12 THE ALPHA BROTHERHOOD ∞≠∞   “Won’t you tell me more of the Alpha brotherhood, dad?” Mr. Hernandez looked at his eight-year-old son as the child stared at him with such inquisitive eyes. He wanted to dismiss the topic but seeing his son looking so eager and curious stopped him from doing so. “You are still too young to understand, my son.” “Dad, I know I’m just eight but since you have given me this golden key for safekeeping, isn’t it just fair that you’ll tell me all about it? I promise you I’ll be quick to understand.” The father let out an amused laugh. “You are indeed a clever boy, my son. Alright, let me tell you a story about a man named Don Victorino Viaje del Cargador. But you should promise me that you won’t tell anyone about it and that you will hide that golden key no matter what happens, alright?” “Not even mom or Little Ronan will know about it. I p

14  MARIE JOYCE  ∞≠∞   Everybody in LNH knew her name. But none of them expected that she’ll be joining them in the school meeting for all of the classroom presidents. Hence, the moment she stepped at the office door, all eyes were on her. But she was not surprised. People in this school had always been mean to her. Over time she had learned how to protect herself from their cold shoulders and judgmental stares. They treated her as an insignificant being, so she treated them just the same. Craning her neck as she looked for a vacant seat but the only unoccupied seat happened to be on the right side of the famous Steffy Rivera. The la

16 A NEWLY FOUND FRIENDSHIP ∞≠∞   Seffy was looking at a curly-haired girl entering the school canteen. She sensed the girl’s agitation as she forced herself inside the premises. “Such a freak,” Steffy said. “She’s too pretty to be a freak.” Waving her hand, the girl immediately saw her and started walking in her direction. “I’m sorry, I—I didn’t know the arrangements of the tables here. It’s my first time coming here.” Smiling, Steffy gestured her to take a seat. Marie heaved a sigh as she nervously faced Steffy on the table. “It’s okay. We all have our first times. So, let’s grab some food now, shall we?” Steffy grabbed Marie’s hand as they took their lines. “I—I don’t think it’s nice to get this line, Steffy. Someone might get angry.” Amused by Marie’s nervous reactions, she shushed her by shoving her to the counter. “Hey, Arturo!” Steffy greeted the man with th

18 THE TEACHER’S FARMHOUSE ∞≠∞               “Welcome to my humble abode.” Teacher Greg and Steffy were standing in front of a wooden gate. He had brought her to his small farmhouse located just a few miles away from school. “I want to let you see this during the day but since we’re already here, let’s just savor it anyway.” Giggling, Steffy took exciting steps as they marched on the rocky pathway. Both of them agreed to leave made up excuses so they could sneak out of the party. “Oops, be careful,” said Teacher Greg as he guided Steffy towards the part where there was better lighting. They passed by a huge fish pond that looked so serene as the moon hovered over them. Fireflies were seen flying around the trees just a little further away and the sight ha truly captivated Steffy’s attention. “Do you kno

20 WHO IS LUCIO HERNANDEZ? ∞≠∞   Suspension of classes was declared as the faculty and staff, along with the students, lamented for the sudden death of their good principal. A mass was being held at the school gym and Teacher Greg was sure that the hallways were pretty much deserted now. He decided to walk back to the principal’s office. Mr. Seson had been a good godfather to him. He saved him that fateful night when the Alphas killed both of his parents and his only brother. Who would have thought that Mr. Seson will come just in time for his rescue? One by one, the horrible images replayed on his mind as he walked with heavy steps towards the office. “Lucio! Run,” his mother said as the bad guys raped her in front of him and his little brother. Grabbing her brother’s hand, they ran towards the secret passage that their father had built for them inside the house. Little R