"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.
"Girl, ang pogi naman no'n. Boyfriend mo?" Napatingin ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses.
It was from a girl with full glam make up and bold red lipstick who was sitting in front near the door. A girl with a lilac bob haircut was sitting beside her. Pareho silang nakatingin sa akin.
"Uhm... Hindi."
"Talaga? Manliligaw?" she insisted.
"Makatanong ka, Philippa. Close kayo ni Ate Girl?" the girl beside her asked.
"Unang-una, 'wag mo akong Pini-Philippa. Pangalawa, bakit ba? Curious ako, e. Pogi kasi," hagikgik nito.
Napangiti ako sa kanila. They seemed like a funny duo. "No. He's like my bestfriend."
"Really? Bagay pa naman kayo," she nonchalantly said. "I'm Phil, by the way. Anong name mo?"
"I'm Hyon."
"Hyon," she repeated and then smiled before gesturing to her friend. "This is Bellatrix."
I feel like I've heard that name before... from a popular movie.
Bellatrix extended her hand to me. Tinanggap ko naman 'yon. "Nice to meet you. Yes, it's a Harry Potter reference. My parents are Potterheads. Just call me Trix."
Medyo nag-init ang mga pisngi ko sa hiya. Did I say it out loud?
"Nice to meet you, too," I meekly replied.
"Gusto mong makiupo sa amin?" Philippa asked.
Tumango ako at ngumiti. Sa dulo sila ng row nakaupo kaya sa gitna ako napunta. They were staring at me as I sat down.
"Oh my God. Mas maganda ka sa malapitan. You're not even wearing make-up. Bakit parang wala kang pores?" Phil asked although I'm not sure if I was supposed to answer it.
Bago siya nagsalita ay nagtanong ulit siya ng tungkol sa schedule ko. We exchanged schedules and realized that we have three subjects together. Sa dalawa ay kami lang ni Trix ang magkasama. May isa naman akong subject na wala sila. Hindi magkasabay ang vacant namin. Their schedule have no breaks.
Since it's the first day, two classes were basically filled with introductions and discussion of the syllabus. I hated introductions. I hate being in the spotlight, so all of my speeches were short. Ganoon naman karamihan. Pati si Trix ay ganoon. Meanwhile, Phil's was so full of confidence. Gumaya pa siya sa mga beauty queen.
Nangamusta si Atticus. I didn't miss the time and noted that he's using his phone while in class. Well, some of my blockmates were doing that, too. Sinagot ko lang siya nung wala pa ang prof. Ipinaalam ko rin sa kanya na may mga bago akong nakilala.
"Vacant mo na?" Trix asked.
"Yeah." I nodded and sighed. "Wala nga akong kasama."
"How 'bout your 'bestfriend', Atticus?" Phil did an airquote when he mentioned Atticus. There's even a hint amusement on her face. Hindi ko lang alam kung bakit.
"He's in class," I answered.
"Oh, tara. Samahan ka namin sa caf," aya ni Trix.
"Huh? 'Di ba may klase kayo?"
"May fifteen minutes grace period naman," Phil sheepishly said.
"Okay!" I happily chirped.
Habang naglalakad patungong elevator at nagku-kwento si Phil tungkol sa pagkakaibigan nila ni Trix. They were bestfriends since highschool. Pareho sila ng passion at talent, kaya Fine Arts ang kinuha nila.
Nakapila na kami sa elevator nang mag-ring ang phone ko. With a creased forehead, I got it from my bag. My eyes widened a little when I saw Ali's name on the screen.
Gumapang agad ang kaba sa dibdib ko. I licked my lips before answering.
"Hello," I greeted. My newly found friends watched me with interest. I shyly looked away from them and focused on the call.
"Hi. Where are you?"
"Hi," ulit ko and I almost facepalmed kasi nakalimutan ko na nag-hello na nga pala ako. "Uhm... Campus. Why?"
"I'm also here."
I bit my lip to keep myself from smiling. "Huh? Why?"
"It's your vacant period, right?"
"Yes. Why?" my voice turned more eager.
I told him last night that I was worried about my first day. Lalo na at hindi sabay ang vacant ko kay Dashiel at Atticus. Wala naman akong hidden agenda nang sabihan sa kanya 'yon. Shinare ko lang naman.
"Can you eat lunch with me?"
The smile that I was holding back slipped through and it turned into a full blown curve. I eagerly nodded, even when he can't see it. "Okay."
"I'm nearing Gate 3."
"Okay," ulit ko. Bakit puro why at okay lang ang sagot ko?
Ali must have noticed it at well because I heard him chuckle. "See you, sweet Hyon."
Binaba ko ang tawag at doon ko lang naalala kung nasaan ako at may kasama nga pala ako.
They were already looking at me, waiting for whatever I'm about to say. The elevator finally. reached the floor. Lumabas ang mga sakay bago pumasok ang pila.
"Uh. Hindi na pala ako makakasabay," I apologetically told them.
"Si bestfriend?" Phil stated in a voice full of malice.
"Hindi." I shook my head.
"Ohh. May iba." Phil snickered.
Kumunot ang noo ko. My attention transferred to my phone when it alerted me with a new message. It was from Atticus.
Atticus:
Vacant mo na. Eat your lunch now. May kasama ka?
Me:
Yup! I will. Stop using your phone during classes. It's rude.
I returned my phone in my bag and bid my goodbye to Phil and Trix as we got out of the elevator. I walked faster than usual.
Pagkalabas ng gate ay nakita ko na si Ali. He was sitting inside his car that was parked on the other side. Nakababa ang bintana kaya nakita ko agad siya at nakatingin na agad siya sa akin.
Lumabas siya ng sasakyan at matapos ay maingat na tumawid papunta sa akin.
A grin broke free from my face as I watched him make his way to me. He's wearing a white dress shirt with a mandarin collar. The long sleeves were neatly folded to his elbow. Black pants lang ang suot niya pang ilalim. White luxury shoes for his feet.
I know why he's dressed up like that. Matapos mag-review ay pumupunta siya sa firm nila para mag-train. He told me about it before.
Napatingin ako sa sariling suot. I'm wearing the regular uniform for my college. White blouse with our college colors on the neckline and black pants. Kahit na college na ako at malapit na mag-eighteen, I still feel like a kid whenever Ali's concerned.
Napatingin ako sa sariling suot. I'm wearing the regular uniform for my college. White blouse with our college colors on the neckline and black pants. Kahit na college na ako at malapit na mag-eighteen, I still feel like a kid whenever Ali's concerned.
"Hi," I greeted with a tiny voice.
He didn't say anything and just stared at me. I stiffened a little when his hand raised to my face and brushed the hair that was falling to my eye.
I couldn't move and I couldn't breathe when his hand gently cupped my cheek. I felt his thumb brush my skin.
"Are you hungry?" he softly asked.
I bit my lip and nodded. Tumango rin siya. Bumaba ang kamay niya sa kamay ko at hinila ako patungo sa sasakyan niya.
We just ate in a random food establishment that was near the university. We talked a bit, too. I happily told him about the acquaintances that I found. With ten minutes to spare, inihatid niya rin ako pabalik ng university.
I thought it was a one time thing, but during the days when I'm usually alone in my vacant period, he'll be calling me to ask for my whereabouts or if I'm alone.
"You studied here, right? Are alumni allowed inside the campus?" I asked.
"Yes." He nodded. "If they have the alum membership card."
"You have one?" I asked with genuine wonder. It's the first time that I heard about such thing.
"Yes." He nodded again.
"So it means you can go inside if you want to?"
Ali's eyes were smiling now as it casted on my face. Pansin ko ay laging nangingiti ang mga mata niya kapag marami akong tanong sa mga bagay-bagay.
He nodded and smiled. "Yes, sweet Hyon."
"Can I see?" I excitedly asked. I was nearing the end of my seat now because I'm badly interested in seeing the card that he was talking about.
Ali chuckled lightly and let me have what I wanted. Kinuha niya ang wallet at inabot sa akin ang card na gusto kong makita.
It's been like this for the past three weeks. Hindi na nga ako nag-aabalang sumabay kay Phil at Trix tuwing Tuesday at Friday dahil palaging pumupunta si Ali para samahan akong kumain. The two have become my favorite days of the week.
Every Wednesdays and Saturdays naman, Atticus and sometimes Dashiel will be with me during my free cut.
Today is Tuesday and our professor is done with her discussion but she's waiting for the proper time to dismiss the class. Itinago ko na ang mga gamit sa bag at inihanda naman ang phone para sa tawag ni Ali. Dismissal is just five minutes away from now.
"You know what?" Phil suddenly exclaimed. "I should document how your face brightens up everytime this class gets dismissed."
"Huh?" That's all I could give her. Half-confused and half-amused.
"In that case, you should film me, too, because I'm like that in every class," sabi ni Trix.
"Hindi. Iba yung ngiti ni Hyon, e. Yung parang... may kilig." She pursed her lips and then squinted her eyes at me. "Lalo na 'pag may tumatawag."
"Sino nga ba yung laging tumatawag sa'yo? Your boyfriend?" Trix asked this time.
My face heated at their assumption. I shook my head. "Wala akong boyfriend."
"Manliligaw?" Phil questioned.
"Hindi." I shook my head.
Because it's true. Hindi naman siya nanliligaw. Wala naman siyang sinabi na nanliligaw siya.
"Mutual Understanding?" si Trix.
I promised him that I won't have a boyfriend until I'm eighteen when I was young. Recently, he told me he won't have a girlfriend and he agreed to wait for me.
Hindi malinaw ang pag-uusap namin tungkol doon at hindi ko alam kung nagkaintindihan ba talaga kami. Is that still counted as mutual understanding?
"Hindi ko alam," I honestly answered.
"Malabong Ugnayan then," Phil concluded.
That seems more like an appropriate way to label us.
"Okay. You may go," the professor announce.
Maingay ang mga upuan dahil sa pagmamadali ng iba na makaalis mula sa room. I placed my bag on my shoulder and picked up my phone.
"Gutom na ako. Fuck," sabi ni Trix at nanguna sa paglabas ng pinto. I quietly followed behind them.
Pagkalabas ko pa lang ng pintuan ay nakita ko agad si Atticus na nakatayo malapit sa pinto ng room. His face brightened when he spotted me.
"Hyon," he called.
"The bestfriend," Phil stated outloud, like a narrator introducing a character.
"Atticus," tawag ko. "What are you doing here? You ditched class?"
"No. Our prof dismissed us after giving us something to research about," he explained. "Kain tayo?"
"Uh..." I trailed, not knowing what to say. I raised my phone to check the time. It's already five minutes after our dismissal time and Ali hasn't called yet.
And even if he calls, it's not like I can say no to Atticus. Itatanong niya panigurado kung sino ang kasama ako at baka pumilit pa siyang sumama. I don't wanna hide this to him but it feels like it will be weird for him to find out that I'm hanging out with his older brother.
Not only that, he'll be confused as to why his older brother and I would hang out. It's not like I can tell him that I like Ali. That's too embarrassing.
"O-Okay." Tumango ako at matapos ay nilingon sila Phil at Trix. Phil was raising a brow at me. Nagtatanong ang mga mata niya pero hindi siya nagsalita. "By the way, Atti, these are my friends. Si Trix at Phil."
"Hi, Atticus!" Phil comfortably greeted. Si Trix naman ay ngumiti lang at tumango.
"Hello," tipid na bati ni Atticus sa mga ito at matapos ay ibinalik sa akin ang atensyon. "Let's go?"
"Okay." Wala sa sariling tumango ako at nagpaalam sa dalawang kaibigan.
Atticus was talking about something but it was just pasing through my eears. I can't give him my complete attention because I can't stop thinking about Ali and why he didn't come to see me today.