Chapter 4

Northville's students were gathered at the gym. Most of them were seated at the bleacher while some opt to sit on the monoblocs provided in front of the stage.

Ashley, Rebecca and Suzy were at the third row of the monoblocs chairs, sitting respectively. Xander is behind Suzy while Renzo, Andrew and Dylan were at the second row.

Students were busy making speculations and exchanging opinions when a man in his late 50's walked up the stage.

"Good morning, Northville's students and teachers!" he greeted with a big smile.

They became quiet and focused on what he has to say.

"A news came to me that there is some disturbing rumors running around the campus and it started right after Xander's birthday party. I, myself, attended that party and nothing happened there when I was still there."

The person talking in front of everyone is the president of Northville's College, Mr. Manuel Rimundo. He is already in his late 50's, tan, 5'3 in height and always wearing his weird glasses.

"The whole party is secured because Mr. Fontanilla, Xander's father, see to it that there will be no disturbances during his unico hijo's debut. He even told me that personally when we met there. So I'm very sure that the news is either false or it happened outside."

The crowd murmured. Hearing the president used the word "sure" made them suspicious and confuse because he sounded like he knew something they don't.

"How can zomeone be zo zure of zomething?" Ashley asked Rebecca but the later didn't answer.

Suzy is just quiet in her seat while constantly checking her phone.

Mr. Rimundo silence the crowd by talking again.

" But if the news is true, I can assure you that Mr. Xander has nothing to do about it. So don't even think of speculating things that includes him."

"Is he standing there as a paid lawyer of Xander? What a trashy meeting this is," Rebecca whispered.

Many students looked at Xander's direction but he just smirked at them.

"This is getting more interesting, don't you think bro?" Renzo said facing Andrew.

"What do you think, Dylan?" Andrew asked.

"I don't know."

Mr. Rimundo get their attentions again by clapping.

"Okay everyone, let's begin the open for--"

He was not able to finish his sentence when Mr. Dela Cruz handed a phone to him. He talked briefly to the person on the other line and faced the students again.

"Unfortunately, we will not be able to proceed with our open forum because there will be detectives that will come here anytime soon. They will investigate about Aira and Adam who were both missing right now. So all those people who attended the party should prepare because you might be summoned soon."

The crowd gasps and murmured again.

"What the fuck? Even Adam is missing too?" Andrew blurted out.

"What is really happening?" Rebecca asked herself.

"I can't believe thiz," Ashley commented while fanning herself using her right hand.

Suzy almost dropped her phone upon hearing the news. Her phone beep and she read her new message.

"Don't you dare try to stir everything, Suzy. Just continue acting normally towards everyone."

Suzy deleted the message and briskly shove her phone to her pocket.