Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 14: The Library

Two more weeks left, and the exams will start, yet I still haven't caught up with my classes yet. Today is Friday, and since it is Friday, we have our early dismissal. I already messaged Ms. Ava regarding my absence from today's shift. I explained that I have upcoming exams, so I need to study for them. She sent a good luck GIF and told me not to worry.

I think I should drop by at the cafe tomorrow morning to at least help for an hour or two before heading out to study again.

It's our lunchtime right now, and we are at our usual table in the cafeteria. Kate and Jane were talking about having an overnight to prepare for the exams. Valerie chimed in, saying that she will get an in-house masseuse and someone to do their hair and nails. That doesn't really sound like a study night out.

"You're coming, right, Lu?" Valerie asked when she noticed I was silent the entire time they were planning. I smiled before answering.

"I can't. I promise Grandfather that I will do well this year." Mentioning Grandfather would be a quick escape. They do know well that I cannot, ever, defy him because his word is absolute.

"Sucks to have a grandfather like yours, Lu," Kate said in pity.

"I know, right. I wish I just have the same freedom as you, Kate," I said, patting her head the way I know she likes. Jane, Kate, and I laughed, but Valerie didn't.

"What's the matter, Val?" I asked, looking at her with concern.

"Nothing," she said, taking a bite from her plate.

I shrugged and continued eating. I looked around the cafeteria, hoping to see another familiar face in the crowd but ended up disappointed for not seeing him.

"Is he on the rooftop?" I thought. I shook my head and focused on what's right in front of me, and these are the girls. I should just enjoy my present rather than looking for something or someone that isn't there.

Professors are hardcore assholes. They know that exams are just around the corner, but they are swamping us with tons of assignments like research papers. The worst thing is that it's individual.

Goddamn! I really don't have any time to slack off.

The bell rang for dismissal, and I hurriedly got out of the room before the girls can even try to block me. I walk to the bus stop, subconsciously looking from left to right and vice versa.

"Luna! Get the hang of yourself," I said, slapping my cheeks hard to wake me up to my reality.

Maybe I just got used to him being always by my side that my body moves on its own looking for him.

Yeah, I guess that's it.

The moment that he asked me to go out on a date with him is still stuck on my mind. It keeps on repeating. Why didn't I say no, right at that moment? I should have said no. I have no interest in him. He's not even my type. But why the heck does my heart race every time he is near? I don't understand at all.

I snapped back to reality when the bus driver honked and asked me if I'm gonna ride. I stood up and scanned my phone, then took a seat at my usual spot.

The city is as usual polluted as it can be. However, still, I love how beautiful the sun hits the buildings and creates these beautiful landscapes of the architecture.

I've always found beauty in everything despite the fact that the world has messed it all up because of our apathetic culture. I sometimes wish there is still that paradise place where no pollution or chaos has touched it, but it would be impossible.

I pressed the button for my stop and hopped off the bus. For the very first time in my life, I am stepping into the city's library.

I have never been to such places like this before. Hell, I never even imagined I would come to this place to study at all.