SERRA
Seeing my room number attached to the wall made me want to break the door.
“Six six six,” I bitterly whispered.
666 was known to all medius as a beast’s number and was purportedly used to invoke Satan. Some mormians also avoid this number especially in their businesses because according to them it was bad luck.
“Is there something wrong?” the caretaker asked.
I just shook my head and after that, she left. I thrust the key in the knob and twisted it after. I opened the door and cold eerie wind kissed my skin. Something was odd in this room.
“You feel it too?” the ghost asked and I just nodded.
We didn’t have a choice but to enter. We were welcomed by a cream wall filled with paintings of every part of the school. We continued and what we saw next astonished us.
This room was four times bigger than my apartment and the walls and ceilings were painted with shades of cream with gold embroideries on the edges. The floor was tiled with a wood-like style. The moment we entered we saw first was the flat-screen TV attached to the wall. Under it was a long cabinet made of wood and filled with books and different ornaments. I wandered my sight with amusement. There were two queen-size beds and a night table in between. Above the night table was a brown lampshade embroidered with gold.
On the right side of the room was a three-door wardrobe and on the left side was a cabinet filled with random things and a sofa set with a round glass table. At the right corner of the room, there were two doors. One on the front wall and the other on the right wall. I opened the doors and the rooms were bathroom and kitchen and dining room in one.
I put my bag on the floor before sitting on the bed and it was comfy and soft. My body lowered because of the thick brown mattress. The entire place was sophisticated but gives off a dark energy. I could hear soft creaks behind the walls. There was something shady inside this room.
“Aren’t we in the wrong room?” the ghost suspiciously questioned.
“That’s not possible. It was the caretaker who led our way,” I responded.
I went towards the wardrobe with my bag and emptied it. I organized my things inside the wardrobe space with my name.
“So I’ll be having a roommate,” I murmured. “By the way, what am I going to call you? Do you still remember your name?” I asked the ghost while still fixing my things.
“I don’t. You can call any name you prefer,” she answered.
A paused for a while and thought for a name. “I’ll call you Gugu.”
“Does that mean–” she exclaimed appearing inside the cabinet.
“Fuck!” I cursed slamming the cabinet’s door and reached for my chest. I glanced at her and I immediately walked backward seeing her face slipped through the door.
It’s been years since the last time I befriended a ghost. After my last ghost-friend got reaped I decided to stay away from any ghost.
“Sorry,” she apologized and passed through the cabinet’s door.
“It’s okay... I think I need to get used to it and yes you’re allowed to stay.” I opened the cabinet and placed the last group of my folded clothes.
“Really?” I saw her extended her arms and floated in my direction fast.
I felt a cold wind washed through me and made the fine hairs on my nape rose.
“Sorry... I’m just so happy that I forgot the fact that I’m a ghost.” She giggled.
I smiled back at her and went to the bed. I lied down and stared at the ceiling.
“When are we going to meet the reaper again?” She floated in front of me in a horizontal position.
“When we need him. Just like what he said.” My eyelids were getting heavier so I closed my eyes.
“Goodnight and happy birthday, baby.” I heard someone whispered in my ears before drifting to sleep with a smile on my lips.
I woke up and searched for my ringing phone. I immediately put off my alarm and went to the closet for a towel. I searched for Gugu but she was not around so I immediately headed to the bathroom and did my thing. After that, I prepared my things for my class.
The whole class yesterday was suspended because the moving-in of the students was effective right away after the announcement. When I opened the door I saw Gugu standing right in front of me.
“When I was strolling last night I met Laura’s mom and she wanted to thank you,” she continuously said.
“She can see you?” I asked bedazzled and continued on my way.
“Yes, she’s a see-er and she saw me with you so she assumed that we’re friends.” She nibbled her lower lip confusing me. “Aren’t we?” she added and shyly looked away.
A smile painted my lips. “Yes, we are.”
Upon hearing that she whirled in glee while humming a lullaby. My pace decreased synchronized with her lulls. My brows drew together because her lullaby hit a sense of familiarity in me. I heard that song somewhere.
“Laura’s mom is in a difficult situation. She’s a see-er with strong vitality but her daughter Laura is weak. If ever I have a daughter I’ll protect her even if it will cost my soul.” Her words pulled me back to reality.
See-er is a type of medius who could see ghosts but could not hear and feel them. Medius who could hear the ghosts are called hee-er while those who could feel them are called fee-er. I was capable of the three and I don’t know what type of medius I am or what I am called.
“You know what this place is creepy.” She brushed her palms against her arms.
I shook my head in disbelief. She was right though but those words coming from a ghost? Just weird.
I scanned the place. We were walking in a huge, quiet, and long hallway that seemed to be endless. On our sides were rooms in line. The wall was painted white but the lights were a bit dim. Walking here gave me a horror movie vibe.
We reached the end of the hallway that directed us towards the elevator. I pressed the button and entered. The door almost closed when I heard a shout.
“Hold it!” The voice was followed by rushing steps.
I pressed the button again to stop the door from closing and I saw Bruce Collins running in our direction. He reached the elevator panting. He leaned down putting his hands on his knees to support his weight as he gasped for air. The door shut closed before he averted his gaze to me.
“Thank you, brave girl.” He stood straight with a smile. My sight glued to him because of what he called me. “I saw your video saving a little kid on the street. Sadly it was removed immediately just because you’re a medius. It would have been a good reason for creatures like you to be accepted in society,” he added while staring at the elevator’s door.
Bruce Collins was one of those rare mormians who accepted creatures like us and I don’t know why. The elevator stopped and opened when we reached the ground floor. I saw Amara Beltran waving her hands from afar.
“I’ll go ahead, brave girl,” he bid goodbye and went out first to head towards his girlfriend’s direction.
Amara and Bruce were known couples on the campus and the kindest I’ve ever met. They didn’t treat me like I don’t belong. They’re also from a rich and famous family. All students in Silverio University are elites except for me of course. I was not an outcast here just because I was a medius but also because I was poor. I was able to enroll in the only university on the island because of a scholarship. I was the only scholar of the school so far.
I stepped out of the elevator and was stunned feeling the darkness slowly raised. I stared at the couple’s back. I could feel darkness latching on Bruce. I’ve never felt such intense darkness before. This amount of darkness was the result of the most intense emotion, rage.
“You feel it too, right?” Gugu asked worriedly.
My strides increased as I run after them. I was about to call for their attention but a lady appeared in front of me from nowhere.
“Hi!” A sweet smile drew on her lips.
I tried to pass by her but she kept on blocking my way.
“Are you in a hurry? I’m sorry for disturbing you.” She scratched her neck gently and let me pass through.
I looked behind her but the couple was already out of my sight.
“It’s okay. What can I do for you?” I asked in confusion not only because someone approached me except the couples but also because the person before me right now is the last person I expected to talk to me.
“I was there,” she blurted in a serious tone. Her words made my forehead knit. “You were beautiful when you saved that little girl.” I couldn’t read her eyes. There was a hint of amusement and something else I was not sure of.
I could remember very well. She was indeed there with Beatrice that she called Bea.
“Wait... I haven’t introduced myself yet. Do you know me?” She again scratched her neck awkwardly.
Who wouldn’t know the Governor's daughter? I just nodded at her as a response.
“See you around!” She waved her hand with those sweet smiles on her lips again. She then passed me by.
I heaved a sigh and headed to the university’s cafeteria. I was welcomed by mouth-watering dishes on the menu that made my stomach rumbled. The place was pretty huge that it can accommodate hundreds of students. Rectangular wooden tables are everywhere. Each table was surrounded by eight chairs. I ordered two sets of food and drinks and brought them towards the table at the corner of the room.
“Grab some breakfast, Gugu,” I offered and placed a spoon and a fork in front of her.
She roamed her sight, hesitant.
“Nobody’s here, Gugu. Rich kids wake up late,” I assured.
She grabbed the utensils and started eating. Ghost could eat foods and held things offered to them. I couldn’t stop staring at her. She was eating like she hadn’t eaten for ages.
“Slow down, Gugu.” I chuckled and ate my food too.
I was able to eat such luxurious food because of my scholarship. Before we moved in food was not free so I have to pack a lunch with me. I was glad that they considered giving me free food. After eating we immediately headed to my first class. As usual, I was the first student to get here.
“I was inspired by a medius who saved a girl from getting hit by a car. If you are watching this... Hi, brave girl!” Bruce said with a wide smile while looking at the camera and the video ended. Bruce Collins was a hot topic these past few days after he saved a toddler from falling down an apartment building last Saturday. He was able to do that since we were allowed to go out of the university on weekends. I was able to continue my part-time job too. Well, my boss was considerate. Almost two weeks had passed and my school life was like a cycle. All I did was getting up from bed, walked to the cafeteria, went to my classes then back to sleep and until now I haven’t met my roommate. “Why is the reaper still not showing up?” Gugu frowned. I just shook my head. She was like this for three days straight. Everything that escaped from her mouth was about the reaper. “I need a daily dose of his handsomeness,” she fantasized almost drooling. I’m currently sitting on a bench here in the s
SERRA “Bruce!” I called running after him, again. “Stop, Serra. You’re getting on my nerves.” He increased his pace making me do the same. “Bruce just listen–” He halted and faced me harshly. “If ever I die it’s none of your business, Serra. I’d rather die than seeing you every day.” His words were like burning arrows fired at me. He walked away leaving me hopeless. “You tried your part, Serra. It’s not your fault if he dies,” a familiar voice uttered from behind. My fist clenched. He was not helping, he made me felt worse instead. “If he dies it only means that what I did wasn’t enough." I stormed away with heavy feet. “Stubborn,” he whispered but it didn’t escape my ears. I felt him followed me. We’ve been tailing Bruce for two days now and I didn’t notice anything or anyone suspicious lurking around but I could still feel that hideous shadow lingering on Bruce. I swiftly hid myself behind the nearest column before Bruce looked in my direction. “We’re like creepy stalkers
“Where is Gugu?” I asked Grip but he just shrugged. I glared at him making him sigh. “I saw her run after Bruce,” he answered. A resounding curse escaped my mouth. Demons are feed not only through human souls but also by other spirits whether a ghost or evil ones. “Of all creatures, it’s you who’s knowledgeable enough that she might end up eaten by a demon. You shouldn’t have let her leave!” I jabbered. “If something bad happens to her I’m going to make you the main ingredient of my steamed dumpling you annoying cat!” I stomped my foot and walked out. “Go ahead. I’m fine with it. At least you’ll get to eat someone delicious like me.” I looked back and threw him my death glare. I saw him smirking while biting his lower lip. How can he do both and still look cool? Damn it! We looked all over the university but I couldn’t find her. I’m getting nervous and at the same time, irritated. Grip didn’t help, he just annoyingly followed me the entire time. “Where could she be?” I ruffled m
BRUCEI stared at my trembling hands and then at Amara. She looked pale and weak. I want to caress and embrace her. I promised to protect her but I couldn’t even protect her from me.“What have you done, Bruce?” a voice echoed in my head and it was followed by a peal of wicked laughter.I held my head with both hands pulling my hair wishing that the laughter would cease. In my turmoil state of mind, I walked away.“Bruce...” she called, soft and weak.Her voice receded the voice in my head. I glanced at her with eyes full of love.After seconds of silence, she replied, “I love you too.”I gave her my last sweet smile. The smile I refused to give to other ladies, only her. She smiled back with a slow nod. We’ve been through a lot that we could understand each other just by looking.I stormed out of the library not just because I was afraid of Serra’s aura but also because I might hurt Amara more and our baby.I’ve always wanted to have my own family and I want Amara to be my kids’ mothe
I groaned feeling the pain on the side of my head. I opened my eyes and I was welcomed by blinding lights. “Blinding lights...” Serra’s voice rang in my ears again. I blinked twice to adjust my sight. I turned around and I could see nothing but darkness. The only source of light was the swaying lamp above my head. The cold breeze kissed my skin waking the fine hairs on my entire body. I was dying to touch the side of my head because of the raging pain the impact left. My skin in that part tightened because of a dried foreign substance. I tried to move but my hands were tied behind me. A rope was looped around my bare chest and shoulders making me intact with the wooden chair and my feet were also tied at the chair’s feet. I examined my body and I found myself naked. I was agitated by the reiterating click-clack of a shoe in the room. I don’t know where to focus my sight not until a lady revealed herself in front of me from the dark part of the room. She was wearing an all-crimson-
My face was saddened but I didn’t regret what I did even if it was an accident. “That’s the nastiest thing I’ve heard in my entire life.” She wiped her tears and laughed. “Love? What is love? There are anger, obsession, envy but love? There is no such thing as love.” She emphasized every word with contempt. She picked up her red thong and went around my back. She pressed it on my wound to stop my gushing blood. How ironic! “The truth is I want to know why girls were so crazy about him despite being sexually harassed they still wanted him. Now that I tasted it I thought that I’ll finally put an end to my thirst but I’m very disappointed.” She gently caressed my shoulder and blew warm air in my ears. “Watching other’s suffer is still the best entertainment and pleasure giver.” She gently nibbled my ear and licked it. “Besides it should be me, Bruce. I should be the one to kill Mark.” She dug her nails on my shoulder. “You’re insane– arghhh!” I cried when she dug her fingers in my wou
SERRAI turned around but I couldn’t see a thing. I strode forward without any idea where my feet would take me. A rattling sound echoed every time I stepped. Darkness was everywhere but I could see my way as if I lived in the dark.as if I belong here.“H-Help...” a raspy voice whispered in my ear.I averted my attention at the side but no one’s there. I walked forward endlessly. My mind was blank but my feet knew where to go.“H-Help...” I heard the same voice however it wasn’t just in my ear.I don’t know where to settle my head. The sound bounced from one place to another. The owner of the voice sounded like he was everywhere. I tried to follow the voice but it lead me to nowhere. My heart beat fast out of excitement. I should be scared yet I felt thrilled.A light from afar suddenly surfaced. I leaped towards the light and revealed myself. I froze seeing a feeble and naked man tied to the chair.“H-Help...” he uttered once more.Bruce!I called but he didn’t seem to hear me. I yell
This time, it didn’t take long when the investigation team arrived which was contrary to the day Bruce fell from the clock tower. It took them almost an hour before reaching the crime scene given the fact that the station was only a few blocks away from the university. They were slouching for some reason or maybe their service depended on the background of the person who called them. It was Amanda Silverio after all, perks of being the governor’s daughter. “Take Amara somewhere comfortable. I’ll be the one to give a statement,” Amanda suggested. I just nodded and helped Amara out guiding her by the hand. I was struggling thinking of a place where I could take her. Scratch the idea of taking her to our room since it was just next to Bruce’s room. I nibbled the bottom of my lip. “Let’s just head to my room,” she said in between her sobs. I just nodded and lead the way towards the dorm’s elevator. I glanced at her when the elevator’s door closed. “Fifth floor.” She tightened her gri