The Sleuth Project ✓

Chapter 26: Morse-Coded Apology

"I mean," Queenie laughed, trying to push back the tears that were threatening to fall. "I've been — you know — trying to not let it get to me, the nitpicks about my looks." She gasped, heaving her breaths and biting her lips, all of which failed her as Queenie's whole face turned red and the tears started falling.

"Na pangit ako, or fact that they say I don't deserve to be here." She said bitterly.

"Look, Q, I know I'm not in the position to say this," Ann said quietly as she rubbed Queenie's back in comfort. "But don't allow other people to make you feel inferior. If you know in yourself that you deserve to be here in Castillo High, then you do. Their opinions will stay merely as it is: just opinions."

"You don't understand." Queenie mumbled. "Kahit naman 'di sila magsalita, I still feel insecure. Just look at myself." She laughed, as if taunting herself as she faced the kitchen window, looking at her reflection.

There in the glass pane, she could see echoes of her dark complexion, the few pimples here and there, her thick eyebrows, and her bushy, unkempt hair which were all so different from Sera and Ann's fair, clear skin, and gorgeous hair. 

"Nakikita niyo ba?" Tahimik na sambit nito. "I'm pathetic. Just look at me, compared to the both of you."

"Queenie you are divine." Sera snapped, roughly placing her hands on Queenie's shoulder and turning her around to face them. 

"Kailangan mo lang ng confidence, at alamin kung pa'no mag-ayos ng sarili." Sera said in a matter-of-fact tone, with Ann nodding behind her. Sera then heaved a sigh before straightening her back.

"You know what," She said with pursed lips. "I know just the solution that'll make you feel more confident." Biglang sambit ng dalaga, putting one arm on Ann's shoulder, and the other on Queenie's shoulder.

"Like what? Expel all the students who took part in bullying her??" Kunot-noong tanong ni Ann.

"Excuse me??, No!" Sera exclaimed in aghast, wrinkling her nose. "Would you do that?? God, Ann, that is definitely something you would do."

Ann merely shrugged her shoulders.

"Pag ginawa natin 'yon, then they'll take pleasure in knowing that they actually affected Queenie one way or another." Sera argued, emphasizing her point.

"Okay, Miss Expert-of the-Status-Quo." Ann remarked sarcastically, playfully rolling her eyes. "So what do you suggest we do?"

At that question, Sera's eyes twinkled in delight. Hindi tuloy alam ni Ann at Queenie kung dapat ba silang kabahan o matuwa. Whenever Sera was given the opportunity, she always opted for the brightest ideas.

"SPA DAY!" Sera exclaimed gleefully, clasping her hands together.

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PLAY: "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani

"Finally." Sambit ni Sera as she parked her hot pink convertible in the outdoor parking area right behind Ylando Mall. Right beside her on the passenger seat was Ann, and at the backseat was Queenie — to which both girls seemed terrified at the thought of shopping in the mall for leisure.

"What's up with you two? Para kayong nakakita ng multo." Sera asked the two as she leaned back to glance at her two friends.

Napailing lamang si Ann. "I'm not used to this kind of thing."  The girl said in a dazed tone, flitting her eyes at the entirety of the mall's exterior.