Underworld War

Chapter 8 - Eyes

Both of us headed to the exit of the academy. Hinihintay kami ng mga kaibigan nya dahil natagalan ako. They were all there patiently waiting for us. Some people stop to greet them.

Ngunit tila nadagdagan sila ng kasama ngayon. Usually kasi 5 sila, pero ngayon nandyan si Sena. The others aren't talking to her but she doesn't seem to mind.

"I'm dying to visit my mother." Sabi ng di ko kilalang lalake. He's chattimg with Franco.

"Yeah, me too. I wonder what they're up to nowadays."

"My mom told me that you mother's business is doing quite well." Sabi nito, "You should visit her. Magdadalawang taon ka nang di dumadalaw."

He smiled bitterly, "I'll think about that. Anyway, what time will you depart? I'll see you off."

"Morning, I guess. When the gates open."

Franco nodded and they bid each other goodbye. I can't help but be curious of Franco. Why isn't he visiting his mother for more than a year?

Lumapit kami sa kanila and I noticed how Sena's face glowed upon seeing Lyko. Then her eyes landed on me and her smile faded. Umismid sya at tumalikod.

"Hi Sam!" Masayang bati nila sa akin.

Ngumiti ako at binati rin sila. It feels good to be liked by them even though we rarely hang out.

Hindi ko alam kung saan kami pupunta ngayon. This is a very huge place but I've only been to a few spots. Sumunod lamang ako sa kanila. I heard from Yi Shan na may plano silang magbonfire kapag gumabi na.

I noticed the bags they're holding. I offered to hold some but they refused, saying I'm their special guest. Ang bait naman nila sa'kin knowing they have only met me.

But well, it's not as if may gagawin akong masama. The whole walk to the spot was tiring for me. Nahuhuli na nga ako kaya sinasabayan ako ni Lyko at Isaiah. The three of us were quietly listening to them joking.

When we reached our destination, I was in awe. I forgot na napapalibutan pala ng lawa ang lugar na 'to. We stopped near a slope, sa baba nito ay ang lawa.

Dito rin lumulubog ang araw which gave the place a warm and calm feeling. I helped them in setting up our things. Good thing, Franco bought us chips.

I noticed that he likes chips. Parati syang may dalang pagkain but most of it are chips. He likes them. I sat beside Sena, since siya palang naman ang nakaupo while the others are busy with their own thing.

"So..." Panimula niya, "How long have you known Lyko?"

Sandali akong natahimik. Anong isasagot ko? Almost 2 weeks? I'm not sure kung hanggang saan ang nalalaman niya but I better answer carefully.

"Not too long." I answered vaguely.

"I noticed that you don't sleep in our dorms yet you attend the academy. Saan ka natutulog?"

She must have noticed everything.

"I sleep at the palace." Pinagpag ko ang suot, "I'm sure all of his friends knew I sleep there, so why are you asking?" I feigned an innocence.

Hilaw syang ngumiti, "No, I'm just clarifying. And yes, he told me. We're friends."

"Anyway, ikaw? How long have you known him?" I asked back.

"Years." Tumingin sya sa mga mata ko, "I lost count. Been here since I was young. One of the pioneers."

"You were one of the firsts?" Gulat kong tanong. Then, paniguradong senior sya! At magaling na sya.