Enchanted Night

Chapter 7 (Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?")

I had a rough night with little sleep. I finally dozed off around 3 a.m., only to wake up earlier than my usual time feeling tired as I start making breakfast. The urgency to hurry is noticeable as Auntie has an early meeting with people I don't know, a matter that doesn't engage me much.

The situation is frustrating. Even though it's Friday and classes have been canceled for Pillarican Rest Day following a three-day open house event, I still have to wake up earlier than usual just to attend what Auntie needs.

It's disheartening, honestly. Despite the chance for a day off, I can't fully enjoy it. The exhaustion from yesterday persists, adding to the dizziness I currently feel in my head.

I think a refreshing cold shower might help, but it's way too early to bathe now. I will just have to endure this feeling for a while. Suddenly, Auntie's voice broke the silence, criticizing the overcooked bread as she settled into her usual spot.

"Do you still want to have pasta?" I asked, recalling the dish I had prepared hours ago, not wanting it to go to waste. Observing her expression darken, it seemed like she was contemplating it.

Now, it makes me somehow pondered whether she remembered that she had asked for pasta but never got to eat it because she fell asleep.

"Why did you even decide to make pasta this early?" she questioned, causing my expression to instantly shift. That answered my question. "And I don't like pasta," she added in a firm tone. I simply nodded and picked up the plate with the "burnt" bread, as she described it.

"What's wrong with this coffee, Aya? It tastes so bitter! Did you forget putting sugar in it?" her complaint interrupted my movements, not giving me a chance to step away before her grumbling started.

This morning is the worst I've ever experienced. My mood is sour, and I feel unwell, with dizziness and nausea creeping in. It's really, really bad—I suddenly feel sick.

"I'm—uh," I struggled to form coherent words. "I'll just make a fresh one," I managed to say. I intended to explain that it was her usual coffee blend, as per her instructions, but the words wouldn't come out.

Despite drinking a glass of water to alleviate the discomfort a while ago, it didn't seem to help. All I could think of was a cold shower and plenty of rest— I desperately needed sleep.

"Are you... sick? You look so pale," Auntie's observation caught my attention. She scrutinized me like I was a captivating book to read. She had noticed. That was new. Was she actually concerned about me now? "And ugly. Your eyes are so puffy, darling," she added, her mouth pouting and nose crinkling.

Nope, not concern at all.

I mustered a faint smile. If only I could voice it out, it was entirely her fault that I looked and felt this way. I was on edge the entire day and nearly all night.

"I'm fine, Auntie."

I was in the middle of attempting to reach for her glass while balancing another plate in my other hand when she abruptly stood up, causing me to pause. What now? Was something else amiss?

"Nevermind. I'll just go and grab a bite outside, and as for you—take a good look at yourself in the mirror, alright? I have to leave now; I can't afford to be late for my meeting with Mr. Caspian," she announced, retrieving her black leather bag from the table. "And before I could even forget," she paused, opening her bag to reveal a paper that caught my eye. "Here's the grocery list, and here—" she continued, opening her wallet and withdrawing two thousand pesos. "Here's the money you'll need—remember to return the change, understood?"

I forced a smile, accepted the paper, and nodded. "Yes, Auntie," I replied.

"Good."

After she left, I slumped into the chair, giving myself a moment to gather my thoughts. Inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, I leaned my head on the table and let out a heavy sigh. Despite the early hour, I already felt fatigued, knowing I couldn't afford to get sick, especially with a shift at the diner coming up tomorrow.