ERALD

DAGDAG NA trabaho kung tutuusin ang pagsali namin sa hearing ng Student Grievance Committee. We could have said "no" and focused on more pressing matters, such as interrogating the suspects in our list. But Charlotte, our club president, decided to participate in the investigation.

Under normal circumstances, I would have objected and reasoned that I am not interested to take any part of it. My mind told me that this wasn't my business and I have no time to spare. But knock, knock! My conscience appealed to me, saying that I could make amends for my guilt by letting Charlotte have it her way. Guess which between the two won?

By lunch time, the QED Club convened again at our headquarters on the third floor. A messenger from the grievance committee delivered initial reports on the topic to be tackled later at four. Binigyan na nila kami ng transcript ng audio recording na ipinost sa Clark High Confessions. Detalyadong-detalyado. Pati sound effects gaya ng pagkaluskos ng pinto, nakalagay.

After reading the first page of the document, I slid the folder on the table and sighed. Clyde and Charlotte were still busy poring over the files, reading every line quietly.

"Nagtataka rin ba kayo kung sino ang tatlo pang member ng committee na 'to?" tanong ko sa mga abala kong kasama.

"Definitely not the other student council officers or the executive committee members," sagot ni Clyde sabay lipat sa susunod na pahina ng kanyang binabasa. "Since they are closely associated to the student leaders in question, they might be suspected of bias. They might be called as witnesses though."

"So my sister and that Reign won't be sitting in the committee," I put my hands at the back of my head and reclined on my chair.

"According to the rules, the chairperson won't be voting," Clyde pointed out, underlining a particular paragraph on the document. "Only six members will vote on the decision. In case of a tie, the chairperson will have to break it."

Napaangat sa amin ang tingin ni Charlotte. "Ang ibig sabihin, kung pareho tayong tatlo ng magiging boto, we can automatically bring the decision to a tie."

"Unless at least one of the three other members has the same vote as us or if one of them abstains," Clyde finished. "Kung iisa ang boto natin, we are just one vote away from deciding what the judgment will be on the president and the vice president. Otherwise, the chairperson has to cast his vote."

Napabuntong-hininga si Charlotte at saka isinara ang hawak na folder. "To be honest, I feel for the student council. We may not know them that much, but the two officers seem responsible enough in the performance of their duties."

"But what we are trying to resolve here is not whether they are good or bad leaders," Clyde argued. "The question is whether or not they violated some provisions of the Code of Conduct for Student Leaders."

I recall reading the paragraph where the possible violations were stated. First, the president and the vice president were alleged to have violated the principle of decency expected from student council officers. Second, the misuse of a school property such as an office or a clubroom for other purposes neither directly nor indirectly related to the performance of their duties.

If the audio recording was fabricated and the two officers never committed any sexual act in the campus premises, then they are to be absolved from the allegations. Kaso kung totoo ang mga ito, they would be in hot water. So hot that it would scald not only their dignity, but also the reputation of the student council.

While in the middle of discussion, we heard three knocks on the door. I told whoever's outside to come in. Pagbukas ng pinto, bumungad sa amin ang mukha ni Reign. Compared to the last time I saw him, he was looking unhappy. The scandal must also be taking its toll on the execom.

"Sorry if I always bother your club every now and then," he greeted as he closed the door behind him. "Gusto ko lang sana kayong i-update tungkol kay Sebastian."

That rogue execom member who tried to make almost everyone in the acquaintance party last week go to the toilet?

"Please take a seat!" Charlotte motioned to the vacant chair beside Clyde. Pasimple naming isinara ang mga folder. The messenger earlier told us that these files are confidential.

"Kumanta na ba siya kung sino ang nag-utos sa kanya?" tanong ko.

Reign shook his head slowly as he settled down. "He did, however, give us the blackmail letter that was left in his locker. The contents corroborated with his earlier statement. May nam-blackmail sa kanya. Walang pangalan ang sender. The letter was dated two weeks ago. We can ask the campus police to run the envelope and the paper to a fingerprint analysis, but I doubt that the sender was careless to leave his prints on them."

"You said you are here to give us an update," I recalled. "That is not much of an update, but a confirmation of what we already know."

"Erald!" Charlotte called me out.

"Here's the part that might interest you," Reign replied. "I mentioned earlier that the blackmail letter was dated two weeks ago. Sebastian confessed that prior to his botched mission in the acquaintance party, the sender had another task for him."

"The leadership seminar incident?" Clyde guessed, to which Reign nodded.

"Sebastian was also present in the seminar. Prior to our event, kasama siya sa nagsagawa ng ocular sa venue. He forwarded the details to a mysterious caller whom he associated with the K-OS Club. A day before we went there, the caller sent him instructions on who to abduct and what to do to her."

Napatingin kaming tatlo kay Charlotte. "Nakita mo na ang mukha at body frame ni Sebastian last week, 'di ba? Can you recall if the person who took you away resembles him?"

Sandaling ipinikit ng aming club president ang kanyang mga mata. There was a minute of silence before she opened her eyes again. She shook her head, looking disappointed. "Unfortunately, I cannot remember anything that happened that night. Worse, I cannot remember that it happened. Sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Clyde tried to console her. "Huwag mo nang pilitin na alalahanin pa. It's all in the past now."

"Does Charlotte have a certain condition?" Reign was sharp enough to form his own theory. "How come she can't remember anything?"

"Let's just say that she has suffered from selective memory loss," Clyde explained in the simplest way possible. "May nag-trigger sa kanya para hindi niya matandaan ang ilang alaala niya."

All thanks to the K-OS Club, by the way.

"If Sebastian committed the act alone, under the orders of this mysterious caller, then our search for the accomplice is over," I said, diverting our conversation back to our original topic. Inilabas ko mula sa aking bulsa ang nakatuping listahan ng mga pangalan at tinitigan ang mga 'to. Sebastian's name was among them. "So this is already useless."

Nilamukos ko ang papel at inihagis sa trash can. I thought my shooting ability has already improved, but my crumpled paper did not make it to the ring. When Charlotte glared at me, kinailangan ko pa tuloy tumayo para pulutin ang kalat at itapon sa basurahan.

"Case closed, but the mastermind is still at large," I remarked when I returned to my seat. "Is that all you've got to say?"

Reign's eyes stared down, looking hesitant to bring up another topic. Instinctively, Clyde, Charlotte and I exchanged brief glances. I have a feeling that this execom chairperson didn't come here just to update us about the case.

"At this point, I'm not speaking as Reign of the executive committee, but Reign as an ordinary student of Clark High," he started after mustering all the courage he could. "I heard from a reliable source that you three have been tapped to join the Student Grievance Committee investigating the alleged scandal of the president and the vice president. Now I have confirmed it by looking at the folders on your table. They have the official seal of the Office of Student Affairs."

Nagawi ang tingin ko sa harapang bahagi ng folder. Meron ngang logo ng OSA. That was a dead giveaway. This Reign got some sharp eyes, huh?

"I have been invited to the hearing as a witness," he continued. "Madelaine is also invited by the committee. Before you get any wrong idea, let me clarify that I am not here to sway your judgment in favor of Agnes and Bruce. But I want you to see beyond the nonsense that the K-OS Club slung against us. For all we know, this might be a black propaganda. To smear the respected name of the student council."

"We appreciate your reminder—"

"—but there's no need to remind us of our duties," pabalang kong sagot. "Lalabas mamaya sa hearing kung may basehan nga ba ang alegasyon laban sa dalawang boss mo."

"I can vouch for Agnes and Bruce's characters. They are without a doubt good leaders, as you may have already observed," Reign said firmly. "I have worked closely with them and they have dedicated their time in service of the student body. We cannot let a rogue club tarnish that reputation."

"Perhaps you got too close to them that your view has become biased," I countered. The execom chairman only smiled in response. "Because you only see less, you might have overlooked some of their flaws."

"We hope that the committee will arrive to a fair and just judgment," Reign said, rising to his feet. "See you at the hearing later."

Pagkasara niya sa pinto, sandaling nagkaroon ng katahimikan sa clubroom.

"He was low-key trying to influence our decision," I commented, opening the folder again. "Umaapela siya ng simpatiya sa atin at ipinupunto na mabuting officer sina Agnes at Bruce."

"You've got to hand it to him that he did not try to appeal to us by mentioning what they have done for the QED Club," Clyde said, reading the files again. "Remember that we almost lost this clubroom if it weren't for the intervention of your sister the secretary and the approval of the president."

"Or Reign might be subtly hinting that point, kaya niya nasabing 'good leaders' ang dalawa," tugon ko. "He could be trying to imply that they are good leaders because they allowed us to stay here despite not meeting the requirement. Sometimes, what's not written or spoken is the actual message."

***

Dumating na ang pinaka-aabangan ng lahat. After our afternoon class, Clyde and I joined Charlotte as we went to the conference room on the ground floor. This wasn't the same conference room that the student council has. Dito raw kadalasang nagmi-meeting ang mga school official. Since the committee hearing has been authorized by the Office of Student Affairs, they allowed us to conduct the deliberations here.

Pagpasok naming tatlo sa loob, the Student Grievance Committee chairperson Geoffrey greeted us with a handshake. Three long tables were arranged in a U layout. Merong isang bakanteng upuan na nakaposisyon sa espasyo sa gitna ng tatlong mesa. That seat must be reserved for the witnesses.

Bago kami pinaupo sa aming puwesto, ipinakilala muna kami ni Geoffrey sa tatlong iba pang committee member. My eyes widened in surprise when I recognized one of the three faces.

"Hi there! My name's Torrence! You can call me Torry." Kumaway ang lalaking nakasalamin at todo ngiti pa sa amin. He offered his hand to me first. "Nice to meet you again, Erald!"

Tinitigan ko lang ang iniabot niyang kamay sa akin. Looking less embarrassed, he then offered his hand to my two colleagues who exchanged pleasantries with him.

"Magkakilala pala kayo?" pabulong ni Charlotte.

"Erald and I have met twice or thrice before today," Torry answered. "We have had disagreements on some matters, but we are cool, right?"

I wanted to ask the chairperson why the leader of the K-OS Club, from whom the audio recording allegedly originated, was sitting in this august committee. He's the brains behind what Reign claimed to be black propaganda.

Unfortunately, only I and Torry know the truth. Nasabihan ko na si Clyde noon na kilala ko ang mastermind ng rogue club, but I haven't shared the name. You know, trust issues.

Ipinakilala pa sa amin ni Geoffrey ang dalawa pang member, but my mind was too preoccupied with Torry's presence that I did not take note of their names. Narinig ko lang pero hindi ko in-absorb.

Once the obligatory introductions were done, we took our respective seats on the right.

"By the authority vested in me by the director of the Office of Student Affairs, the ad hoc Student Grievance Committee shall start the deliberation on the violations of two provisions of the Code of Conduct for Student Leaders committed by High School Student Council President Agnes Aguinaldo and Vice President Bruce Bonifacio," the chairperson began after clearing his throat. "The proceedings shall be recorded for reference. Call in the first witness."

I thought this hearing would be as boring as the ones I watched on television. With Torry's participation, mukhang mas naging interesante ang pagdinig na 'to. As the leader of the K-OS Club, he would absolutely not vote in favor of the student council officers. That's one "no" vote already. Two to go.

Kumuha ako ng blangkong papel at sinulatan ito habang hinihintay ang pagpasok ng unang gigisahin ng committee. I simply slid it across the table, to the direction of Charlotte and Clyde. They read my message with their eyes only.

Change of plans.
Forget about being unbiased.
Vote in favor of SC no matter what.

May isinulat si Charlotte sa papel bago ibinalik sa akin. She asked "Why?"

In reply, I wrote, "K-OS Club leader is here. Four-eyes #2."

Charlotte gasped as she stared at Torry on the other table. Napatingin tuloy sa kanya ang ibang committee members. She apologized and shrank into her own seat.

"Are you sure?"

"One hundred percent," I whispered.

Reign Imperial emerged from the doorway and walked towards the lonely seat. He fixed his lapel as he sat down. Sandali siyang napatingin sa side namin, tila may pahiwatig. Masuwerte siya dahil may rason na kami para pumabor na sa kanila.

"Now the table is open for the committee members to ask questions to the witness," Geoffrey declared.

Torry raised his right hand. "Good afternoon, Mr. Imperial. Ikaw ang kanang kamay ng student council. That must be fun, right? Working directly with the highest student government."

"I take pride in my job as the executive committee chairman and it is an honor to serve the student body to the best of my ability," Reign answered confidently.

"According to the Constitution and By-Laws, the student council president has the authority to appoint the execom chairman," Torry read. "How long have you known the president?"

"Two years. Before Agnes was elected to the presidency, we had worked together in the execom. She was the then-chairman and I was a member."

"Nabalitaan mo na siguro ang tsismis na kumalat sa campus," Torry went on. "Base sa pagkakakilala mo sa kanya, posible bang magawa niya at ng kanyang bise ang narinig natin sa audio recording?"

"What I can say is that Agnes has the utmost respect not only to the presidency but also to the sacred Office of the Student Council," Reign defended.

"Man, that sounds like a rehearsed answer!" Torry commented. "Let me try it again. You have been in and out of the student council office every day. Have you noticed how intimate the president and the vice president are?"

"They have known each other since junior high and they ran for the student council together," Reign replied. "They are working in tandem so I won't be surprised about their level of intimacy."

"Do you think their level of intimacy can lead to such act heard in the recording?" Torry asked.

"If you have a colorful imagination and you know a little about the two officers in question, then yes," Reign responded. "But if you know that these two have high respect for their office, then no."

Sinubukan kong pigilan ang aking tawa. Itinaas ko aking kamay para ako naman ang makapagtanong.

"Mr. Imperial, napag-usapan n'yo na ba ng president at vice president ang tungkol sa scandal?"

Reign nodded. "They are sad that their names are being dragged to the dirt by this issue."

"Did they confirm or deny that they are the people caught in the recording?" sunod kong tanong.

"They categorically denied it," Reign answered. "They suspect that the recording was fabricated."

"And you believe them?"

Reign nodded again. "I have worked closely with them for how many weeks. While there's no indication when the recording was taken, if it's even real, I can vouch that they have been busy doing their jobs instead of doing something else in their office."

"How can a recording be fabricated?" Clyde asked after raising his hand. "Is there any way for anyone to create an audio file that sounded authentic?"

"The execom has started our own parallel investigations," Reign said. "Posible kasing cinut ang mga recorded speech ng president at vice president at pinagtagpi-tagpi ang mga ito para mag-fit sa gustong ipahiwatig ng audio. Editing works wonders and given our technology today, anything can be done."

"I agree with his point," I commented, darting a sideward glance at Torry. "I remember someone threatening me weeks ago that they can recreate my voice through the wonders of editing."

"Do you believe that the president and the vice president have committed violations on the code of conduct?" Geoffrey asked.

Reign shook his head slowly. "As far as my observations are concerned, no. Never."

"Thank you, Mr. Imperial. Call in the next witness."

Napabuntong-hininga si Reign bago siya nakatayo. Nabunutan na siguro siya ng tinik sa lalamunan. Nang magawi sa akin ang tingin niya, I simply gave him a nod. I hope he understood what that meant.

The next witness was none other than my sister Madelaine. She sat on the chair at the center and roamed her eyes on all committee members.

"Ms. Castell," Torry started the questioning again. "What do you know about the level of intimacy between the president and the vice president?"

"They are quite close," my sister answered.

"Because they have known each other for years?" dugtong ni Torry. "Or because they are working closely together?"

"Because they are in a relationship," Maddie clarified. "Since our term started, they have hidden their feelings well. Recently, however, their status changed from mere colleagues in the council to being a couple."

Nagkatinginan ang mga kasama namin sa conference room, nagulat sa rebelasyon. Only Charlotte, Clyde and I weren't surprised. Napasandal ako sa aking upuan at napakrus ang mga braso.

"How can you say so?"

"They have been going to the cafeteria together, eating lunch together and walking home together," Maddie narrated. "To be fair, there's no rule in the student handbook which says that student council officers cannot be romantically involved with each other. However, I must say that their relationship has gotten in the way of our work."

"Can you further elaborate?"

"Some of our requests were filed late," Maddie explained. "Some were not properly reviewed. These acts of negligence can be attributed to the budding romance of the two."

"Based on how you know them, do you think they could have done what we heard in the recording?" tanong ni Torry.

"That's what couples do nowadays, isn't it?" Maddie replied. "Hindi na nakagugulat kung malaman nating ginagawa na nila 'yon. It has become a norm among teenagers."

"But it isn't prohibited, right?" Charlotte asked.

"As long as they don't it inside the campus premises," Maddie fired back. "It is a matter of morals."

"How about the—" Biglang tumigil si Charlotte sa kalagitnaan ng kanyang tanong. Her dreamy eyes blinked a number of times and a frozen smile was plastered across her lips. Napatingin kaming lahat sa kanya, hinihintay kung ano ang kasunod ng kanyang tanong.

"Charlotte?" I nudged her on the elbow.

"Sorry, I can't remember what I was about to ask," Charlotte tried to pass it off as a joke. But Clyde and I knew better as we exchanged brief glances. Sumusumpong na naman yata ang pagiging makakalimutin niya.

"Do you believe that the president and the vice president have committed violations on the code of conduct?" Geoffrey asked, the same question that he raised to Reign a few moments ago.

"They have not only violated the code, but they have also dragged the reputation of the student council into the mud," Maddie answered with conviction. "The only way to save what's left of our integrity is through their resignation."

That's another gasping moment, courtesy of my sister. The situation was bad. Reign's answers were playing safe and not convincing. Maddie's answers, on the other hand, were persuasive.

"Thank you—"

"Pwede pa bang maghabol ng question?" tanong ko sabay taas ng kamay.

"Go ahead."

"Ms. Castell, have you dreamt of becoming the student council president?" I asked.

Maddie looked at me with a piercing glare. "That's the dream of every student leader in Clark High. Sorry, but I don't see how relevant that question is to the goal of this inquiry."

"You are the secretary, appointed by the president and an integral part of the student council," I pointed out. "Imagine my surprise when I heard you openly criticizing the president and the vice president in front of this committee."

"Being appointed by the president doesn't mean that I should keep mum on issues involving her and the VP," Maddie answered. "My loyalty belongs to the interest of the student body, not of the student council. If they have done something wrong, it is my duty to call them out."

"Or perhaps your loyalty belongs to your self interest?" I countered. "If we recommend to the director that the president and the vice president should resign, won't you stand to benefit? Won't you have some personal gain?"

Maddie chuckled. "I don't know where you are trying to lead me with those questions. I have nothing to gain if they resign."

"If the positions of president and vice president are vacant, who's next in line?" I hinted. "The secretary. You. Kung i-a-assume mo ang presidency, matutupad na ang pangarap mo."

"Just to clarify: Our Constitution is silent on the event that there's a vacancy on the presidency and vice presidency," Geoffrey spoke. "The secretary isn't explicitly included in the line of succession. For the purpose of this hearing, let us not talk about what might happen."

"I rest my case," I said.

"Thank you, Ms. Castell. Let's now call on the subjects of our hearing."

The moment of truth has come. The embattled president and vice president entered the conference room. All eyes were on them. They looked deeply troubled. Hindi na kataka-taka. Their reputations were being assailed by an audio recording that may or may not be true.

Because there was only one seat at the center of the room, Clyde stood and dragged a vacant chair, putting it beside the lone one. Nagpasalamat muna sila kay apat-na-mata bago umupo nang nakayuko. They took a deep breath before lifting their heads, facing the entire committee ready to grill them on the spot.

"President Agnes and Vice President Bruce, thank you for accepting our invitation and taking the time to come here," Geoffrey started, putting his fingertips together and leaning his head on them. "You are being investigated for the two alleged violations on the code of conduct. I want to inform you that the entire proceeding is being recorded."

The two nodded. Agnes' knees were shaking uncontrollably. She tried to hide it by putting her hands on her lap. Bruce gently clasped her hand and shot her with a reassuring look.

"I only have three questions," Torry raised his hand. He was slouched on his chair. "First, are you two in a relationship?"

With slight hesitation, the two nodded again.

"Come on, speak up!" Torry urged. "You haven't lost your voice, have you? Gaya ng sinabi ng chairman, this hearing is being recorded. Kailangang marinig namin ang sagot n'yo for the record."

"Yes," Bruce answered. "We are in a relationship. Since when? Last week."

Torry started playing with a pen in his right hand, his eyes looking elsewhere. 'Have you done acts that couples normally do? Holding hands. Hugging. Kissing. French kissing. And something more intimate?"

A moment of silence ensured before Bruce answered, "Yes."

Torry leaned forward, placing his arms on the table. "Were there instances particularly last week when you two were left alone in the student council office?"

"Yes," Agnes at last got the courage to respond. Akala ko'y napipi na siya. "Minsan nauunang umuuwi ang ibang officer kaya naiiwan kaming dalawa ni Bruce sa office. Last week, we had to finalize the prep for the acquaintance party."

"Three affirmative answers, huh?" Torry wrote down on his notes. He simply threw his pen to the table and relaxed on his seat. "I have already decided on this matter. Now I rest my case."

"That's it?" I commented. "Meron ka na ngang desisyon kahit tatlong yes-or-no questions lang ang tinanong mo?"

"Their categorical answers to my questions are enlightening," Torry replied. "We already heard the two witnesses earlier and it won't be that difficulty to arrive at a quick but sound decision. Of course, I won't tell you my opinion until our deliberation later."

Ang sabihin niya, bago pa man magsimula ang hearing na 'to, meron na siyang desisyon. Kahit nga hindi kami mag-convene dito, he could already give a decision that he claims to be "sound." This was nothing but a formality for him.

If I don't counter it, the other two members might be swayed. Worse, if there's a tie later, the chairperson might vote in their favor.

"My turn," I said, getting the attention of the two officers. "Agnes and Bruce, can you categorically deny that you did not commit the act being insinuated by the leaked recording?"

"We categorically deny that," Agnes answered.

"But we can't deny that those were our voices," Bruce added. "Meron sigurong expert sa pag-e-edit ng audio at nagawa niyang palabasin ang scenario na narinig n'yo sa recording."

"Let's say for the sake of discussion that the audio recording is fabricated," Clyde took the turn to ask. "Will you consider doing the act inside the student council office, or any room in the campus?"

Agnes shook her head. "We respect the office so much that we will never consider, not even for a second, desecrating our sacred workplace. If we thought of doing that thing, it won't be within the campus premises."

"But you might have had the urge to do it right then and there," Torry interrupted. "Baka nagpadala kayo sa bugso ng damdamin. Alam n'yo na, mapusok ang mga kabataan ngayon."

"Mr. Chair, Torry already rested his case just a few moments ago. Thus he no longer has the right to ask questions or comment," I interrupted.

"Sorry!" Torry raised both of his hands. "I only wanted to point out that human nature comes out naturally. No matter what principles we believe, once human nature kicks in, we will forget about them for a moment or two. For example, a man believes that killing is a sin. If put in a life-and-death situation, he might grab a knife and stab to death the person threatening him. Why? Because it is human instinct to survive. He will violate the very rule that he adhered to."

"Do you have an idea on why you are being subjected to this kind of humiliation?" I ignored Torry's remarks and continued with my questioning.

"I don't know why the K-OS Club attacked us," Agnes looked down. "I have no personal enemies. I have been a good student. Kaya nga nakakapanghina ng loob kung bakit kailangan kong mapahiya nang ganito."

Agnes started to sob. Bruce tried to console her by caressing her back.

"I only wanted to serve," Agnes sniffed. "Hindi ko in-expect na may ganitong paninira na nakaabang sa akin."

"Do you think this case has something to do with your positions as president and vice president?" tanong ko.

"What do you mean?"

"Baka may gustong mag-resign kayo sa puwesto para siya na ang mag-takeover," I floated the idea. Ang kailangan kong gawin ngayon ay sirain ang kredibilidad ni Maddie. If these two can testify that they had been at odds with my sister and that she's aiming to be the next president, it might do the trick.

All they had to do was to speak of Madelaine's name. That would shatter her earlier statements and turn the tides to our favor.

Say it!

Agnes shrugged her shoulders. "Wala akong ma-recall na taong gustong paalisin kami sa puwesto."

"Wala bang officer ng student council na naghahangad sa posisyon n'yo?" Say "Madelaine," you idiots! That's the only way to save you from this embarrassment.

Bruce shook his head. "Wala talaga. Supportive sa amin ang buong council, pati na ang execom. Ayaw kong isipan na may makakagawa sa kanila ng ganito."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. They blew away the chance to discredit their secretary. If only I had known, I should have briefed them about their response.

"Are there still questions? If there's none, then the president and the veep can leave," Geoffrey said.

Hinintay muna naming makalabas ang dalawa bago nagkaharapan ang mga member ng grievance committee. There's an annoying smug on Torry's face, as if he had already won the war.  Sa ngayon, mukhang tagilid kami. We only need one more vote out of three. Kung malasin, I hope the chairperson would side with us.

"The interrogation is hereby concluded," Geoffrey declared. "Now's the time for the votation whether or not the two student leaders have violated the code of conduct. I will call your names one by one and speak out your vote, either aye or nay. Ready?"

Napalunok ako ng laway.

***

Pagkatapos ng botohan, tumambay muna kaming tatlo sa labas ng conference room. Nagsiuwian na ang karamihan sa mga estudyante kaya kami na lamang ang natira dito.

The chairman got out of the room and approached us. Isa-isa niya kaming kinamayan at pinasalamatan.

"Thank you for joining us in the deliberations," Geoffrey said. "I shall forward our decision to the OSA director. Once approved, we will send a copy of the decision to the student council and to the student publication. Good day."

Kumaway siya sa amin habang naglalakad palayo, palapit sa hagdanan.

"We lost," Charlotte muttered, looking down. "I thought we had it in the bag."

What went during the votation? The three of us voted that there's no violation while Torry and the two others voted that there are violations. Dahil tie ang resulta, the chairperson had to step in. I expected that he would side with us. Imagine my surprise when he sided with the K-OS Club leader.

With a 4-3 decision, the Student Grievance Committee has found that the president and the vice president violated two provisions of the code of conduct. And our recommendation? Resignation.

Maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw kung sino ang may gawa nito. Sino pa ba ang makikinabang sa desisyon? My sister, the secretary. Ang mas ikinasasakit ko ng loob ay ang pakikipag-alyansa niya sa K-OS Club para dungisan ang pangalan nina Agnes at Bruce.

Kanina ko lang naintindihan kung paano niya ako pinaglaruan. Her request to make the president and the vice president confess their feelings to each? It all started there. Ako naman na uto-uto, pinagbigyan ang request. Wala akong ideya na 'yon pala ang magpapabagsak sa kanila.

Naiinis ako kay Maddie. Naiinis din ako sa sarili ko. Why didn't I see this coming?

"Don't be so sad. Ganyan talaga ang buhay, weather-weather lang. Minsan pabor sa 'yo, minsan hindi. Mas mabuting magdala ka ng payong para lagi kang handa."

Torry stood before us, still wearing that confident smug.

"If one of the other two members or if the chairperson voted on your favor, you would have won and saved the president and the VP," he went on. "Unfortunately, that did not happen. That's not gonna happen, not in a million years."

"You managed to convince them," I replied. "Bravo. Hindi ko in-expect na magaling kang mangumbinsi ng mga tao."

"To tell you the truth, I did not have to convince them," Torry smirked. "Kahit ano pa man ang isagot ng mga witness at ng mga respondent, the result was going to be the same. 4-3. Resignation."

"What do you mean?" tanong ko.

"The hearing was just a farce!" Torry answered. "We already had a decision. I have to give credit to Geoffrey and the two other members for acting as if they were into the pursuit of the truth."

"I don't understand."

"I was the one who recommended to the OSA director to appoint Geoffrey as the committee chair. I was also the one who recommended the other two members, as well as you."

"You recommended us?" Charlotte repeated.

Torry nodded. "We already have the majority. Four out of seven votes. It no longer mattered who would be the other three members. Bigla ko lang naisip na kayo na lang ang mag-fill sa slots."

"Why? Why did you want us to participate in this farce?"

"To show to you how much influence I have," Torry said. "Even a committee that's supposed to be impartial has been infiltrated by yours truly."

"You!"

"The result of this game has already been decided even before we played," Torry explained. He tapped my shoulder before walking away. "Better luck next time, QED Club."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. Nasuntok ko ang pader kahit masakit sa kamao. I couldn't believe how we were played by that four-eyes guy.