CHAPTER V: The Quest for the Missing Rules

Immediately after knowing about the rules written inside the mystery book, Jette wastes no time and every time there is a chance, she will open the book and examine its every page. But there is none. She can’t find the missing rules.

***

*While at the office*

(Phone rings)

“Hello,” answered the staff.

“Ms. Arden? Yes, she’s here… Jette, you have a phone call,” said the staff.

(Jette came near the phone and answered the call)

“Hello, Ma’am, how may I help you?” asked Jette.

“Please find the first rule in the middle of the book,” said the woman on the other line.

“Hello, what do you mean?” asked Jette.

(Busy phone sound starts)

***

At home, when she arrived, she counted all the pages, the book contains 500 pages. She divided it by two, she carefully turns every page. When she reaches page 250, she found a little envelope, and she opened it, Jette opened the small paper inside, and she reads it…

Burn the book by finding someone whose sole intention is the worst for you. You have to get three strands of hair from that person. Put those hair in any part of this book, and it will burn slightly.

“There are three rules, and it seems that the first rule is already so difficult. What more if I find the last 2 rules?” she tells herself.

“Where on Earth can I find Annie? How can I get three strands of hair from her?” added Jette.

***

Jette made a plan. She will have the greatest acting scene of her life. Good luck to her.

***

*At the workplace of Annie*

“Annie, can we talk?” asked Jette.

“You know Jette, I don’t know why you keep on visiting me… Are you out of your mind already?” said Annie.

“I just want to invite you over a cup of coffee after work. I just have to discuss with you something not personal. It’s because of my client who happens to be working in the same company you’re working in,” Jette explained.

“Really? Alright. Meet me at Starbucks 1 kilometer from here, 7:00 PM, sharp. For now, can you please leave my office? Chop! Chop!” Annie said.

***

7:00 PM already, and Annie is not yet there.

Jette waited for 30 minutes, then Annie entered the coffee shop.

“Did I keep you waiting?” asked the girl.

“Yes, but it’s alright,” said Jette.

“So, how may I help you?” asked Annie.

“Remember, Marjorie Bombs?” asked Jette.

“That girl??? What about her?” asked Annie.

“Well, she filed a harassment case against you. She told us that you humiliated her in front of your officemates, and was totally harassed by slapping her face, and tearing her blouse near her breast. It caused everyone to laugh, some were shocked, and others just didn’t care,” Jette started.

“Hmmm… Granting that it’s true, why do you care? Why are you telling all these to me? As if you care!” Annie starts doubting.

“I care because remember the last time I told you, I was kind of guilty of what happened to you and Drew, I just want to make it up to you,” said Jette.

“Alright, well then thanks, at least I know what to do this time,” said Annie.

(Jette stood up)

“Annie, can we go to the powder room? I will show you something that my friend bought me for my birthday. It is an electric comb, and you may want to try it,” Jette said.

Puzzled of what is happening, “Alright, let us try,” said Annie.

(They went to the powder room, and tried the electric comb. For the first time, they were happy. As if, they’re friends. Then Jette successfully got some hair strands from Annie.)

***

Right after arriving home, Jette locked her room. She opened the book, and followed what the rule says. She inserts three hair strands of Annie on the pages of the book, and was expect that a portion of that book will be burned.

“Why is it that there is no portion burned? I need to talk to the fortune-teller,” said Jette.

***

The following day, she visited the fortune-teller.

“Miss Crisanta!” shouted Jette.

“I am here at the kitchen,” said Cristanta.

“Hello, Miss,” greeted Jette.

“Why are you rushing?” asked Crisanta.

“The book’s #1 rule is to get three strands of hair from someone who has the worst intention on me. I immediately thought of one person, and that’s Annie. I managed to get hair strands from Annie, but it didn’t work,” explained Jette.

“The answer is simple,” said Crisanta.

“What?” asked Jette.

Cristanta explained, “It only means that Annie doesn’t wish the worst on you. Continue finding the real villain in your story.”

***

Jette decided to lie-low her urge in finding the 1^st rule. She went back home, it is Saturday. It’s Drew’s time with her. They met at the nearby plaza, and just stared at the sky and reminisce everything about them.

“Darling, can we play?” asked Drew.

“Game! What kind of game?” asked Jette.

“Truth or Kiss,” said Drew.

“Huh? Is it a new game? * laugh” asked Jette.

“Yes, I invented it,” added Drew.

“What is the mechanics of that game?” asked Jette.

“I will ask question about us, then if you’re right, I will kiss you,” said Drew.

“*laugh Really? How about if I’m wrong?” asked Jette.

“Well, the consequence is you’re going to kiss me,” said Drew.

(They started playing and laughing.)

Not far away from them, someone is observing them. Until, Jette’s phone rings.

FT: Hello Jette, this is Crisanta.

Jette: Hello Miss, did I give you my new number?

FT: It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you get out of that plaza.

Jette: Why? You’re making me nervous.

FT: There is someone who wants to plot something dangerous on you. Right now, there, she is looking at you.

Jette immediately runs away. Drew wonders and follows her until they reach the car.

“Darling, come on in!” Jette said.

***

*Inside the car

“Darling, I have something to confess,” said Jette.

“You must explain it thoroughly, I am not getting anything, I don’t understand what’s happening,” said Drew.

(She must create a story that is believable)

“Yes, my policeman friend called me. He said that we need to leave the plaza because someone planted bomb in the middle of the plaza,” she said.

“Gosh! Thank God, we reached home safe,” Drew was convinced.

***

The next day, Jette goes again to the house of the fortune-teller, Miss Crisanta.

FT: Thank God, you’re alive.

Jette: Miss, I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel like my time on Earth is already limited.

FT: I know who that person is.

Jette: Who is it? Why is she so mad at me?

FT: It’s a “he”…

Jette: Huh?

FT: His name starts with “J”…

Jette: Please tell me who that person is right now, Miss. I don’t have time to guess.

FT: John Griffin.

Jette: Huh??? My former co-teacher???

FT: Yes. The one who told you that your ex-boyfriend Brent exposed a lot of accusations and scandals against you.

Jette: So, you mean to say, those are all lies?

FT: Yes. It’s just that, Brent was not given the chance to explain.

Jette: Why did he do it?

FT: John is gay. He’s in love with Brent. He did everything to ruin your relationship. When you’re gone for a travel, he was the one to whom Brent is always talking and confiding with.

Jette: What will I do?

FT: Avoid him. He wants you dead. He envies you a lot.

Jette: Until now? Brent and I are already over. What’s his problem?

FT: His hate is rooted deep inside his heart.

Jette: Why???

FT: Because he’s your half-brother, and your father chose you and your Mom over him and his Mom.

Jette: Huh??? That’s not true. I don’t have any sibling.

FT: Because your Dad did not tell you about his first family.

Jette: We’re not the original family?

FT: Yes.

Jette: It’s too much…

(Jette cried)

***

She decided to meet with John. She doesn’t know how dangerous it is, but she just took chances. She needs to burn the book. The quarter-end is nearing… She doesn’t want to transform again. What if Drew knows about it? She doesn’t want anyone to die because of her.

***

“Yes, Dean. I am so glad to be back,” Jette told the Dean of the school.

“Congratulations, Ms. Arden, and welcome back,” said the Dean.

***

“John!!!” She called him, but her whole entirety is shaking.

(She needs to pretend)

“Bridgette?” John was surprised.

“Yes, this is me. Surprise!!! I decided to be back,” said Jette.

“Wow!!! Nice. Come on, I will treat you for a snack at the cafeteria,” said John.

“Nice, thanks,” said Jette.

***

*At the cafeteria

John: What made you come back here?

Jette: You… *cough

John: Me?

Jette: No, I mean you know what? I’m here because I want to rekindle by love for teaching.

John: Everyone is still talking about you and Brent.

Jette: It’s alright. I am used to it.

John: There’s something you need to know.

Jette: What?

John: Brent is still studying here.

Jette: Huh?

John: Yes. Do you handle the “Criminal Law” subject?

Jette: Yes, why?

John: Good luck. Brent is your student there.

(Jette doesn’t mind what’s being said by John, she just thinks of ways on how to get three strands of hair from him. But she just can’t find ways)

*** Bell rings

John: Oh, sorry Jette. I gotta go for now. My first class is now.

Jette: Alright, good luck. I’ll just stay here until my first class. I still have 1 hour to study my lessons.

John: Bye, Jette.

Jette: Bye, John.

Jette got her earphones from her bag. She wore them, and listened to the recorded lesson. Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Jette finds it difficult to understand a series of readings without converting them to recorded voice. While studying her lessons, Brent entered the cafeteria, and unknowingly, he saw Jette. But he was shy to approach, and he is afraid to talk to her.

He hides himself while observing her. He told himself, “Why is she here?”

* Phone rings.

“Hello, Bro. Where are you?” asked Brent.

“Why is Jette here?” added Brent.

“Bro, she’s our subject teacher for “Criminal Law,” explained by his friend.

“Really? Gosh! I won’t graduate that’s for sure,” added Brent.

“Yes, you better drop the subject,” added his friend.

* Bell rings

Jette proceeded inside the room, and everybody is shocked. The fiercer version of Ms. Arden is in front of them. Brent is already inside the room. But Jette saw him already, and it’s as if he doesn’t exist.

Jette: What is a crime?

Class: *raise their hands.

Jette: Mr. Stan, kindly stand up.

Brent: Me, Jette? I mean, me, Ma’am?

Jette: Aren’t you Mr. Stan?

Brent: Yes, Ma’am, I am Mr. Stan.

(Brent stood up)

Jette: What is a crime?

Brent: Hmmm… A crime is… Hmmmm… I’m sorry Ma’am, I am not prepared for a recitation.

Jette: What a reason?! Sit down or else, I’m going to throw you out of this room.

Brent: *was humiliated and walked out of the room.

***

Drew fetched Jette from school. Brent saw them, and walked away.

***

The following day, at the cafeteria, same time yesterday, he saw Jette drinking coffee and reading something… a book probably.

“Can I join you here?” asked Brent.

(Jette was about to stand up, when Brent said something)

“Jette, I’m sorry,” said Brent.

“You know Brent, I would have accepted everything wholeheartedly, that’s your decision…” said Jette.

“A decision I regretted so much,” said Brent.

“You didn’t have to create scandals like rumors that I’m the one insisting the wedding,” added Jette.

“I didn’t say it,” said Brent.

“I said, the wedding that was supposedly our plan was interrupted and changed by our parents’ decision,” added Brent.

“See?” said Jette.

“I said it, yes but I didn’t say that we didn’t want the wedding,” added Brent.

“Anyway, there’s no sense in talking about it. I’m already happy right now,” said Jette.

“Yes, I saw you. I’m just so sorry, Ma’am. Please find in your good heart the courage to forgive me,” said Brent.