I Could Fall

Chapter Twenty

"You didn't have to pick me up, you know?" I exclaimed as soon as I entered Atticus' car.

"I know. I just want to show-off my driving skills," he joked.

"You mean your new ride?" I raised a brow at him.

I knew I was right when he just gave me a boyish grin in response and drove off.

It's my first day in college and it's safe to say that I'm excited. Excited for the new experiences and the new people that I'll meet.

Being the youngest Serrano means being the last to do everything. Kuya Xavi already graduated and he chose to say in France. Ate Laurene is turning fourth year next year and Kuya Hadeon will be graduating next year. Kuya Zeno is currently on his second year. Magkakasunod lang naman kami.

Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit excited akong mag-college. That means I won't be left out with my siblings' college life experience and I can finally relate to their conversations.

"Bye," I waved once we were about to part ways.

"Ihahatid kita sa room mo," he replied.

"Huh? You don't have to walk me to my room." My forehead creased. "Malayo pa ang building mo at baka ma-late ka."

He shook his head. "I won't be late."

"Atticus," I called out.

"Hyon," he called back with the same tone and all.

I hate it when he does it because he knows it never fails to make me laugh and he'll end up winning the argument just because I can't keep a straight face.

Sa huli ay siya pa rin ang nasunod. Sinamahan niya akong maglakad papuntang building ko. Hindi naman kami nag-usap. I was busy admiring the campus.

Nang tumingin ako sa kanya ay nakita ko rin naman abala ang matatalim niyang mga mata sa pagtingin sa paligid. For some reason, it made me smile.

He really looks like a total snob. Well, that's just because he is. Nung hindi pa kami close ay sobrang suplado talaga nito. Lalo na sa ibang tao.

Atticus' eyes found mine. His forehead creased at me. "What?"

"Wala." Umiling ako at tumingin na lang sa dinadaanan namin.

"You were staring at me," he stated.

Hindi ako sumagot. Tumawa lang ako at umiling. Patuloy pa rin sa paglalakad na hindi siya tinatapunan ng tingin.

"Nahuhulog ka na sa akin, Hyon?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko pero sa huli ay natawa. "Ewan ko sa'yo."

"Hmm. That's not a no."

I laughingly rolled my eyes and vowed to silence as I walked. Atticus was smug the whole way. He really loves teasing me. Pareho sila ni Dashiel.

Nang dumating sa room ay nagpaalam na ako sa kanya. He didn't leave immediately. He waited for me to open the door. Nakisilip pa siya sa room para sa unang klase ko.

"Bye na. You'll be late."

He nodded and flashed me that crooked smile. "Alright. Text me."

Tumango ako at kumaway. Tumalikod na siya kaya tuluyan na akong pumasok at isinara ang pinto.

I scanned the room to look for a vacant chair. Marami pang bakante pero hindi ko alam kung saan magandang umupo. In highschool, I used to always sit at the back with Dashiel but now that he's not here, hindi ko alam kung saan uupo.