Being Next to You

Chapter 28: can't say it.

I noticed that Rina was different from last year.

She's the same when she gets embarrassed and still enthusiastic when books are involved.

But, she's somewhat different. Like she's very close.

"Julian! Look at the puppies!! They're cute!!" She smiled while accompanying her at the back of the school.

"Kind of.." I replied, staring at the fuzz balls barking.

"These two babies are for you two." Said Iris as her way of apology from her previous actions. Assuring both were vaccinated and dewormed, and giving out each booklet to be informed about the dogs... And I found it...how could I say it?

Antsy? Or maybe troublesome?

I asked her if she had motives with her unusual kindness. I mean, it's too good to be true. Giving away well taken cared animals for free, and can't help being cautious by her personality. Iris picked one of the hounds and blackmailing me instead answering my question, saying, "I didn't have a choice!" As she shined.

..It's not like I needed to know the reason, if she had to put it that way..

Yet still, they're hairy like creatures, with unpleasant odor, long and wet tongues, biting and pulling your socks, with four legs with sharp claws and a pinched voice of woof! woof!

'I get very cagey by just looking at them..'

"Julian, are you bad with dogs?" Rina concerned herself.

"Before answering that, do you like dogs, Rina?" I asked her back, and answered with a blissful smile on her face, asserting that dogs are her favorite animals.

"Are you scared?" The second year asked.

"Well, I'm not scared of them, neither like them nor dislike them." I replied. "It's just that dogs don't like me."

Both girls laughed, leaving me in an edge. But really, Rina seems delighted holding the tiny hound, while I can't hold the other one bit, only staring at it with such pace, but making a funny sound like it wanted to bite if I move closer..

The next day, Rina and I were eating bread for lunch. And she seemed quiet. Not like it's bothering me, quiet eaters are nicer than goats.

"Julian," she called, "how's your dog?"

"I don't know. I don't have it," I answered.

She asked again, "Where is it then?" Biting her sandwich.

"My uncle has it. He was looking for a dog so I gave it to him yesterday." She was staring at me.. "And, we've never had a pet in our house, so it was hard to bring up the topic. Since I don't know if my parents would allow it or not."

"Did you ask them?" Peaking her curiosity.

"Well.. That's not an easy task.." I hesitated, "And I already gave the pup.."

"That's good to hear," She smiled. I got conflicted with her words while savoring my meal.

"What were you and your uncle doing then?" Rina changed the topic.

"..Talking about complicated stuff, like colleges, universities and my future. We're going to graduate after all," answering her question as I took another bite.

"That's too advance. Sounds like you," Rina chuckled, "Have you narrowed down your choices?" She replied.

"About two universities. How 'bout you?" Giving back the question.