If There's a Lifetime (Completed)

Chapter 48

“Girl, okay ka lang ba?”

This has been the nth time Noemi asked me this question. I was not exasperated because she kept on asking the same question since we got up this morning. I was actually feeling light even just for a little because she made me feel her presence and concern more.

I’ve been masking my real self since I went here in Canada. No one knew what I’ve been through and what I am going through. I have been fighting my battles alone. This is actually the first time in three years that somebody asked me if I was okay knowing what I was truly feeling.

 “Okay lang ako, Noems,” I replied, giving her an assuring smile.

Though, of course, it was a lie. I know I am not okay and I don’t know if am still going to be okay. But I am okay. Just okay, but not wholly okay. So ‘I am okay’ still suffice it, right?

We’re already in the store serving our first few costumers. These people are our regular so we already know them by name, by face and by their order. So once they entered the store, no more asking of what their orders are. We would just immediately prepare their drinks and they would just pay for it.

That’s it! Easy job. Tipid sa laway.

“Jath, can I talk to you for a minute?” James, my manager, asked.

I nodded and followed him to the stock room. I noticed that he’s a bit uneasy and he kept on looking at me since he arrived. He’s also sighing every time.

“What is it, James?” I broke the silence. We were standing inside the stock room for a long minute already but he was just staring at me.

He sighed before he spoke.

“I don’t exactly know your issue with the woman last week, but…” he trailed off.

Si madam Claudine ba ang tinutukoy niya?

“Are you referring to the woman who splattered her drink to me?” I still asked though I was already thinking of a specific person.

“Yeah.”

“What is she about?” Worries laced my voice.

I couldn’t help but to get worried. I know what the woman is capable of. I still remember what she did with my training. She interfered with it and made me sabotaged – the reason why I wasn’t able to get a teaching certificate that would allow me to teach. So, it isn’t impossible for her kick me out of my job here if she wishes to.

Pero sana naman ay hindi niya gawin ‘yon.

“Relax, Jath,” he said. His voice fastened with assurance. “I know you… we know you. You’re smart and hardworking, but…” he trailed off again.

“But what?” I was starting to get perturbed.