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Chapter 22

Althea's POV

"You did good for a starter, but I can't say it's because I mentored you. You have your own skillset. I saw you did things that I did not taught you, you learned that from watching?" Alex's making remark on my cooking. Looks like I did a good impression.

"Mostly, yes. I've read some too." I proudly answer, nothing beats reading.

"Chef. We're still in MY kitchen, I'm still the Chef." She looks mad but trying to play it cool.

"Sorry Chef!"

"Well, the food is good for someone who's not me. It has its flavor I could rate that 6 and the plating is 5, but the quality is 4. Poor fish, It doesn't look like its overcooked but you can feel it when you eat it. It's alright not to be good at everything, luckily you are an artist." What? Is she mocking me? Sa buong buhay ko ngayon lang ako nainsulto ng ganito.

Hindi na ako kumibo pa, baka marami pa siyang masabing hindi maganda. Napapaisip nalang ako paano pa kaya yung mga nagtatrabaho sa kanya, natitiis mainsulto sa araw araw.

"You can change now, wash up if you want to. I'll call Nads to clean this up." She casually said.

"Thank you Chef." I answered without giving an eye contact.

I feel so tired, parang gusto ko ng umuwi pero alas singko palang, ayoko namang tumambay dito para hintayin ang Tanch para sa dinner, wag nalang kaya akong sumama? Parang nagsasawa na rin naman ako sa food dito.

"Ms. Jath, are you okay? Parang ang putla niyo, ginisa ba kayo ni Chef?" dumating si Nadine kasama ang isang helper, siya siguro ang maglilinis.

Kinuwento ko sa kanya ang huling sinabi sakin ni Alex.

"Paano kayo nakakatagal dito? Napakasakit magsalita ng boss niyo nagalit ata sakin nakalimutan ko lang naman siya tawaging Chef ." natawa siya sa sinabi ko.

"Hindi naman normal na ganun magsalita si Chef, ibang personality lang talaga siya when it comes to food, she knows best. She really doesn't mean mocking people." Paliwanag niya. May point naman. Medyo nabawasan ang sama ng loob ko. Hindi lang siguro ako sanay na ganun siya sakin.

Bigla tuloy akong nahiya kay Manager. Para akong jowang nagtampo kasi nagsalita ng di maganda ang jowa ko.

Napakamot nalang ako ng kilay at nagpasalamat sa kanya.

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"I thought you won't come out anymore, Patawad if I was harsh. I didn't mean to say hurtful words." Alex sincerely apologize pag labas ko ng staff room.

"I understand Chef, I'm sorry for being confident too, I'll make you proud next time. Arat?" she gave me a confused look.

"Arat, Let's go to the wine cellar?"

She smiled like how Jade smile when things are going as planned.

As soon as we arrived at the basement 3, I bravely said "Alex, I have something to share about my personal life. I think I have too. If it's okay?

"Ako rin, I've been meaning to tell you something but I can't find a right time." I was distracted to see longing in her eyes and room behind her.

It was set up like someone will propose. Tiny lights like a star, the fancy table set up. The ambiance is very romantic.

"What is this A-alex?"

"Oohh, t-this room was booked for later." She panicked answer.

"But we can use it so, please have a seat. What is it you wanted to share?" asking me to change the topic as she look for a bottle we can drink.

"I was in love with my best friend,  still in love. And she looks like you Alex."

She stopped on what she's doing and looked at me, "Well I guess this is the right bottle. Where is she now?" she said and pour me a drink.

Kinuwento ang naging buhay namin bilang matalik na kaibigan na meron nararamdaman para sa isat isa ngunit huli na nung nagkaalaman.

Sinabi ko ring kailangan ko na rin sabihin dahil magccross talaga ang landas niya at ng pamilya Tanchingco.

"I'm still in love with Jade. Most of the time, I see her in you. Maybe that's why I'm drawn to you at first." Paliwanag ko.

"At first?" sa hinaba haba ng kwento ko ngayon lang siya nagtanong.

"When I'm with you, I'm forgetting about her, I feel like I'm cheating but I can't stop because being with you makes me happy." Oh my, how I wish I was this brave when you were around Jade. 

"I hope you don't feel guilty having those feelings, because I like you too Jath."