The Blood's Elegance

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

FAILURE IS PART OF SUCCESS.

It's a mysterious party.

What did Adamaris eat or drink?

When did she eat or drink it?

Was it by intended or not? If it was, who did it?

Why did he or she do it?

How did he or she managed to do it?

Poisoning wasn't impossible to happen if I would relate the death threats I received during my stay here. Marcadel was a strange place. They barely knew me, yet it looked like someone has already dug a grave for me. And with that, a person could have tried to poison Adi. She vomited blood, for Pete's sake.

Seth's voice had my heart beating fast. "I thought you're going to be okay."

"What do you mean?"

"Your hands are still cold."

"It's nothing."

I got my hands from his hold and rested it on the table. However, every now and then, I ended up biting my fingernails, so Seth would removed it from my mouth, and I would glare at him.

"Really, what's wrong?"

"I told you it's nothing."

But my body could not keep the lie I just told. My anxiety had increased already. I tapped my heel on the floor repeatedly, and its heel cap was noisy. Seth glanced at my leg moving anxiously causing me to stop my movement. It's obviously making him worried, so I stopped it, but I was still unconsciously doing it.

After the short period for the food, the event continued with a game named "Killer Game." I didn't participate. I wasn't in the mood although the mechanics were easier than the previous game, and this one proved that our party is indeed mystery-themed.

During the game, others were still busy drinking. They brought some alcoholic drinks because we knew that the student bodied wouldn't allow the catering to bring it.

"Man, I wish I brought beer," King said playing with the stick of black cigarette on his fingers.

Cigarette.

That's where smoke comes from.

"I brought mine." Solana showed us her stainless steel liquor flask. King quicky swang his arm but failed to steal it. "You should have bring yours."

"I thought it was not allowed."

"When did you ever follow the rules?" one of the members intervened. "You can't fool anyone here, King of Beer Advocate."

King put a smug smile on his face and brought out a liter of beer disguised as a water in a bottle. Colorless, it is.

He started telling information about the beer he brought, and I cared less about it right now. I diverted my attention away from them and focused on the on-going game.

"You're supposed to enjoy," Seth mumbled to my ear, tucking my hair.

How could I?

I stood, grabbing my purse from the seat. Because of my sudden action with a very blank face and hand's firmness on the purse, other members from our table looked at me. My teeth collided inside.

"You going home?"

I slowly shook my head to show them that I was still fine. "Just going to smoke."

I headed out of the gymnasium and walked around the campus. The clear air, attacking me sharply and suddenly, sliced through the thin fabric of my dress. It brought a shiver to my body. My breath fogged in front of my quivering lips and vanished in an instant. I sat down on the stairs of the admission building and removed my boots. I hugged my knees, afraid of the same coldness I felt earlier to seep through my feet.

Small steps.

Not loud.

Someone's coming.

Seth was approaching me from the right hallway. He removed his vest and placed it on my shoulder. The familiar heat of being hugged came from it. He occupied the space beside me.

"Let's go back for the awards."

I scoffed. "As if I could win some."

"You may not, but I will," he confidently said.

"Really?" The freedom was already granted to us. I smirked. "Good for you."

Seth turned his back, getting something from his pocket. He showed me a box of cigarette and slid one on his mouth.

"You want one?"

I took a stick but did not light it up. "You're not the type who smoke."

We were not talking. We just busied our eyes on the field.

"Something happened to Adi," I confessed. I saw from my peripheral vision that he throw me a quick glimpse. "She ate. She drank. We were just talking about..." I bit my tongue.

"About what?"

Is it the right time to open up about it? It's not that important anyways.

I pouted. "About what you said when you were..." I trailed off.

"About our relationship? Why? Do you think I'm referring to someone else?"

"Not that one." I was just surprised he publicly announced it. I understood he was known by students, but I didn't think he could be famous enough to have people, especially girls, dying to be update about his love life. "Nevermind. Back to the main topic, there was something off about what happened to Adamaris, and I just couldn't point it out."

"What were you thinking?"

"That she was poisoned." And based from what Sumika said, it was not for her. "And..."

"And what?"

I closed my mouth.

"Look." He cupped my face. "Maybe you are overreacting to Adamaris' case 'cause she appeared to be one of the few people who you are close with in this university, but there could be other reasons why she was like that. Stop thinking about it."

I exhaled. "You're right."

We sat in utter silence. I laid my head on the wall, but Seth gently guided me to put it on his shoulder.

"You know"—he brushed the hair on the side of my face, and his finger moved up to my nape—"once your opinion to someone is tainted, it's hard to look at him or her the way you did before when you still think nicely of that person. You will start judging everyone because of your experience until you realize that you caged yourself on your opinions. Imperial University... there's something in your mind about our school, but keep it is what it is, and do not stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

I raised my head to look at him. "What are you trying to say?"

"It is about Adamaris. There might be more than what meets the eyes, but this case might be a simple one and not a big deal," he explained. "They say ignorane is a bliss, and knowledge will make you suffer. I think it's true. It's better if you do not know anything. It might be better if you're not curious about what happened to Adamaris because no one knows what you might come face to face with when you have the knowledge you wish you didn't have."

We let the time passed by just enjoying the moment of not talking. I loved parties, but there was something peculiar on the event. Something I couldn't comprehend no matter how much I think about it as there were pieces that did not fall correctly into pieces. Besides, I felt left out. I knew them—their names, some of the things they like and hate, and their attitude.

"The awarding is next."

I wore my boots, and he helped me stood up. He was right. They were already awarding. I didn't get to try the booths.

"Most Dramatic Queen award goes to..." The drum rolled. "Adamaris Queen."

Our table stifled their laughs because they knew the meaning of the award tonight. Adamaris, who was seemingly fine now when she climbed up the stage but still pale, dramaticaly wiped her fake tears and accepted the award.

"Simplicity Award is awarded to... Seth Asier Thompson! Congratulations!"

A few more awards were granted before they allowed us to use the remaining time exploring the booths. I dragged Seth to the booth, but my feet stopped on its track upon seeing the girl standing before the camera.

"Oh, hi!"

I returned Ayuna's nice greeting. My mood surprised her. She knew herself I wouldn't have been kind in front of her if any other day. We waited for her to finish, but she pulled Seth from me and took a picture with him. That's it. She's really getting into my nerves. She dared to put Seth a hat that matches her outfit and clung her arm on his nape. I clenched my fist. Seriously, I was in the mood to do something bad because I am nowhere near being kind. She's right. I didn't fit in this place because I was a b***h, and she should have known that before anyone else. She should be aware of what I could do. Right after getting the photo, Ayuna left the picture. I displayed a fierce pose so did Seth.

I stared at our picture. When I looked up, Seth smiled at me.

"We look good here."

"Yes." He stepped back, probably planning to go to the booth, but I was too absorbed because this was our first picture in a place where everyone mostly knows him.

I advanced. He looked up above me and a horror look washed his face. I saw the disco slightly swinging. I was glued on my position, no muscles tried to move to save myself. My body betrayed me. My sense of hearing was not functioning. My eyes were only focused on the object, and everything around me was blurry. The fall of the big disco light flashed slowly before my very wide-eyed gaze. It hit the floor with a terrific thud. Only a foot apart and I could have been seriously hurt.

"Seah!" Seth embraced me from behind. "You okay?"

"Y-Yeah." My chest moved up and down in a very harsh manner. "I-I guess..."

No one expected it to happen. The party ended after the sad closing remarks. We headed to the parking lot where I saw Adamaris going inside her car. I was curious in her condition.

"Adi!" I called. She turned to me. "How are you? Feeling better?"

"Kind of."

"What happened?"

"Sumika said I might have a gastritis or whatsoever. I will visit a doctor tomorrow." She hugged me. "Thank you for being there. I appreciate it."

"Don't mention about it. I was glad you're alright."

"I'm glad you're alright, too, after that disco light. It was scary."

"Yes. So much has happened to night. Take care when going home."

We both bade farewell and set apart on the parking lot of the university.

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