I willed myself to get up from my position. My body lightened a little from sweating.
"It's show time," I murmured to myself. I checked my surroundings, all clear.
The night before, I studied Celestine College's area to plan my route. I've memorized it by heart. So far, I've covered step one: reaching Thompson Building. From here, I have two possible options. One route would go straight to the Swimming Area via going behind the Thompson and Galilei.
Unfortunately, I need to rely mainly on luck, luck that the guards on duty was somewhat tired and was sleeping, and luck that there are no passers-by when I'll hustle to the pools. The other route, a longer one, would require skill rather than chance. The shadows the building cast can hide me but then again, I need to keep quiet. Another good thing about thing route is that when a guard spots me, I could just run and easily conceal my whereabouts, with that, it's obvious that I'll take the longer route.
Steeling myself, I crept through the shadows between the Thompson and Library Buildings. The process was painfully slow, but at least I'm sure that the sound level I'm making is minimal. If Emma told me the challenge earlier, maybe I could be more prepared. I could have hacked into the school's electrical system. That would make me feel a bit safer.
Too late, I thought as I reached Morse Building. So far, so good, nobody saw me. Because of the shadows, I confidently jogged towards the Swimming Area. The "Area" has two six-lane pools, designed in parallel fashion to the stage.
"Yep," I whispered to myself. "They're standard – length, alright." Looking around, I saw no sign of Emma. I checked my phone for the time.
"Man," I silently berated myself. "If my watch wasn't stolen, shaking for the time would be so much easier."
Then without warning, a beam of light zoomed past me.
"Rats!" I muttered. I think one of the night guards saw me.
Scanning the vicinity, I desperately looked for a hiding place. The guard, still making sure someone's in the Area, might call for reinforcement once he sees me. Then, something hit me. Since I can't go right and left, and I can reached the top just in time before the guard arrived under my spot. He swerved his flashlight back and forth, and stopping right under me, the guard looked up.
Time to pounce, my instinct screamed. I was about to launch myself, when I noticed that he couldn't see me well. How? He was straining his eyes, probably debating with himself if I'm a cat or a burglar. I was so sure that the guard lifted his flashlight when a squeak was heard. The guard jogged towards the Gym, leaving me relaxed (but not too relaxed or I'll fall from my position). After making sure the guard's gone, I slid down the post.
"Thank goodness!" I softly told myself. "That would be Emma."
I went backstage to rest, again. I've got to cool down. My heart was pounding, my sight was dimming, my hands were clammy and my legs were shaking. I sat at a piece of wood and leaned at the wall, imagining what would have happened if Emma didn't draw the guard's attention.
I could have jumped from my spot, pounced on him, and then run away. Maybe he could have called for back-up when I'd chicken out on pouching. Then I'll be kept under watch until tomorrow. My parents would be called, I'll be expelled and my face would be all over the local news in no time. But then again, I could have…
Enough! I screamed at my brain. It didn't happen, okay?
That calmed me down. I relaxed.
While waiting for things to cool down, my mind drifted to my dream last night.
*****
I found myself riding in a jeep. My seatmate, who I asked where we are going and how long the trip will be, told me that the trip will take about two hours. After thanking her, I tried to sleep while we traversed the road. Unfortunately, I couldn't; the vehicle was rickety and my companions were noisy. Besides, I was starting to have motion sickness. In idea then came to me.
Upon crossing the provincial border, I stood up and went to the driver. Trying to ignore everyone's stares, I whispered to the driver. "Uhm, sir? Can I ride on the top?"
"Why?" The driver whispered back.
"I'm sort of getting a bit sick," I explained.
He gave me thumbs up and slowed down a bit. I went to the jeepney's other end, braced myself, and climbed up the ladder found at the vehicle's right flank. I readily welcomed the gust of fresh air, which made the funny feeling from my gut disappear almost immediately. A few minutes later, three of my male companions climbed up. There at the top, we talked of what to do once we arrive at the beach. While passing the scenery, I couldn't help but notice a white SUV tailing us. The car never overtook our vehicle even though the road was clear. This went on until we arrived at the beach. The SUV passed as we came to a halt.
We unloaded our stuff and placed them in the cottages. After which, we ate lunch and until most of us are full. We sang songs, played a lot of games and had a little program.
Thus, night came. I had the urge to walk along the beach by myself. The tide's a bit higher than usual. The waves were loud and the cold wind blew at my hair. Above me, the stars were splendid. Add to that the moon, which was shining so beautifully. The setting was so awesome that I stopped walking and lay down on the soft sand. I sighed; everything was just so perfect. Then, I sensed someone coming towards me.
"Having a nice time?" the newcomer asked. The person was a she, by sound of voice.
I looked at the coming figure: long hair, slender features, and an alluring voice. Who is she? I know she wasn't one of my companions, but I swear I know her. After a few seconds, I saw who that person is.
"Emma?" I exclaimed, jolting up. "Whoa! How'd you know I'm here at the beach? And why are you here? You should be resting."
"Well, I followed your vehicle. I heard that you were going out of town," she said smiling. "I also came to relax on doctor's orders."
"Who's with you?" I asked.
"Nobody really," she replied. "Oh yeah, if you want to visit my cottage, my place's just nearby." Right where she stood, I could see that she was wearing her usual white dress.
"Maybe later," I replied. "Now, I just want to enjoy the view for a while." Tempting, but no.
Saying that, I laid back, hands on the small of my back. Meanwhile, she sat at a log to my right and gazed at the moonlit sea. We were silent, just taking in the beauty and splendor of nature. After some time, I broke the silence.
"The moon's inspiring, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Emma agreed. "Moons fascinate me, especially full moons. But you know, I'm sometimes scared of it."
"Why so?" I inquired.
"I really don't know how to describe it, but the moon would seem to fall anytime soon."
I sat up and looked at her. She appeared to be more beautiful. It must be because of the moonlight or the wind blowing her hair. Just then, I remembered something.
"Hey, Emma," I said. She turned to me. "You said you followed me, right?" She nodded. "Were you the one inside that white SUV?"
"W-white SUV?" She asked me, eyebrows meeting.
"What's the matter?" I was getting nervous.
"I-I can't tell yet," she answered, her voice quivering.
I stood up and sat to her left; I tried to comfort her. "I really don't know what's up, but it seems it's scaring the hell out of you. Whatever you're feeling, remember that I'll be here to comfort you. "
Emma rested her head at my shoulder, and suddenly, she started to shiver. It was mild at first; then it got stronger. I wrapped my arm around her, trying to calm her down.
"I'm here Emma," I said. "I'm just here." Finally, the shaking ceased.
"I'm wondering," she weakly said. "Can you handle more of me?"
I chuckled. "I'll try my best."
"Thank you by the way," Emma spoke with gentleness, her hand holding my free hand. "I really, really appreciate it."
A few moments passed, we stood up and faced each other. We embraced, and after letting go, looked into each other's eyes. I don't know with Emma, but I felt something. Tenderly, I placed my hand on her cheek. She didn't resist. Suddenly, I felt cold steel in my throat. I tensed as the person holding the knife whispered in a deep male voice, "Goodbye." Then…
* * * * *
I usually wake up clutching my throat. Lately, I've been having these dreams. The one I just had was the most common.
I checked my phone for a second time. I saw it was only 12:43. Fifteen minutes. That should do it.
While I stood up, I chanced a glint from the corner of my left eye. Slowly approaching the dim glow, I saw that the glow was actually writing on the wall. Though the words were translucent, it didn't shine that bright. The writing said:
"Hey! The reason I dared is because I got a bit bored and lonely. Please forgive me for such shallow reasons. Anyway, since you're here already, let's play a game of treasure hunt. In a sense, I'll be the treasure because you'll be looking for me. Clues toward the treasure are scattered throughout CC. The past is the key to the present's door to the future. First clue's already mentioned. Go!"