A Rose Hidden in The Thorns.

Chapter 23: her.

"Khai? Umalis na lang kaya ako?"

"No," I reached her head and made it lean on my shoulder. "Stay here. You can leave at lunch."

"P-pero yung mga k-kaklase mo kasi..."

I glance at Robots. Kahit umiiwas sila nang tingin ay alam kong pinapanood nila kami. They've been alerted since I came to class with Claire. They've been watching us yet no one dared to come close. Nagbubulungan lang naman sila kaya hindi ko na pinatuungan nang pansin. There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing.

Tinawagan ko kanina si Mattew to confirm it to him. Ang sabi niya'y wala raw batas ang school na hindi pwedeng pumasok ang mga babae rito kaya walang problema kung andito si Claire. Hindi rin naman siya pinupuna nang mga guro. Kahit nagtataka'y wala naman silang sinasabi.

3rd subject na nang pumasok si Mattew. Alam kong nasa skwelahan na siya pero may gagawin pa daw siya sa office kaya excused siya.

As soon as he came in, palagay ko'y na alarma si Claire. Ngunit guni-guni ko lang ata yun dahil the moment I looked at her she was looking away.

Mattew walked closer to us. Tinignan niya si Claire before a smirk appeared on his lips. Tinignan niya ang mga kaklase at tinaasan sila nang kilay tila may pinahihiwatig. His glance went to me before it went back to Claire and her arms around my right one. Her grip tighten yet she didn't move nor glance at Mattew.

"So she's the girl you asked permission for?" He asked with a teasing tone.

I rolled my eyes at him.

Obvious ba?

He chuckled. "Hi, I'm Mattew."

Nong una'y hindi pa nakagalaw si Claire. Nanginginig ang ka niyang mga kamay. Sumulyap muna siya sakin bago tinggap ang kamay ni Mattew. "C-claire,"

I don't know if it was just me, but her voice trembled.

"Great," Hindi nawala kay Claire ang mga tingin ni Mattew. "You guys are friends now, huh?" A humorless laugh came out from his mouth before he glance at me. "Can we talk?" He glance at Claire again before looking at me. "On private." He clarified.

Hindi ako sang-ayon sa idea niya. Hindi comfortable si Claire sa mga kaklase ko, that's for sure. Hindi ko siya pwedeng iwan basta-basta. But Mattew's tone seems so serious.

Tinignan ko si Claire. She smiled at me as assurance that she'll be fine before letting go of my arm. I took a deep sigh before tapping her shoulder. "I'll be quick." I whispered to her. She blushed that made me chuckled.

Tinignan kami ni Mattew bago ngumiti nang nakakaloko. He signed me to go outside. I followed him but before I could passed by the door I glance at Claire again. Nakatingin rin siya sakin at ngumiti nang pilit. I nod at her before following Mattew.

"This better be important. She's uncomfortable in there." I said seriously.

He chuckled. "Worried much?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Don't worry, she's fine in there." He assured. "They made a promise." Bulong niyang halos hindi ko na narinig.

"Ano 'yon?" I asked.

"Wala." Lumiit ang ngiti niya bago umiwas nang tingin. He leaned on the railings.

Nana Ace building parin kami. Sa harap nang special science 10.

"Sa taas tayo." He didn't give me time to respond at hinila pa akyat sa taas, sa rooftop.