Somersault

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Chapter 1: Repetition

Walking inside the school lazily everyday was a routine. Puffing smoke from his cigarette, Ethan did his daily repetitive activities. "Ethan!" and that familiar voice called him, maybe he wouldn't forget her voice anymore, she was always the first one to catch his attention anyway.

Nonetheless he ignored that shrill voice and continued walking. "Ethan Pierce!" now there she is, standing in front of him-a beautiful woman with long black hair and gleaming brown eyes. He raised his brow at her. "Oh, hey there Jessie." Ethan said in a monotone voice. The said girl, Jessie, scowled at him.

"Don't hey me! How many times do I have to tell you, no cigarettes and follow the school's dress code?!" she screeched and made face, looking very disgusted at his fashion choice. It was too delinquent-ish. Ethan put his finger on his chin and closed his eyes, pretending to think. "About a hundred I guess." Then he opened his eyes smirking, seeing how infuriated Jessie was.

Jessie Hollen is the vice president of the disciplinary committee and obviously, her role in school is to teach every student to follow the rules set by the teachers. But there really are few students she can't handle. One of them is the guy who just swiftly passed her, Ethan Pierce.

Ethan threw his cigarette on the ground and totally ignored the fuming and screaming girl behind him. 'Ah, this is tiring.' He thought.

Reaching his homeroom, Ethan saw the familiar scene inside. The noise always dies down once he stepped his foot inside. They're scared, not that it matters to him. But there would be one guy who's not frightened by his badass appearance. It was Kyle, the petite introvert guy who lacks presence that is usually ignored by all.

"Good morning." Kyle said. He seats at the back of Ethan beside the window. "G'morning." Ethan answered back.

He opened the window like the usual and saw the same scene unfolded in front of him. Well, below him, his room's on the second floor. And even from there, he could hear the cries of the kid being beaten by the school bully, Sean.

"P-please, s-stop! I really don't have money anymore. S-spare me!" the kid bellowed while slumping on the ground. But still, Sean relentlessly kicked him and laughed. "Oh really? I'm telling you, I don't care! Give me your money wimp!"

If you are asking why other students don't help the poor guy, the answer is: no one wants to interfere or else they'll be beaten up too.

"You're always watching them. Don't you get tired? It has always been like this since forever." Suddenly, Kyle spoke which made Ethan flinch. He lacks presence okay? Even Ethan forgets he was there. "It's not like I want to. This is just much interesting than watching our classmates. Though I pity that guy, he gets beaten every day. But to tell you, I'm actually just bearing all of this. Can't we make a move already? I'm sick and tired of doing the same f*cking thing every day." Ethan said.

"Not until the week before the 3rd summer solstice since the loop. Oh look, Ryan's there already." Kyle said averting the subject and concentrated his attention to the commotion below them.

"Bah. I already know what will happen. I'll sleep this one out. I'll watch it full tomorrow." Ethan said and tucked his head on his arms on the table.

Kyle continued watching the scene. He could hear Jessie scolding Sean but he just shoved her harshly. Good thing Ryan was there to prevent Jessie from falling. Jessie didn't even care and challenged Sean into something that Kyle can't hear. Though he completely knows what it was.

"Try punching me and if I won't budge, you'll give back that guy's money back. " Jessie said. Sean only smirked at her and raised his fist agreeing to the challenge that stood in front of him. Ryan was bewildered, however he was quick enough not to let Sean's fist make contact with Jessie, instead it landed on his hand. He cringed at the force emitted by the punch but was still grateful Jessie wasn't hurt at all.

The tall blond heartthrob glared at the tan bully. "Give it up. Give back the d*mn money and go away." From Kyle's perspective, he could see sparks of electricity from their eyes, measuring what the other can do. "Tch. Remember this bastard. I'll get back on you."

Sean shoved the money on Ryan's chest and walked away. Actually, Sean already punished Ryan a long time ago. This was just a repetitive routine.

"Mr. Birch, can you please wake up that idiot in front of you?" their homeroom teacher said. Kyle nodded to him and rolled his papers only to smack it hard on Ethan's head which made him shriek-a manly one- and bolted up. "What the f*ck was that for?!"

"Language Mr. Peirce, language." Their teacher commented. Ethan scoffed at him and sat down again, the only thing that changes in his monotonous life was the way of Kyle's waking him up. It still doesn't cease to amaze him how he cannot lose ideas of how to wake the sh*t out of him.

Then again, his murderous wake up routine says that the boisterous Leo will be skating his board in the hallway. There he goes- "Out of the ways b*tches!" that's him shouting followed by shouts of complaints and yelps. "Make way bastards! F*ck you all!"

Their teacher sighed and murmured, "What's with the kids and language these days?" And as always, he would go out and shout at Leo to shut up. He will stop and tell him right of the bat, "I f*cking don't care about you." Then he will swerve down the hallway yelling at the people and insulting them.

At all times, Leo would pass by the library, and every time he does, Tyson would come out finishing his nth book. Like always, he'll say sternly "Can you please tone down in front of the library? You're disturbing the peacefulness of this sanctuary. "Leo snorted and skated away from him.

Adjusting his glasses, he strolled down the hallways to the disciplinary committee's office. When he reached his destination, he knocked. The door was opened by Jessie. "Ah, Tyson, how can I help you?" she beamed at him. He cleared his throat and said, "I would like to talk to Rika. Is she there?"

She smiled again which made Tyson look away. "Yes she is. Come on in." Jessie guided him inside the office. They were walking silently until he heard shouts which clearly belong to the strict and scary disciplinary committee president, Rika.

"Do you know how much money this school spends for food alone?! It's because of you we're losing stock. Why the heck are you eating all of the food in the cafeteria?!" Rika said or most likely she yelled at the unusually tall man sitting in front of her completely oblivious about her anger. He was just munching the newest-actually, it's pretty old now, this has always been repeating endlessly- chips that came out in stores days -probably years- ago.

"The school's rich anyway. There's no need to worry about it." As those words left Matthew's mouth, he ate chips once again.

"I'm so sorry about this Tyson, Matthew's still being scolded. The cafeteria's food stock's empty again, all because of him." Jessie said tiredly. "It's ok."-I'm used to it was left unsaid.

Once he was noticed by Rika, she dismissed the snack monster. "Well, if it isn't one of our top students. What do you need?" she asked him while massaging her temples.

He sat down on the chair in front of Rika and adjusted his glasses again. Jessie stood beside Rika and listened to what they were about to talk about-or talked about. "It's about those troublesome guys in our school. Specifically Leo, that boisterous indecent foul mouthed guy. " he said.

"You really hate him, don't you?" Rika said while chuckling. "I'm really having a hard time in keeping them at bay. But whatever I do, they never listen or even cease their doings. They always give me a massive headache." She added. 'I understand your pain.' He thought.

"So what about them?" she asked Tyson. "Well-" his eyes gleamed. "-before that, can I see your personal calendar and your hand please?"

Both girls were baffled with what he said but Rika complied with what he wants. She gave him her calendar and laid her hand on the table. Tyson looked at the same date that kept repeating every day. He computed the years that passed with the number of visible lines in Rika's palm. Tomorrow will be one day before the week long preparation for the school's foundation day or also known as the day of the summer solstice.

"Well? What now Tyson?" Rika asked. They both know Tyson's weird, but none of them expected that he will be this weird.

"I have a plan that will stop those idiots' silliness."

Chapter 2: Time Pause

Rika strutted towards the student council office nervously. She doesn’t particularly like their student council president. He’s an oddball for her, a mind boggling puzzle to be solved. President Craig Walker was really a mystery to all.

She knocked on the door and Charlotte; the secretary opened it for her. “Miss Rika, come in. The president’s expecting to see you.” She said with a cunning smile and walked towards the president’s table. ‘Expecting to see me? I did not inform him that I’ll go here. What is he, a psychic?’ she thought ridiculously.

“Miss Rika, good day.” Craig greeted her with his charming smile. Another reason why he was elected as the student council president besides being a good leader was because of his popularity among girls.

“Ah, I’m here to discuss something with you.” Rika said without any further ado. “What’s with the hurry Miss Rika? Please seat down first and have tea. We have all day to discuss problems.” Craig said calmly. “I really don’t have all day president. We need to talk about this now. “She said firmly.

Craig tilted his head to the side cutely and realized that the lady in front of her means business. “Oh. Well, if that’s the case, let’s hear it.” He propped his elbow on the couch’s side.

“Tyson, one of the top students-“Before she could finish, he interjected, “Ah, I know him.” Rika cleared her throat and continued. “Yes, so, he proposed an idea of how to deal with the troublesome students, y’know, those students who cause ruckus and doesn’t follow school rules.” She paused.

Craig chuckled. “What about them? Is still there a need to punish them of some sort? I think they’re doing well.” Rika gaped at him ‘W-well?! Does he know what the heck they do?!’ she mentally berated.

“They’re not doing well actually, so I came here to consult you about Tyson’s idea. And this somehow concerns you.” She tried to hide her irate voice but she thinks it clearly shows on her face because it completely amuses the student council president.

“So, what’s the plan?” he said then he drank his jasmine tea. “It is to catch all of them and isolate them in a place where it would be just them. Someone will look after those idiots and teach them their wrongs until they learn. This would be a good time to do this, after all, there’s a break to prepare for the foundation day. That is when Tyson thinks you come in. You are in control of the places we can take them because you are apparently the student council president. You can ask the teachers to lend you a place owned by the school.”

A moment of silence passed by. “That’s a good idea. I think, I would want to be that someone who will torment them.” He smiled grimly. ‘Torment?! What a sadistic guy!’ she thought.

The next day-still the same day- Ethan puffed smoke from his cigarette all over again. “Ethan!” yes, same things happen, same things were said. He ignored the voice but was called by it again. “Ethan Pierce!”

There she stood in front of him once more and was lectured. “Oh, hey there Jessie.” He said in a monotonous tone. “Don’t hey me! How many times do I have to tell you, no cigarettes and follow the school’s dress code?!”

‘I’m getting tired of this. Someone stop this f*cking loop! Well d*mn, I’m actually one of those who will stop this.’ Ethan mentally groaned. Then, he felt a tug inside his body. Like his heart was beating loudly. ‘Oh sh*t Sherlock! Is this it?!’

“Ethan? You’re smile’s creepy right now. Are you feeling fine?” Jessie asked with concern. “Somehow, you saying new set of words make things refreshing.” Ethan smirked at her and was grabbing something from his pocket at the back of his pants.

“What are you talking about?” Evidently, she was confused as how her schoolmate was acting. “Are you sure you’re alright?” she asked once again. “Heck yeah. Better than before.” As those words leave his mouth, a knife was in his hand.

She shrieked and that made other students look at their direction. “Why do you have a knife with you?! Put that down!” Ethan’s smirk widened. He raised the knife and it was agonizingly slow for Jessie when the knife cuts through the flesh of her friend’s palm.

Her eyes widened in horror. There, Ethan’s blood was gushing out. “W-what are you doing?! Let’s go to the-“

As Ethan wounded his own hand, Kyle made a cut on his forehead too. Sean did the same thing with his right cheek, as well as Ryan who cut through his lips. Leo cut on the side of his throat, Tyson on his left arm, Matthew on his left cheek. Lastly, Craig’s knife pierced through his skin from his right brow down his cheek.

The student council’s president’s eyes became dichromatic. His left brown eye turned yellow, the right became red. That was the key for time to pause.

Everyone stopped moving, even animals and transportations. The world paused and only the eight wounded students of that school remained moving.

“Finally.” They all muttered.

The seven of them, excluding Craig met in the hallways. “You guys look ambushed.” Sean commented as soon as seeing his friends. “Says you, you’re bleeding all over too.” Tyson muttered but was still heard anyway.

“You look like you’re about to pass out Kyle.” Matthew noted offhandedly. “I am, so please let’s hurry up. My vision’s blurring.” He said in his most irritated voice he can muster but it still sounded emotionless. Kyle walked with wobbly legs. Losing blood for an anemic kid like him isn’t good.

“Want me to carry you?” Ethan asked out of concern for his friend. “Thank you.” Kyle was hoisted on his back and fell asleep immediately. “You guys are way too chummy. Stop acting like a couple.” Leo remarked. Ethan stopped in his tracks. “We’re not! Dude, we’re both guys!”

“Guys can mingle romantically with other guys too.”

“Please stop.”

“Good that you’re all here. I just wanted to say, nice seeing all of you together again. It has been a long time isn’t it?” Craig said. No one answered him- his subordinates were all having their own world.

“We’re having a serious matter, so listen up you bunch of morons.” Still, no one paid attention to him. “ALL OF YOU!” he roared. Now, he has their full attention. “Now listen up. We only have a few hours, we need to change the day of loop. We should make it tomorrow, where you will be put into place by the disciplinary committee president. That event should happen for us to be able to get the nine time cards. By the way, be careful not to touch or make a physical contact with anyone. Their time will play and you know that.”

“Nine, shouldn’t it be ten?” Ryan asked. “It is ten, the first card is in here. Inside the forbidden room.” Tyson explained.

“Very well Tyson. All of you, find the key to the vault inside the forbidden room. We must get the first card.”

“Just us? Won’t you be joining us too?” Sean said. “You know he can’t. What if we lose all our time energy? Time will play again Sean. Craig would be like our reserved energy since he has the highest time energy among all of us.” Ryan explained to the tan male.

“I know! I also just want to chill, ‘cause it’s not fair he could rest in here!” before the dichromatic guy could snap at them, Matthew and Leo dragged the dark skinned bully out.

“Seriously Sean. Stop being a baby.” Tyson said. “Tch.”

An hour passed but they did not find any mysterious key that might be able to open the vault that holds the first card. “Nothing? Are you sure?” Craig huffed, he’s slowly running out of steam. “Yeah. Nothing looked magical or something.” Leo said.

“Well, maybe it doesn’t look magical at all. Maybe it looks like an ordinary key too.” Ethan suggested tiredly, he’s running low too. “Might as well try that. Get back to your feet. We can’t afford to waste time.” Craig ordered them. They stood up once again set off to try each key.

Ethan went outside the school building and went near the entrance gate. He saw Jessie still standing in her position where he left her earlier. He walked towards her.

Her eyes were wide and mouth open. She still looked cute even when she’s bewildered. Ethan remembered her saying that he was having a creepy smile. “Do I really look scary back then?” his forehead scrunched up but then he chuckled. “Never knew you were this beautiful, ha, you even suit my type.”

He beamed at her even knowing that she won’t see him. “I must go. We’re running out of time.” Ethan stretched his muscles but unfortunately, he bumped his elbow with her hand. “Oh sh*t.” he cussed and stumbled backward. “No, no, no, no.” Ethan chanted as if that would make Jessie not to move. However she did not.

He sighed in relief. “I must have been too tired.” Ethan shook his head and jogged away from her. As soon as he neared the gate to look for the gate key, Jessie’s eyes twinkled. Her time played again.

Chapter 3: The Key

The guys came back empty handed. They were slumping on the couch all exhausted. “I can’t believe this! What are we gonna do now?” Ryan whined. “I tried using brute force on the vault, nothing happened either.” Leo huffed.

“Craig, maybe the key were looking for isn’t a key. It might be other thing or perhaps a person.” Matthew thoughtlessly said. “What do you mean Matthew?” Craig asked with keen interest. “What the heck are you talking about? A person as a key? That’s f*cking ridiculous.” Sean grunted.

“By the way, where’s Ethan?” Kyle asked out of the blue. Then all eyes turned to him noticing that indeed, Ethan wasn’t with them. Though, as if on cue, loud cussing can be heard. Speaking of the devil. “F*cking sh*t Craig! We have a big problem!”

The door bolted open revealing a panting Ethan. “Jessie’s time played!”

Silence.

“What?!” they all screeched, exception of Craig. “The hell did you do again Ethan?!” Leo shouted. “I-I don’t know! I honestly don’t know!” the man in question wailed. He was sweating obviously nervous with the situation he’s in.

“Where is she?” Craig asked with a serious tone. All of them fear a serious Craig. He gives off too much tension-tension that will kill someone with suffocation. “I-I don’t know. She disappeared.” Ethan whispered.

The girl whose time played accidentally was still inside the school, bewildered with the situation she’s in. “Why are they not moving?!” her voice cracked in her throat. She began shaking people she knew but not of them budged. She tried shouting at them but nothing happened either.

Jessie sobbed and fell on the ground. She kept telling herself that this was just a bad dream, but she knew it wasn’t. Things felt so real. But she heard shouts inside the school building so she stood up and ran inside, hoping to find someone moving like she is. The black haired girl ran along the hallways however no one was moving. The building was completely silent.

“Was I hearing things? But I was sure I heard shouts…” she muttered to herself. “Is anybody here? Hello?” Jessie called to no one. “Hello? Anybody there?”

When silence answered her, she slowly loses her hope into finding someone. “A-anybody?” Jessie’s eyes started tearing up again. She went inside an empty room to calm herself but her sobs won’t stop. ‘What if I’m the only person moving here? What if they stayed like that forever?’ a lot of thoughts came rushing to her. All telling her that she’s alone forever.

“I hear someone crying!” a male voice shouted from outside the room. This made her stop. ‘I’m not alone!’ she cried inside her head. The door opened and revealed a good looking guy. White hair-of course it wasn’t natural-, slightly built body, green eyes and that familiar face. “L-leo?”

“Ah! It’s Jessie alright!” Leo beamed then a much slender figure came in too. “It is indeed her.” Said Kyle. Jessie stood up and ran towards the two male standing by the door. “Thank God!” she glomped at Kyle and hugged him tightly. She was relieved.

“I thought no one’s moving besides me. Oh my gosh, I’m so relieved.” She said but was muffled by Kyle’s shoulder. Then, someone cleared his throat. “Jessie.” Sean called. Jessie looked at him.

“What?” she asked, pouting at him. “Don’t suffocate Kyle, he can die with tight bear hugs.” The tan male laughed. “True.” Tyson agreed and so, she was pulled back by Leo. “Are you alright Jessie? Did you get hurt?” Ryan asked her.

“I’m fine. B-but... the people… they’re not moving! They’re like statues, no one even budged when I shook them! What happened? Do you know? Wait! Why are you guys wounded?! I should be the one to ask if you’re alright!”

“We’re fine. Their time is just paused, but ours is playing.” Matthew shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. For them it wasn’t, but for her it is. “P-paused? Wha-what does that mean? Can you explain it to me? Do you know why this happened?” she began shooting questions and none of them wants to answer.

“This is your fault Ethan.” Sean mumbled. Jessie heard him. “Ethan? Why? What did you do Ethan?” then, she turned to the tall guy who tried not to look at her. “A-ah… well…” he stuttered.

“Let us not talk about that. We should go back to Craig.” Tyson intervened before they make everything complicated than it is already. “No.” the tallest of them all, Matthew, took a step forward and reached for Jessie’s hand.

He held it and took it closer to his face which made the girl blush. “O-oi! What do you think you’re doing to her?!” Sean and Ryan barked at him. They were ignored though. “Her hand fits in mine.” He said in deadpanned expression.

“Ah, Matthew, what are you doing?” Jessie asked carefully.

“She’s the key.” He stated.

“WHAT?!”

“Why is Ryan taking so long to fetch Craig?!” Sean complained while tapping his foot. “Why are we in the school’s forbidden room anyway? What’s that key you guys are babbling about? Seriously, can someone knock some sense to me?” Jessie’s sure she is irritated that no one’s explaining anything, she’s also totally confused.

Still, no one answered her. Before she could demand to them to answer her, Ryan came with the student council president, Craig. “Sorry we took so long~”

“About time. Tch.” Leo grumbled. When Kyle opened the door that will lead them inside, Jessie stopped him. “Wait! We can’t do this! Its forbidden remember? It’s not like they’re all stoned, we can do whatever we want.” They all looked at her making her fidget. “Now we know why you’re chosen as the vice president of the disciplinary committee.” They said in unison.

They opened the door anyway. Inside is a white room with a big circular door which is the vault’s door. “Hurry, we can’t slack off.” Craig commanded them.

Matthew guided Jessie towards the vault. He took her hand once again and placed it in the embossed square part that has a hand shape in the middle of the vault door. There are two vertical lines connected to it that glowed once Jessie’s hand made contact with the square.

“Woah there.” Ryan, Leo, Ethan and Sean gaped in awe. Finally, the first card will be theirs. Leo walked forward and took hold of the metal rod-the knob in doors- and with vicious strength, he pulled it to the right. The vault’s door slowly opened. Leo tiredly rested his back on the side of the room. His energy’s slowly depleting.

The inside was very spacious. There at the center, the card was placed inside a glass container. “Hell yeah! I’ll get it!” Sean said.

“Wait.”

“What now?” apparently, Sean was getting impatient. He wants to get rid of this day and move forward to a new day, which the time card can give them.

“Jessie, do you have face powder with you?” Kyle asked out of the blue. “Ah, I think yeah. Wait, I’ll check.” Then, the girl rummaged through her bag to find the powder she was asked for.

“We don’t f*cking need retouch!” Leo snarled. All of them except Craig are weirdly looking at Kyle, and their faces said ‘Have you gone gay?’ then they looked at Ethan. ‘It’s because of you isn’t it?!’

“What? Don’t look at me!’ Ethan hissed at them.

“Got it!” Jessie said and gave the face powder to Kyle. He then went towards the vault. He opened the bottle and whipped it inside until the powder scattered inside the room. There, powdery white lines darting from one side to another are disseminated inside the vault.

“Lasers! Sh*t. I was close to death.” Sean cursed loudly and took a step back. He doesn’t want to get burned by the lasers- he’s already tan, he doesn’t need to get tanner than he already is. “That’s why Craig told you to wait.” Matthew said. “Sorry.” Sean mumbled.

“Please don’t suspect me being gay. It irritates me.” The most petite of them all suddenly said. The boys shivered, Kyle’s very scary when irritated- it just doesn’t show that much. He’s face is too stoic.

“So, let’s get this done.”

Sean being the most flexible of them all went inside carefully not touching any laser line. He took a huge step to avoid the white line but he needed to duck so that his hair won’t get burned. “Look out! One’s near your face!” Jessie screeched, obviously horrified if her childhood friend-didn’t I mention? They were childhood friends but they slowly departed. They still care about each other though. Sean just doesn’t show it- gets hit by the laser.

Her voice made him stop nearly hitting the laser line. Looking by his peripheral vision, he sighed in relief. “Gee, thanks.”

They sighed in unison. Sean’s so reckless. Good thing Jessie’s quick, or else they’ve gotten themselves ashes for a friend.

Chapter 4: The First Time Card

When the first time card was retrieved, all of them went back to the student council office. “I don’t understand. Why would they keep a card like that inside a vault? And why did you steal that? I mean, that’s school property and-mrmmf!“ Jessie was cut off from her babbling and a snack was shoved in her mouth.

“Please stop it. We can’t tell you yet, but time will come.” Tyson said. He was the one who scooped chips from Matthew’s snack and thrust it in Jessie’s mouth.

“B-but! You can’t just do whatever you want! I’ll stop you!”

“Jessie, they are under my command. I approved what they’re doing so please don’t worry.” Craig’s voice suddenly said. That made the vice president of the disciplinary committee shut up of course. He has higher position and she doesn’t have the right to disobey him. Even teachers don’t, what more of her?

“Let’s start, I think I’ll be passing out again.” Kyle said. They nodded and Craig placed the card in the middle. They formed a circle. Each of them dabbed the blood from their wounds and wiped it around the card.

What they are doing is a contract with time. To make sure one wouldn’t betray, blood must be smeared as a pact. ‘What is this? Some kind of ancient spell or something?’ Jessie thought seeing the boys inside the room’s eyes were all closed and was like muttering things she couldn’t comprehend.

The card glowed then the light burst. Tomorrow is another day, literally.

Brown eyes slowly opened. Jessie saw a familiar room of pink. Her room. ‘Wait, my room? How did…’ she bolted up and saw herself wearing pajamas. “Okay… This is weird. Oh my gosh I’m freaking out. Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh.”

“Sweetie, you need to get up. You can’t be late for school.” Suddenly, she heard her mother’s voice. “Mom?”

“Yes sweetie, it is me. Are you expecting some other person to wake you up? “Jessie’s mother teased her. “N-no…” she shook her head. “Then hurry up. Okay?” she smiled at the adorable daughter of hers then walked out of her room. When the door was closed again, Jessie stared at it in disbelief.

“What’s happening with the world?”

Chapter 5: Should we?

Everything was awkward inside the van. No one’s speaking and their having their own world. Jessie can’t stand it- she’s so bored that she can bang her head on the window. “Why are you guys so quiet?” she can’t help but ask.

“Who would want to be all jolly if you’re goin’ to be punished?” Sean countered. He was sitting beside Jason. Jessie sits at the back of the driver’s seat and sitting beside her is Ethan wearing earphones and looking out of the window. At the back, Leo and Matthew are sleeping-or maybe their eyes are just closed.

“W-well, I just can’t stand this silence!” Jessie said. Sean just scoffed at her.

“Play music then.” Suddenly, Matthew and Leo were awake. “Yeah. Or much better, let her hear Ethan’s singing voice.” Leo joked. “He can sing?” Jessie turned her back and faced Leo. Ethan looked at them sending hints like ‘Don’t you dare tell her’ and ‘Drop the subject Leo!’

Actually, Ethan can hear them clearly.

Leo just grinned. “Yes he can.” Matthew said and then he proceeded to munching his snacks. Sean saw Ethan’s hints so he cackled when Mathew ignored him.

“Really?!” Jessie’s eyes were twinkling, obviously she finds this amazing. “Oh yeah, you said before that you like those boy band-ish type of guys. Singing comes with it. Maybe Ethan can sweep you off your feet.” Sean teased. Jessie blushed of course.

“Stop it Sean.”

Ethan can’t stay silent anymore. He has to change the subject. “Just do something interesting and stop your jokes.” He said seriously, he’s pissed off.

Sean didn’t flinch, he even continued teasing. “Ah! Kyle gave me copies of videos he recorded! This is just awesome!” he fetched his phone and scanned it.

Ethan was baffled. Darn that best friend of his! Why would he give copies to other people?! He went wild but was held back by a pair of strong arms behind him. Matthew was holding him tightly- he’s on Sean’s side even Leo and Jason- They’re just laughing, finding all of these an amusing sight!

“He-hey! F*ck! Delete that!” Ethan was struggling to get free. He’s wailing but Matthew effortlessly held him down. Jessie’s excitement can’t be contained too. She so giddy that she can’t stay still.

“Gotcha!”

He played the video.

Ethan was sitting in a swivel chair holding a brown acoustic guitar. Beside him is a study table full of papers and mess. Even the floor’s messy and cluttered.

“Stop the video!” Ethan said trying to cover his face, unfortunately Kyle’s pleas were too tempting so he gave in. “Just this once please?” Kyle’s voice can be heard, he’s apparently the camera man.

“No!”

“Please?”

“I- I said… argh! Fine! Just this time okay?”

“Okay.”

Ethan heaved a sigh and positioned himself. He held the guitar firmly and set his fingers in a guitar chord. His fingers started strumming and he’s blushing too- out of sheer embarrassment being filmed.

“Step one you say we need to talk, he walks, he says, sit down, it’s just a talk….” More strumming and Ethan’s voice filled the room. His eyes were closed seemingly feeling the whole song.

“Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend. Somewhere along in the bitterness. And I would have stayed up with you all night, had I known how to save a life….”

“Pray to God he hears you. Pray to God he hears you. Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend. Somewhere along in the bitterness. And I would have stayed up with you all night, had I known how to save a life…”

The video continued playing. All were focused watching exception of Jason and Ethan. The latter’s face palming. ‘The ground should eat me right now.’ He thought.

“Wow! Your voice is amazing Ethan! I didn’t know you have this talent.” Ethan didn’t realize the video’s finished. Jessie was beaming at him. “Don’t flatter him too much.” Leo chuckled and patted Ethan’s back. He slapped Leo’s hand though.

“Yeah, yeah. Stop it now okay?”

Even if the teasing stopped, Jason’s snickers can still be heard.

Finally, they arrived at a house. The road’s almost empty and so dull- no one seems to live nearby. Isolated. They really isolated them. “This place’s creepy.” Jessie said.

“Ghosts come out at night here.” Matthew said with a low creepy tone that made Jessie shiver. “G-ghosts?” she quietly asked. Sean heard him though. “Scared? If you want to, I’ll be your prince in shining armor~” He teased. The girl just glared at him.

“If you’re going to say things like that, make sure it’s correct.” She countered.

“I like being different.”

Jason bid goodbye to them and went back to school. It was just the five of them, and somehow, she doesn’t feel that safe with them. Things weren’t still clear with her. The said girl toured herself around to get familiar with her surroundings.

The house is not that big but a few people like them or a few more would fit in. Opening the door, the living room would be the first thing to be seen. It has three autumn colored sofas with a small burnt brown table in the middle. Beside the sofa at the center is an old-fashioned lamp. At the left side, there’s a door leading to the veranda overviewing a garden.

Turning to your right there is a huge glass window overlooking the cozy beige kitchen. On that side, there are two eccentric wooden doors. The first door can be seen as soon as you look to your right. That is the door for the kitchen. Turning to your right from the kitchen door, there is another door, the entrance for the dining room. The dining room looks dull though, only the shade of gray can be seen.

Beside the door is a staircase leading to the second floor of the house. The second floor has a brick red wall accommodating nine rooms- four on the right, four on the left and one facing the opposite wall.

“That will be your room.” A male voice suddenly said. Jessie gasped in shock; she didn’t even notice she was not alone. Looking at the one who talked to her, she saw Leo. “Huh?”

“I said, that-“ he pointed at the room facing the opposite wall. “-room over there is yours.”

“Ah… Alright. Thanks.” She nodded to him but she’s in daze. “Ok…” Leo found her weird. ‘What happened to her?’ He just shrugged it off and went to the first room on the left.

“I said, that room over there is yours.” His voice repeated inside her mind. Then things finally cleared up in her brain. “What?! Wait, we’re living here?!” she shrieked.

“Yeah.” Matthew and the others were upstairs too. “No way! I didn’t know that!” Jessie complained. She can’t stand the thought of living with them, especially inside a house full of rascals. Plus she doesn’t have her clothes with her.

They just shrugged at her and went to their respective rooms. Ethan’s room is the third room on the left. Sean’s room is on the left side, second room and lastly, Matthew’s room is the last room on the left.

They left her hanging.

“Wait a minute!”

Ryan, Kyle, Tyson and Craig arrived later that evening. “Why are you guys here too?” Jessie demanded to Craig. She’s peeved with the things happening around her. “Well, Jessie dear. Let’s just say that this punishment is just a cover up. But things will be clear to you soon.”

“Cover up? So that means this is involved with you guys stealing school’s property?” she said, her voice speaks of irritation. “You’re the one who opened the vault.” Ryan said. “Oh, well you were kind of forced to it, so maybe that doesn’t count.” But dismissed it anyway.

“Somehow it is because of that.” Craig ignored the blonde guy.

“You’re covering them up because you’ll be expelled once they know about it?!”

“No.”

Still, nothing can make Craig uneasy even when he’s accused of things he didn’t do- even on those things he committed-He just answered her with calmness that irritated Jessie more.

“Then tell me! Why don’t I have the right to know? You included me in this; I must know things about this!”

“Should we? We’re not sure if you would understand all of it.” Craig said and sat on the couch. “How would you know if you won’t tell me?”

Everyone was silent. They are all weighing decisions. ‘Should we tell her?’ ‘Will she believe?’ ‘Is she really part of this?’, the guys thought.

“Spill it out please.”

‘Ethan is certainly hideous. Maybe not in a bad way. He can sing! He can cook! He looks good! Perfect man for you Jessie! Oh my gosh. What am I thinking?!’ Jessie’s train of thoughts was stopped and her mouth watered at the food presented on the table.

“Y-you cooked this?” she asked in disbelief. “Ahuh. Obviously.” Ethan rolled his eyes.

“So, let’s start.” Craig announced and all attention turned to him. He cleared his throat and said, “You may not believe this. I’m telling you, things would be not what you think it is.” Jessie groaned in frustration. “Just get to the point!”

Everyone started eating but Jessie was too concentrated on what their student council president will say. “First things first. Narrate me the things that happened yesterday.” He said sternly. “What?! I told you to tell me what’s happening and yet you want me to recite you the things that happened yesterday? Are you kidding me?”

“No. So just do what he wants.” Sean intervened. He knows Jessie’s stubborn, and way too curious- she won’t stop until someone explained every bit of detail to her.

“But-“

“Just do it.” Tyson said.

Having no choice, Jessie complied. “Well, I woke up early like I used to. When I went downstairs, I saw my mom’s note saying that they left early because of an urgent thing. I ate my breakfast and bathed then go to school. I did my duty, and then….”

None of them were actually listening to her. They don’t even want to hear it. But she didn’t notice and continued telling things that happened to her. When she finished, she realized that she got carried away.

“Wait! You’re making fun of me, aren’t you? Is this some trick for you guys to escape telling me the truth?”

“No. Now, tell us what happened to you the day before yesterday.” Craig said. “You’re making fun of me!” she screeched and stood up, pointing to each of them but none of them cared. “No we’re not.”

“Just tell me!”

“We will, unless you realize something. And so for you to comprehend everything, you have to tell us what happened to you the day before yesterday.”

“Realize what?”

“Just tell the story Jessie.” Ryan finally said with a serious tone. He’s getting tired of their bickering. “This is the last time okay? Of course I woke up early. I went downstairs and saw my mom’s note… wait, did she leave a note?”

Jessie thought carefully, repeating the things that happened to her the day before yesterday, but things were all the same. “Tell us what happened the day before that.”

“Huh?”

All of them looked at her earnestly and she gave in. “I woke up early-“ she recalled what happened but things were still the same. Nothing changed. ‘Do I have a short term memory?’

“Now that’s what we want you to realize.” Leo said.

“What do you mean?”

“Every day of our lives has been the same for three years. Basically, time is stuck within the day of yesterday. All because of the card you said we stole, we moved the day forward.” Craig explained.

“What?”

Chapter 6: The Fortune Telling Tent

There was a newly opened amusement park near their school so they decided to go. But with different people. Ethan went with Kyle as usual and Sean went with his classmates Rod and Denise. Ryan was asked on a date by Stella. But Leo went alone. Tyson didn’t intend to go but he did because of his persistent group mates in a project. Matthew was accompanied by a younger schoolmate hunting chips and sweets. Craig and Charlotte went together.

No one knows- even Craig- that that day would change their lives.

There’s a weird looking velvet tent with a placard saying ‘fortune telling’. Tyson, who ran away from his group mates, was the first one to enter being an avid horoscope fan. “Ahmm, excuse me…I would like to-“

Ryan came next. “Woah. This place looks cool Stella. Wanna go inside? “

Matthew and his chaperone came in too. “Does this place have sweets?”

Leo looked disgusted with the place but has no other options. He’s currently running away from the gate guards. “Arggh… Sh*t.” he ruffled his hair and begrudgingly went in.

The best of friends in the group, Ethan and Kyle went inside the tent. They were just exploring each and every attraction the amusement park has to give. “This looks creepy. Should we really go in?”

Craig and Charlotte were bored. “You want to try that president?” she asked with a teasing voice. “Well…”

And there was a dare Sean has to do. It involves going inside that boring fortune telling tent and stealing cards. He said with an overflowing confidence, “If I finish this, you guys pay me!”

The tent itself was spacious, dim, full of creepy things about witch craft, but nonetheless, it’s empty. “What the f is this?” Sean asked himself loudly. “No one knows.” He screamed in shock. He completely thought he was alone.

“K-kyle?! Ethan?! What are you doing in here?!”

“They’re not the only ones in here. Us too y’know.” Someone said from the shadows. Then as if on cue, his friends emerged from the darkness. “You guys? What’re you doing in here?” the tanned male asked. “To check this place out. But I lost Stella! I can’t find her in here!” Ryan said worriedly. His date seemed to disappear out of nowhere.

“Yeah, I can’t find Allana too. Poor kid.” Matthew said, though everyone knows he’s not sorry at all. “I was with Charlotte.”

Needless to say, Craig’s secretary’s missing too.

“Bah. I don’t care about you guys for now. I have a dare to finish.” He ruffled his hair and began searching whatever card he can see. “What dare?” Ethan asked.

“Steal cards. Fortune telling cards maybe.”

“What?! You can’t do that! That’s other people’s property!” Ryan ran towards Sean and tried to stop him. He hugged the taller tanned guy to stop him from what he’s doing. “Get off!” he was elbowed on the stomach. “Ouch!”

“You’re a meanie!”

“Like I care!”

“Stop bickering. That doesn’t help us in this situation. Let’s just find the way out! I was sure that this place’s not that big!” Finally, Leo spoke. He’s having massive headache with his friends’ idiocy. “B-but! You saw what he did right! He elbowed me! It hurts y’know!”

As if Leo would not retort to him, he began fighting with Ryan. Then Ethan told them to stop. “Stop fighting!” he shouted. “You shut up!” both of them yelled at him too. Ethan joined them. Matthew got pissed off. He doesn’t like it when it’s noisy so he threw chip crumbs at the three. They all got mad at him. Now, they’re four. Not long after that, Tyson can’t stay quiet anymore and tried to set peace. Unfortunately, his effort was thrown away and argued with them too.

Kyle sighed, Leo’s one to talk and the others too. Now they’re the one arguing with each other. “Ahah! Found ya!”

While being ignored, Sean took the chance to look for the cards. They all turned their attention to him. He smirked, “Bye guys.” And ran towards somewhere he thought the way where he entered.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t that way. “Where the f*ck is the exit?!”

They gathered in the middle of the tent. “How could this tent be so spacious? It looks completely small outside!”

No one in that room can answer. None of them knows, even Craig who’s always absolute. “Let’s just search the way out. C’mon.” Craig ordered them. But then again, luck wasn’t on their side that day. Sean tripped onto something he didn’t see and accidentally threw the cards. “Hey! You alright?” Ethan asked.

“Yeah…”

The cards were lying on the ground. Each of them gets one card and observed it. The small rectangular paper have different designs per piece- the sun, the cloud, the star, the rainbow, a scale, a Victorian doll, a diamond ring, a lock, a key and a gold pen.

Each glowed when touched. Then suddenly they’re out of that tent, cards not with them. “What did just happen?” Ryan asked. Matthew shrugged, obviously uncaring- he only cares about getting out of that place.

“Hey, Ryan! I was looking for you! Where have you been? “Unexpectedly, a beautiful brunette was running towards them. “Stella! You, H-how did you…?” the blonde guy stuttered. “Huh?” Stella looked at him with worry.

At that time, the people they are with came rushing to them.

Nobody knows what happened.

“So, that’s it? I don’t understand it at all.” Jessie said in a deadpanned tone. “That’s how things happened. But it isn’t the answer to your question. Now, let me explain it to you.”

There are ten time cards, each representing one power that can change time. Every single piece has a guardian, and these guardians can’t use the power of the cards. What they have to do is to guard it. But unfortunately, the cards were stolen recently by someone unknown- named as the Interferer- and casted a curse that can loop the time. And that is what is happening to them. Time has stopped moving forward and thus the morning of that day would come back.

Moreover, besides the guardians, there are also time holders. They are the one who can use the cards, though, with the blessing of each guardian. That’s what the guys’ role- Craig, Ethan, Kyle, Sean, Tyson, Ryan, Leo, and Matthew are the time holders chosen by the guardians. They were selected that day when they entered the fortune telling tent. The pact they have with the guardians and time is the gashes they cut onto themselves.

If all cards are gathered once more, they can cast a spell to counter the loop.

“Now, do you understand?” Craig asked.

“How come none of the people plus me knows that time loops? I mean, a normal person would recognize that they’re doing the exact things they did.” She asked. “Good question. Tyson, can you please explain that?”

Tyson rolled his eyes – he’s always explaining things and he hates it. Not that he can say no- but explained it to her anyways. “That is what you call the time effect. People are unconsciously doing the same things. If they are triggered, like what we did to you, they’ll remember. That’s why we are cautious not to spill anything that can remind them. Or else, things would be really complicated.”

Jessie was speechless, not knowing what to say or even believe what their student council president said. “We told you it’s a lot to take in. You can take your time convincing yourself.” Leo said and stuffed his mouth with his last large portion of meat.

“You guys aren’t crazy, are you?” she absurdly whispered to herself.

“Things are really hard to process. We went through that too.” Ethan said and started to get the dishes out of the table. He quickly went towards the kitchen sink. As if on cue, the guys stood up and walked noisily back to their rooms.

“Night guys~” Ryan’s voice was the last thing to be heard while Jessie’s stoned in her chair.

Chapter 7: Alex Who?

The next day is the day of the long preparation for the school’s foundation day. Using the first time card, they moved the day again to its right time.

“So what do we do now?” Sean asked Craig. He voiced the feelings of his friends- all of them are bored to death and Jessie locked herself in her room.

“You can do whatever you want. We’ll take action tonight, so enjoy the sun.”

Right after Craig said his approval of leisure; Ethan bolted up and went towards his room- no one knows why- “What’s with him?” Tyson asked. “He’s supposed to be meeting with Alex today.” Kyle answered, suddenly remembering what that day was supposed to be.

“Alex? You mean Alexandra, his girlfriend?” Matthew asked with sheer curiosity and this rarely happen. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

Everyone didn’t notice Ethan’s presence- he hangs out with Kyle too much- “Yeah right.” Sean remarked sarcastically. “She isn’t! I promise.”

Still, nobody believed him –exception of Kyle and Craig.

He bid goodbye to his friends and hurriedly went to their meeting place. He can’t wait to meet her again.

Ethan waited for this day to happen for three years. How he missed this woman. A smile crept towards his lips, obviously excited to spend time with her.

Alexandra Moore, a British girl which Ethan met when he was a child. He was born in England and just moved to his place now few years ago. This woman we’re talking about is a special person and the closest to Ethan’s heart.

They’re supposed to meet in an Asian restaurant near the mall. As always, he would be on time or most of the time, early and he’ll be waiting for a few minutes- the maximum is 30 minutes- before she arrives.

He was sitting alone in a two chaired spot in the corner obviously waiting for Alex. There are a lot of people inside -families, couples and friends and they are completely savoring the suave atmosphere of the place. But there’s something that Ethan missed. He did not see seven guys and a girl snooping around near his spot.

Apparently, no one has seen Alex besides Craig and Kyle. They’re all curious how she looked like ‘cause Ethan refers to her as his perfect woman.

As luck would have it, Alex came a little early than she used to- and that’s rare. “Ethan!”

A tall- regardless of heels- blonde with a sophisticated look came. She’s wearing fur jacket- t-shirt underneath- fitted pants and stilettos, bag in hand. “Alex!” Ethan stood up and hugged the woman with eagerness. She gladly returned it with addition of a peck on lips.

Yes, peck on lips. She has a habit of kissing Ethan even he always complains about it.

“D-did they just?! And he said she’s not his girlfriend!” Tyson half screamed, half whispered angrily. “Sssssh!” Ethan’s saying something!”

“What are you doing? I told you not to do that. We’re not kids anymore.” Ethan said while blushing. Alex pouted and took her seat. “But you’ll always be a baby to me. My baby.” She cooed. He just scoffed at her. “Anyways, it’s nice to see you again.” He said with a smile he couldn’t hide any longer.

She smiled in return. “Yes. I missed you so much. Really, can’t we always be together? I want to see you every day!” the older woman whined. “Go back to UK Ethan.” She said as if it’s the most natural thing to say.

“You know I can’t do that. I still have to finish my studies here.” After saying that, he called the waiter. “It’s not like there are no schools there.” He just shrugged and the waiter came.

“What’s your order sir?”

The two-along with the eight curious people following them secretly- went to a nearby park. They sat down in a bench near the playground full of kids. “So, how’s your eyesight? Getting better?” He asked.

Alex had an illness concerning her eyesight and it’s affecting her body, making her weaker. That’s why she wears glasses-right now she wore contacts. “Yes! It’s getting better, maybe after a few months I can see clearly again.” She said cheerfully, but couldn’t look straight to Ethan’s eyes. He frowned.

“I know you well. You’re not taking your medication aren’t you?”

“I do!”

“Don’t deny it; even if you don’t tell me, your gestures say so!”

The girl in question just smiled. “I take my medications I promise. Don’t stress yourself on some petty things like that.” He just rolled his eyes. “This is a serious matter Alex.”

“I know. But that aside, the reason why I wanted to see you today, I have something to tell you.”

Stalking Ethan wasn’t easy. They have to distance themselves so they won’t be busted. “I can’t hear what they’re saying!” Ryan whispered.

“We can’t go closer idiot.” Sean said. He is intently looking at his friend.

“I can’t believe I joined you guys. Let’s go home, just give them their privacy.” Jessie said, although she herself is curious, they don’t have the right to go trailing Ethan’s date.

“What? We’ve come all the way here, we can’t leave.” Leo said. He’s so curious on what would happen-will they go to a five star hotel or just a cheap love hotel?- Wouldn’t snooping be much exciting that way?

While the curious side was bickering, Ethan’s mood on the other hand became so sour. “What?! And so you think I’ll let you go back to that jerk again? You know what, we always fight when we talk about him, and can we just drop this topic? I don’t want to ruin this; it’s been a long time since we bonded like this Alex.”

“I know… but-“

“Please?”

“No. I have to do this. I love him and he wants me back. I can’t let this op-“ but then again, she was cut off. “

“F*ck that! He wants you back?! To what? To toy with you again and toss you away like some trash? You want that Alex? You do? I can’t believe this.” Out of rage, he stood up and shouted at her. He’s so furious. He hated that guy who hurt Alex so much. She stood up too and slapped him hard.

“I love you and I know you don’t like him but this is my life. I decide on everything I do, I wasn’t even getting any consent from you! You’re not my father!” she shouted back, tears running down her eyes.

“What the heck did just happen? They were so sweet earlier and now they’re fighting!”

“This is interesting…”

“Sorry… I just, I just want you happy, but I guess I really don’t have any right to choose for you. Heck, I’m just a kid for you aren’t I?” Ethan’s head hung low, his voice strained as he was biting his cheek inside trying not to cry.

“I didn’t mean to-“ Before Alex could even finish her apology, Ethan walked away feeling so hurt.

Chapter 8: Party Hard

“I hope you’re feeling fine to do our job tonight Ethan.” Craig said casually to the sulking guy sitting in front of him. “I’ll get over it.” He stood up and went back to his room.

When Ethan’s out of earshot, Ryan commented, “Well, that went bad…” He doesn’t feel good witnessing their fight. “I told you guys we shouldn’t have stalked them. “ Jessie pointed out and stood up to go back to her room but was stopped by Tyson. “Let’s drop that topic. I’m sure they’ll be fine. First, we need to discuss the plans to retrieve the second card.”

“Plan? So, we’re going to steal again? Like that?” Jessie sat again. She fumbled on the hem of her skirt, feeling nervous that someday, her parents will pick her up from prison.

“Something like that. We’ll make sure to put less violence though.” Matthew said then offered his bag of chips to Jessie, she declined. “Less violence? That’s boring!” suddenly, a very quiet Sean and Leo playing their phones spoke in disagreement. “You can do violent things; I just don’t have any responsibility if you’ll be put to prison.” Craig said smugly. He knows Sean and Leo can be too comfortable doing reckless things as long as Craig gives them his approval. They wouldn’t be arrested as long as he is there – too much family money and influence can give someone a lot of perks.

“Should we discuss while Ethan’s not here?” Kyle asked. “He can catch up later, just supply him the things he needs to do, it’ll be fine.”

Jessie shook her head and went back to her room. “I don’t want to get involved. Sorry.”

Leo was driving them- Jessie unwillingly went with them- to an open party of college students. The organizer of the said party has the second card- the cloud card. Everyone’s in a good mood exception of Sean and Ethan.

After Ethan made up with Alex on phone, he found out what task he has to do for that night. It sounded ridiculous for him. ‘Why would I be partnered with that guy?! And why of all the tasks I can do, that thing… was given to me! This is absolutely infuriating!’ Ethan ranted in his mind.

Of course he couldn’t possibly say that out loud or else: “I’ll cut your head off.” Will be the answer of their leader and obviously, he doesn’t want that.

“If you dislike being paired with me that much, feel free to say so.” Sean said evidently annoyed with Ethan’s reaction towards their job. “That and the thing we have to do.” Ethan whispered hoping that Craig won’t hear him. “What’s wrong with seducing a girl to get the card?” Sean said a little too loud for everyone to hear.

Ethan looked at him in disbelief. “Seriously? You’re asking me that?” but before Sean can retort, “Do you have any problems with what task I gave you?” Craig asked in low tone. They all shivered.

“No. I don’t.”

It was eleven in the evening when they arrived in a mansion. From outside, they can hear the loud music and the shouts of the people were drowned by the booming stereos inside. “This seems fun.” Ryan said in amusement.

“Oh yes this will.”

They went inside the place and saw a lot of people partying. Hard. The party has just started but most of the people are drunk and lost themselves with ecstasy. “Wow.” Jessie gasped in awe. “Just wow.” Though, it wasn’t only her gaping like a fish, all of them exception of Craig –as always. These things were all new to them. It’s like that place screams, ‘Welcome to college life’.

“Well, go on now. Our night has started.”

With that, all of them scattered around the area. “Jessie, stay here with me. Follow my orders.” She nodded meekly, it’s not like she can do anything with it.

“Look over there.” Craig pointed near the stage like platform in the middle of the crowd. There, they can see two familiar guys standing coolly side by side bored, seemingly waiting for something. As Jessie was about to speak, Craig cut her off. “They’re waiting for the organizer of this party to come out. Most likely, she will come up on stage to greet everyone so it’s best for them to stay near the stage.” Jessie nodded. “Oh, so they’ll like ambush her and flirt with her right on?”

“Depends on what they want to do or how things turn out.” After Craig said that, he pointed on the other direction –far from Ethan and Sean. “There, Leo’s task is to draw everyone’s attention to him.” And he is right, even when they just got there, Leo seemed to be partying hard and making scenes so that people would join him –attracting attention of almost everyone.

He is dancing wildly and shouting. He socializes with almost everyone. Leo also climbed up on the table and roared. “Party harder people! Oh yeah!”

“Why does he need to gain their attention?” the lady beside the student council president asked. “So that none of them will suspect him to be part of the guys who wants the time card. Oh, for you to know, there are a lot of people wanting the card too. I don’t know how they knew about it, probably because of the Interferer. So basically, everyone’s eyes are all on him. They wouldn’t think he has it, he just needs to be quick in relaying the card to us.” Jessie didn’t quite understand what he just said but pretended she did.

There was a silence between them. Jessie scanned the place and saw Ryan near the beverage stands. “What about Ryan? What will he do?” she asked. “Him? Ryan will make sure that none of those others will get the card.”

They can see him standing with a drink on his hand. Ryan is eyeing every person in sight, he is measuring the movements of the people around and make sure no one escapes his view. He slowly put his lips on the glass and sipped his drink. He’s observing each and every one with predatory eyes.

“Look over there Jessie.” The vice president of the disciplinary committee was dazed with how Ryan looked. His appearance seemed to very appealing to her tonight. Only Craig’s demanding voice broke her train of thoughts.

Jessie almost jumped in surprise. “Where?” she asked following the man’s pointing hand beside her. She saw Matthew who’s standing out with his height even if he doesn’t want to. He was lazily eating chips and sluggishly looked at the people partying around him. “What will he do then?”

“He will give signals to us.” He said and did not bother explaining anything. She frowned- she didn’t comprehend what he said at all. “Care explaining?” Jessie asked carefully. She doesn’t want her head on a platter by offending Craig.

“He would be signaling us to where the card is until it reached us. He will also give a signal if we got the card safely with us.” He answered. Good thing he’s in his best mood that night.

Few minutes passed by. Jessie noticed that someone’s missing. She was about to ask but Craig noticed her expression. “If you’re looking for Tyson and Kyle, they’re walking around the area so it’s a little hard to locate where they are.” He said. Evidently, confusion is shown on her face. “Why?”

“They’ll be the relaying the cards. Their task is to be bridges of the time card, or pathways you can say.”

Booming music deafened Ethan. He wants to get out of that place immediately but was held back with the thought of the card in his mind.

There are a lot of girls chatting with them, trying to gain their attention, flirt, but none of them were entertained. Sean did not beat around the bush and told them to get lost. The most embarrassing part of all- for Ethan- the tan guy stated something made the girls misunderstood their gender preferences.

“You girls can go away now. Can’t you see this guy’s with me? He’s mine you got it?” he seriously said making Ethan’s face beet red. When the girls walked out muttering things like, “What a waste, they’re gays.” And “That’s cute, they’re dating!” the blushing guy turned to the bastard beside him. “What the heck did you just tell them?!” Ethan screeched.

Sean just shrugged attempting not to laugh. A snort came out from his mouth, then a chortle that eventually lead to laughing.

Chapter 9: Cloud Nine

A familiar curly brown haired attractive girl walked towards the Ethan and Sean. She was smiling seductively at them making Ethan inwardly curse in disgust. He really doesn’t like girls who try so hard to be alluring making them look like sluts. She’s the best friend of the party organizer according to Craig.

“Hi boys.” She purred. Luckily, Sean’s quite good at things like this- Ryan’s the best with this, they don’t know why he wasn’t chosen to flirt and seduce the card owner. They need to get down to business and get the card before things get thorny. “Hi there pretty lady.” Sean stepped closer invading her personal space and it doesn’t bother her at all.

She put her arms on his neck, he put his hands on her waist. They danced slowly with the music. “You know, I was looking at you two for a while now. Is the party boring? You seem to chase away girls going for you.” She leaned in and seductively whispered on his ear. Ethan snorted quietly, ‘They look ridiculous.’ He thought and shook his head. Sean shrugged lightly. ”Not really, we’re just waiting for the organizer of this party… I heard she’s your best friend. Am I correct?”

She, Chloe, was taken back. She wasn’t expecting him to know her relation about Krisha- the party organizer. Chloe barely knew these people- they met just now. She forced a smile and said, “Yeah.”

Truthfully, Chloe hated Krisha so much. You can say it is about envy. Chloe isn’t rich while Krisha is- too rich-, beautiful, intelligent, and nice. Krisha’s everything she wanted to be but she shrugged everything she has making Chloe infuriated with her. She just befriended Krisha to get in the limelight in their campus.

Sean slowly and seductively leaned to her and pressed their bodies closer both swaying to the beat of the music. But that’s wrong move. Chloe took it as an initiative for a kiss; she leaned in and slowly closed her eyes. The tanned guy noticed her gesture and panicked. Even if some people said that he had girlfriends and buddies of you know what sort of thing, frankly speaking, he hasn’t kissed anybody before. Basically, Sean’s also the type of person who reserves his lips for the special one.

Ethan saw his distress and snorted. ‘Acting so tough, but can’t handle a single kiss.’ He walked towards them and acted a feigned look of hurt. “Hey, hey, hey. I think you forgot I’m here too.” His fore and middle finger’s tip touched her lips gently.

She opened her eyes and looked at the man standing beside him. “If one gets a kiss, then the other one should too.” Chloe seemed to be in daze and it made him smirk. “But I would like you to kiss me first.” His deep low voice sent chills to her spine. He swiftly freed her from Sean’s grip and held her close.

Sean sighed in relief. ‘Goodness. That was close. Thanks for that dude.’

From the other side of the party, Jessie saw the whole scenario of them flirting. She thinks that she has to look after her troublesome childhood friend but didn’t expect to see such a sight. “So I guess I don’t need to tell you that Matthew sent a signal that they started.” Craig stated and looked over the two teens too.

“Yeah… you don’t need to.”

Going back to the place near the stage, Ethan was smirking –he’s faking it though. ‘Ah, to hell with it. I’m not a first timer.’ He dipped down and kissed Chloe on the lips. Sean quietly gasped, he wasn’t expecting him to kiss her for real. It was somewhat a passionate one but it lasted shortly. Ethan’s smirk widened and whispered to the girl. “We’re not interested with you, so if you can’t help us with Krisha, then f*ck off sweetheart.”

That was quite harsh alright, but he just wanted to get out of that party and go home. These aren’t his forte, partying has never been his liking.

Chloe was dumbstruck and stared wide eyed at the man in front of her. “Wh-wha-what did you say?! If you weren’t interested, why did you kiss me and then now you’re insulting me?!” she asked in disbelief. Obviously furious with what Ethan said. The culprit just shrugged and looked over to Sean. “Maybe, what he meant was we’re not into sluts?” the saved guy said innocently, and walked out of that place. “C’mon Ethan, I heard she’s inside the mansion.”

Lastly, Ethan mocked the girl goodbye and followed suit.

“Ok. I got it.” Said Kyle. As he has a thin presence, he really suited the task he was asked for. He put back his phone inside his pockets and strutted quietly towards the back portion of the place. Ethan asked him of something- to pull out the energy source of the whole party.

According to the details Craig supplied them, Krisha has a great fear in darkness. Ethan and Sean will use this to take advantage of her fear and get the card without her seeing who they are and for easier escape.

When the lights and music died down, the people inside freaked out. The two guys- and the others with them- didn’t care though. They went inside the mansion with cellphone flashlights quickly and saw someone crouching down near the staircase. It was Krisha.

She felt the heat of the light and looked up to see who was there. The ray of light Sean was holding is on level with his chest. Krisha can’t see their faces. “W-who are you?” she asked, her expression showing her fright with dimness. “Ah, we’re some guys in the party. Do you need some help?” Ethan asked.

Krisha held out her hand and it was shivering. “Help me.” She whispered. They turned off the light. “Hey, hey! Don’t turn that off!” she instinctively went back to crouching. Both of the guys chuckled and turned on the lights again, carefully not leveling it to their faces. Ethan walked towards her and held out a hand. “Here, grab my hand, we’ll get you out.”

Her hands were shaking as she slowly reached for him. Krisha practically jumped forward and embraced the man helping him. She was embarrassed yes, but she couldn’t help it. She needs the feeling of someone holding her in that dark place. “Oh, quite jumpy aren’t you?” Sean joked. He was standing behind them, smirking and eyes glowing with excitement.

“Are you feeling alright now?” the man she was hugging asked. She nodded and the flashlights went out. She flinched and shrieked.

“Ah, sorry, dead battery.” That’s a lie though.

The tanned guy went closer to the two. He gave signal to Ethan and the guy just smiled- a playful smile that is. Sean put his hand on her back. She cringed but didn’t say anything. He slid down his hand, slowly, agonizingly slow for the girl. “W-what are you do-doing?” she whispered. Krisha tried to break free from the guy holding her but his grip was tight.

“Sssssh…” Ethan hushed the frightened girl seductively. “Stay quiet…”

“No! Let me-!”

Krisha halted when she felt a hand on her butt then it slid down to her v-cut. Initial reaction: scream of course. Good thing Ethan muffled her voice on his chest. She was struggling to break free, but her efforts are wasted.

“Perverts! L-let me go!”

“Okay.”

If you’re confused on what those two are doing, they are actually robbing the card from her. Luckily, Sean’s first attempt on skimming in her jeans was a success. The second card is on her front right pocket. The tanned guy quickly put the card inside his jacket’s pocket and made thumbs up sign. Ethan suddenly let go of the mistreated girl, like a wind, the two guys were gone leaving poor Krisha alone in the dark.

While walking towards the mansion’s door, Ethan called a certain someone who lacks presence. “Done.” With that, the electricity’s back.

Tyson’s quietly waiting by the door. There are other unfamiliar guys looking around too- must be those who want the card. He didn’t care though, Ryan’s around to make sure those ‘others’ will be distracted- that’s his job anyway. As soon as he saw Ethan and Sean from his peripheral vision, he swiftly went towards them and passed by.

He held out his head a little and a card was laid on his hand. Tyson walked out like nothing happened.

Those ‘others’ strode towards the accomplished two guys, seemingly knowing that they have the card. Who knows, maybe they saw what they did with Krisha. But before they get to where they are, a cheeky blonde stopped them.

“Whaddya want?” one of them asked.

“Drinks?” Ryan offered two punches with a broad model-like smile. They didn’t bother answering him and intended to get go to where they were supposed to go to, to their displease though, both guys were gone.

“Tch.” They were very much annoyed by the fact that the possible card holders were gone. All because of this idiotic smiling blonde.

“Chill. No need to be grumpy at a party. Have a drink.” The handsome blonde said to the two cranky guys looking for the card. As if Ryan was so effective in persuasion- he is actually- the two scowling guys took the punches and sipped. “Tastes good?”

Both were suspecting something from Ryan’s gleaming eyes. It was mischievous, so playful like it has a laid out plan. That’s when they realized something. “You didn’t put anything in, right?” the taller of the two asked.

“Oh… why would I?” he mocked innocence which irritated the two grouchy guys. “Drink this.” The other gave the shot glass to Ryan and the blonde gladly accepted it. But he just poured the glass’ content on the ground. While doing so, he was grinning like mad man. Oh, Ryan was enjoying this, he was struggling not to giggle when the two guys’ faces contorted. They felt something churning inside their stomachs, and it wasn’t effin’ a good feeling. Oh heck no.

“You bastard! What did you put in?!” both were clutching their stomachs. Ryan just shrugged and laughed.

On the other side of the party, Tyson walked around to look for his petite ‘friend’. “Where could that guy go?” he mumbled to himself. The top student was irritated, why is it so hard to find that little guy anyway? Though after a few more walks, he finally saw the midget he was looking for.

Kyle’s standing near the buffet.

Chapter 10: Drunk, Trouble, Exhausted.

While blending in the crowd, Jessie and Craig stood in an awkward silence- perhaps just with Jessie. She doesn't know what to say so she busied herself with watching her 'friends'' tasks done. It was so hard for her to watch Sean and Ethan do those things to that Chloe girl. She wanted to march there and bang that girl's head on the table. For the first time, she wished she wasn't in the disciplinary committee because of that.

So instead of imagining Chloe's death, she watched Leo partying. Partying hard like there's no tomorrow.

"Matthew texted me." Suddenly Craig talked to her. It made her jump slightly- she wasn't expecting him to break the ice. "Wha-what did he say?"

Craig looked amused with her reaction. "You do not need to be scared of me." She blushed and turned her back. "I am not. So what did Matthew say?" she crossed her arms and pouted. "He said the card is with Tyson, its next stop is Leo." He closed his phone and looked to where the man they're talking about is. "Well, let's watch."

"Okay."

'You're not watching what will happen next! You're looking at me. Jeez. Stop that.' Jessie thought to herself while hiding the redness that's forming on her cheek, still pouting and crossed-arms. "You know, you do not need to be stiff with me. It's fine to ask me anything you want. You can chat with me like you do with the others. Sometimes I get jealous 'cause you restrain yourself with me, but with them, you don't."

It left the girl blush deeply and speechless. "I do not. I'm fair with all of you." She defended and walked a little farther from the man questioning her. "Oh really?" Obviously, Craig doesn't believe her and is thoroughly entertained with the in denial vice president of the disciplinary committee.

He stopped teasing her though. They needed to focus on mission at hand.

When Kyle got the card from Tyson close to the buffet, someone saw him unfortunately and followed him. He wasn't that alarmed if he was, they will lose sight of him eventually anyway- he's sure of it. Even his best friend lost sight of him.

"Hey! You kid! Come back here." The one following him shouted. Kyle ignored him though, and went straight to the pack of people where Leo's the center of attention. He slipped easily thorough the individuals partying, he caught the sight of the wild party man. No one noticed him, the one following him lost track of him too.

When he got close to his pal, he whispered, "Leo... I've got it."

He simply but unnoticeably grabbed the card and put it inside his jean pocket. Leo then left the crowd hanging. "Hey man, you done partying?" the man he met, earlier.

Leo grinned and scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah. I gotta go."

"Leo got it, did you see?" Craig asked the woman beside him. She looked not so convinced that the white haired man-Leo- got the card already. "Are you sure? 'Cause I am heck sure I was looking at them. I didn't even see Kyle or Tyson there!"

The student council president only shrugged. "Matthew texted me. I didn't see it either you know." She still didn't believe it but did not argue what Matthew texted, it's his job. "So, we wait then."

"Yes."

They saw Leo looking wasted approaching them. He sure looked like he drank too much and partied hard. "Hey~" his voice slurred while his steps were out of line. "I've got it~" He stumbled his way to them but was lucky enough not to fall face flat on the lawn. Jessie cringed at him knowing he was out the sober state and she's pretty sure he stinks.

"Are you fine Leo?" she asked. He grinned at her showing his white teeth and gave her a thumb's up. He shouted or more likely he slurred, "Heck yeah!" then giggled which was very out of character for him. Craig laughed at how miserable his friend is but helped him stand straight. "Well then, our night's over. Let's head home." He said, dragging the drunken Leo out with him.

Jessie sighed and followed suit.

They got inside the car; they waited for the others to arrive. Leo was muttering things they couldn't understand, he's flailing and giggling which the only girl in the group find cute. Leo's always the tough one, like Sean and Ethan, but now she could see the other side of him while drunk. It makes her smile; she thought that these guys were all just trouble for her however her mind set changed.

Few minutes passed, Matthew came. He brought back food -it was too many, knowing him, he would share a little of those- and sat at the back comfortably. The drunk guy was knocked out so everything got quiet, well not so much, Matthew's snacks were quite noisy. Next who came were Tyson, Ryan and Kyle. The blonde guy was laughing so much, telling stories that don't interest his two companions.

When he took notice of Jessie, he immediately greeted her. "Hey Jessie!" Ryan hopped beside the black-haired girl and chatted with her animatedly. Tyson went to the driver's seat, beside him is Craig. Kyle sat beside Matthew at the back.

Few more minutes passed, Ryan's out of stories to tell, Matthew's snacks were all consumed, Leo's still asleep, as well as Kyle, but Sean and Ethan weren't back yet. "Where are they?" Craig's voice was calm but it completely shows that he wasn't exactly happy about waiting.

Jessie shifted from her seat, her eyebrows knitted. "They should be back by now, I'm worried." The guy beside her only sighed and said, "They're good at fighting so if ever they get in to trouble, we shouldn't worry so much. But if that doesn't comfort you, I'll go check."

"Please do." Sean's her childhood friend, Ethan, she doesn't know but she feels that they're close so she worries too much. But before Ryan step out of the van, he saw the two devils running towards them. Running fast as if someone's chasing them. Actually, it's not someone; they're rather a group of people who wants the card.

"Waaah! What did they do now?!" Ryan exclaimed. Ethan jumped on him and settled at the back seat, Sean pushed him inside and immediately closed the door. "Drive quick!" Sean exclaimed, huffing, his heart beating loudly. Tyson on the other hand wasn't even calm, he doesn't like reckless driving- Leo fits that- but he has too. For the first time ever, he passed the speed limit and it made him blissful inside.

That night was awesome for everyone.

When they got home, everybody's exhausted, tired, and worn-out. Except for Craig and Jessie who only stood there- but it's quite tiring too. So they did not manage to go upstairs instead, they all laid in the living room- on couches, beanbags and carpets.

Morning came; all the people in the neighborhood can hear groaning guys. It really took a toll on their body. It was too exhausting to be nervous and happy at the same time.

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TBC ;)

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