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A Quartet's Secret

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THE CAMPUS ground was wet and damp the next day after a long night of rain. A soft breeze blew Ann's short hair as she sprinted through the puddled walkway that led to their building.

Sa halip na iritable ang dalaga dahil sa parusang inilatag sa kanila g dalawa ni Rein kagabi, ay mayroong kakaibang awra ito sa kaniyang mukha.

It was the look of being one step ahead from someone else.

"I am going to win against your deal, dad." Matigas na sabi ng dalaga sa sarili as she walked past by the newspaper stand of the Castillian Gazette found in the lobby.

Instead of grabbing a copy from the Gazette like she used to, she hastily snatched a copy from the stand next to the Gazette, the stand which contained copies of The Daily Ledger, another student paper — although this one was less known compared to the Castillian Gazette.

Rule number one. She said to herself, repeating the careful instructions that she and Rein had came up with last night. Never talk to one another about the Writers' Schism in public. Always communicate through cryptic codes instead.

The young lady then flipped the pages of The Daily Ledger copy in her hand. Isa sa mga means of communication na napagkasunduan ng dalawa ay ang pakikipag-usap gamit ang school newspaper na ito. Rein had told her last night that he would be emailing the Ledger immediately after their punishment, so she should expect a coded message this morning.

Halos wala kasing nagbabasa sa The Daily Ledger since most of the Castillians were more accustomed to reading The Castillian Gazette — lalo na ngayon na may confessions section na ito.

"The Daily Ledger is safer." were the words of Rein last night. "Just make sure that your messages are discreet. We never know who can betray us."

Instantly, nahagip ng dalaga ang "The Advice Column", which was a section in the Ledger that allowed students to send personal anonymous stories. In turn, other students would send anonymous advices to these senders.

May pagkakahawig ito sa "Confessions of a Castillian" section ng Gazette, except the writers of The Daily Ledger were stricter in screening every personal story that they publish, in order to ensure that there will be no issue amongst the students.

Ann saluted them for that.

"Let's see..." She murmured, a finger running down across the names of the anonymous senders in the column. Natigil lamang ito when she had caught sight of the name, "Elephant63".

Hello Castillians, I need your advice. On the way to the main building I saw this beautiful girl. With jet black hair and a white sweater. She's now all I think about. The thing is I'm not sure what class she's in. Her ID was hidden under her sweater so I didn't see. I'm hoping that if anyone knows a girl wearing a white sweater in their class last Tuesday, you'd drop her name here. She was also carrying a magenta tote bag. Finding her would be great. Other information would also be great. Really hoping this doesn't sound creepy though. Might also consider asking her soon on a date once I find who she is. Y'all wouldn't mind if you give dating advice too, right? Friday night. Ice cream dates. Roses. Sunset views. That's all the dating advice my friend told me but I don't think it's enough. Can't drive too so driving advice would be great. Oh and if you know any good perfume, recommend some. Definitely also need new cologne for a new girl. — Elephant63

Hindi napigilan ng dalaga ang mapangiti. "Amateur." She scoffed, mentally taking note of the first letter of each sentence.

"How's this for my first code?" Bulong nito, deciphering the message. Napangisi ang dalaga. "What a start, Maccio." She muttered, folding the newspaper.

"Little cousin." A familiar voice suddenly said, startling Ann who gave a little jump.

"What the hell Calista." Inis na sabi nito nang nakita ang kaniyang pinsan na mukhang kakalabas lang sa opisina ng The Castillian Gazette. Ann still had a hand on her chest as she scowled at her cousin. Ngumisi lamang si Calista, looking at Ann from top the bottom with her hands on her waist.

"I didn't know you read The Daily Ledger?" She asked curiously, pointing at the copy in Ann's hand.

"Oh, this?" Tanong ni Ann, faking a laugh. "Na-curious lang ako. It's a shame, no one seems to be picking up the copies from their stand."

She then shrugged and pointed at the Gazette's stand. "Unlike yours."

"And that's how we like it." Calista said with a foxy smile. "See you around, little cous."

Ann gave her a deceptive smile as she waved goodbye. As soon as her older cousin had her back turned, napawi ang ngiti nito.

"Don't you think I don't know what you're doing, snoopy Calista." Ann muttered. She then looked around her surroundings to make sure no one else was looking, before walking towards the office of The Daily Ledger to send her own coded message.

"Hello?" Bati ng dalaga pagkatapak nito sa malamig na opisina ng Ledger. A small bell on top of the door rang as she entered.

Mas maliit ang office ng The Daily Ledger kumpara sa malaking headquarters ng The Castillian Gazette.

Mayroong apat na medium-sized cubicles na makikita pagkapasok sa kwarto, decorated with small, potted plants. Sa pinaka-dulo ay mayroong mahabang meeting table at whiteboard.

Ann surveyed the room. Napansin niya na puro wooden chairs ang mga upuan na makikita — using pillows as seat covers instead of the usual comfortable office chairs.

At that moment, a familiar face with sharp features popped out from one of the cubicles. It was Mayer Cortez.

"Ann Lobris?" The boy grinned in surprise, standing up to greet her. He was inches taller than Ann, and his neat, dark hair was combed to the other side.

"Mayer?" Kunot-noong tanong ng dalaga pagkakita sa kaklase. "I didn't know you were a writer for The Daily Ledger."

Mayer's smile quivered. "Actually, I'm the EIC."

"Oh." Ann exclaimed in embarrassment. "Sorry, 'di kasi ako familiar sa staff ng Ledger."

"It's fine." Mayer waved it off, and Ann noticed that he smelt like his usual, expensive cologne. "We aren't as big as our competitor, but I'm grateful for the Ledger."

He then turned around to face Ann once more. "Which brings me back to you. Are you here to apply as a writer?" Tanong ng binata, a hopeful tone in his voice.

Ann hated to break his spirit, but he had to tell the truth. "Sorry but no," Iling nito, biting her lip.

"Oh." Sambit nito, trying to hide his disappointment as his shoulders drooped.

"I was tasked however to send a personal entry for your Advice Column." Habol ng dalaga, to which the young man's face lit up.

"Very well, you may write it here." Mayer said hastily, grabbing a nearby pen and paper.

"You know, I admire how you balance your academic honors and being the EIC of the Ledger. Must be tough." Ann remarked, trying to make small talk as she wrote her code for Rein.

Napakibit-balikat lamang ang binata as he placed his hands in his pockets. "You're one to talk, with all the contests you've been joining." He grinned and Ann rolled her eyes.

"I'm not sure how I do it either." She confessed whilst scribbling her message.

"Does your twin help you around here?" Tanong muli ng dalaga, pertaining to Milo Cortez, Mayer's silent twin.

Mayer shook his head. "He has other interests." He responded with a far-off look in his eyes.

"I thought you'd both be interested in writing since your parents own the biggest newspaper company in the city." Sambit ng dalaga, finishing the message and handing it to Mayer.

"Oh, he's definitely interested in writing." Mayer clarified. "Hindi nga lang siya interesado sa pagpapatakbo ng Ledger. Says it's a waste of time."

"Well I think it's a great opportunity." Ann said which made Mayer smile.

"Thanks." Mayer said gratefully.

"We'll be publishing this for tomorrow's copy by the way." Sabi ng binata at saka itinaas ang papel na sinulatan ni Ann. "So you can tell whoever asked you to send the entry that it'll be posted soon."

"Cool." Ann nodded before waving a goodbye to the editor-in-chief of The Daily Ledger. "See you around, Mayer."

The days passed by quickly in Castillo High, though not as much as the coded messages between Rein and Ann.

"We need a faster mode of communicating." was Rein's last cryptic message to Ann on a Wednesday.

Ann clicked her tongue as she rolled the copy of the Ledger in her hand. Nag-nakaw tingin ang dalaga sa direksyon ni Rein na kasalukuyang kausap si Jarrell at Quinn.

For a moment, Ann was slowly starting to regret her decision to team up with her rival for the Writers' Schism. "Tama pa ba itong ginagawa namin." She mumbled to herself, creating a new coded message as a response to Rein's.

Hindi aakalain ng dalaga na ganito kahirap ang magiging pag-komunika ng dalawa. The two haven't even finalized their plot and characters yet because of their limited communication as well as their headstrong differences in views and beliefs.

But then she remembered her father's deal, and the reason why this was all worth the risk.

With pursed lips, madiin na nagsulat ang dalaga sa kaniyang notebook, until the ink bled and tore the page.

---

"Check your locker." Rein mumbled the next day, decoding the message Ann had sent for him through The Daily Ledger's Thursday copy.

Agad na nagkasalubong ang kilay ng binata as he glanced in front of his locker. "I don't need more surprises Lobris, we need a plot." Bulong nito sa sarili habang binubuksan ang kaniyang locker.

By the time he had opened it, bumungad sa kaniya ang isang maliit na paper bag.

Looking around to make sure no one was looking, he opened the bag to find a note alongside a new sim card and a small phone.

Messaging through social media is risky — the internet can still store our data in one way. Texting is safer so we'll be using disposable sim cards and burner phones instead. It'll be much easier to dispose any evidence using these. The card read.

Rein flipped the note and saw another message at the back.

Burn this after reading. — A

Hindi mapigilan ng binata na mapangiti. He was impressed. Sure, she was his rival, but he wasn't going to deny that Ann was indeed brilliant.

"Anong nginingiti-ngiti mo diyan?" A voice suddenly said at agad na napalingon ito to suddenly see Jarrell leaning against the locker beside his, watching him.

"May naalala lang ako." Rein said, frowning at his friend's sudden presence.

"Sino? Si Ann?" Ngisi ni Jarrell. Rein scoffed as he shut his locker close. He then started walking away, leaving his best friend hanging.

"Hoy Rein! Sino nga?!" Jarrell yelled through the hallway, running to catch up with him.

Communication between the two had indeed become much faster using the disposable phones — except it was also riskier.

"Sino 'yung kausap mo kanina?" Quinn asked one night as the boys ate together in their dorm for dinner. They had order Japanese food and were eating on the floor in front of the television.

"Just an old childhood friend." Rein lied, reaching for more sushi.

"Huwag mo kaming inuuto Reagan Iñigo, kami lang ni Jarrell ang kaibigan mo mula kababata." Quinn laughed, throwing a pair of chopsticks at Rein.

"Oo nga." Jarrell nodded, talking with his mouth full. "Huwag mong sabihin may iba ka pang kaibigan bukod sa'min."

"No, no," Rein denied, shaking his head. "This one's a friend from the province, sa side ni mama. Nangangamusta lang siya."

Quinn frowned, not buying it but didn't ask anymore.

"Eh yung sa Writers' Schism? Kamusta?" Jarrell asked cheekily, pointing accusingly at Rein. "'Di mo pa kwinekwento sa'min yung nangyari sa inyo sa opisina ni professor Perlita."

"Oo nga, ano palang sinabi ni professor? Nalaman ko nga kay Sheyna kanina na tapos na nila yung first two chapter drafts ng novel nila." Quinn added before drinking from his red tea.

Rein almost choked on his food. "Sheyna who?" He asked with a creased forehead. "Ramirez?"

"Yep." Quinn nodded. "I also learned her partner was Kyle Digmaan."

Rein's frown turned deeper. This was not good news. Both Sheyna Ramirez and Kyle Digmaan were their competitors running for honors. Not only that, but both also had good background in terms of writing — Sheyna was a feature writer for the Castillian Gazette, and Kyle Digmaan was one of Castillian's gems alongside Ann who always represented the school in prestigious writing activities and contests.

Agad na humikab si Rein at biglaang tumayo. He stretched out his arms obnoxiously. "You know guys, I have a really bad migraine kaya mauuna na 'kong matulog. Next time ko nalang ikwento sa inyo pag medyo maluwag na ako sa acads." He explained, yawning whilst feigning a severe headache.

The two friends then watched him suspiciously shut himself in his own room, locking the door tight.

---

"Lobris." Rein whispered the next day, appearing out of nowhere.

Ann, who had just exited their classroom, immediately whirled around to see her rival. Rein quickly craned his head, motioning her to come close.

Napalingon sa paligid ang dalaga bago lumapit rito.

"Are you on crack? We aren't supposed to be attracting attention by speaking to each other in public." Ann hissed. "Rule number one remember??"

Ngunit matigas ang ulo ng binata at saka hinila ang dalaga papunta sa isang hallway na hindi masyadong dinadaanan ng mga tao.

"We need another method." Rein muttered under his breath. "We're slow in progress with our novel. Wala pa tayong natatapos. I've heard from Quinn that Kyle Digmaan and Sheyna Ramirez have begun the first two chapter drafts of their novel. Kailangan na nating umusad kung gusto nating manalo, or else balewala lang 'tong plano natin."

Ann groaned in frustration. "But this is too risky." Sumbat nito. "Let's just call later." She hissed once more at akmang aalis na.

But Rein was quicker. Clenching his jaw, he pulled her into place — putting a hand on the wall behind her and trapping Ann.

"What the hell?!" Ann exclaimed in surprise.

"Hear me out first." Rein said seriously which made Ann roll her eyes.

"Fine. Pero bilisan mo, baka may makakita pa sa'tin."

Napabuntong-hininga ang binata, running a hand through his hair. "We need to do a little risk, Lobris. Hindi pwedeng laging playing safe tayong dalawa."

"What's your proposed plan then, Maccio?" She asked, testing him.

But just as Rein was about to speak, a voice echoed throughout the empty hallway.

"REIN?!"

Agad na napalingon ang dalawa at nagulat nang makita ang dalawang pamilyar na mukha.

It was Jarrell and Quinn.

Jarrell had his mouth hung open whilst holding a bag of chips in his hands, and Quinn's eyes on the other hand, were as wide as saucers. The two friends stared at them with both their jaws dropped, visibly in surprise and confusion.

Rein and Ann looked at them with the same amount of horror before looking at one another.

Dito lang napansin ng dalawa na medyo inappropriate pala ang kanilang posisyon — with Rein trapping Ann against the wall using one hand, and the other holding her wrist.

A flustered Rein immediately shot backwards, rubbing the back of his nape in embarrassment.

"Guys I can explain." Sabi ng binata, extending his arms as if he was trying to calm down two stricken reindeers.

Ann immediately gave herself a facepalm.

---

"I told you it was risky!" Ngiwi ng dalaga habang nakahawak sa bewang. Kasalukuyang nasa dormitory room ng mga binata ito — with Rein and Ann arguing like a married couple, whilst Jarrell and Quinn sat together on the couch, looking up at them like their abandoned children.

Nagmukha tuloy silang mga batang pinapagalitan.

"See? Now we're suffering the consequences of your actions." Ann said sarcastically and Rein rolled his eyes.

"Look, kaibigan ko silang dalawa. They won't betray me. Mas takot pa sila sa tatay ko kaysa sa'kin."

"So what, are you saying we should tell them the truth?" Ann asked in horror.

"Sometimes, conmen need to have their accomplices." Rein insisted.

Napasimangot ang dalaga. She then glanced towards both boys who looked at her in horror, na para bang takot sila na may gagawing kakaiba ito sa kanila.

"Fine." She said, folding her arms.

"Nananaginip ata ako." Quinn mumbled, before rubbing his eyes.

"Panaginip?" Jarrell asked him in aghast.

"Bangungot kamo! Hindi ma-comprehend ng utak ko na nandito si Ann sa loob dorm natin. Kasama si Rein... Na parang wala lang..." Jarrell murmured, his voice trailing off as if he was adding two and two together.

Rein sighed as Ann massaged the temples of her forehead.

"Jarrell, Quinn," Rein said, clasping his hands together before sitting down on the coffee table in front of his friends. "I need you both to keep a secret."

"Putangina mag-tatanan kayo?!" Hindi napigilan ni Jarrell na sumigaw. Agad na napahilamos ng mukha si Rein at napairap naman si Ann.

"Tanga." Ngiwi ni Quinn at saka sinapak ang likod ng ulo ng kaibigan.

He then paused, considering the idea for a moment before turning to both Rein and Ann with furrowed eyebrows. "Unless...?"

"Oh my God, no." Ann groaned. "We just need each other — and not in the way you're thinking. Kailangan namin ang isa't-isa, pero hindi namin gusto ang isa't-isa."

"We decided to play along and work together in the Writers' Schism." Rein explained, getting straight to the point. "This was more efficient to ensure that both of us would win, and our families would think we've beaten each other."

"Wait, so you're trying to fool both your families??" Tanong ni Quinn habang nakakunot ang noo.

"Yes, which is why we are demanding absolute secrecy from both of you. Kailangan naming masiguro na hindi niyo sasabihin kahit kanino ang planong ito." Ann said, her arms still crossed.

"By keeping this a secret, both of you will be part of our plan to ensure that there will be no loopholes." Sabi ng binata at humalukipkip.

"Which means, not a word about this to anyone." Ann said darkly. "Which means, ipagtatakip niyo kami if the situation demands it."

Rein nodded in agreement. "You have to lie if you have to. Is that understood?" He demanded, and the two friends nodded slowly.

Ann, who noticed that it was growing even darker outside, crossed the room and peeked through the curtains that covered their windows.

"I should go now." Ann muttered. "I've been gone for far too long."

She then grabbed her coat and was about to reach the doorway when Rein grabbed her arm. "Be careful." He warned her. "Kailangan na nating mag-dobleng ingat. Don't let anyone see you leave our room."

"I know." Ann said quietly. Both of them then looked at one another for a few more seconds before she stepped out into the quiet hallway, her feet light on the floor.

Immediately, itinakip niya ang kaniyang mukha gamit ang hood ng kaniyang coat, descending down the steps of the boys' dormitory like a ghost.

She then ran into the night.

---

"Where have you been?" Ito ang pambungad na tanong sa dalaga pagdating niya sa kaniyang kwarto sa girls' dormitory.

Her chest heaved up and down as she closed the door of their room. The rain outside had soaked her wet, and she was now cold from head to toe. Dahan-dahan ay hinarap niya ang kaniyang dalawang roommates.

Queenie Rose Gintuan, the twin sister of Quinn, was peering at her through her round glasses from where she was seated. Seraphim Louise Madrigal, who was removing her makeup by the vanity, had an arched eyebrow too as she surveyed Ann from head to toe.

"It's almost past curfew. I'm sure you know that. Buti walang sumita sa'yo?" Queenie asked carefully, a book entitled, "The Art of Technopathy" on her lap.

"Little miss perfect and her secret little dates." Seraphim, who most people called Sera, remarked.

"I wasn't on a date." Ann responded coldly. "I just went for a night walk."

She then shrugged off her coat and shut herself in her own room before they could ask anymore questions.

Napabuntong-hininga ang dalaga as she leaned on her door. She wasn't really close with the both of them and wanted to keep it that way.

In fact, she didn't have any friends in this school. Unlike Rein, Ann had no one to confide to — no one else to trust.

Therefore she knew she had to be more cautious with the people she spoke to compared to Rein. Hindi niya dapat pagkatiwalaan ang kahit na sino — no matter how kind they seemed.

"Be careful." Rein's words rung in her mind as she closed her eyes. "Kailangan na nating mag-dobleng ingat."

She was Annaliese Gracielle Beltran Lobris, and whether she liked it or not, all eyes were on her.

If she was anything less than careful, today's close call might turn into her morrow's regret.

---

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"It was a bad idea, calling you up. Was such a bad idea — I'm totally fucked." — Bad Idea! by Girl in Red