Shroud of Misery (Amour Series #1) - COMPLETED

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Ibinaba ako ni Nick sa tapat ng cafe nila Sylvie. Isa ito sa mga bagong branches nila. In-invite nila ako para sa opening nito. 

"Ite-text na lang kita 'pag uuwi na ako," sabi ko habang isinasara ang pintuan ng kanyang kotse.

He just nodded. Kanina ko pa napapansin na hikab siya nang hikab. Tuloy-tuloy siguro ang duty niya sa ospital.

Nang makaalis si Nick ay hinarap ko ang lugar. The cafe is aesthetically built. Nagmumukha itong desk kung titignan sa gilid. It still has its wooden exterior and interior design, tall and glass windows. White chairs were perfectly placed on each table. 

Sumalubong agad ang amoy ng kape pagpasok ko ng cafe. There are already so many customers lining up at the counter. I saw Sylvie accommodating the customers. Nagtama ang paningin namin dahilan ng paglaki lalo ng ngiti niya.

"Nyla!" she beamed and hugged me. "I'm glad you came!"

"Syempre, hinding-hindi ako tatanggi sa manager ko 'no!"

"Aww, kaya love na love kita, e!" and she hugged me tighter.

She motioned me to a five-seater table. I don't know why she chose the bigger table because I'm only with myself but I just shrugged and sat on the fine white chair.

I saw Ben waving at me so I waved back. Lumapit sa akin ang isang waiter at kinuha ang order ko. I only ordered a strawberry milkshake and a chocolate croissant.

Nang dumating ang order ko, si Sylvie pa mismo ang nag-serve sa akin. Umupo siya sa harapan ko habang nilalapag ang tray ng pagkain ko.

"Dig in, Nyla!"

I thanked her and we started chatting. Nagsimula kami sa simpleng kumustuhan hanggang sa paano nabuo ang relasyon nila ni Ben. Sylvie also told me that Iza was already happily married with his boyfriend for years.

I was happy for them. They truly deserve the love that they receive from their loved ones. I guess fate willingly guided them to each other. A love so sincere, so true, and so happy.

"I thought you were with your friends? Susunod na lang ba sila?" Sylvie unknowingly asked.

Natigilan ako sandali. Napalunok ako at saka nagsalita. "A-Ah... kasi—"

I noticed that she tilted her head and a wide smile was plastered on her face. "Oh! There they are!"

Napako sa kinauupuan ko. They're here? My friends are here? Hindi ko alam na pupunta sila. Kaya pala sa malaking table ako pinaupo ni Sylvie. She thought that I was with them.

Kumaway-kaway si Sylvie kung saang table kami. Mas lalo akong kinabahan sa kaniyang ginawa. I heard the nearing of their footsteps. 

"Couz!" rinig kong sigaw ni Aria sa pinsan. Lumapit siya rito upang magbeso. Mukhang hindi niya pa ako napapansin.

"Hi, couz!" bati ni Sylvie. "Nyla's here! Kumpleto na kayo!" she beamed.

Their heads turned immediately to me. Napaawang ang kanilang bibig, parang may multong nakita. Hindi ako makatingin sa kanila kaya niyuko ko ang aking ulo.

"I-I think Nick's calling me, Sylvie. I h-have to go," pagsisinungaling ko. "Thanks for inviting me!" 

I was about to exit the cafe when Eunice spoke. 

"Are you going to run away from us again, Nyla?" pure coldness was dripping in her voice. 

I froze at my spot. No, I am not running away. I am just protecting you all from me...