Decoding Independence (Monte Llana Series #1)

02

Maaga akong nagising to prep for a big day. Na-recover ko na mga files ko and I also logged that man's account out of my laptop. I realized I shouldn't mind things that are completely out of my control at all so I didn't make it a big deal anymore.

Ginagamit ko na ang hoop earrings ko for the final touch. I'm wearing a white thin-strapped top partnered with black maong fitted skirt and birks for footwear. I cut my hairline in the middle and put it in a low bun, saka ko nilagay ang sunglasses ko on my head. Naglagay na rin ako ng fire makeup and of course, red lipstick. I decided to go for a comfy outfit today.

[Hello? Saan ka na?] It was Lira on the other line.

She asked me to draw her a human body dahil kailangan raw nila 'yon for class. Of course, I had to help my non-artistic friend! Art majors kami nina Lauren at Alesia. Si Lira lang ang naligaw ng landas sa Science.

"I'm driving! Mamaya ka na nga tumawag," inis kong baling.

[Hoy, may exam pa kami! Paki-iwan na lang niyan sa guard. Bye hans!]

"Hans?"

[Hans pork and beans.]

Damn, she's getting weirder everyday! Hindi ko alam kung epekto ba 'yon ng pagkuha ng med-related course o sadyang may topak lang talaga ang kaibigan ko. I'm scared for her future! Iniwan ko na lang sa guard ng building nila ang cartolina at saka dumiretso na sa dining hall. Aside from the good food here, it's also free dahil kasama na siya sa tuition. It's still 8 o'clock in the morning kaya wala pa masyadong kotse sa parking. Most classes start at 10AM.

"Good morning, Ma'am!" The security guard in the dining hall greeted me with a smile. Of course, I smiled back. I'm about to have a good day today. Dumiretso ako sa buffet table to get some carbonara and of course, corn bits. Kumuha lang rin ako ng banana milk mula sa beverage ref.

"Hi, Miss Designer!"

It was Harper. And he was smiling at me devilishly. Kaharap niya rin si Clive na umiinom lang ng coke. Aga-aga, coke agad? That's right! I hope his stomach gets bad. Hindi ko na sila pinansin at dumiretso na sa usual spot ko sa corner overlooking the whole soccer field.

While eating, I couldn't stop myself from looking at their direction. Harper was constantly talking to Clive, non-stop. Clive, who was wearing a black shirt, denim pants and white Nike shoes, do not seem to give a fuck to whatever Harper was saying. I also noticed how some girls get kilig upon entering the dining hall and seeing the two. Sa pamamalagi ko sa dining hall over the past days, ngayon ko lang sila nakita rito. I'm also not familiar of their faces.

"Hi!"

Muntik ko nang idura ang kinakain kong carbonara nang madatnan si Harper sa harapan ko. He really had the guts to sit with me!

"Are we friends?" maldita kong tanong.

"No, but I kinda fixed your laptop."

Omg! Oo nga pala. I was about to say thank you but I had to keep my composure. I acted like I was not bothered of his presence. Pinagtitinginan na kami ng ibang estudyante. I hate this kind of attention!

"What do you need?" Tinanong ko na para makaalis na siya.

He slid a piece of paper to my side. It says P1,500. My eyebrows furrowed. Bago pa ako nakarecover ay nakaalis na siya sa harapan ko. I even heard his annoying chuckle. I hurriedly finished my food para maka-alis na ng dining hall. Sinadya kong dumaan sa may table nila to say the word.