Tilting the Hourglass

Chapter 1

"Javier, Serena Lucille"

I took a heavy breath, Stood up and walked straight to our Professor. My heart is racing fast as I reach out to grab my midterm exam.

"Thank you, Ma'am" I said politely and went back to sit on my chair.

Pikit mata kong sinilip ang resulta ng exam ko. "Puta. Patay." Bulong ko sa sarili at pagkatapos ay huminga ng malalim.

78/100????

I rested my head on the armchair in defeat. My father's going to kill me. I can already imagine his disappointed look when I show him this.

I was busy planning my funeral when someone tapped me on my shoulder, "Lunch." Milo informed me while holding his phone. He then answered a phone call, from his girlfriend for sure.

I looked around and saw that our Professor is no longer inside the room. I was too occupied to even notice!

"Lynne!" I sulked. "Just eat without me! I don't deserve food with this score!" I dramatized a little.

Lynne rolled her eyes at me, she took a glance at my paper then said "Seri, Tatadyakan na kita kapag hindi kapa tumayo." She crossed her arms and that made me stand up automatically.

I protruded my lower lip and looked at Trey for help. "Joselito!!"

He flinched but held my shoulders. "I know boi. I know. Ako na ang bahala sa libingan mo."

Lynne put all of my things in my bag and made me wear it. She gave a signal to Trey then he started pushing my body.

They know what happens to me everytime my Father isn't satisfied with the way I live my life. Pero syempre, Sanay na sila. Lagi ba naman hindi masaya tatay ko sa akin, Magrereact pa ba sila?

Ngayon pang pa-graduate na kami at finals na lang ang gugugulin bago ako matapos sa pag-aaral?

Don't get us wrong. They love me and care for my well-being, alright. It's just that, Ayaw nalang nilang dagdagan pa ang lungkot ko para hindi ko maisip nang maisip ito at ako naman ay dinadramahan ko nalang at inaartehan ang lahat para hindi ko na maramdaman pa ang sakit.

I faked a loud cry to hide the nervousness I am feeling inside. So Trey covered my mouth to silence me.

"Anyare diyan?" Milo asked when we sat on a vacant spot inside the cafeteria. He's already with Amybeth, his sweet and innocent-looking girlfriend.

"Palakol." Lynne answered simply. She asked me what I want for my food, I gave her money then she walked away.

"Awwww." Amy looked at me with pity written on her face. She sat beside me and held my back.

Trey and Milo just shook their heads before following Christina Lynne.

I faked a sob. "Sa tingin mo ba makaka-graduate ako, Ames?" Madrama kong tanong.

She smiled kindly, "Why not? Hindi naman bagsak mga grades mo lagi."

Ewan ko din dito. Hindi na nasanay sa akin eh every quiz or exam ata gumaganito ako pero patuloy parin niyang pinapagaan ang loob ko. Pinaglihi ata sa santa.

"Ikaw talaga favorite person ko sa lahat." I told her. She giggled but I faked a cry for my drama again.

"Pero di sap—" Natigilan ako nang makita ko ang boyfriend ko. I immediately fixed my expression.

Naguguluhan namang nakatingin sa akin si Amy pero natawa na din kalaunan pagkatapos makita ang lalaking palapit.

I straight away fished my phone from my bag and acted busy. I can hear Amy's sweet laugh.