Sincerity's Sanctuary (Siren Avenue #1)

02

Peacefulness. That's what I call it now that those gay pricks are gone. They're insane—truly. They really went out, climbing the back fence just to get out since naka-locked na ang gate.

I took the other side of my bed to shrug that thought. I just wanna sleep so bad when my phone rang. I aggressively pick it up.

"What now, Theo?" I said, kinda shouting.

[Tara, bar tayo!] I heard him say something on the other line.

Tsk. I rolled my eyes. Same old Theo. We've been friends since senior high and we happen to both get into the same university, same program, and same section. Hell yes, hindi na ako namomroblema pa sa first day kung sino'ng kakausapin.

"No, I'm gonna sleep na."

[C'mon, magsaya naman tayo!] he pleased.

"No, take care, drink responsibly or whatever."

I pressed the end call button. Muli kong isinandal ang ulo sa unan at pinikit ang mga mata. I can't deal with that kind of vibe tonight.

When was the last time I even went to a bar? Never. Not taking that risk. I mean, I do drink, just not my thing. I prefer spending the night alone in my room—peacefully. I took a deep sigh to fully let myself rest. Matutulog na talaga ako.

Or so I thought.

Minutes has passed and I can't sleep for hell! Nakailang palitt na ako ng sleeping position pero hindi pa rin ako nakakatulog! Fuck this. It's probably because I'm used to my room. I miss it already.

I stare blankly at the ceiling. Well, there's only one thing I could think of.

[Oh?] I heard Theo's voice as he answered my phone call.

"Sunduin mo 'ko rito sa dorm."

He chuckled. ['yon oh, send loc!]

Binaba ko na ang tawag at bumangon sa higaan. If I can't sleep, I might as well spend this night differently. I said to myself that I'll try to go out of my comfort zone for my college life. Let this be a good start.

I adjusted my glasses as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It looks worned-out already. Maybe it's time for a new one? I fixed my slightly messed-curled hair to cover my forehead. I like it that way.

After dressing up as such, bumaba na ako ng dorm, the gate was indeed locked. Kailangan ko na rin bang umakyat sa fence? God, no.

"Hoy, totoy! Ba't andito ka pa? Kakauwi mo lang ba?"

I heard someone behind my back say, I faced it to reveal a middle-aged, crossed-arms woman raising her brow at me. I know her, she's the musungit na landlady. What was the name? A... baby? I don't know.

"Uh... Maganda gabi po. Lalabas lang po sana ako. May bibilhin."

Mas lalong tumaas ang kilay niya. "May bibilhin? Ganyan ba ang suot kapag bibili lang sa tindahan? Gayak na gayak? 'Wag ako, 'toy! Bumalik ka na sa dorm mo at curfew na!"

I smiled awkwardly. "Kakarating ko lang po kasi kanina, hindi na ako nakapagbihis. Bibili lang po talaga ako."

She's acting na parang nag-iisp pa kung paniniwalaan ba ako. "Sige na lumabas ka! Pero pag nagripihan ka d'yan, 'di ko na kargo!"

"Thank you po!" I said as she unlocked the gate.

Agad akong naglakad nang mabilis papunta sa malapit na convenience store. Nakita ko rin ang kotse ni Theo.

"Nice, aayaw pa sa una!" bungad niya nang makasakay ako.

"Shut up, Theo."

We arrived at the bar in no time. The exaggerated noise of music and shit talking of people still overwhelmed me kahit na in-expect ko na 'yon.