Fate Meets Destiny

CHAPTER 3

Mikha's Pov

"Boss, kakarating lang nina Maloi at Colet," Stacey said.

"Thank you, Ms. Stacey," I replied.

Stacey is the general manager. Schoolmates kami noong high school, then classmates in college. I offered her to be my business partner since she's also a great chef, pero sabi niya gusto muna niya maging general manager.

"Wait," Stacey suddenly said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Ayusin mo uniform mo, boss. May dalawang kasama sina Maloi at Colet," Stacey said, trying to hold back a grin.

"Sino?" I asked.

"Basta," Stacey said, eyes teasing.

Ay naku, nang-aasar na naman si Stacey. Sino kaya ‘yung kasama nila?

I opened the kitchen door—and there they were. Maloi and Colet... with Aiah and Sheena.

Nung una, nagkatinginan kami ni Aiah. Even just for a second, parang huminto ang mundo. Then I looked away quickly and walked toward Maloi, trying to keep my heart calm and steady.

"Mikhs, ito na ‘yung dark chocolate almonds. What do you need them for?" Maloi asked, handing me a jar.

My favorite.

"My snack," I said casually.

"Akala ko naman para sa kusina. No wonder laging may stock si Mom ng ganyan sa kitchen," Maloi said.

"Thanks for the treat, Maloi," I smiled.

"Love talaga ni Mikhs ang dark chocolate almonds," Colet chimed in.

"Dark chocolate is healthy—especially with almonds," I said, still smiling.

Tumingin ako kay Aiah—she's also looking at me. Calm down, self. Don’t get flustered. Mikhaela Janna Lim, you can do this.

"Hi Sheena, Aiah. I’m glad both of you could come. Hindi pa dumadating ‘yung iba," I said.

"Pagdating sa pagkain? Imposibleng hindi ako pupunta," Sheena replied with a grin.

"We’re early," Aiah added, laughing a little.

"That’s okay. Do you want some snacks? I can prepare something now," I offered.

"We can wait for the others," Aiah said.

"Since maaga kayo, I can give you two a quick tour of the kitchen, if you’d like," I suggested.

"Sure ka? Baka busy pa mga staffs mo nagpe-prepare," Aiah asked.

"Tapos na kami mag-prepare. Nagpapahinga na sila sa staff room sa taas," I replied.

"I’ll stay here with Colet and Maloi. Baka magutom ako agad pag naamoy ko ‘yung kitchen niyo," Sheena teased.

"Okay, Ms. Foodie," Aiah said with a smile.

Tumayo si Aiah, at hindi ko napigilang mapansin ang pag-wink ni Sheena. She knows. She knows I like their best friend.

Aiah and I walked toward the kitchen together.

"Ganda ng layout ng kitchen, Mikha," Aiah said, looking around with interest.

"Just call me Mikhs. Schoolmates naman tayo," I replied.

"Tita Cathy told me you're really a great chef," Aiah said.

"I just love cooking," I said, trying my best to keep my voice calm and not let it tremble. She’s smiling at me and it’s making it harder to concentrate.