Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 10: The Homework

I'm on my way now to the cafe for work. Ms. Ava has been checking up on me ever since I hadn't updated her last Friday. She always worries about my being, which I am truly grateful for because only a few care about me.

The afternoon was quiet. No one really bothered me. Although I have heard a lot of whispers and gossips in the hallway, I just shook my head and rolled my eyes. Nate and I haven't bumped each other since the rooftop. He was in class, but he didn't even glance to look at me. He was so focused on the lesson. "Good for him," I thought in my head, while I can't even process any class we just had for the day.

My phone beeped, and it was a reminder that I have due paperwork tomorrow. "Shit," I cursed to myself. I totally forgot I've got homework to do. Good thing I use reminders on my phone, or else I would totally forget about it.

I messaged the group chats with the class I had last Thursday.

"Hey, guys, who still doesn't have a partner for the movie report?" I typed.

"Sorry, @Luna! I already have @Kate," said Jane. Kate sent a sob emoji.

"How about you @Valerie?" I asked, mentioning Valerie, but she didn't reply. Then, one of our classmates said another person and me on the same line of the message.

"Hey, @Luna. I think everyone already got a partner except for @NathanielCooper."

"Fuck," I shouted, and when I realized I disturbed the other people on the train, I ducked my head in embarrassment. I glared on the group chat looking at the people who have seen the message, but I don't see Nate's name. Obviously, he still hasn't checked our group chat yet. Hopefully, he'll never take a look at it, just until this homework is over.

I shook my head and cheered myself that I can do the movie report alone. Even though this is my first time doing such homework, girls gotta learn, or I won't really achieve anything.

It's already 9:30 PM, and the cafe is about to close. The other staff is doing the inventory checking with Miss Ava while I was cleaning up the tables. I heard the door open because of the clanging of the bells hanging on top of it. I greeted the customer but stopped midway when I realized who it was.

I turned around and immediately went to the staff room by my locker. My heart was acting up crazy again, beating up and down fast. I can't understand the feeling; it is as if I can't breathe. Then, I heard Ms. Ava called for me.

"Yes, Ms. Ava?" She was busy giving instructions to my other co-workers while glancing back and forth on the paper she was holding.

"Oh, you're here. Good. Can you please take the gentleman's order? We're almost done with the inventory, but there might be some anomalies. He might get impatient," Ms. Ava requested. All I could do was say 'yes.' I grabbed the order sheet and slowly took one step at a time, hoping he will just leave after a few minutes.

"G-good evening, Sir! May I take your order?" I stammered, trying to smile like the friendly employee I am.

"One Iced Americano," he coldly said. His tone made me raise an eyebrow. What's with the cold shoulder?

"Is there anything else?" I asked.

"No," he said, putting down the menu. He then gets his phone to check something on it.

I really don't understand him. One day, he's sweet and gentle. The next, he's annoying as fuck. And now? He's giving me a cold treatment? What the hell? Is he playing games with me?

"If that's all. One iced americano coming up," I cheerfully said. I don't know why I'm acting stupid in front of him. I hurriedly grabbed the menu and turned around, but he grabbed me by the wrist - again. He really likes grabbing wrists, huh?