Sincerity's Sanctuary (Siren Avenue #1)

06

"Samahan mo na 'ko!" I pleased to Theo.

He looked at me. "Sorry, dude. May gagawin din ako."

"Fine, bye. See you next class."

I've had it. I clung my bag to my shoulder and brushed off the room. Tiningnan ko ang hawak na envelope. It's containing my Form 137 that I have to submit sa registrar.

I sighed in frustration while still walking down the hallway. Monday morning pa lang, stressful na. I really shouldn't come back here. This is my hell. I hate it here.

Kung 'di lang ako kinausap ni Mama, hindi talaga ako babalik pa rito. I even considered na mag-uwian. Kinaya naman ni Theo, so I thought, baka kayanin ko rin.

My phone vibrated, which stopped me from going down the stairs. I pulled it out only to bring more annoyance seeing the name on the screen calling me. Fucking Rowan.

Papansin. 'Di pa rin talaga ako nilulubayan! After that awkward encounter sa house, he just acted like it's nothing.

"What?" I answered as I continued my way palabas ng building.

[Vacant niyo na? Tara, lunch!] That annoying excitement in his voice.

I rolled my eyes. "May gagawin ako."

[Ano?]

"None of your business."

[Sige na, wait for me. After ng class ko, punta lang akong registrar para ipasa 'tong form 137 ko then lunch na tayo.]

"No, saan ba ang registrar?" I asked. I actually don't know. Tsk.

[Bakit?]

"Basta."

[Magpapasa ka rin?] I heard his chuckle.

"Bye."

"Likod ng statue-"

I hung up before he even finished what he's saying, but luckily, it's enough to finally know where the fuck that is.

Mas binilisan ko ang paglalakad hanggang sa makarating na sa tapat ng building. I stopped when I saw the crowded people falling in lines. What's this all about? Lahat ba 'yan magpapasa rin ng Form 137? The hell.

My mind started to jump to conclusions. I sighed deeply. I'm not used to doing things like this. Kaya gusto ko talaga ng kasama. Fuck you, Theo. Siya na nga lang pag-asa ko, umayaw pa.

I stepped back. Sa susunod ko na lang ipapasa siguro. I started walking pabalik when I saw a familiar-looking gay prick walk papalapit sa'kin. I saw how he was about to do his akbay to me, but then stopped.

"Sabi ko hintayin mo 'ko, nakapagpasa ka na ba?" He smirked, looking at me. Nasagot ang tanong niya nang tumingin siya sa baba at nakitang hawak ko pa rin ang envelope.

"Ayoko, sa susunod na lang ako." I walked past him.

"Sure ka? Dito naman ako, samahan kita. Sabay tayo." I heard how genuine he said it.

Shit. I turned around and saw him still smiling and waving his envelope. He looked pleased and as if he'd immediately looked the opposite if I said no.

Wala naman akong choice. Gusto ko nang ipasa. Napasa na rin ni Theo ang kanya, so siya na lang talaga ang makakasama ko. I hate being in a situation like this.

Naglakad ako paakyat ng building. "Tara."

"Ha!" he muttered excitedly. Nakasunod agad siya and pumasok na kami sa loob.

It was surprisingly fast and not worth the kaba. Nakakainis, sana pala ginawa ko na lang mag-isa. Bakit ba I can't overcome this fear and shyness? The hell.