Three O'clock | Hexagon Series # 1

Two

I sat quietly in the library, watching the large clock hanging above the shelves in front of me. After talking to the Dean, I went straight here and had been staring for an hour, waiting for my tutor while the clock's hands continued to tick.

I couldn't help but feel sad; thinking that like the clock, ang buhay ko ay tila isang walang katapusang siklo na puno ng balakid paulit ulit na umiikot sa parehong direksyon. The psychology course felt like a maze with no clear way out.

Napabuntong-hininga ako, napayuko, at napako ang paningin sa librong nakalatag sa harapan ko.

"You are nothing but a collection of poor choices, lost in a maze of your own making." Pagbasa ko sa qoute na nakasulat sa nakalatag na libro.

Those words struck me hard. Frustrated, I slammed the book shut, confused by the mix of sadness and anger within me. Tila ba'y pati ang libro ay hinuhusgahan ako.

Tumayo ako, pinulot ang makapal na libro mula sa mesa, ipinilat ito sa aking ulo, at nagsimula akong umikot. With each turn, the weight of my feelings lifted, and I smiled.

"Excuse me? Are you just going to spin around there?" A calm, cold voice interrupted my moment. Napatigil ako, agad na iminulat ang mga mata, at hinanap ang pinanggalingan ng boses.

Doon, sa upuan sa harapan ko, nakaupo siya-si Third. He had a serious expression, his thick eyebrows furrowed. Not knowing what to do, I waved and mouthed "Hi." That only deepened his frown.

"Are you here for tutoring, or should I just leave?" tanong niya, kalmadong ngunit halatang naiinis.

I quickly returned to my seat, set the book aside, and forced a smile. "Of course, I'm here for tutoring!"

Kahit ayaw ko naman talaga, I really had no choice; I didn't want my dad to be angry with me. Pagod na ako sa mga sermon at pamimilit nya, so why not give a try?

"Then open your book and stop smiling." utos niya, ma awtoridad ang boses.

Ang sungit.

The tutoring session went well. Third talked non-stop while I listened intently, trying hard to understand his words. I wanted to grasp what he was saying, but psychology just didn't click for me. I remained silent, focusing on his mouth as it shaped various words, watching the shapes formed by each word, hoping it would help me understand better.

"Do you get it?" His sudden question jolted me out of my thoughts.

"Huh? Yes!" Sagot ko, lie slipping out too easily.

His face lit up. "Good! I have to go to class now. See you tomorrow."

A smile spread across my lips when as he stood up. Finally, the session was over, and I could go home to do what I wanted: draw.

But then he paused, and my heart raced as he asked, "Can I get your number?"

Is he interested in me?

My smile widened. The thought that Third might be interested in me made my heart race. I shyly covered my face, feeling an unexpected thrill. I wasn't really interested in him, but the idea that he wanted my number was exciting. Maybe it was just the notion of someone liking me.

Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling ang kapal ng mukha ko but I knew despite not being the smartest, that I had a pretty face.

"H-ha, bakit?" My voice hitched with an unexplained thrill.

Third raised an eyebrow at my reaction. Pinasok niya ang isang kamay sa bulsa, at hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa'kin "What are you thinking?"