not like those moments where I’ll come here and a explosion of emotions just flows into me. I walked upstairs but before I could enter my room, I checked mom and dad's room first. Pagkabukas ko sa pintuan ng kwarto ay may hanging bumalot saakin. As if they were waiting for me for so long and couldn't do much but to just hug me tight. I could feel their love. Cooler was right. Items and souvenir's are important. But the memories and history you've made in that place would last forever. I made my way back at pumasok na ng kwarto and slept.

Nagising ako sa tunog ng cellphone ko na kanina pa Nag-alarm. It was already 7am. Kaya nagmadali na ako para maligo at magbihis.

Nakarating na ako sa Bridle ng eight o'clock ng umaga. There were much more students than there were yesterday. No doubt ay dahil ito sa Music fest na gaganapin mamayang hapon. Tumakbo nalang ako papunta sa classroom. Exhausted as I am, I was still trying to catch my breath. Nang mabuksan ko ang pinto ng classroom ay nakita ko agad si Jeremy kausap ang iba naming mga kaklase.

His eyes and my eyes were locked in an instant pero no one of us dared to even talk. We were cowards. I was afraid and so as him. Akala ko ay kakayanin ko na siyang tapatin ngayon ngunit nagkamali ako. It felt like we didn't knew each other. We we're strangers and the feeling of anxiety keeps filling me up. Patuloy paring naguusap ang mga kaklase namin tungkol sa Music fest na gaganapin mamaya. I walked towards the whiteboard and started to write the cleaning patterns Math gaved me yesterday before she left.

As soon as I finished writing, I started to call for their attention and explained our works for today. Gaved them their task and after I started to do my task aswell. Je was staring at me the whole time which made me uncomfortable as I was cleaning.

Finally tapos na rin akong maglinis. As for Jeremy I feel bad that we still haven't done any progression. To think na me and Je never really had a fight that lasted a day, this is really the longest fight we've had before. Actually hindi na ako galit kay Jeremy after me, Cooler, and Ryu had that talk.

Lagpas ala una na ng makita ko ang aking orasan. I told everyone to have a rest muna and that we still have until tomorrow to finish everything up. So if they are planning to go to the Music Fest well they could start preparing now. Everyone cheered and screamed in reply. I actually wanted to invite Jeremy yesterday to go with me at the music fest pero that issue happened. The music fest only contained Bridle's student bands. Doing covers whole the others do originals.

Inayos ko muna bag ko atsaka lumabas sa room. Nagulat ako ng makita ko si Jeremy sa labas ng room. When he saw me he instantly pulled me to God knows where he'll bring us. "We need to talk" seryosong wika nito. We stopped a few blocks from the principal's room and then he started to talk. "Amber I'm so sorr-"

"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!" Sigaw ng isang babae. It was near us. Mabilis kong hinila si Jeremy papunta sa lugar kung saan namin narinig ang sigaw ng babae. Our foots led us into the Music room where we saw a girl whom already fainted outside the door while inside the music room was another girl... hanged from above.

Napabagsak nalang ako sa kinakatayuan ko while Jeremy was standing still. He lend me a hand and dali-dali naming ibinaba ang babaeng nakasabit roon. Inutusan ko agad si Jeremy na tumawag sa Police which he quickly followed. While waiting, I escorted the girl who fainted on the floor first.

Nakarating ang mga police right on time. They questioned me and Jeremy but luckily the police was familiar with us kaya they had us stick around but in return ay wala kaming pwedeng hawakan. The victim was Jessie Elle Salazar, 17 years old, she was one of the well known vocalist one of famous bands here in Bridle. Also known as 'The Phoenix". She was liked because of her combination of beauty and brains. According sa Autopsy ay hindi matagal ng mamatay na ang biktima. Maaring 30 minuto ang agwat noong makita namin siya ni Jeremy. Nasa tabi namin ay ang kanyang tatlo na kabanda.

Una ay si Melissa Fernandez ang second lead singer and also the pianist, pangalawa ay si Chester Santos the bass, at ang huling kabanda naman nito ay si Isen Harra ang Drummer.

By now maraming studyante ang nasa labas. There were alot of whispers and talks about the girl

"Isn't that Jessie Salazar?" I heard one student said.

"Oh my God! The well known vocalist?"

"Pero magpla-play pa sana sila mamaya diba?"

"How cruel whoever must have done this!"
"Sayang napakabata pa niya. She could have achieved more!"

And so on and so fourth. Dahil dito ay napatayo ang isa nilang miyembro at iyon ay si Melissa "Shut up!! Patay na nga yung tao eh, atleast give her a proper call! Instead na magchismisan kayo dyan!" As she let go of her tears that she was holding on kanina pa. Chester made her calm down aswell as Isen. Ito rin ang dahilan para magsi-alisan ang mga studyanteng nanonood roon.

Dumating naman ang isang pulis kasama ang dalawang mga studyante. "Inspector these are the 2 other people na huling nakasama ng biktima before the issue started."

The police asked them one by one for their alibi's ngunit lahat ng sagot nila ay hango na walang connection sa kaso. The first one was John Acabera, 16 years old. Kilala ko ito sapagkat isa rin siyang miyembro sa Repertory Club na kinabibilangan ko. Sabi nito ay dumadaan lamang ito sa hallway ng makita nito si Jessie. Nagpapatugtog ito ngunit kinailangan tanungin ni John si Jessie tungkol sa music fest mamaya kung kaya't kumatok ito at kinausap saglit bago umalis. His alibi was proven by Daren. Dahil naabutan nito na nasa labas nagusap ang dalawa.

Ang pangalawa naman ay si Daren Moreleno. 19 years old. Isa siya sa mga senior ng Music room. Noon ay kasama siya sa banda at naging kilala. Napadaan daw dito si Daren ng makita niya si Jessie papasok sa music room. Mukhang kakatapos lamang mag usap nila John at Jess. Hinabol naman ito ni Daren at pinakiusapan si Jess kung pwede nito hiramin ang ukelele na nasa music room. Dala naman nito ang ukelele ngayon at plano sanang ibalik kaso nangyari ang masamang trahedya.

At ang huli naman ay ang babaeng narinig naming sumigaw kanina. She was their classroom's secretary also known as Valery Yam Yarra. She said na tatawagin na sana nito si Jessie dahil tapos na ang break na ibinigay nito sakanila at magsisimula na sila muli maglinis.

Nothing of them were found suspicious. As for the Victim ang tanging nakita rito ay puro laslas and pasa. Napatigil ang lahat ng biglang tumayo si Chester sakanyang upuan at nagsalita. "Maybe this is a suicide. Ilang months na depressed si Jessie about things. We've seen her scars and do self harm all the time. Maraming beses narin niyang sinabi saamin na malapit na raw kaming liligaya dahil malapit na ring magtapos ang araw niya."

Agad kong pinapunta si Isen saamin ni Jeremy. I asked him why Jessie was depressed and he answered with something pero he lowered his voice, making sure that no one would hear except me or Jeremy. "Actually Ms. Amber Jessie is Chester's ex and they broke up too long ago pero hindi parin makamove on si Jessie. Lalo itong nasaktan ng malaman niyang ipinagpalit sakanya ay si Melissa. Si Melissa naman ay noong naging mabuting kaibigan ni Jessie but everything changed lalo na noong naging sila ni Chester at Jessie. And vice versa. They would always fight about small things and such."

Dahil sa sinabi ni Isen ay mas lalo kaming naguluhan ni Jeremy. The police beside us replied "maybe this is a suicide."

Tumango naman ang iba in agreement but me and Jeremy wasn't buying it. "No its not." Jeremy said. Napatingin ang lahat sakanya. He continued. "I don't have a lead although I'm sure na hindi ito suicide. While me and Amber was lowering her body, I saw na may marka siya sa bandang leeg niya. This proves that she was murdered before getting hanged."

Jeremy is right. May bakat nga ng marka sa leeg niya. As if she was wringed on the neck! There was also a red color something on her neck. Nakita ko kaninang may pulang marka sa leeg niya. It must have been blood but it felt different so probably it wasn't. Surely it was cutix. Ngunit dalawa sila ni Valery ang may red nails!! I thinked thoroughly. And an idea suddenly popped up within me. AHA! I know what to do now.

"Hi Melissa!! I saw your nails and they look so fabulous! May I see them please?" I begged. Nahiya naman ito and it seemed like we was flattered. I checked her nails and she do have red nail polish. Yung pointing finger niya and so as the ring and the pinky has this thick lines. Halatang natanggal ito at kinoberan lamang. Sumunod ay tinignan ko ang kuko ni Valery. Her nails weren't as long as Melissa so it could have meant one thing.

I flashed my mischievous smile kay Jeremy and thus we begun the deduction of the case "I know who killed Jessie but it is not one person but two. Yet I lack evidence on the other one. Hindi siya isa sa mga suspect. They are all innocent. The one who killed Jess was a person whose TRYING to be innocent." Panimula ko

Huminga muna ako ng malalim bago tumuloy. "Obviously the person who wringed Jessie's neck is Melissa"

"What!!? Why me!? Do you have solid evidence?" Pagprotesta nito.

"While me and Jeremy was lowering down the victim I saw Jessie's neck. May marka iyon at meron ring malalim na tusok doon. There was also red stains which I am sure that it was from your nails. When I touched your nails, your cutix wasn't even dry. I checked Valery's hand too but her nails are too short for her to dug her nail in. Ikaw rin ang nagsabit sa bubong sa biktima but with another person's help. I know that it was you kasi I saw blood stains sa kahoy doon sa pinagsabitan ng biktima. And if you still would protest, we can have a luminol test if you insist." Pagpapatapos ko. Sumunod namang nagsalita ay si Jeremy. Dahilan ng pagkagulat naming lahat. Kanina pa kasi ito seryoso tila malalim ang pinagiisipan.

"Amber is right. The second killer is Chester. Kanina ay sinabi saamin ni Isen na Magboyfriend and girlfriend kayo ni Melissa." Aniya.

"Bakit naman ako? What connects me being his boyfriend? Ano proweba mo?"

"Ikaw rin ang nagbugbog kay Jessie. Knowing you. Isa ka sa mga bullies dito sa Bridle noon. We thought you changed but you never really did. How could you? Babae yon. We saw her having bruises which was probably due to kicking and punching. You were abusing her. Such heartless monster! I could blame Isen ngunit si Isen ay mayroong OCD. I could tell by how hesitant he was kanina while giving out information. He was afraid of hurting someone and thats one of the signs of OCD. Kanina rin ay nakaamoy ako ng mint scent kay Melissa. You placed Vix on the corner of your eyelids to make you cry. You we're faking your tears kanina. Good job!" Je finalized as he clapped his hands and smiled at me. He completed the last piece of the puzzle.

Napayuko nalamang si Melissa at Chester "she deserves it. I don't regret anything. Alam niyang mahal ko si Chester, yet pinilit niya parin ang sarili niya kaya that what she gets" wika ni Melissa

"For love? Melissa that’s dumb! Jessie treated you as her own sister and she never stole Chester from you. Both of them were placed in a Fixed marriage kaya they were left with no choice." Isen said. Binigyan ni Melissa ng isang matamis na ngiti si Isen atsaka lumuhod at humagulgol.

Lumapit naman agad ang hepe at tinawag ang dalawa. "Halika kayong dalawa! Dadalhin namin kayo sa presinto." Ngunit bago pa man mahuli ng mga ito ang dalawa ay nakatakbo palabas si Chester. Hahabulin na sana ng mga pulisya ito pero Chester wasn't able to get out of the door aswell because of him and her. Gray Ivan Silvan and Mathilde Corazon. "Going somewhere?" Gray asked atsaka hinawakan ang mga kamay nito at saka na ibinigay sa authoridad.

It was declared as a Case closed about 3:40pm, Melissa and Chester was still going for trial and si Isen naman is included aswell. The police bid farewell to us and ang head chief naman ay nagpasalamat saamin. After so, lumapit agad sila gray saamin and bombarded us with questions.

"What happened when we we're gone?" Gray asked.

"Yeah! Anong nangyari?" Pagsunod naman ni Math.

"Oh nothing. We both solved it ni Bestie! Ikwekwento nalang namin mamaya. May sasabihin lang ako kay bestie!" Wika ni Jeremy before pulling me out and leaving the two clueless.

Hinila ako ni Jeremy papunta sa Garden at pinaupo sa bench na nakalagay doon. "First of all I'm sorry Amber or Bestie. Hindi ko ipinalagahan yung singsing na yon. I hope you forgive me. Pero don't worry!! Kasi Charaaann!!!" Je excitedly said as he pulled out something in his pockets. It was the ring!!

Dali-dali ko itong kinuha "where did you found it?!"

"I wasn't me who found it. If it wasn’t for Cooler and Ryu siguro ay hindi ko nahanap ito. Im really sorry for being careless Amber. Promise mas magiging sensitibo ako-" Je said. Pero hindi ko na siya pinatapos. I just hugged him and utter the words "forgiven" in his ear. He hugged back and we stayed in the same position for a small amount of time. Ako ang unang kumawala. "You should wear this. You deserve it. You are the one who found it naman. Accept it as a gift. 'Finders keepers' remember?" I told Je.

Pinag-isipan ko na ito kahapon. To let go if he ever finds the ring. It was a tough decision but I guess and I know it's worth.

Nagkatinginan lang kami doon pero it wasn't the awkward stare we shared kanina when I came here in Bridle. Silence filled us in pero soonly after we both started laughing like crazy. "You were awesome kanina" I complimented him.

"Hindi kaya!! As Cool ka kanina Be! I just solved half of the case. Akala ko advance ako mag-isip pero mas advance ka pa nga pala kaysa sakin"

"Hahaha! Je ano ka ba! Kung hindi saiyo ay siguro hindi ko nasolve lahat ng yon. You were great! It was you who completed the puzzle!"

"Nooo!! Ay wait. Sige ka hindi tayo matatapos dito. HAHHAHAHA" Je said. Listening to his laughter once again was like music to my ears. I wouldn't like to miss a day without hearing it.

"Let's go bestie?? Tara puntahan na natin sila Maya don hahaha" I nodded in return.

Ng makarating kami doon ay naghihintay ang dalawang tao sa pinto. Gray and Math. They owe us an explaination too! As soon as they spotted us ay lumapit ito bigla and bombarded me and Jeremy with questions. I invited them to the cafeteria and they gladly accepted.

"So what happened? I heard the famous vocalist Jessie was murdered?" Math started the conversation

"Oo! It was super dramatic!" Je exclaimed.
Ang dalawa ay mabilis na nagkaroon ng sariling mundo and when i turned to Gray ay nakatingin pala ito saakin. "Mind explaining?"

I just smiled in return bago nagsimulang mag kwento.

Sabay lang kami nagkwento ni Jeremy and sabay rin kaming natapos. Gray was staring at me after while smiling. Ano trip neto? "Oy abo!!" Sigaw ni Jeremy. Napatingin naman si Gray dito habang tinitignan ito ng masama.

"Kayo naman. Magkwento kayo!! You guys also owe us an explaination." wika ni Je. Napabugtong hininga si Gray "but before that. I want to say congrats to you Amber and Jeremy. I'm so proud of you two!" Gray said and maya followed.
"Yeah! Me too!!"

"Ah, ah, ahh!! Before that lets have my quiz!!" Je said. We all just groaned in reply kung kaya nagcrumble ang mukha nito.

"Shoot."

"Anong bagay ang lagi nalang natin nasasabi in a way ng pagmumura?" Je asked.
"Gray?"
"I dont know?"

"Bestie?”
"Meh, mehley ko." I answered. Kaya napatawa bigla si Gray at Math habang bumusangot naman si Je.

"Ikaw maya???"
"None. Wala naman eh."
"Eeeennkk!!! Mali kayong lahat!! Ang simple na nga eh! Edi Damit! Kasi 'Damnit' HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA"

"Bad joke!" Math exclaimed. Napatigil si Jeremy kakatawa "Buhay mo, a joke" sagot nito. Math was turning red in anger pero hindi na talaga kami makakapagkwentuhan if this would continue between them kaya I hand signed Gray to start the story of their trip for them to stop na.

"So this was everything that happened..." panimula ni Gray. And the rest was History.

They are my friends, my family.
They aren't perfect and they never will be
But that’s alright. As long as they'll be with me. And that’s the story of our friendship.

Every fight has a solution. Every fight strengthens one person much more.

You learn and improve from mistakes. It shouldn't be the main reason why you should fall down. Because your weakness would also be your power against them

They are my world. And if it wasn't for them

Maybe I'm not wont be the same person who I am now. I love them and they loved me for who I was before and who I’ve become today.

The End.
-------------------•••----------------------

EXTRA!!
Cooler's POV

After seeing Amber cry, ay hindi akong nagdalawang isip na bumili ng singsing at ipagaya ito tulad ng description na binigay ni Amber saamin. Yes, I'm fooling and cheating her pero seeing the person you love the most crying was very painful for me to bear. Kung wala lang sana si Ryu doon ay malamang niyakap ko na si Amber kahapon. Dumating ako sa eskwelahan nila ng mga 8 o'clock ng umaga. When I went into their room ay wala pa ito pero nandoon ang isa niyabg kabigan na si Jeremy. I'm pissed at him for loosing Amber's ring pero I'm left with no choice. “Ah… Jeremy was it?” dahil dito ay napalingon ito sa kinaroroonan ko.
“Anong ginagawa mo dito freezer?” He asked. I clenched my fist as I was trying not to punch the guy infront of me.
“ Eto. Ibigay mo sa napinsala mo kay Amber.” I replied habang binubuksan niya ang box. He looked at it surprised pero his face already gives me the answer na alam niyang iba ang singsing na iyon.
He looked up to me before saying “T-thank you" and hugged me after. A smile formed in his lips as he once stared at the box again. It was my cue to go out and return where I belong from.

--

Matapos ng ilang araw sa insidenteng iyon ay hindi ko na nakita pa muli si Amber o Gray pa man. Nasa may 7-11 ako and I was buying coffee when I suddenly saw a familiar face.

“Uy Jeremy !!!” I shouted. Napatingin naman ito saakin
“Ay musta freezer-"
“Cooler.”
“I mean Cooler nga.” He replied
Magsasalita sana ako pero one thing caught my eyes agad. “Hey, isn't that supposed to be Amber's ring?!” I was tempting my anger.

“oh you mean this??” he showed his hand. I gaved him a dead glare for him to spill everything but it just made it worse. “ah… eh… ih….” He was uttering as he was having a hard time to find an answer. By this point. I was bursting in flames and in anger. Pumikit ako saglit as I massage my head ngunit ng buksan ko muli ang mata ko ay nakita kong tumatakbo na ito papalayo saakin.

“JEREMYYY, YOU PUNK. HUMANDA KA SAAKIN!!!!!!!!!!”

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