Shadows of Serendipity - Hambebe AU

Chapter 58

After a seemingly long day for Serena, it's finally the dismissal of classes.

She got up immediately after their professor went outside. She was about to leave as well until Claire called her.

"Selle! Wait!"

Serena paused mid-step, turning to see Claire approaching towards her. She forced a smile, though she felt anything but cheerful inside.

"Oh, Claire! Bakit?"

"Hinahanap ka sa'kin kanina ni Gab. She didn't say what's the reason eh. Where were you ba kanina?"

"Oh..?" Serena reacted in disbelief. "I was just getting my books sa locker..."

But the truth is, she was already there when she saw Gaille. She was only hiding in the corner, afraid of how would the older would react once they see each other.

"Oh, really? I should've told Gab na pabalik ka na. Parang she was disappointed when she found out na wala ka pa."

Serena's heart skipped a beat. "Disappointed?" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. The word lingered in her mind.

"Yeah. Ay! Diba sabay kayo mag-breakfast sa canteen at that hour? You told me that before. Baka she was disappointed kasi wala ka pa when you two are supposedly on your way to eat breakfast together."

"Shet! Totoo ba? Nakalimutan ko na rin sa sobrang dami kong iniisip. Akala ko pa naman she needed some space tapos-?!"

"Hala! Sige, Claire, thank you, ah? Nawala rin kasi sa isip ko. I'll go ahead and apologize na lang kay Gaille."

Claire tilted her head slightly, observing Serena with a curious expression. "Are you okay, Selle? You seem... off today."

"Ha? Ay! Oo, okay lang ako!" Serena quickly replied, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Na-drain lang siguro. Exams kasi natin nung Friday, diba? Baka post-exam feels gano'n."

What Serena last said made Claire laugh. "'Post-exam feels'? You're so funny talaga, Selle. Anyway, hindi ba kayo sabay uuwi ni Gab? She's not waiting for you outside like the usual."

Serena bit her lip. What was she supposed to answer to that? 'Ah kasi ang totoo niyan, we're just faking our relationship. Pero she likes me for real na and now things had gotten fucked up'? No!

Serena shook her head slightly, forcing a light laugh. "Actually, hindi ko pa siya nakikita today after our last class. Baka nauna na rin siya umuwi." She hoped that would be enough to satisfy Claire's curiosity.

"Ah, really? I hope you guys are doing fine naman." Claire said with a hint of suspicion in her voice. "But, sige, next time na lang siguro. Ingat ka on your way home, Selle!"

"Thanks, Claire! Ingat din," Serena replied, waving as Claire walked away. Once Claire was out of sight, Serena let out a deep sigh, her forced smile fading instantly.

She stepped out of the building, scanning the crowd of students around. Just as she was walking, she spotted Madi sitting with Jordyn and Allianah on one of the benches near the school gate, quietly reading a book. Serena decided to approach them for a greeting.

"Hello, guys! Si Kio nasa'n?"

All three of them looked up and waved at Serena's direction but Madi was the one to answer her question.

She closed her book and put it down on her lap, waving at Serena. "Ay! Hello, Sere! Nagpaiwan sila ni Gab sa classroom, may need daw pag-usapan."

Serena’s heart clenched at the mention of Gaille's name. She nodded, trying to keep her expression neutral as she responded, "Ah, ganun ba? Akala ko nauna na si Gaille umuwi..."