The Opposite of Hate (Upper Crust #1)

Chapter 27

Chapter 27
"Pakialam"

I inhaled the Autumn air as I strolled. I am on my way to the usual coffee shop I go to after I am done walking around or after classes. Isang buwan na rin since I moved here and began my Masters. Sad to say I am still trying to get used sa mga pasikot-sikot and the way of life here. Being an introvert just makes it a lot more bearable.

There are a lot of things to do here, on campus or outside, but I would always prefer sitting in a café, reading and studying in libraries, or just staying in my flat. I stroll if I don't feel like staying in one corner. The silence here is louder, mas nakakabingi, but it's just how it feels being away, I guess.

I do feel homesick and just want to go back home, pero mas matimbang sa akin ang ipagpatuloy 'to. Finish what I have started. Hindi rin naman ako magtatagal dito. What comforts me is reminding myself na ginusto ko ito. That at last I was given a chance. I get frequent calls from my parents, and of course, Terrie and Yancy. And it's enough for me to get by.

I brought out my hand from the pocket of my trench coat para mabuksan ang pinto, but someone pushed the door from the inside kaya tumabi ako. A tall, blonde English guy stared at me, then eventually smiled. He held the door open for me.

"Thank you," I formally said.

"My pleasure."

Weird but I shrugged it off. I ordered macchiato and their bagel. Pumwesto ako sa madalas kong upuan. Mabuti at walang nakaupo roon. It's the seat near the glass window. Just in time, pumasok ang tawag ni Yancy.

I accepted it. Terrie joined the video call. I adjusted the volume dahil ang lalakas ng boses nila. Kung walang suot na airpods makakaistorbo ng ibang customers.

"English girl ka na talaga, Lavi," biro ni Yancy.

Napailing na lang ako. Tuwing ganito, puro tanong lang naman sila dahil hindi naman ako ang tipong magkukwento. Kung minsan silang dalawa ang nag-uusap, nakikinig lang ako hanggang sa matapos o kapag nawalan ng pasensya, tinatapos ang tawag.

Nasa sa sasakyan si Terrie. Si Yancy nasa kwarto niya lang.

"Saan ka pupunta?" I asked Terrie, although I already have an idea sa suot niya at kapal ng make up.

"Sa bar, another slutting night!" tawa niya.

"Kikitain mo na naman iyang ka-fling mo? Hoy! Ikakama ka lang niyan," ani Yancy.

"Hindi naman ako bibigay 'no."

Hinayaan ko silang mag-usap na dalawa habang sumusulyap sa labas. Hindi nagtagal, tinawag na ako para sa order ko. I left my phone to get my order.

I carefully placed my cup and my bagel on the table at itinabi ang tray.

"You're not touring around pa rin?" ani Terrie sa'kin.

"No."

"Gumala ka naman, Laviña. After graduation sabak ka agad sa work. Unwind there."

"Some other time." Isa pa, hindi rin ako interesado dahil napuntahan ko naman na ang mga sikat na destinasyon sa UK. I don't have the energy to explore as well.

"Wait, nasa Oxford pa si Aris, 'di ba?" sabi ni Terrie.

"Yes, he is."

"Lagi kayong nagkikita? Baka may English guy friends siya d'yan, pareto naman."

Napangiti na lang ako. "No."

"Alin ang no, hindi pa kayo nagkita ni Aris o hindi mo ako irereto?"

"I haven't seen Aris."