I just barely stepped outside of OWO when my phone vibrated. "1 message received," it announced. It was Niks, asking about our research paper.
"Text me later," I replied. "I'm sort of busy right now."
I quickly pocketed my phone after replying, in fear that its light would be seen. Making sure I left everything as I found them, i hurried to the door. I locked the door behind me when I went out. Bad move. It went off with a loud click! Five seconds later, I heard footsteps rushing to my way. Realizing what's happening, I ran to the statue's direction. I got out of sight just before the guards came running to the Accounting Office.
Clouds were blocking the moon this very moment, and I'm very thankful for that. It'll give me less visibility in the open.
Coming from the Descartes building's left, I ran straight to the Founder's Mound. While running, an idea popped in my head. Remembering that the statue's inside a cubicle-like structure, I went behind the life-sized figure. Once inside, I immediately noticed a piece of paper posted behind the statue's head. The third clue!
My jubilation was cut short when I saw flashlight beams from Descartes. I hastily stiffened my body according to the shape of the statue, hoping that the guards would ignore my location. Unfortunately, they seemed to be slowly getting nearer.
"I'll bet the thief's behind the statue," a voice, which I recognized as Rey's, said. "He can't be at the library, since it's a bit far."
"Maybe so, maybe no," I heard Antonio reply.
Then more people came.
"Accounting Office's clear," a third voice joined in." So is OWO. Nothing's been stolen."
"Triple check the offices, Mark," Rey said. "We might have missed something. The trespasser could have left something to help us identity him."
"Sure," Mark replied. After which, he jogged off.
After Mark's footfalls were gone, Rey said, "C'mon let's get behind the statue."
Sweat slid on my forehead. I should have brought a blowdart or something. They were getting closer and closer. Well, I guess this is it. Goodbye world! Yet, such good fortune befell on me.
Clip, clop, clip, clop... I heard sandaled feet running away from Founder's Mound. The guards must have heard it too, since their advancement stopped.
"Behind the statue, huh?" Antonio jeered. "Our thief must be near Thompson. Let's hustle!" Rey grunted in response.
I peeped from behind the statue, careful not to let myself be seen. I followed the guards with my eyes until they were out of sight. Deciding on my next hiding place, I grabbed the third clue and ran as fast as I can under the bridge connecting the Nightingale building and the Infirmary. Then, I hid behind the steps. I have to find Emma, fast! Getting my phone, I lighted the note from the statue. It read:
"Next clue? It's the building you're leaning to right now. Be careful; use lesser light. By this time, the guards should be looking for you. Make it quick! Oh yeah, SMILE!"
"Wow, this one's easy," I whispered under my breath. "Alright, I'll -" Realizing what the note said, my eyes widened. I read it again. How in the world did she know that? Is she a fortune teller or something? Driving the thoughts away, I focused on the tasks ahead. I have to enter Nightingale Building first. Once inside, I'll try to reach out to my memory bank for a trail. Emma has to stop!
Getting in is easy, but to stay hidden is awfully hard. I managed to unlock the locks with my pick. While stalking the halls of CC's central Nursing building, I tried to recall...
*****
It was one of the usual visits. I came from my class and headed straight to the Infirmary. While walking, I sensed that someone was following me. For me to see that person, I got my phone and casually looked around. No one suspicious. I continued my walk.
I saw Emma at the usual spot. Seeing her smile, I felt more light-hearted. You see, I just came from an almost-lost numerical battle in Algebra.
"So," she started while I was sitting down beside her. "How was your day?"
I sighed deeply. "For starters, I'm depressed. My quiz paper's terrible! I almost got a failing score. Fifty over a hundred! I should have reviewed more."
"Half of a hundred?" Emma said, eyebrow arched and lips curved to a smirk." That's low for you? Wait 'til you see my papers."
"Oh?"
"I already experienced ten out of hundred."
My eyes went wide. "Oh, come on! You've got to be kidding me."
She just laughed at that. I then updated her on the day's other events when she didn't budge on my prodding.
"If I may just ask since I wasn't able to: how'd you end up here?" I inquired, hoping to remember a bit more about her. I realized I was gazing into her eyes. They were soft, almost soothing to look at. It seemed that when she wills it, Emma would be able to make girls cry and boys grovel. She smiled, and I felt suddenly embarrassed while I broke my gaze.
"Me?" She replied. "I fell."
"Fell?" I asked once more, my curiosity awakened.
"Yep," she replied, finger pointing the sky.
"Right..." I countered, rolling my eyes. "Are you an angel or something?"
"Maybe," she replied teasingly. Slowly, her face became serious. "Actually, I've been involved in… an incident."
"What happened?" I asked. I saw her uncomfortably shift, so I quickly added, "You can say no if you want to."
I waited. Finally, she replied. "Not that I don't want you to know. It's just that it's not the proper time."
"Whatever you say, princess," I said. At that moment, I was trying to recall a news article about a person who fell in this school I've read months before. Heck, if I could just remember things more clearly. "Anyway," I continued. "To change the topic, what's your favorite room here in CC?"
"Hmm... Let me think," Emma paused for a while. "I think it would be the Cadaver Room in Nightingale's fifth floor."
"That's a surprise. Why on earth would you like a room with a dead couple inside it?"
"You know, my mom suggested that I take Nursing instead of Engineering," Emma replied, pondering. Maybe it's because of my Biology and Anatomy grades in High School.
So checked on the buildings, course outlines, teacher profiles and so on. Then, I came to this room and saw the corpse. I thought, 'Cool!' But still, I chose Mechanical Engineering."
"Why so?" I asked. She has my full attention now.
"My best friend chose that course," she answered. "He already decided on it since I met him during High School."
"Oh..."
"I'll introduce you to him one time, alright?"
"Fine with me."
After a pause, she asked for the time, then smilingly said, "I have to go. See you soon!"
"Need help?" I offered.
"Nah. I can handle myself. Thanks anyway."
"Take care then," I cautioned as she wheeled away.
*****
"Hmm..." I said softly, as if I was whispering to the stairs I'm climbing. "Whose that guy anyway?"
Just then, I felt a familiar presence. I tightened my fists, ready for action. I spun. No one. I continued my way up to the fifth floor. I managed to evade the guards so far.
Finally, I arrived at my destination: The Cadaver Room.