C23 Twenty three

"A right against self-incrimination," I said.

They remained silent, as if waiting for my explanation.

"So, here in 'a right against self-incrimination,' self-incrimination refers to a situation where, for example, a police officer forces me to admit in court that I am guilty, and that officer threatens my life to people close to me. So, there's a right against self-incrimination where no one accused can testify against themselves,"

"Ah," they all nodded simultaneously.

I felt a bit embarrassed because of their attention.

"One more!" Sai exclaimed.

"Yeah, Yoreh, one more!" Izi urged.

Ben clapped, "Based on what I see, you seem to be becoming a beautiful and sexy---"

"Shut up!" Cyrus said irritably and punched his friend.

"Isn't there anything we can charge him with?" Ben jokingly asked.

"I don't know anymore," I chuckled and scratched my head. "Duh, I'm not going to be a lawyer, but that's included in Article III of the Bill of Rights, the 'right to freedom of speech or expression.' In other words, we or you have the rights to express your opinion,"

"Damn, I don't want to leave anymore. I'm getting dizzy with what you're saying, Yoreh," Wendrix chuckled as he stood up.

We all laughed.

"Get lost!" Cyrus shooed them away. "Selene can't review properly because of you idiots," Cyrus joked.

"Idiot! You fence Selene, we'll be late for the next class!" Sai yelled at him.

"Go ahead," I said.

"I'll stay here for 10 more minutes," Cyrus replied and looked at his watch.

"I said, go ahead," I repeated.

He ran his fingers through his hair and looked at me gently.

"You're such an idiot, Cyrus, let's go!" Ben said teasingly.

Cyrus just gave him a stern look.

I laughed, "Alright, take him with you," I pointed to Cyrus.

"Your wish is my command," Jake said.

They pulled Cyrus up and dragged him. Cyrus even cursed at them.

"Damn it! Alright!" Cyrus yelled at his friends. "Baby, review well. I'll pick you up later, alright? I'll just text you," he said goodbye with a smile and kissed me on the forehead.

His friends cheered and teased him. They left me alone, blushing because of the stares of other students.

When my break time was over, I went to my next class. I wasn't with Angel because she took a different major, and I wasn't with Mawi either because she's from another school!

I just stood here at the front of the waiting shed because Cyrus's last message to me was to wait for him here because he still had something to attend to.

The sky was darkening, and the wind blowing on my face caught my attention. There were a few students beside me, passing by.

I took out my cellphone to try calling him again, but it seemed like his phone was turned off.

An hour passed, but he still wasn't here.

I started to worry about where he was. I wasn't worried about how I would get home; I was worried if he was okay. I stepped back as lightning streaked across the sky. It was followed by another one... two... three times before the heavy rain poured down.

I took out my cellphone again to try calling him, but as expected, no one answered.

Was he okay? Why wasn't he answering my calls? Did something bad happen? I bit my lower lip as tears welled up. Lord, please guide him.

I hugged myself because of the cold; I didn't bring an umbrella because it's too heavy.

I almost panicked when suddenly my cellphone rang. Although it was wrong, I felt sad seeing Mawi's name flashing on my screen.

"Mawi..." I stuttered with trembling lips.

I hugged myself tighter.

"Go home," she said worriedly.

"C-Cyrus," I stuttered.

I heard her sighed, "He went back to the hotel earlier. I saw him..." She said.

My eyes widened! He's safe, thank G!

"With... another girl... while snaking his arm around her waist," She said, obviously worried.

My brows furrowed, and I loosened my embrace.

He was, what?

It felt like I was doused with cold water because of what I heard. I straightened up and hugged myself again as a strong wind blew against me.

I wanted to avoid jumping to conclusions right away and thinking.

Was he angry because I forced him to go to their next class?

Is the girl with him... Akia?

I hope Mawi was mistaken!