Ever So (Saint Claire II)

Part 15

Part 15

Halfway through the project, I invited Kayla somewhere. Sinabi ko na gagawa lang kami ng project sa isang malapit na cafe dahil hindi siya sasama kung hindi 'yon ang dahilan.

I wanted her to see the highlight of my week. My reason to be alive every Friday evening. It was the only thing I looked forward to in my fucked-up life.

Kayla was suspicious while I was all giddy in the taxi heading to the establishment. Wala pa kami sa friendship level na kaya niyang magtiwala at sumama sa'kin kung saan-saan. I doubted she even considered me as a friend back then.

After twenty minutes, we finally reached our destination. Nakakunot ang noo ni Kayla nang huminto ang sasakyan. Hindi niya gustong lumabas. Pero patuloy ang pag-andar ng metro kaya wala siyang nagawa noong hilain ko siya palabas.

"Nasaan tayo?"

"Basta."

Hinila ko siya papasok sa establishment, sa makitid at madilim na staircase hanggang sa makita namin ang maliit na signage sa may pintuan. The Pod.

After pushing open the heavy glass door, we were greeted by a posh bar where working adults hang-out. The place had a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere. Wines and craft beers were being served partnered by trays of cold cuts, cheese boards, and pasta dishes.

"Bakit tayo nandito? Hindi tayo pwede dito."

Panay ang bulong ni Kayla habang naghahanap kami ng mauupuan. We looked severely out of place. We were college students spending our allowance in a posh bar.

Nang makahanap kami ng pwesto sa sulok, prente akong umupo sa leather couch bago humarap sa kanya. "I'll share with you my greatest secret."

"I didn't even ask!" she hissed, which only made me giggle.

I was slowly becoming used to Kayla's way of responding. She wasn't rude or cold like what I initially perceived of her. She was just... painfully awkward and clumsy. She had no control over her resting bitch face and the roll of her eyes. It was just the way she was.

After the server gave us the menu, Kayla gave me a glare. "Ito ba ang tinutukoy mong secret? The price of the food? A dish is worth my entire week's allowance!"

I gave her a nonchalant wave of my hand. "Just order anything."

It took several minutes before Kayla's conviction simmered down. Na-realize niya siguro na hindi kami aalis sa lugar hanggang hindi siya umu-order.

"Are you a regular here? Bakit kilala ka nila?" tanong niya nang mapansin na panay ang bati ng mga server na napapadaan sa table namin.

"A bit?"

Lalo lang niya akong tinignan nang masama.

I didn't know how to explain to her yet that the worst time of the day for me was going home. So I wasted my time in bars or clubs, partying like there was no tomorrow.

But the moment the party ends, the emptiness would pull me back. Unti-unti akong nagsawa sa maiingay at matataong lugar hanggang sa gusto ko nalang mapag-isa.

One random night, while searching for a place to drink, I came across the establishment. I discovered them through their craft beers and great food... but I became a regular customer because of another reason.

Habang sini-serve ang in-order naming pagkain, napansin ni Kayla na may sini-set-up sa maliit na stage sa sulok ng bar. "A live band?" she asked.

I nodded, eyes bright and smile wide. Kayla only rolled her eyes at nag-focus sa pagkain. But I could no longer focus on the food lalo na noong lumabas na ang banda.