✓ | The Power of Mind [Season One]

T1 • Chapter 22: The Legitimate Bystander

Meeting Isabel today made me realize the effect of what I did. Hearing the scammer's thoughts deepens my regret. He did it for a reason he thought would profit someone he holds dear and yet, he paid the consequence of being caught.

I did it after concluding that it is best if Isabel will never feel hurt, and that it is okay for me to suffer. But I neglected the other party. I made a choice for myself and not for them. I am blinded with the fact that what I did was right, but in the end...

all I ever did was an act of indulgence.

That student might do it because of financial emergency and the urgency of gaining abrupt money clouded his rational reasoning. He is young and deciding for a future is still a child's play.

He has great skills but that is tainted with a crime he committed solely for the sake of providing monetary aid. Kahit hindi ko alam ang buong dahilan, pero base sa narinig ko mula sa isipan niya. He was worried about his mother and he did mention in his head that she was sick.

"I think it's time to go back to the Café," Teressa uttered and looked at Kenzo and I. Kenzo then nod and went to the ACC as we follow him behind. Hindi namin alam kung saan pumunta si Elizabeth pero magpapakita rin naman siguro iyon.

We left the District and eventually left the school premises. It is almost one in the afternoon and when the clock strikes 13:10, gates will be closed. That is also the reason why Kenzo avoided using the main road and we went to the passage leading to the private lawn, then got through by the secret gate.

We didn't bring the ACC outside so Kenzo took one of the cars in the parking lot of this private lawn. I had that urge to ask about the owner of these cars and why they can enter the lawn when students are prohibited to be in this area, but I remained shut.

Nakaabot kami ng Café at nagulat ako dahil nasa labas ng building si Elizabeth at masamang nakatingin sa amin. Hindi ko na talaga alam kung ano ang nagpapausok sa kanya dahil lagi itong galit, nakasimangot at may topak. Ang ganda niya pa naman sana.

"Misha?" pagtawag ni Teressa sa akin, lumapit ito at hinawakan ang kanang kamay ko, "do you know how to deliver tray with beverages? For instance, coffee, smoothie, tea or something?" tumaas ang kilay ko kasabay ang pagkalito sa sinabi niya. "Of course, when your foot is healed then we will allow you to work." Lumabas agad ang matamis na ngiti ni Teressa. Sa sobrang tamis niyan ay napilitan akong ngumiti.

"I do not like being a waiter, but I can help clean the tables and chairs." She clapped her hands together as she felt delighted by my answer.

"Welcome to Noesis Café, Misha!" she exclaimed. I already deduce that once I enter the group, then I'll probably work inside the café.

"May sweldo rin ba ang pagtatrabaho niyo sa loob?" pagtatanong ko rito. I do need money for financial stability at hindi naman kasi agad pwede akong makapante sa payment for consultation dahil tentative iyon. However, Teressa slowly shake her head.

"We manage the Cafe, but we don't get paid. Isa pa, we are students and we barely stay inside or even serve a single coffee. Para lamang iyon sa mga crew, and these crew doesn't know what we really do." Halos ibulong na ni Teressa sa tainga ko ang huli niyang sinabi.

That is also given. I already counted that part. Bakit ko ba kase tinanong. "But do not worry. If you want to work with incentives, you get paid by hour," she added.

Umiling ako. I do need a reward for my service, but I am not compelled with money. It is amazing to help the crew when I am here, it feels like I have two jobs. Although the other one is not negotiable. Inalalayan ako ni Teressa papasok sa loob. Elizabeth greeted us with a glare.