Shadows of Serendipity - Hambebe AU

Chapter 73

After class, dire-diretsong lumabas agad ng classroom si Serena. She had been watching over the clock on their wall since earlier, waiting for the class to be dismissed, even though they just came back after the semestral break.

"Ba't ba kasi magkabilang-dulo pa room ng STEM at HUMSS?!" Serena thought inside her mind, her impatience growing as she quickened her pace.

Alam niyang dismissal na rin nila Gaille ngayon, kaya naman nagmamadali siyang makapunta sa classroom nila, hinihiling na sana'y maabutan niya pa ito. Her heart raced as she navigated through the crowded hallways, bumping into a few classmates and mumbling apologies as she pushed past them.

But as soon as Serena reached Gaille’s classroom, the door creaked open to reveal an empty room. The only person left inside was the janitress, sweeping every bit of dust and trash on the floor, which left Serena disappointed.

"Great, just great." she thought, frustration evident on her face. She hurriedly went downstairs, her steps echoing in the quiet stairwell.

Surely, maaabutan pa naman niya si Gaille, right? Wrong.

Pagbaba niya, she immediately scanned the bustling crowd in the lobby, her eyes darting left and right, hoping to catch a glimpse of the tall girl. Her heart sank as she realized the person she was looking for might've already left.

"That girl has long legs, for goodness sake! Of course mabilis lang siyang makakalakad paalis." She sighed heavily, her breath coming out in visible puffs as she leaned against a nearby wall.

Serena stopped around the corner of the lobby, trying catch her breath. Kanina pa kasi siya nagmamadaling tumakbo around the school hallways, which was all in vain since hindi rin naman niya naabutan ang inaabangan niyang makita.

Just then, Madi and Kio walked past her, deep in conversation. Serena’s eyes lit up, and she quickly stood up to approach the couple.

"Guys! Nakita niyo ba si Gaille?" Tanong niya sa kanila, knowing that the three of them are classmates, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Nauna na siya, alam ko." Sagot ni Madi, her brow furrowing as she looked at Serena.

"Try mo kaya puntahan do'n sa alam mo kung sa'n siya hahanapin?" Kio suggested. "'Yung sinasabi ko sa'yo kanina nang magkausap kami."

Serena paused, thinking about Kio's words. Mukhang gusto talaga ng tadhana, at ni Gaille, na do'n pa sila magka-usap. Her heart lifted slightly at the prospect of finding Gaille.

"Sige, guys, thank you!" Serena said, flashing them a grateful smile as she puts her bag over her shoulder. "Ingat kayo!"

"Goodluck, bading!" Kio called out with a grin, her playful tone lightening Serena’s mood.

Serena waved at her before she started walking away from their school and into the place that holds a lot of memories for her. The area that holds so much place in her heart — the footbridge.

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The familiar sight of the footbridge came into view, its wooden planks creaking slightly underfoot as she approached. Serena took a deep breath, her senses filled with the sights and sounds of the place she cherished so much. Her steps slowed, a mix of hope and anxiety swirling in her chest as she wondered if Gaille might be there.

As soon as she's close to the footbridge, she glanced around, searching for any sign of the girl she hoped to find. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of voices filled the air, adding to the serene atmosphere of the place. Serena's heart beat had gotten fast, her thoughts racing with anticipation and the hope that today might be the day she finally catches up with Gaille.