Heads Out

The New Student

MORE THAN A YEAR HAD PASSED. I’m in fourth grade now. The heads stopped from appearing since the middle of last school year. I think they are all at peace now.

Or so I think…

“Okay class, to start our school year, I want you all to introduce yourselves to your classmates here in front,” said a very bright lady on her thirties. She is our homeroom teacher, Mrs. Cuerva.

“I’m Josh Orden.”

Most of my classmates are my classmates from Third grade. Jackie and I are in the same class since kindergarten.

“Hi! I’m Erika Mariz Cayetano, Rika for short. 10 years old. I was on Pearl Class last year so many of you already know me. I live at Block 1 Lot 2 Tree St. 4th Ave., Lima City. Thank you.”

They gave me a round of applause and the class introduction proceeded. The introductions seem so long and boring but I managed to stay awake. Moments after, a boy caught my attention. He got my attention not because of his looks or by the way he talks, but because of what I felt in him. There’s something heavy—and dark—surrounding this boy.

“My name is Andrew Evans, 10 years old; living in Block 8 Lot 7 Sicrest St. 5th Ave., Lima City. I like playing basketball.”

As he stood in front of the class—facing all of our classmates—I felt something strange, something not good. It’s a demonic aura.

I stared at him while he was talking. I’m observing everything around him: his gestures, his gazes and my classmates. It took a while before I realized that something is forming behind him. Something’s coming out from the blackboard behind him. It is a head—a tiny head that seems like it wants to pop out of the board. It looks like Sadako of The Ring is coming out of the television but this time, on a blackboard instead and that I can’t tell if it is a he or a she.

Everyone can’t see what’s happening on the board except me. While everyone is amazed by his speech, I was getting agitated—scared even. The head moves closer and closer to him with its mouth wide open. It seems like it’s going to bite Andrew anytime now. It is only an inch away from him.

I need to do something! It’s not a good kind of spirit!

“Ma’am, can I go to the infirmary? I don’t feel well. Andrew will accompany me there,” I told our teacher and grab the boy’s arm keeping him away from the blackboard. I saw the head backed off a little as I pull away my new classmate.

“But Andrew is not finish talking yet,” Mrs. Cuerva said.

“He’s finish, ma’am. Right, Andrew?” I said then I tossed a glare at him indicating that he must agree with me.

“A-ah… Y-yes, Ma’am. I’m done already. I’m taking Rika to the infirmary now,” he said and we fled out of the classroom.

We left our room as quickly as we can while our classmates teased the two of us. I know it’s a bit weird to take a new student with me when we don’t even know each other personally. But at that time, it’s the only way I thought of to take Andrew away from whatever it is on the board.

“Uhmm… Rika, are you okay?” he asked worriedly as he realized I was in a hurry to get away from our room.

“Yes, I’m okay. I just need some rest,” I said while catching my breath.

We went quite far from our room so I think it’s safe now. We sat on a bench under a big tree. My heart is still beating fast from all the running.

That was close! So close! If I hadn't pulled Andrew away from the board, the head might have gotten him.

“Are you really okay? You look pale.” I can see in his eyes how concerned he was. Maybe what I did is a bit of a shock to him.

I nodded in response. I saw his shoulders relax as if he felt relieved that I’m fine. Then, he showed me his bright and beautiful smile as he said “I’m glad”. His smile is very infectious that it made me smile back at him. I can’t believe that a cheerful and kind boy like him would attract evil spirits. But what does that malicious element want from him? Why does it emit very negative energy towards Andrew?

I just don’t get it. Andrew doesn't look like someone who’ll make enemies. I already know that he is a good person since I can sense a gentle aura from him. Ever since the first time I saw a paranormal being, I also acquired a special gift where I can sense people’s aura. I can immediately determine who’s good or bad. And I’m very definite that Andrew’s on the good side, while the spirit is on the other.

After a few more minutes, we decided to go back to our classroom. The first period just ended when we arrived. Jackie rushed up to me all worried, but I reassured her that I'm fine.

The blackboard went back to normal, and the air is clean and pleasant now. The evil spirit is gone.

But what is that all about? Is it just a wondering soul who likes to prank people? Or is this not yet the end of it?