Whispers of Deceit

CHAPTER 5

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, so I went through my daily routine. As I was about to leave the house, I suddenly remembered that I hadn't done the laundry and cleaned the house yet! So, I called our former helper, whom my dad had dismissed for reasons I don't know.

I was on my way to school when I saw Irish, and she was crying. It was only then that I learned that this house belonged to her, which I thought was abandoned, and it's quite close to my own home.

I didn't want to pay attention to her at first, but seeing her kneel and cry because her mother had thrown her clothes outside, Ipinarada ko Ang aking sasakyan sa unahan nang kanilang bahay and decided to wait for her here. We aren't close or friends, but I still care because I know I can help. I just don't want them to see that I'm affected by what's happening. I don't want them to see my weaknesses.

After a few minutes, Irish passed by, wiping her tears and carrying a bag.

"Irish," I called her, and she looked at the car window, clearly surprised.

"A-Aziana? Anong ginagawa mo dito?" she stammered, glancing back and looking at me, seemingly puzzled.

"I'm just hanging out here. Why? Is it not allowed?" I replied. She was speechless for a moment, but after a brief moment of staring, she snapped back to reality and told me she was leaving. "Ah, Aziana, I have to go," she said while waving and preparing to leave.

"Wait," I got out of the car and hurriedly caught up with her.

She looked at me and asked, "W-Why, Aziana?" with curiosity in her eyes.

"Get in the car; I can help you find a place to stay," I offered.

"N-No, Aziana, I'll just go to Auntie's place," she sighed and smiled. "Alright, see you later." She waved again and turned to leave. "But, if you need my help, I'm here," I said, and she smiled, a genuine smile. Then I drove off.

---

As I entered the classroom, I heard a lot of chattering on the side.

"Did you know we have a new transfer student? I heard he's handsome!"

"Yeah, I hope he becomes our classmate."

"Indeed, yes!"

I didn't bother listening to them and went to my seat, where, of course, my sebbie was already dozing off.

A few minutes later, our teacher came in. "Good morning, class," she greeted, and we stood up except for one student.

She smiled and responded, "Good morning, class. Please take your seats. Ah, you have a new classmate; he's from the States."

"Ohmy!!!!!"

"Wow, I hope he's handsome."

"Shh, be quiet, class. Please welcome your new classmate," the teacher said, pointing towards the door as he walked in.

He waved, and the girls swooned again.

"That's him!"

"Oh my, he's handsome!"

"Shh, I said be quiet, class. Uh, please introduce yourself," the teacher instructed.

He smiled again and spoke, "Hello, girls and gentlemen. My name is Alexander Royale from the States."

"Royale? Is he related to Sebbie?"

"Is he his sibling?"

He bowed his head, massaging his temple, and smiled again, "Ah, no, we're just cousins, handsome cousins, haha." Tss nakakatawa yon?

"Alright, Alexander, please take a seat next to Aziana, at the back." He came towards my direction, and I was caught in between the two Royale.