/The Sleuth Project/
epilogue

---

IT WAS the 27th of March, year 2017. The whole gymnasium was filled by students, teachers, parents and administrators up to the very brim. Every seat was taken, and people were chatting excitedly as they waited for the event to start. Student council officers were ushering visitors inside the area, whilst the team and directors for the Writers' Schism scurried here and there, making sure that everything was in its rightful place.

Today was the awarding ceremony of the Writers' Schism for the academic year of 2016-2017.

"Ready ka na ba?" Rein, whose bruise on his face had now healed and faded away, asked the girl seated beside him in the bleachers.

Napalingon ang dalaga, the swish of her short hair gracefully turning along her movement.

"Ready na ano?" Ann asked with a raised eyebrow habang nakatingin kay Rein.

"Ready na manalo." Rein remarked before chuckling. To his surprise, hinambalusan siya ng dalaga.

"Hindi tayo mananalo niyan kung ngayon palang ang yabang-yabang mo na!" Ann scolded him before rolling his eyes, with Rein snorting and placing an arm around her shoulder.

Dahil dito ay agad na inasar sila ng mga kaklase nilang nakaupo sa likod at paligid nila.

"PDA! PDA!" Jarrell, who was right behind the two, shouted accusingly, taking advantage of the fact that there were no professors or adults near them. Habang maingay ang 10 - Fortitude ay patuloy pa ring ginugulo ni Rein si Ann

"You're so uptight." He said teasingly to the young girl who snorted. "Akala ko ba okay lang sa'yo kung 'di tayo mananalo sa Schism kasi nabuo naman yung Campus Sleuths?"

Ann scoffed, her legs crossed as she side-eyed her rival. "Okay nga lang. Between the two of us ikaw nga 'tong nag-eexpect eh."

"I'm just trying to be positive."

"Pft. More like arrogant, Maccio." Ann snickered before removing Rein's arm around her. "And get your hands off me."

"You keep breaking my heart, Lobris." Rein responded sarcastically, placing a hand on his chest as if he was heartbroken. Napairap naman ang dalaga dahil dito.

"Good morning students, teachers and parents! Welcome to this year's awarding ceremony for the Writer's Schism!" Two energetic voices suddenly exclaimed through the microphones, catching the attention of the whole gymnasium that roared with cheer and excitement.

The event was about to start.

"I'm Elysia Arcedes, the 2015-2016 Writers' Schism winner for the novella category," The dark-haired feature writer of the Castillian Gazette, greeted the crowd.

"And I'm Agatha Batacan, the 2014-2015 Writers' Schism winner for the full-length novel category," sambit naman ng isang twelfth grader na may mahaba at sobrang kulot na buhok na naka-half ponytail.

"And we are your emcees for the 2016-2017 Writers' Schism awarding ceremony!" The two ladies announced in a thrilled tone, and the audience was once again in an uproar.

"With the long deadline we have for the writers, it is now finally the time to announce the winners for the three categories of the Writers' Schism for this academic year, 2016 - 2017! Let's start off with the first branch, the poetry-writing category..."

The whole morning was filled with cheering and merriment. And by the time na i-aannounce na ang top 3 spots for the full-length novel category - the last category in the competition - mas lalong lumakas ang mga hiyawan; people cheering for their friends and supporting their own personal bets.

"Dinaig pa ng Schism yung ingay tuwing intramurals!" Jarrell yelled from behind Ann and Rein who turned around every now and then to talk to their friends.

The award for the second runner up was given to Maria Requeño and Daisy Santino, two students from grade 10 - Excellence. The said section went wild as soon as Maria and Daisy's names were announced, cheering the pair who excitedly rushed towards the platform to receive their award.

"FOR THE FIRST RUNNER UP!" The emcees shouted enthusiastically. "THE SECOND SPOT GOES TO..."

"...Richard Tynas and Mirabel Santos!" Agad na napatalon sa tuwa ang 10 - Fortitude, cheering for their two classmates whose expressions were priceless.

"Final answer na ba 'yan??" Mira laughed as their classmates pushed them, encouraging them to go to the platform.

"Forti represent!!" Hayaw ni Javier at iwinagayway ang isang panyo, dahilan para mapagalitan ito ni Professor Zaldiga na kakaakyat sa parte ng bleachers kung nasaan nakaupo ang kanilang section.

"O Elysia, excited ka na bang i-announce ang ating Writers' Schism winner para ngayong school year?" Agatha asked Elysia who nodded enthuisastically.

"Excited na excited syempre Ate Agatha - and I'm sure everyone here is excited as well!"

"Tama! Tech team, drum roll please!"

Agad na tumunog ang napakalakas na drumroll na siyang nagpa-tense sa lahat ng mga tao.

For a moment, the gymnasium went so quiet that Rein and Ann could feel their heartbeat thumping loudly against their chests.

"Castillians, let us all congratulate and cheer for the 2017 Writers' Schism winning pair..." Elysia said excitedly before reading the small piece of paper in her hand.

For a moment, the young raven-haired girl paused, a look of confusion and spite dawned over her face as she doubled over and read the paper once again. There was a whisper from her senior that snapped Elysia back to reality. Napaubo ang dalaga at muling napangiti.

"...Sheyna Ramirez and Kyle Digmaan from 10 - Commitment!" Elysia said through the microphone, her tone a little unexcited compared to the previous announcements.

Immediately, the other section, 10 - Commitment, went into an uproar, jumping from their seats as they clapped the backs of Sheyna and Kyle. Sheyna most especially, was squealing and having the time of her life before taking numerous selfies with her writing partner. Napakurap ang ibang estudyante, lalo na ang mga kaklase nina Ann and Rein na napatingin sa dalawa.

"Despite being victims themselves of the Writers' Schism case where most of their initial drafts were hacked, Angelique and Faith is proof of their determination and talent --- two skills that ensured their win for the full-length novel category in this year's Writers' Schism!"

"Ha, parang mali yata?" Kat Ferdez frowned. "Hindi nanalo si Ann at Rein??"

Both rivals glanced at one another before bursting into a fit of laughter that earned them bewildered looks.

"I'm confused." Sera shook her head. "Bakit kayo tumatawa?? May na-miss ba kami? Anong nakakatawa sa pagkatalo niyo?"

"Holy shiiiiit!" Javier cursed out loud, before clamping his mouth with one hand. Nang sigurado ang binata na hindi ito narinig ni Professor Zaldiga ay inilapit niya ang kaniyang katawan paharap kay Ann at Rein na humarap naman sa kanilang mga kaklaseng nakaupo sa likod nila.

"Lobris and Maccio?? Not winning?? FOR THE FUCKING FIRST TIME?" Javier grinned, and even the others soon followed-suit, all speaking at the same time.

"Luto! Luto!" Jarrell yelled, but Quinn immediately pushed his head back down before any of the professors or admins could hear him.

"Oh come on, Forti." Queenie laughed as she watched her classmates' commotion. Halos parang gusto na mag-welga ang iba, habang yung iba ay napapakurap pa rin, hindi makapaniwala na walang napanalunan ang dalawang pinaka-matalinong estudyante sa kanilang batch.

"I mean look at them, I don't think our Presi and VP is in any way bothered by their loss." Dagdag ni Queenie, staring fondly at Ann and Rein who seemed amused at the prospect.

"No but seriously, 'di ko nagegets 'yung humor." Sera said dryly. "Pa-spill naman yung joke."

"Whaat?" Rein asked innocently, causing Ann to chortle once again, trying to contain her laugh.

"We just think it's funny na kung kailan kami nag-team up saka naman wala kaming napanalunan." Sambit ng dalaga, dahilan para mapatitig muli ang kanilang mga kaklase sa dalawa.

"Gago, baka 'di si Ann at Rein 'yan." Javier's friend, Briden Armeda, remarked habang hinihimas niya ang gilid ng kaniyang undercut na buhok.

"Oo nga, baka alien 'yang dalawang 'yan."

"Sera tignan mo nga, baka nilalagnat si VP."

"'Di kasi guys, kontento na 'yan sa isa't-isa kaya ganiyan."

"Ewan ko sa inyo." Irap ng dalaga, with Rein shaking his head in amusement.

"I guess your father isn't going to be too happy?" Tanong ng binata kay Ann nang humarap muli ang dalawa sa entablado. Napakibit-balikat lamang ang dalaga.

"Nah. He told me he didn't care if we'd win the Schism or not." Ann responded, a small smile on her lips.

"Seriously?"

"Yep."

"Don't tell me there's a catch?"

"Rei-" Ann stopped herself, causing her rival to blink at her in surprise. "I mean, Maccio." She coughed, causing Rein to smirk. "I think you know my dad has a history of getting his way in everything."

"What does that mean?" Tanong ni Rein. Medyo mapang-asar ang ngisi nito pagkatapos na muntikan na masabi ni Ann ang kaniyang unang pangalan.

"Well," Ann cleared her throat. "Since I defied my parents for joining the Campus Sleuths with you, I'm punished to pursue a path I know I'll never be happy in."

This time, the teasing grin on Rein's face soon faded. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

"I'm forced to take up ABM in Senior High, and Accountancy in college." Ann said quietly, playing with the end of her Junior High School ID.

"And that's not what you want?"

"No," Ann responded with a heavy breath before turning to face Rein who was now frowning with a look of concern. "It's not."

"Sigurado ka na ba? I mean, you can still convince your dad to change his mind. The Campus Sleuth org isn't important anyway." Kunot-noong sambit ni Rein. "But what you'll take up in the future, now that's important. Lobris, you can still back out-"

"Maccio if there's one thing that I am, I'm not a coward." Ann cut him off, with Rein blinking in surprise. "Pag sinabi kong gagawin ko, gagawin ko. I'm not someone who backs out in favor for something else."

Rein stared at her in disbelief before finally chuckling softly.

"You really are stubborn," Komento nito, dahilan para mag-make face ang dalaga at saka humalukipkip.

"Not as stubborn as you." Ann retorted playfully, prompting Rein to snort as the emcees started speaking once again after awarding Angelique Rosmeña and Faith Lorenzo.

"Now that we have our Writers' Schism winners, please allow us to invite onstage the participants who deserve an honorable mention for their works!" Elysia announced through the microphone, dahilan para makuwha nila muli ang atensyon ng audience.

At this point, the emcees then called a few other pairs who were nominated for the shortlist of winners per category, but didn't make it to the top five. There were some who were given an honorable mention for the uniqueness of their plot, and some for the execution of their story.

Mga iilang magka-partner rin ang tinawag mula sa iba't-ibang grade level.

"And now, for our last honorable mention." Agatha remarked, opening the last folded paper in his ballot. The twelfth grader's face lit up whilst reading the piece before exclaiming to the microphone: "NONE OTHER THAN ANNALIESE LOBRIS AND REAGAN MACCIO!"

Dahil dito ay saka napatalon sa upuan ang 10 - Fortitude ng wala sa oras, with Sera and Jarrell pulling a surprised Rein and Ann up from their seats.

"Annaliese Gracielle Lobris and Reagan Iñigo Maccio are awarded this certificate of honorable mention to acknowledge their written work, which is based on the events of the Writers' Schism case. Because of this, the pair has somehow preserved the case's mark in the history of the Writers' Schism, prompting the board to recognize their work and research." Elysia commentated.

"GO!! Deserve niyo 'yan!" Queenie cheered as Quinn kept pushing Rein out of the bleachers; dahilan para mabunggo ng binata si Ann at mag-hiyawan ang kanilang mga kaklase.

"BARKO NAMIN 'YAN!"

"Presi at VP lang malakas!"

Hiyaw ng mga ito habang paakyat sa entablado ang dalawa.

"You first, my VP." Rein said mockingly, reaching out Ann's hand and guiding her up the stairs that led to the stage. Dahil dito ay muling nagsigawan muli ang karamihan sa audience.

"DID YOU GET A PHOTO OF THAT?!" Calista barked to her team of young photojournalists who were documenting the event with their cameras.

"You fucking flirt." Ann muttered to her partner who merely grinned as they walked towards Professor Wyanna Perlita who shook their hands, congratulating them and handing two certificates.

"Ann, Rein, a photo please!" Ashley Jallorina, one of their batchmates and a junior photojournalist for the Castillian Gazette, called from below the stage, prompting the duo to stand side by side together, showing their certificates.

After their photo, the pair were then escorted to the middle of the stage where the others winners and different placers from the three writing categories also stood proudly.

"We are respectfully requesting the audience to please quiet down. Thank you!" Elysia reminded the audience, prompting the cheers to die down.

"Alright!" Agatha said cheerfully. "Before we end this successful event, we would like to give the microphone to none other than our very own Principal Lilia Castillo, who will be making a surprise announcement for the whole student body. Principal, the floor is yours." Sambit ng twelfth grader before handing the microphone to the principal who thanked him.

"A pleasant morning, Castillians!" Bati ng matanda sa lahat, with the audience clapping for her.

"I know my announcements aren't the most entertaining part of any school event, but I'd like to take this opportunity to officially present to you all one of our newest school-based organizations founded by yours truly." The principal said with a smile, and the large presentation behind her showed the logo that connected the letters "C" and "S" into one giant swirl. A magnifying glass and pen were crossed behind it like a coat of arms.

"Castillians, allow me to present to you all the Campus Sleuths!" Agad na nagpalakpakan ang audience as the principal spread her arms on both sides. Gulat na nagkatinginan si Ann at Rein, pati na rin ang apat na sina Sera, Jarrell, Quinn and Queenie na naiwan sa audience. The principal didn't inform any of them that they would be presented to the whole school on the same day of the announcing of the Writers' Schism winners.

"This organization was created in lieu of the Writers' Schism case, with the aim of aiding the Castillian student body in solving school-based crimes such as theft, bullying, hacking. This will be a club affiliated to the O.C.P. and the diligent shepherd's office, but will be an entity separate from the student council." Pagpapaliwanag ni Principal Lilia sa lahat, as the slide changed to the organization's vision and mission which the six had presented to her a week ago.

"And so, let's not make this any longer." The principal beamed. "To the members of the Campus Sleuth organization, please come up on stage as I call your name." She instructed, clearing her throat before announcing the name of the first member.

"First and foremost is our sergeant at arms, Jarrell Blake Marquez!"

"Ayos, 10 - Fortitude talaga bida ngayong araw." Javier grinned as he clapped his friend at the back. For the first time in forever, Jarrell felt important and respected as he walked towards the stage, a proud smile on his face.

For a second, Sera saw a hint of Mayor Marquez in Jarrell, dahilan para mapakurap ang dalaga.

"Next is our public relations officer, Seraphim Louise Madrigal!" At that point, Sera snapped out of her thoughts and gracefully stood up from her seat. She then walked towards the front, waving her hand as if she was a beauty queen acknowledging the world. Agad rin itong tumayo sa tabi ni Jarrell who was marveling at her.

"For our treasurer, we have Quinston Rhys Gintuan!" Pagkaakyat ni Quinn sa stage at tumabi sa kaniyang mga kaibigan ay ginulo agad ni Jarrell ang buhok nito, dahilan para matawa ang iilan sa audience.

"Our secretary on the other hand is Quinn's very own sister, Queenie Rose Gintuan." The principal smiled, and Queenie shyly went up to the stage, with Quinn cheering the loudest for his twin. Nang nakarating na ito sa harapan, ay sandaling nakita ng dalaga si Charity, ang babaeng nakakita sa kanila ni Ann at Sera noong araw na pumunta sila sa Ylando Mall. Queenie couldn't help but stand even straighter nang mapansing nakabusangot ang dating nambully sa kaniya.

"And for the club's vice-president, we have Reagan Inigo Maccio!" As soon as the principal had announced his name, a few students let out an amused laugh. Writers of the Castillian Gazette and other student papers were writing furiously, taking notes of the important event that was currently happening.

"O ha, si Rein naman ang VP ngayon." Tawa ni Richard, dahilan para mag-apir sila ni Mira habang nakatayo pa rin sa may center stage kasama ang ibang winners ng Writers' Schism.

"Nagbabato-bato pick lang ata sila sa Presidential and Vice-President positions eh!" Ngiwi naman ni Javier mula sa audience, dahilan para lalong matawa ang 10 - Fortitude.

"And last but not the least, the Campus Sleuths will be presided by Annaliese Gracielle Lobris. This decision was voted by all members, as Miss Lobris is revealed to be the instigator of the investigation for the Writers' Schism case." Pagpapaliwanag ni Principal Lilia habang tumabi si Ann kay Rein, trying to control her high spirits and the smile that was tugging the corner of her lips.

"Now that you've met all of the members, I can assure all of you that the organization will automatically be effective today, to which the student body can find their office at Room 414, where you may ask advice from them with regards to any school-related crime or matter that needs solving." The principal instructed before gesturing towards the six.

"Once again, the Campus Sleuths!" Principal Lilia exclaimed, drawing cheers from the whole gymnasium as the six slightly bowed in respect, the course of their lives changing all at once.

---

"One, two, three... Cheese!"

"CHEESE!"

Isang malaking flash ang sumilaw sa anim as Mrs. Gintuan took the group's photo with Ann carrying Ronan in her arms. It wasn't just any ordinary photo as the six were donned in their crimson red and white graduation togas. It was the 31st of March 2017, the last day of the academic year, and the graduation day of the Castillian tenth graders.

"Thanks ma!" Queenie said in delight, kissing her mother on the cheek as she checked the photos her mother had taken on their old vintage camera.

Kakatapos lamang ng graduation ceremony ng mga bata, at ngayon ay nagkalat ang lahat ng mga bagong graduates at kanilang mga pamilya sa mga grounds ng Castillo High. Makikitang nakikipag-usap ang ilan, habang tuloy naman sa pag-picture ang iba.

"Tignan mo nga anak, baka malabo pala pagkakuwha ko." Sambit ng ina sa anak na umiling.

"'Di naman ma. Ganda nga eh, tignan mo." Sambit ng dalaga at ipinakita ang litratong kinuwha nito sa kaniyang mga magulang.

"Tara sa bahay, doon tayo mag-celebrate!" Aya ni Jarrell sa mga kaibigan habang inaayos ang kaniyang graduation cap.

"Hindi ba magpapa-grad party si tito sa inyo?" Tanong ni Rein who had already separated ways with his father and little brother who had already went home.

"Sabi ko huwag na eh." Jarrell shrugged. "Party party pa, pwede naman tayong mag-inuman na tayo-tayo lang."

"Gago ka, andyan sina tita." Sera hissed, dahilan para makamot sa ulo ang binata as he looked apologetically at Quinn and Queenie who widened their eyes at him.

"Uhh, ma, pa!" Quinn exclaimed, distracting their parents who became a bit confused. "Pwede ba kami pumunta kina Jarrell para mag-celebrate? Uuwi rin po kami pagdating ng alas sais." Pagpapaalam ng binata.

"Ha eh may hinanda kaming spaghetti sa bahay mga anak?" Kunot-noong sambit ng kanilang ama.

"Edi uwi nalang kami ng mas maaga, papa. Please?" The twins asked, and the adults had no choice but to give in.

"O siya, sige. Pero walang inom-inom ha." Striktong bilin ng kanilang ina sa dalawa, dahilan para panlisikan ng mata muli ng kambal si Jarrell na agad na nag-peace sign.

"Quinn, alagaan mo 'yang kambal moz ikaw ang lalaki. O siya, mauuna na kami sa bahay, mag-ingat kayo." Sambit naman ng kanilang ama, dahilan para agad magmano ang anim.

"Bye po tita!"

"Ingat kayo papa!"

Nang nakaalis na ang mga magulang ng kambal ay hinarap agad ni Jarrell ang mga kaibigan nang may loko-lokong ngiti. "Tara, mag-kotse nalang tayo."

"Gago ka talaga Jarrell Blake Marquez, akala siguro nina papa lasenggero na kami ngayon," Queenie scowled, causing the others to laugh.

"Nako, isumbong ko pa kina tita mga kababalaghan niyong mag-kambal eh." Jarrell grinned, moving his eyebrows up and down.

"Sabihin ko: tito, tita, 'yung mag-kambal po ninyo bad influenc-" 'Di na natapos ni Jarrell ang kaniyang sasabihin ng biglang inipit ni Quinn ang leeg nito gamit ang kaniyang braso at saka ginulo-gulo ang kaniyang buhok.

Agad na nag-rambulan ang dalawa, at habang nagkukulitan ay napatingin si Jarrell kay Sera, Ann at Rein. "At kayo namang tatlo, aber? Pwede ba kayo pumunta sa bahay?" Tanong nito habang tinutulak palayo si Quinn.

"When have I ever declined an invitation to go to your place, Jarrell." Rein, who had a chunk of medals around his neck, rolled his eyes. "Besides, my father's meeting and drinking with a few friends tonight outside Ylando. I'm sure he doesn't care where his newly-graduated son would celebrate his graduation party."

"Same here." Ann shrugged. She too had lots of medals and blue ribbons around her neck, but the difference is, she was the one hailed as the top student of their batch, with Rein only in second place. "My parents soon left after the ceremony - not that I'm hurt or anything. Sanay naman na ako na lagi silang busy."

"They didn't look surprised that you were top 1." Quinn remarked, inciting Ann to snort.

"Ano pang ineexpect mo sa kanila?" She said dryly. "I've learned not expect praise when success and excellence are expected from you."

"Touché." Rein agreed with a slight lift of his shoulders.

"Well, I'm proud of you." Sera interjected as she looped her arm with Ann's, who smiled at the gesture.

"And to answer your question engot," Sera frowned, turning to Jarrell. "i actually have a celebratory dinner with my parents so I might leave early. But yep, I can go to your house."

"Nice, kasama si crush!" Sigaw ni Jarrell at saka kiniliti si Sera sa tagiliran.

"I told you to stop poking me there!" Sera roared. Dahil dito ay umaklas siya mula kay Ann at saka hinabol si Jarrell na tumakbo na papunta sa kotsd. As the six chattered playfully amongst themselves on the way to the car, Ann turned to Rein who was whistling a tune, his hands deep into his pockets.

"So..." Ann cleared her throat, watching her rival walk in his usual charming, laid-back manner.

"Next year ulit?" Tanong ng dalaga habang dala-dala si Ronan, whose fur she was caressing as they walked.

"What about next year?"

"Kung gusto mo bang sumali ulit tayo sa Writers' Schism next year?" Ann asked once more, dahilan para mapatigil si Rein sa paglalakad. Ann too had stopped walking, waiting for his answer.

Rein stood there deep in thought before shaking his head.

"Nope," Rein declared. "Ayoko na. This experience was fun and all, pero nakakapagod. In fact, gisingin mo nalang ako pag 2018 na, mag-ha-hibernate ako ng isang taon." Rein said playfully, at agad na sumimangot si Ann.

"Maccio?? Lazy?" She scoffed as the two started walking once more, following their friends. "Now that's a first."

"Hey! Napagod lang tamad na agad?" Rein snorted. "Besides, I may be tired of the Writers' Schism, but I don't think I'll be tired of working with you."

Ann stopped dead in her tracks.

"What?" Kurap nito, dahilan para mapatigil rin ang binata.

"I meant-" Biglang ubo ng binata. "I don't think I'll be tired of annoying you." He corrected himself, running a troubled hand through his hair.

"That's not what I heard." Ann grinned in amusement bago naunang naglakad, leaving Rein staring at her.

"Aish," He grumbled, messing up his hair before following his rival - cursing himself for slipping up. Hindi alam ng binata kung bakit niya sinabi iyon. In fact, he was starting to become concerned with his own feelings, trying to convince himself that he wasn't at all attracted to Annaliese Gracielle Lobris.

Because even if they were slowly starting to be in good terms, their families were still unfortunately, enemies.

Rein sighed as he jogged towards the others deep in thought - wondering how he'll continue fooling his dad that he was only warming up to Ann to bring her down; when in reality, he was down bad. Down bad for her.

---

"See you!"

"Kita-kits sa summer ha."

"Ingat kayo!"

The others yelled, waving Ann goodbye as she stepped inside the limousine, closing the back door of the vehicle and waving to her friends through the back window. It was already around 5:30 in the afternoon when Ann was fetched from the Marquez mansion. Hindi namalayan ng anim ang oras habang magkakasama, lazing through the day with movies, lots of food, and plenty of chit-chat.

Now that Ann was the first to leave, she couldn't help but wish that the hours in a day were longer. She didn't want to go home to her parents just yet.

"ANN! MISS KA NA DAW AGAIN NI REI-HMMPHGHH!" Sigaw ni Jarrell, ngunit hindi nito natapos ang kaniyang sasabihin nang biglang tinakpan ni Rein ang kaniyang bunganga.

Ann rolled her eyes before finally closing the car window of the limousine, leaning back on the cushioned seat with a grin. There was that weird feeling in the pit of her stomach again - something that she had been trying to ignore for a while now.

Nang napatingin ito sa harapan ay nakita niyang nakangiti si Kuya Jed sa driver's seat, pati si Kuya Norman sa passenger's seat.

"What?" She asked playfully.

"This is the happiest we've ever seen from you, Miss Lobris." The butler commented happily, causing Ann to turn a slight shade of red. "We're happy for you."

PLAY: "Paint it, Black" by Ciara

"Let's hope my parents keep it that way, kuya." Ann laughed quietly before leaning forward. "Siya nga pala, nasa bahay po ba sila dad?"

"Your father is," The butler nodded as Kuya Jed started the car. "Your mother however, she left unexpectedly with only one suitcase - says she had an on-call business trip in London." Pagpapaliwanag ni Kuya Norman, dahilan para mapakunot ang noo ng dalaga. "In fact, she left as soon as you went to the Marquez mansion."

"Strange." Ann said slowly, leaning back once more with a creased forehead.

"Your mother always has unexpected business trips, Miss Lobris." The butler reminded her, causing Ann to shake her head.

"Business trip my ass." She muttered under her breath, the limousine curving down one of the streets. "Her business is with another man."

"Miss Lobris, I'm sorry? Did you say something?" The butler asked from the passenger's seat, snapping Ann from her thoughts.

"Oh no, I was just... singing." Ann said quickly, smiling at the two men through the rearview mirror.

Deep down though, the young girl was inherently bothered. Nothing that her parents were doing could be trusted, knowing that each had their own skeletons in their respective closets.

---

"Thank you Kuya Jed, Kuya Norman." The young girl thanked the driver and the butler who had escorted her home as soon as Kuya Norman opened the door of the limousine for her.

"No worries. If you wish to have a snack, please tell me, Miss Lobris." The butler bowed, and Ann nodded gratefully as the three entered the mansion.

Instantly, both men made their way towards the kitchen by turning to the right corridor, while Ann was left all alone by the main hall. Napabuntong-hininga ang dalaga at napatingin sa kaniyang paligid.

Tahimik ang buong mansyon. It had always been like this, to the point that whenever Ann would enter the place, she'd feel more lonely than at home.

"Ironic na ang laki-laki ng bahay pero halos walang nakatira." She murmured to herself, just about to walk towards the stairs when she caught a glimpse of the library.

Napatigil ang dalaga at muling sumilip sa loob. The fireplace inside was crackling, home to a cozy fire. One of the sofas' pillows were a bit crumpled as if it had been sat by someone, and a stack of books could be seen on one of the tables. The reading lamp beside the messy sofa was also turned on. Someone had been here a few moments ago. Whether it was her father or mother, she didn't know.

With a frown, Ann entered the library's archway and made her way towards the books that sat on the table.

Tinignan niya ang mga ito, lifting up the thick book with a dark brown cover on the very top.

It was a law book with the words, "The Youth Welfare Code: Specialization on Child Negligence" engraved on the cover in gold. Muling napasimangot ang dalaga at tinignan ang pangalawang libro. This time, it was a book called, "Laws on Eviction".

"Why would my parents read these?" She muttered to herself, checking the last book on the bottom which was entitled, "The Marital Law: A Book on Marriage and Divorce".

"Mom's a corporate lawyer, and yet wala 'tong kinalaman sa mga korporasyon o business." Sambit nito sa sarili. "Dad might be reading these up to propose new bills for the senate but... Hmm." Ann murmured, scrutinizing the third book.

Dahil sabay-sabay na hawak ng dalaga ang tatlong makakapal na libro ay biglang nadulas mula sa hawak niya yung unang libro na agad na nahulog sa sahig.

The book's momentum had cause it to flip a few pages, dropping to open on the spread of the last page and its back cover.

Agad-agad na ibinaba ni Ann ang dalawang libro sa lamesa at lumuhod para kunin ang unang libro.

But just as she had crouched down to pick it up, the young Lobris heir noticed something quite unusual.

There on the right bottom corner of the back cover was the initials "AR".

Muling nagsalubong ang kilay ng dalaga as she stroked the initials, which were written with dark ink.

"AR? What does that mean?" She whispered. Her thoughts were soon cut off though when heard a loud scoff from above.

Napatingin agad ang dalaga sa kisame ng library. There was a creaking noise from above.

Doon lamang naalala ng dalaga na katapat pala ng library ang opisina ng kaniyang ama sa taas. Quickly, she took a photo of the initials and placed the first book back on top of the pile, making sure to leave the same way she had first saw it.

With light, nimble feet, she then scurried up the stairs with her heart pounding. Habang paakyat ito ay mas naririnig niya ang kaniyang ama na mukhang mayroon nanamang kausap sa telepono.

"Just to be sure I want you to sign an NDA." Naririnig ng dalaga na sambit ng kaniyang ama as she teached the top of the stairs. Quickly, she pulled out her phone once more and pressed the recording button.

"NDA??" Muntik nang mawala sa balanse si Ann nang biglang nakarinig ito ng ibang boses mula sa loob ng opisina.

Ann was mistaken. Her father wasn't talking to someone on the phone, he had a visitor.

"A non-disclosure agreement." Ann's father responded. Agad na sumalubong ang dalawang kilay ng dalaga dahil sa narinig.

"I know what NDA means." The unfamiliar deep, croaky voice snapped. "I'm just surprised, Alejandro. I don't see the need for a non-disclosure agreement. You know you can trust me on these matters. Alam mo namang sanay na sanay ako sa ganitong patakaran."

"That's what everyone who betrays me says." The senator's tone was impatient. "Kung ako sa'yo, i-sign mo nalang 'to kung gusto mo pang bigyan kita ng share."

There was a pause and a grumble, before the sound of crinkling papers could be heard.

"See? Good business." Ann heard her father say in satisfaction.

"Dapat lang. Depositing large sums to bank accounts is always a suspicious activity. You're glad you have a friend like me in the bank to cover you up." The visitor scoffed.

"Of course. Just make sure that no one, not even my wife, knows about this Jamie account."

"I know, I know. You don't have to keep repeating me."

"I'm serious, Allan. If my wife learns about this, she's going to push through with that divorce she's been talking about lately. Alam mo naman ang mangyayari pag natuloy 'yon. It'll be bad for the image. Besides, I can't be able to take care of Annaliese on my own. She's already enough trouble!"

"Allan??" Ann whispered, trying to remember if she knew anyone named Allan.

"Ah," the other man chuckled. "So I've heard. Your family is always the hot topic in the news ever since the Cortez case."

Ann gritted her teeth, pressing her back against the wall.

"You have no idea. She's becoming like Ashley, that brat."

"BRAT?!" Her mind fumed in thought. But then the young girl paused in her tracks, becoming more and more confused with the conversation she was overhearing. "Ashley? Sinong Ashley??"

"See, kaya ayoko magka-pamilya eh." Tawa ng bisita. At that point, Ann could hear a screech - the sound of chairs scratching to the floor.

"They're standing up." She thought. Dahil dito ay agad na umalis na ang dalaga, quickly rushing down the corridor until she reached her room.

Tahimik niyang binuksan ito at ini-lock ang sarili sa loob, hingal na napasandal sa pintuan.

"Who's Ashley?" She murmured to herself, checking her phone to see if the recording had saved.

Dahil dito ay bigla niyang naalala ang mga papeles na kaniyang nakita sa opisina ng kaniyang ama - bank documents about the "Jamie account", that was the subject of the topic she had overheard just a few seconds ago.

Not wasting anymore time, she plopped onto her swivel chair and scoured for photos of the documents in her phone. Nang nakita na niya muli ito ay izinoom niya ang pangalan ng account.

"Jamie Eruca Roland." She read, pursing her lips in concentration.

There was something eerily weird with the name, as if it was rather familiar, but not to the point that she could remember who it was.

"Jamie, Jamie..." Sambit nito. There weren't any Jamies in the Lobris nor Beltran family, and she was sure that the only Jamie she knew was a senior before who had long graduated from Castillo High.

"Could that be the Jamie??" She asked herself before shaking head. The whole thing seemed so far-fetched.

With a sigh, she then rested her chin on top of her arms sprawled across her desk. Nakatitig pa rin ito sa pangalan sa litrato. Right above the name, her father's signature "Alejandro Maurice" could be seen scrawled in small, cursive letters.

"Wait," Ann frowned, suddenly sitting upright. "Could it..."

With a determined expression, the young girl then jotted the name down on one of her notepads, before writing her father's complete name below.

JAMIE ERUCA ROLAND

ALEJANDRO MAURICE

"It's an anagram." Ann realized.

Napakurap ito ng ilang beses, crossing out the matching letters of each name.

And indeed it was. Jamie Eruca Roland was merely a jumble of her father's first two names: Alejandro Maurice.

Napamasahe sa noo ang dalaga, staring down at her newfound revelation before leaning back on her chair.

"But why...?" She whispered in confusion. "Why would he make a separate bank account?"

With a sigh, Ann then scrolled to the next photo in her phone's gallery, which showed the "AR" initials in the book she had seen earlier. Ann bit the inside of her cheek, staring at the two letters that seemed to be taunting her.

"What other mysteries are you two hiding?" She thought wearily, wondering whether her parents' secrets was a mystery she would ever solve at all.

---

NOTE: #TSP is officially done! My appreciation and letter to all sleuth-readers will be found on the next part which is the author's note; pero ngayon palang, salamat sa lahat nang naghintay sa edited updates at nagbasa mula simula hanggang dulo. I hope this new and improved version was worth the wait.

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