Sweet Deceit

Chapter Four: Ancient Runes on Ancient Walls

The schedule I had was hectic for the whole morning.

I expected no less from this famous school. But I'm not really excelling in academics. Of course, if I tried I know I could get good marks. Kailangan ko talagang ayusin dahil ayaw kong mapaalis. It was clear from Gracie's stories that this school kicked people out who didn't excel.

Wala pa akong konkretong nalalaman tungkol sa kapatid ko. It would be the worse case scenario to be kicked out because of grades. That's why whether I like it or not, I will have to maintain excellent grades.

"History class, Language Studies, Geography, Chemistry... tapos Botany? Same tayo," my roommate says while checking my schedule.

Nasa cafeteria kami at nakikisabay sa mga estudyante na kumakain ng breakfast. I didn't really feel like eating, kaya isang pancake at isang maliit na karton ng maligamgam na gatas ang kinuha ko mula sa vending machine.

"Sa hapon? Libre ka ba?" I asked, sipping my milk as I waited for her reply.

Sinubo niya ang blueberry na nasa itaas ng kaniyang waffle at tumango. "Kind of. My last class is at 2 PM. Tuesday ngayon kaya hindi hectic. Pero bukas? Oh, our schedules are gonna blow," natatawa niyang sambit.

"Why?" I say, munching on my pancake.

"Elective classes start on Wednesdays to Fridays. Usually, classes end at 7PM. I guess diyan na tayo maghihiwalay ng landas," she said sadly, pouting.

Tumango ako sa nakuhang impormasyon. Somehow, I feel triumphant today. I'll make this day worthwile.

Mabilis ang oras at bigla ay tumunog na ang bell. Naglalakad na kami papunta sa classroom, sa loob ng Heines building. Nanginging ang kamay ko sa nerbyos, because I know I'm not good at classroom settings.

Previous memories of when I was still in the past held me tight like a noose around my neck, making me unable to breathe.

Mukhang napansin ni Gracie na natahimik ako at tinanong niya ako. "Okay ka lang?"

I tried to smile. "Yes..." I manage to say, a smooth lie that rolled over my tongue so easily.

Napapitlag ako nang may tumawag sa pangalan ko. The deep voice I recognized as Nolan's. Lumingon ako sa likod, na pati na rin si Gracie ay tumingin. Nolan behind us had no traces of last night's party. His features were beautiful and his aura was calm. Binigyan niya kami ng isang maliit na ngiti. He was like when I met him for the first time yesterday.

"Here, I forgot to give you," aniya kay Gracie, handing her a sheet of paper. Lumiwanag ang mata ng kasama ko.

"Oh my gosh! Life saver! Sphiera, mauuna na ako, ha? I still need to make mine!" Nagmamadali niyang sabi, waving goodbye as she went with the streaks of students on the hallways.

Nolan chuckled, and when we met eyes again, he went serious and straight to the point. "If you're here, then that means you're finding about your sister. Right?" Mahina niyang sabi.

I slowly nodded. He sighed, as if something was burdening him very much. "I have to show you something. Do you still have time?" He says, glancing behind me, watching the students entering the classroom.

Class is about to start, so I don't think so. Umiling ako at agad niya namang naintindihan.

"Her previous roommate always can be seen at Raio. She's a senior and... ah, I can't show you a picture..." he muttered a curse under his breath. When he utters a curse word like that, hindi mo aakalaing makakapagsabi siya no'n sa bait ng itsura niya.

"If I remember correctly," he says, staring straight into my eyes as if he was searching for something, or thinking very deeply. "She has a blonde pixie cut. She's tall and fair skinned. Her eyes are blue. Can you visualize my description of her?"