#2: Strumming the Pain

Strumming 41

I stayed at the Morning Brew café, just peacefully sipping my coffee. Well, I may look peaceful outside, but my mind is a mess. I don't even know what to do... I want to talk to him, but how would I talk to him? How would I tell him my reasons? Does he still wants to talk to me after what I said? Hell, I don't know. I bet he's mad because of the answer he got from me.

Sighing, I stood up from my seat to leave. Maybe they are looking for me already... I still need to rehearse, after all. But I wasn't ready to the next thing I saw. I couldn't move my feet to step forward nor speak to utter her name. Juliana— she's the one I saw, standing few meters away from me. I was stunned because I never thought I'd run into her. She met my eyes, and she also look as stunned as I am. But eventually, she smiled at me— awkwardly.

"Khaisia," she finally uttered my name, still standing there.

Hesitant, she took a step closer to me. She walked towards me, not knowing what to say. I felt the same— I don't even know what to feel. It's been years since I last saw her, her face changed a bit, but I can still recognized her. When I left Pampanga, I didn't even had the chance to say goodbye to her. After all, she helped me before... It was just a shame that our relationship isn't that good.

"Uh... hi?" I answered, unsure. I don't even know what to say.

Awkwardness filled the air, I bet even my smile looked awkward. It looks like she also doesn't know what to say or what to do. I cleared my throat... Gosh! How would I talk to her, anyway? Why is it so awkward? I know I was mean to her.

"Here for a coffee?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.

"No... Actually, I'm the owner." she answered with a warm smile.

"I'm sorry, this is awkward..." I said, feeling the awkward air.

"Ayos lang. Naiintindihan ko naman kung bakit," sagot naman niya sa 'kin. "Aalis ka na ba? Can we talk? Uh... If you're not busy. I know you're a busy person, so..."

"It's okay... We can talk." sagot ko naman sa kanya.

We were interrupted when a group of people entered her cafè. Lumingon siya roon, she welcomed the customers. Hinarap niya ako, she gave me an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry... Aasikasuhin ko muna sila. Mina went home because of an emergency," she explained, talking about her worker. "Dalawa lang kasi ang worker ko dahil kakabukas ko lang nitong cafe. They are both not here dahil may emergency sa kanila..."

"It's okay, Juliana. No need to explain... I understand." nakangiting sagot ko naman sa kanya.

She was stunned— is it because I said her name? Oh, well... Umalis na siya para asikasuhin ang customers niya. Umupo naman ulit ako para hintayin siya. Ayos lang naman siguro kung hindi pa 'ko umuwi. Besides, I think she has something to tell me.

"Khaisia?" my left brow lifted up upon hearing someone calling me.