Out of Reach (PUBLISHED)

15

“INTUITION is a gift bestowed upon many, yet possessing a keen and precise intuition is a rarity.”

Senthie Salvador was among those blessed with a remarkable intuition. In countless instances, she possessed insights beyond the grasp of the average person, foreseeing not only the subtle nuances of situations but also the true intentions of those around her as they unraveled.

 ***

Even after a fifteen-minute prayer, luck didn’t seem to be favoring Senthie.

“Good afternoon! Rychicken’s delivery for Senthie Salvador,” chimed the red-haired man with a samurai bun, now standing across the counter. His green polo shirt, adorned with the restaurant’s name (Rychicken’s Barbeque) on the left chest, sported a white collar and sleeve hems, identical to what he had worn on their previous encounter.

Senthie greeted him with a smile and reached for the brown paper bag bearing the restaurant’s name.

Rychie handed it over, mentioning that the order was already paid for. As he was about to leave, Cecilia tossed a question his way, “You handle deliveries too?”

He tilted his head slightly before responding, “Yes, ma’am. I left a flyer inside the paper bag so you can check our menu and order anytime between 7 AM and 10 PM.”

Senthie, puzzled by her question, muttered, “Why ask something with such an obvious answer? Or was it meant just for him?”

Cecilia whispered back, “Of course, it’s the latter! Why would I ask a senseless question otherwise?” She then redirected her attention to Rychie, offering a friendly smile. “No, that’s not what I meant. I was actually wondering why you’re handling deliveries. You’re the owner, right?”

“Uh, y--” Rychie began but was cut off.

“Oh, if you’re wondering how I knew, Kenzo told us. I’m sure you know him since he’s a regular customer of yours. He’s the one who placed this order,” Cecilia added, pointing at the brown paper bag.

He chuckled. “Yes, I know him. We’ve had a little chat before. And as for your question, I had a small errand to run here, so I figured I might as well handle the delivery since I was headed in this direction anyway.”

“I see. All right then, take care,” Cecilia replied with a nod and a smile.

Rychie reciprocated the gesture and wished them a pleasant lunch. As he disappeared from view, Cecilia playfully smacked Senthie’s shoulder, exclaiming, “Did you hear that chuckle? It was so charming; it melted my heart!”

Senthie shot her a glare. “You do realize you just hit me again, right?”

Cecilia gasped and immediately began rubbing Senthie’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry, bes! I got carried away!”

Senthie rolled her eyes, giving her left shoulder a slight shrug to gently nudge Cecilia’s hand away. “You always get carried away when handsome men are involved. It’s almost like a disease.”

Shaking her head, Cecilia held up a finger and wiggled it playfully. “Oh no, you’re mistaken. Not every time. I’m not like this when I see Kenzo.” She chuckled. “Honestly, if he weren’t your ex, I might’ve made a move on him.”

Senthie gasped. “Wait, do you have feelings for Kenzo?”

She chuckled, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “No, not at all! I’d never develop feelings for any of your exes; I can promise you that. But ex-crushes . . . well . . . I might consider it, then. You see, Sen . . . I have a crush on Rychie!”

Senthie’s eyes widened in surprise, her head instinctively shaking. “Wow, are you serious?”

“Yes, why? Are you upset with me?” Cecilia responded, her eyes adopting a puppy look that made Senthie burst into laughter.