I'M YOURS ||ongoing

CHAPTER 3

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he jarring shriek of my alarm ripped me from sleep.  I slapped the snooze button, luxuriating in the warmth of my bed for a few more precious minutes before the insistent buzzing dragged me back to reality. A quick shower chased away the lingering sleepiness, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.

Downstairs, the delicious aroma of breakfast wafted from the dining area. Mom and Dad were already seated, their morning papers spread before them. I joined them, a smile playing on my lips.  "Medyo busy lang ako ngayon, kaya nagising ako nang maaga," I explained, my voice light and breezy.  It was a half-truth, but a necessary one.

Manang Esther, our ever-attentive housekeeper, materialized like magic with a plate laden with food. "Hija, ito plato. Kumain ka ng madami," she said, her voice warm and motherly as she placed it before me, along with the cutlery and a napkin.

"Sige po, salamat po, Manang Esther," I replied, my gratitude sincere. She smiled, a quiet, knowing smile, and withdrew, leaving me to my breakfast.

The sight that greeted me was a feast for the eyes – and the stomach. A glorious spread of caldereta, rich and savory; adobo chicken, glistening with its signature dark sauce; a perfectly fried egg, its yolk a tempting golden orb; and sweet, glistening tocino. My stomach rumbled in happy anticipation.

"Mom, Dad, nandito ba si Kuya?" I asked, already scooping a generous portion of caldereta onto my plate.

"Umalis na nang maaga," Mom replied, her mouth full.  "Ang daming surgeries today."

My breakfast was a whirlwind of delicious flavors, but I didn't linger.  "Mauna na po ako, Mom, Dad," I announced, pushing my chair back. I grabbed my bag and headed for the car.

Before I could even turn the key in the ignition, my phone buzzed to life.  "Hello, Gwen? Bakit?" I asked, a hint of curiosity in my voice.

“[Chloie, nandito kami sa Starbucks. Punta ka.]” Gwen's voice crackled through the speaker.

"Sige, otw na," I replied, already pulling out of the driveway. Starbucks was a short drive from the office, so I agreed without hesitation.

The drive was surprisingly quick – no traffic in sight. The Starbucks guard opened the glass door for me, his eyes widening in surprise before settling into a polite smile. "Good morning, Ms. Agurraz," he greeted.

I nodded, my eyes scanning the café for my friends. I quickly spotted Gwen and Yannie huddled at a table near the window.

"Bakit niyo ako pinapunta?" I asked, sliding into the seat beside them.

"Wait lang, order lang ako," I said, heading towards the counter to choose my drink.  The line was mercifully short.

"Pa-order nga po ng isang Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew," I told the cashier, my gaze momentarily drifting to the menu board.

Without realizing it, I found myself under the cashier's intense scrutiny. She was staring, from head to toe, her expression unreadable and unsettling. It made my skin crawl.

"Miss, seryoso ka bang bibili ka dito?" The cashier's voice was flat, devoid of warmth, laced with an undercurrent of something unpleasant.

"Oo, ano bang problema mo?" I asked, my patience wearing thin.  Her attitude was starting to grate on my nerves.

"Ako? May problema? Wala. Baka ikaw yung may problema," she retorted, her eyebrow arched in a condescending gesture.

"Oh, sige, sabihin ko problema ko sa'yo. Paano ka bibili, eh wala ka ngang pera!!" she sneered, her voice sharp and cutting.  Her words stung, but I refused to let her see it.