A Pure Heart: Missing Piece

Kabanata 24

I found myself in the library today, hoping for a response from Warly. It's Saturday, and I came here intentionally for that reason. I returned to the table I used yesterday in the library corner. I noticed different notes there, and the one I left yesterday was gone. Mataman kong binasa ang sulat, at katulad ng inaasahan, galing nga iyon kay Warly.

A smile spread across my face as I gently placed it in my pocket, deciding to write a reply shortly.

Yeah, I've been wondering if I've seen you around as well. I'm a student here, studying fashion design. What about you?

- Brianna

After writing my reply, I affixed it to the table. I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether I should leave or wait for him to arrive. The question loomed: is he even here? It's Saturday, so he might not be around. When did he leave this note for me? Yesterday? Earlier?

In the end, I decided to leave, with plans to return later to check. The sun was scorching outside, so I decided to hang out in the Dean's office. Every room had air conditioning, but I wasn't content there.  Pagkapasok ko sa opisina ay napatingin silang lahat sa akin. Napataas naman ang kilay ko nang makita sila Kuya Zean dito.

My gaze landed on Bryan, who was seated on a single sofa. His hair was messy, and he was dressed in a simple, slightly wrinkled white polo shirt and jeans.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked them but my eyes are on Bryan.

"I have a class," Ate Nicole answered.

"Sinasamahan ko lang bebe ko," sabi naman ni Kuya Zean.

"Yeah, but why are you here at the office?"

"Is it a sin to come in here?" Ate Nicole asked and then smirked playfully. I just sarcastically grinned at her.

"Eto si Bryan may pinagawang trabaho sa akin," singit ni Ate Dianne sa usapan namin.

"Huh?"

Ate Dianne shook her head. "Nevermind."

"Busy," sabi naman ni Kuya Zean sa akin kaya naman tinanguan ko siya.

I took a seat on the sofa, not beside the two, and certainly not next to Bryan.

"Ikaw, Yshi? Why are you here today?" Kuya Zean asked me.

"I have nothing to do at home," I gave him a simple response.

That was my second reason. My first reason was Warly.

"Zey, I have a class now," I heard Ate Nicole say a little later.

When I glanced at her, she was looking at her watch. After a brief exchange of glances, she smiled at me as a farewell, so I nodded in response.

"Alright, I'll walk you out," Zean said, standing up. "I'll just accompany her. I'll be back later," he informed us.

"Sure," Bryan replied, nodding.

"Ate," Zean called to his sister.

"Yes?" Ate Dianne responded without looking at him as she was preoccupied with something, just like her secretary.

"Hatid ko lang muna si Nics."

"Yeah," she just nodded.

Umalis na nga silang dalawa matapos makapagpaalam sa amin dahilan para kami na lang ni Bryan ang naiwan na nakaupo rito maliban kay Ate Dianne na abala sa lamesa niya katulad ng kanyang sekretarya na abala na nakaharap sa MacBook niya.