Forever Trapped

Chapter 13

I guess it was a good thing Kath arrived at that exact moment. I didn't know where the conversation was heading but it was heading towards an unfamiliar path.

"It's almost eight," Phoenix said.

"Yeah... I'll go home early tonight."

"That means you'll go to work early tomorrow, right?"

Kath touched his cheek and I took a step backward. I'm not jealous but he did just, basically, flirted with me minutes ago. And now, he's being touched by another woman in front of me.

But I need to tell myself again, that I'm not jealous. Just curious how this motherfucker played with my emotion as if he's an unpredictable roller coaster ride.

Patuloy na tiningnan ni Kat ang sukat ng suit sa katawan ni Phoenix. She looks so serious making sure it's a perfect fit. I wanted to scream at myself at that moment, wondering why I'm feeling different sorts of... emotions.

"You can go now, Zahara. Ako na ang bahala dito." She told me. My eyes were locked on her hand placed on his shoulders.

I smiled. "Okay."

I need to get out of there.

The night passed, morning came and I'm back to work again. I was early but when I arrived, andun na si Atlas.

I smiled at him. Napalingon kasi siya dahil sa pagbukas ng pinto. "Hi. Good morning."

"Morning," he answered shortly. Pa mysterious naman nito.

"Andito na si Kat?" I asked when I heard the sound of the sewing machine from her office.

"Kanina pa."

Pangit naman nitong kausap. I just focused on working on my presentation. I have found the sample fabrics I will be working with. May mga ipapa-customized din. I'm thinking of asking someone to hand paint it but I need to consult with Kat and ask for her opinion.

I felt so productive. Marami akong natapos kagabi. I knew I'd be distracted but might as well distract myself with work. At least that way may matatapos ako.

I need coffee first and maybe bread. I already had my breakfast but fuck diet.

"Are you avoiding me?"

"No."

I heard Atlas and Kathea talking. Shit, do I pretend like I don't exist? But Atlas knows I'm here already. Ugh. Maybe I'll let them talk. It would be awkward if I walk and go there now.

I nodded at my own thoughts like a fool. Maybe I'll just have my coffee here instead.

"You leave early and you go home late. Stop making excuses Atlas. We literally work at the same place and live-"

"Let's talk later. Kathea, please."

Fuck. I may have heard something I shouldn't have.

But what? Do they live in the same place? Are they in a relationship? I don't like gossip but... Wow, this is really intriguing. Mukhang wala pa namang alam ang iba.

"Let's talk later," Atlas repeated in a much lower voice but I can still hear it because it's really silent. "When we're alone."

Wala naman akong ginagawa but I felt like I'm invading their privacy. Heck, they're invading mine. I can't even enjoy my cup of coffee.

I waited a minute before I walked back thinking Kath would be gone by then but I wasn't spared the awkward encounter.

"Oh, hi!" She smiled cheerfully.