Chase and Courage (Youth Series #1)

M.G.A

#CAC_MARK

Napangiti ako pagkakita sa kaibigan ko na matagal ko ng hindi nakikita at nakakamusta.

"Lia!" I shouted. It seemed like she didn't hear me because she's still busy admiring her shop. Kanina ko pa siya pinagmamasdan. I then began walking towards her. Unti-unti naman siyang lumingon sa'kin

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Mark! Uy, andito ka pala. Kagulat ka naman," she greeted enthusiastically

"Surprise!" I said then we both hugged each other.

Kumalas siya sa yakap at tinignan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Hindi pa rin maalis ang ngiti sa labi niya. I know she's happier to see me than I am. "Kamusta?"

"Tinawag kita kanina. Di mo narinig. Mabuti naman ako. Ikaw ba? Bigatin ka na talaga. Pastry chef na at businesswoman. Congratulations sa shop mo," I said proudly

She chortled. "Salamat. Ngayon ka nalang ulit bumisita ah."

I held the back of my neck. "Ah eh..sorry. Ikaw kasi laging busy e," I shyly said

"Wow ah! Ikaw kaya diyan yung busy sa ating magkakaibigan," she defended

Humarap ako sa shop niya at pinagmasdan ito. "Bakit ka pala nasa labas? Ganda ng shop mo ah. Ang dami ding customers," I commented everytime I see customers coming in and out of her shop

"Ah kasi may naginterview sa'kin kanina na dalawang college student about sa'kin at sa shop ko. Biruin mo, nakarating ako sa school nila," hindi makapaniwala niyang sabi. "Ang interesting at ang lalim ng mga tanong nila pero nasagot ko naman. It made me reflect and look back to where I started. Ang layo na pala ng narating ko."

My brows raised in surprise. "Wow! Talaga? Famous ka na pala. Ang bilis sumikat ng shop mo simula nung natayo."

She looked at me. "You know it wasn't an overnight success."

I smiled. "Yes but it's all worth it. Look where you are now. Started from the bottom now we're here!" I bragged while pointing at the shop. "I've witnessed it all. Proud ako na nakilala na kita simula pa lang bago ka pa naging successful same goes to our other friends as well."

She shook her head while hiding her smile. Even I, was still in awe by looking at her shop. Nakakamiss tumambay dito. It's been a while since I last visited. Mas gumanda ito. Sana ilibre niya ako ng kape at brownies.

"Hey. Do you want to go inside? Sagot ko na kape mo. Mukhang haggard at stress ka na e."

Lumiwanag ang mukha ko sa sinabi niya. Did she just read my mind? I held my chest in relief. "I thought you'd never ask. I would love to Lia!"

Dahil do'n ay hindi ko na napigilan ang excitement ko at ako pa ang naunang pumasok sa shop niya kaysa sa kanya na mismong owner nito. Some of the customers stopped and looked at me. I only smiled at them to brighten up their day.

"Baka namangha sila na may gwapong pumasok," I told Lia who's right beside me

"Ikaw lang kasi naka-formal attire diyan," she whispered

My brows furrowed then I looked at my outfit and case. "This is my usual uniform at work. I'm a lawyer, yes!" I raised my voice a little to inform the customers in case they're looking for one. They looked at me with a confused expression then went back to eating their meal as if nothing happened. I smiled awkwardly.

"Kulang nalang ipromote kita na lawyer dito e. Gusto mo pa-tarpolin ko mukha mo?" she jokingly said

My lips parted. I nodded and snapped my fingers. "That's a great idea Lia. For sure mas marami ka pang magiging customers niyan. I told you. I'm willing to be your endorser for your pastries para naman may side line din ako 'di ba? What do you think?" I smiled cutely and wiggled my eyebrows