I Love You But...

XVIII

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I was half-asleep when I pick up the call.

"Al, are you sick?" It was a man's voice.

"Sick? No, I'm not." I replied, disoriented.

"Then why are you not here? It's unusual that you haven't arrived yet. You are always here before your shift starts." The man said.

I looked at the screen to see who I'm talking to, and to my surprise, it is Mr. Steve. "Hello, Mr. Steve, I'm sorry. I will still come. Sorry."

"Okay. Will wait for you." He hung up.

I rushed to the bathroom and cleaned myself as fast as I could. I sped up in changing my clothes and grabbed the Snickers in the cupboard.

"Two hours and twelve minutes late, Al." Mr. Steve said as soon as I arrived.

"Sorry." Is all I can say.

"Can we talk in my little office?"

I know he's not asking, so I followed.

"Have a seat." He motioned to the chair on the opposite side of the table.

I sat down, yet unsure if I should be relaxed or nervous.

"Al, I think you were seventeen when you started working here. You're still studying at that time, and you were never late then. After that, you were able to juggle two jobs, here and at the restaurant. Again, you were never late. When you started singing, you were able to manage three jobs, and yet you were never late. Now, can you explain why you are late if you're not sick? And knowing that your contract in the restaurant ended?" Mr. Steve is serious, but he has a point. This is my first time being late.

I exhaled. "Mr. Steve, I know you will be angry, but I have to tell you. I got drunk. I drank a bottle of vodka and ginger ales by myself. I've been irresponsible."

"Well, that was honest. But drinking by yourself?" He asked with disbelief in his face.

"Yes. All by myself." I lowered my head in embarrassment.

"I won't ask the reason because that's none of my business. But the next time you drink, please make sure that your alarm will ring extra loud." He smiled. "I know it's late, but start working on your shift now."

"Should I work for the hours that I missed?" I asked Mr. Steve.

"No need, only the hours that you have worked will do." He replied.

"Please don't be disappointed in me."

"I want to, but I better not. It is the first time you've been late, and I hope it's the only time."

"I will do my best."

"I believe so. Now you can go. Your shift's over."

"Thank you. See you again."

I was riding a bus, pondering why I got drunk, when I received a call from Jamie.

"Hi Al. We have an event on Tuesday, the first of September. If you could reserve it on your schedule."

"No worries. I will."

"I forgot to tell you the other day. Just like you, I was surprised that you and Jimmy know each other that it slipped my mind."

"It's okay, Jamie. See you then." I hung up. If I talk more, I might say something stupid. And I'm afraid I might ask her if she has feelings for me.

I took my clothes off and headed to the bathroom as soon as I reached home. I opened the shower and let the water flow as if it could wash my anxieties away. As the drops of water crawl through my body, my mind traveled to a distant memory...

Mom, when the right time comes, I want to meet someone like you.

With that, I cannot stop myself from crying.