The Peculiars’ Tale

"Guys, is everyone here already? Who"s not here yet? Please let me know for the checking of attendance." Announced by Ireneo to everyone. At that time, the whole cla.s.s is busy with their own discussions and gimmicks. We"re at the music room. It"s past four in the afternoon but when dismissal time came, Ireneo made us go here. "Hey guys! Our music teacher will be coming here soon so please cooperate with me about this. Who are not here yet?" he asked the question once again.

"Stephen and Baldo. They"re the cleaners for the day so probably, they are still at the homeroom." Penelope replied but that"s when the door suddenly opened.

"Yoh! Ireneo, men, sorry if Stephen and I are late." He came in with Yue in tow.

Two days had pa.s.sed since he returned and I am very glad since he"s safe and sound. I also felt happy that nothing bad had happened to his family. However... The feeling of nervousness lingers inside me. I watch them. He"s happily conversing with Baldo and Penelope. But he"s also like Aya and the rest who had lost some memories related to Peculiars and Memoire. He also can"t remember anything about what he had gone through after he disappeared.

On the same day when he get back, Morris and I confronted him to have a serious talk. I asked him so many questions but he answered none. He also couldn"t remember what I tried to tell him about – the blog and the Memoire. None. Everything about them was deleted and obviously it was done by Memoire. They must have purposely let go of Stephen no memories about them.

"Stephen, please." I begged him but he lowered his head. He kept on shaking his head and apologizing because he said he really knew nothing. I tried to tighten my grip on his hand and ask him once more. ""Stephen-"

"Jill." Morris grabbed my shoulder and when I looked back at him, he only shook his head. I released Stephen"s hand because I finally realized that I gripped him too strongly.

"I"m sorry."

Now I"m sure that they want to make my life difficult when they let me saw a false glimpse of hope through Yue. I thought I will know now the answers to my questions, to all the puzzles surrounding my world and ident.i.ty. However, they actually just want me to suffer while knowing nothing. I no longer knew where to start again. What should I do? What is really fated for me?

"I"m also sorry, Jill." Stephen apologized to me. "Sorry if I couldn"t help you. I just truly know no answer to your inquiries. To be honest, I fell ill after the recollection that"s why I was absent for several days. I"m really sorry because I know that I made all of you worried." That"s the last thing he said before leaving.

"Morieee." Aya appeared next to me. "You seemed to be lost in thought. Hey, what"s the matter? Maybe I can help? Hehe."

"Ah, don"t mind me. Are you still not used to me? I always act like this." Yeah, always not staring directly at people"s eyes.

Aya laughed. "It seems like you"re returning to your loner old self. You"re becoming Ice Doll the Second! But you know, Jill, since you started eating lunch together with us on the rooftop, your emotions greatly improved!"

I only replied a wry smile to her. But I remember the decision I made that time. I changed because I want to fulfill Haneul"s wish. I became close to them because of that particular request from her.

However, there were times when I want to regret what I did. I feel like I should not have been friends with them because they were being dragged into my problems. They have become close to me and I don"t want to see them get hurt or be in danger.

She looked outside the window where the slow and mesmerizing dance of the leaves and trees could be seen. "I actually feel happy now." I think she"s smiling even though I can"t see her face. "I"m glad that we had the chance to correct everything. And now... I"m free from the past which I had always tried to escape before."

Aya...

"Jill... I"m really thankful."

"So, I think we"re all complete now. Until Miss Karen arrived, I will be the one to explain why we are here at the music room now." I just heard Ireneo"s voice thundering in this place. I didn"t manage to reply to Aya because I feel like I should also do the same with the others. Be quiet first and listen.

"On Monday, our section will be pulled out from cla.s.ses because we"ve been chosen to act as representative in delivering the school"s donation to the charity. Aside from the volunteer work which had been given to us, we will also dedicate a song for the orphan children. This is why we are here, to practice." He pa.s.sed us some papers. "Get one copy then pa.s.s. Miss Marcel will be the one to teach us the song. Also, she will play the piano for the accompaniment."

Wings to Fly, that"s the t.i.tle of the piece.

The rehearsal started when our music teacher arrived.

The school bus dropped us to the entrance but we still have to walk some distance to reach the orphanage itself while carrying some boxes. Obviously, the donations and stuff are within these boxes. The surroundings are peaceful, a far cry from the chaotic city where we came from. There are many trees. The air is fresh and there"s almost no sign of air pollution. Since we"re just several steps away from the orphanage, we can already make out the noises coming from the children who are probably in the midst of playing.

It was at the gate itself when I suddenly stiffened. I noticed the rusting gate which signifies how time pa.s.sed it by.

Sta. Helena Orphanage

I didn"t notice when the guard opened the gate to let us through. I"m actually the only one left behind.

"Jill, come on! Why do you look dumbfounded there?!" Aya called out to me while carrying two big bags on her arms. I nodded at her and then went after them.

I expected that the place inside will be wide and s.p.a.cious and my hunch was not wrong. There are children playing on the wide gra.s.sland and playground. When I check out the buildings, I saw that they all look old and the architectural style resembled several old Spanish houses. It was constructed using woods so I think it"s amazing that it has been maintain and made to last until today.

They received us well and were greeted by two nuns who introduced themselves as Sister Gina and Sister Edna.

I remember that while we were journeying here, inside the bus, Ireneo told us the change in his plans. They thought of making a program for the children and then Ireneo a.s.signed the committee for the games, for the food distribution and others. Then he decided that we will do the singing part on the program"s closure. Tadeo and his pals informed the orphanage staffs about this program. Now all that"s left is to prepare for it.

"Hey Tadeo! We will now put make up on you and Aya."

"OMG Morieee. Fine, I"ll do this for this single day since it"s for the kids. Aja!" Aya mumbled next to me and reluctantly followed my cla.s.smates who will fix her get up for her.

"Meeeeen!" On the other hand, Tadeo has to be dragged and pulled around by the boys just to have his preparation. The two of them were voted to act as clowns for one of the program"s part. Sabina became the emcee and Ireneo reasoned out that she already worked in bars and that she"s already used to acting as host. Ireneo didn"t mean to sound offensive but does he really need to mention about Sabina"s job? Well, he"s still an insensitive jerk.

"Let me help you." I see that Morris is helping Lily in carrying what has been a.s.signed to her. Joy is visible on her face when he helped her. Out of the blue, I picked up a box and walked towards them.

"Here"s another." I handed the box to Lily who suddenly has her countenance darkened when she saw me. Why did I do that? No particular reason, I just want to annoy her.

"I"ll carry it." It seems I will be the one annoyed when Morris took that box from Lily.

"No, let me. Since she gave it to me." Lily must have purposely acted pitiful. I left the two of them. Yeah, since they want to flirt, then I don"t give a d.a.m.n.

"She"s jealous." I heard Baldo saying this in a teasing tone.

"Tss."

"It"s okay, Jill. I know Morris and he"s not the type who would easily change heart. I know that you are the real one inside his heart." I don"t know why but it made me smile. It"s a relief that my other cla.s.smates were not near us so they probably didn"t hear Baldo. "See, you"re now smiling and because of that, you have to give me one peso."

"Madness." He only laughed at me.

"Guys, we only have an hour for preparation so stop slacking off."shouted by Ireneo. Baldo and I started to move since we don"t want to be reprimanded by that guy. I helped in setting up the stage, the small covered gym. We decorated the place with colored papers and put balloons on every chair.

"Jill, can you give this to Sister Edna? I"ll take over your work here and help in cutting out the crepe papers to compensate." One of my cla.s.smate handed me a yellow paper which states the flow of the program. I gave her a nod then went off but when I was already outside, I realized she didn"t tell me where to find Sister Edna. The place is already quiet. Probably all the kids had already went inside.

I saw an old woman who is sweeping near the playground. I walked towards her and spoke.

"Can I ask a question?" She stopped what she"s doing, "Do you know where Sister Edna is?"

"Missy, your eyes are very beautiful." I found what she said weird so I lowered my head.

"T-thank you." I politely replied. This is maybe the first time that someone said that to me.

"Ah, I saw that sister went that way."

"Thanks again."

I entered the place the old woman had pointed to and proceeded to search for Sister Edna. However, I failed to see her there so I eventually came out. The old woman was not there anymore. I only see a little girl sitting alone on the swing. I don"t know why but I went to where she is and took the vacant swing next to hers. She only looked at me but didn"t speak.

I sweep a glance to the place. Earlier, when I saw the gate... I felt something odd. I had this feeling as if I had been here before, as if I every nook and cranny of this place is familiar. This playground, this red swing... This should be my first time coming to this orphanage but I really feel like... I was here, long time ago.

I stare at the child next to me and she"s still not opening her mouth. I can see sadness from her eyes... I think I saw myself on her... sitting by herself on the swing... alone.

"Who are you?" I look back to the one who spoke and saw another little girl who"s supposed to be older than the first one. "Ella." She approached the child who is actually named Ella. "Do you know her?"She asked then Ella shook her head.

"Hi." I greeted.

"Who are you? What"s your name?" she asked. I can see wariness and protectiveness from her eyes. I think this Ella is her sister that"s why she"s acting like this.

"Jill... Jill Morie." I answered. "How about you?" Towards my question, her face lighten up a little.

"Rina."

I smile. Then Rina also smiled. She started telling some stories and asking some questions. She"s the same with the other children- very curious about various matters. I think she"s lonely. I understand her condition because she grew up eating on stainless plates, forcing herself to smile so that other people will accept her... She"s maybe like a puppy from a pet shop, wagging her tail and hoping that someday, some people will adopt and accept her with their whole hearts and love. I let myself answer all her inquiries because I feel like I"m also like her.

"I need to go back." I said. "They are waiting for me." Rina became sad when she heard that. I lowered my head and patted her and stare at her eyes. "Don"t be sad." I saw her fate through eyes. "Just persevere even though it"s quite painful. Things will eventually become alright because there"s a good future waiting for you." I ended the precognition then close my eyes. "It may not be now but it will happen someday. Please don"t forget this."

"...And! CHILDREN! We will count to ten then our two friends who will be playing with us will come out. Are you ready?" Sabina stated with glee and joy. It"s obvious that she"s enjoying her role. On her face, sincere happiness could be seen.

"Yes!"

"All of us! One!...."

The children chorused in counting and from their faces, happiness and joy are also visible.

"Ten! Here comes Pipo and Pipa! Tada!" Aya and Tadeo who are wearing clown costumes came out and cheerfully greeted the kids. This kind of happiness is priceless. "Kids, keep on watching because Pipo will eat fire!"

"H-hey S-sabina! There"s nothing like that on the script!" They all laughed at Tadeo.

The program will be ending soon. Everyone a.s.sembled in the front then Miss Marcel started playing the piano.

If now, I could grant my wish

I"d wish to have those wings

Those wings just like the birds

That fly up in the air

From afar, I can see Miss Karen who is currently waving her hands to the audiences. I suppose she"s also accompanying us in singing. My cla.s.smates must have seen that scene too because they have been distracted. The melody was slightly off, maybe because they are somehow crying.

So high up in the air

With feathers bright and fair

No wealth nor power can make

My heart filled with such joy

We"re all happy to see them enjoying. Our fatigue faded after we see them smile. Well, this kind of event only happened scarcely in our lives but we"re happy to experience this with everyone.

Want to spread my wings and fly

Away into the sky

How I dream to be so free

No more sadness, no more pain

No more anger, no more hate

How I dream to have those wings

And fly into the sky

We finished the song with applause coming from the audiences. Sister Edna and Sister Gina are very happy. But those people near me are happier than them.

"Yehey!" They cheered and hugged each other.

"I don"t know why I cry." Penelope exclaimed. She"s a natural crybaby though and right now she"s busy wiping her tears.

"Penelope! It"s your fault! Your crying is contagious!" Aya rubbed her eyes because she also tear up.

"Hahaha! Chicken lady looks like an idiot! Crybaby! HAHAHAHA!"

"Hmp! You also almost cried, don"t dare deny this with those tears lingering on your eyes!"

"Shut up!"

"Geez, why be shy about that?"

"This is all Miss Karen"s fault!"

"Yeah. I felt like it"s already our graduation when we were singing that."

Graduation, huh.

I forgot. We will eventually go our separate ways.

The sun is almost setting when we finished cleaning up. It"s time to go home. After bidding goodbye to Sister Edna and Sister Gina, they said their utmost thanks to us for our visit and donations. We"re at the gate when Miss Marcel called out to me.

"Morie, please fetch Miss Italia inside. Tell her, we"re already leaving."

Great, for all of the students near her, I was actually the one chosen. "Okay."

I couldn"t possibly refuse. I have no choice but to go in again. Sister Gina is there and she"s the one I ask about Miss Karen. She told me that the orphanage"s director is talking with her that"s why I have to wait for some time. Then she let me in her office.

"Sta. Helena is actually established long ago." I suddenly blurted out after seeing the pictures on the photo alb.u.m. The pictures were old and showed different batches of cla.s.s pictures. Sister let me browse it while waiting. Sister Gina agreed on what I said and then started briefing me about the history of Sta. Helena. She told me even the conflicts and problems it went through until today.

After a while, my attention was caught by an old photo which was different from the rest. The others have many people on it but this one only have six children who were with a man and a nun. Due to the photo"s oldness, the faces were blurry." "Why do they have so few people in this batch?"

"Ah... That"s one of this orphanage"s mysteries."

"Mysteries?"

"No one knows aside from Sister Emilia who was not yet director at that time. From what I heard before, those six children are somehow special."

"How special?"

"Sister Emilia didn"t elaborate but she said that they are very unique and extraordinary. It"s a mystery because they suddenly vanished after they had been studied by the male doctor on that picture."

Mysteries. Special. Not ordinary. Had been studied.

Don"t tell me...

I slowly flipped the picture.

1998

Research Center for Paranormal Abilities cla.s.s (first batch)

Jinnie, Beatrice, Cairo, Pacifico, Sylvia, Rommel

My guess had been confirmed.

The children were Peculiars.

I heard some footsteps and voices.

"You"re really a grown-up now. I"m so happy to see you again."

"I"m also glad to return here, Sister Emilia."

"Please be careful on the road, okay. Just say h.e.l.lo for me to your husband."

Husband?

The two of them saw me. I immediately stood up from my seat while clutching on the alb.u.m.

"M-miss, Ma"am Marcel said we"re already leaving." I"m not sure about the reason but I suddenly found myself staring at her awkwardly.

"Go ahead, Beatrice. I hope you visit again in the future."

Beatrice? She called Miss Karen as Beatrice?