Episode 5

Once the chemistry homework was complete, the students waited for the school bell to ring.

Shortly after, the bell sounded, announcing the beginning of break time.

Via, Erin, and Siska left the classroom to head for the cafeteria.

The trio discussed the incident involving Dina's fall in the changing room.

"Via, I'm getting scared. What if Julia's spirit seeks revenge on us?" Siska said while enjoying her chicken noodle order.

"That's just a coincidence. It has nothing to do with Julia's ghost, and I don't really believe in such things," Via responded, her thoughts grounded in logic.

"But remember that night, when we bullied her," reminisced Siska about the eventful evening.

"I wasn't bullying; I was just showing her how to be cool," Via countered, recalling the incident.

***

June 2022, before Julia's passing

Parents sat inside the classroom, awaiting the distribution of report cards from their respective homeroom teachers.

"Julia Rahman!" called out Mrs. Fitri, Julia's homeroom teacher.

Bagas, Julia's father, stood and approached the teacher's desk.

Mrs. Fitri handed over Julia's report card, the results of her grade promotion.

"Congratulations, Mr. Bagas, Julia has done exceedingly well, ranking first out of 30 students. I hope she continues to excel," Mrs. Fitri said, handing over the report card with a smile.

"Thank you, ma'am. I'll make sure to tell Julia," replied Bagas, taking Julia's report card.

After receiving the report card, Bagas left the classroom to meet Julia waiting outside.

"Well done, my dear, you've got excellent grades," Bagas praised, gently ruffling Julia's hair as he handed her the report.

Eagerly, Julia opened her report card and, delighted by her impressive scores, was very pleased.

Suddenly, her name was called from a distance.

"Julia!" shouted Via.

"Dad, just a moment. Julia wants to talk to Via first," Julia asked for permission.

"Alright, sweetheart. Dad will wait in the car," Bagas said, leaving to wait by his car.

Via invited Julia over for a chat.

"Hey Julia, got any plans for the holiday?" Via inquired.

"I'm not sure, probably just staying at home," replied Julia.

"What if you join us this Sunday at Roy's place? He's throwing a grade promotion party," Via suggested.

"But I'll feel out of place, and my mom and dad probably won't let me go."

"Don't worry, I'll handle that. You've got to come, okay?"

"Borrow my dress, so your parents won't get suspicious."

"Thanks, Via. I appreciate you guys inviting me," said Julia, her face lighting up with joy.

"No problem, I'll concoct a story for your parents. I'll say there's a school field trip, and Erin, Siska, and I will come to pick you up. How's that?"

"But what if I get caught? I've never lied before, Via," Julia expressed with a puzzled look.

"Look, Julia, it's your choice. If you want to be part of our group, accept our offer. If not, then stay with your nerdy friends Toni and Mia."

Via's words left Julia in silence until she made her decision.

"I'll go with you guys," said Julia.

"That's more like it. I'll pick you up on Saturday, okay?"

"Okay, Via."

Via then left, accompanied by Siska and Erin, leaving Julia behind.

Meanwhile, Toni and Mia, Julia's friends, approached her.

"What's going on, Julia? Why was Via talking to you?" Mia asked.

Mia was Julia's close friend, often bullied for her dowdy appearance, thick glasses, and too-short skirts. Toni, too, was always seen with gelled hair styled to the side and thick glasses.

Julia explained to them about being invited to Roy's party by Via and the others.

"Is it okay for you to go there alone, Julia?" Mia asked with concern.

"It's fine, Mia. They're nice to me now," Julia reassured with a smile.

"But we still worry. Remember when you were locked in the bathroom? That wasn't a one-off; it happened multiple times. Thank goodness for Ujang, the school guard, and Mia for helping you out," Toni warned Julia to be cautious.

"Forget it. I want to join them. Why can't you understand and support me? Via is nice to me now," Julia said irritably, leaving them to head to her father's car.

"Julia! Julia! Wait!" called out Toni and Mia in unison.

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