Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

PROLOGUE

Manila’s streets were their usual chaotic selves, teeming with life and noise as the sun began to set. Inside our small café, it was just as busy, if not more so. Orders were coming in fast, and we were all rushing to keep up. sweat dripped down my forehead as i juggled trays and tried to remember who ordered what.

“Saoirse! bilisan mo naman diyan!” my boss called out, adding to the pressure.

I hurried behind the counter to grab another tray when i noticed a guy standing awkwardly near the entrance. He looked out of place in his neatly pressed clothes, but i didn’t have time to think about it.

“Bagong hire ka ba?” i asked quickly, barely giving him a glance as i handed him a tray loaded with coffee and pastries. “Dalhin mo ’to sa table three, tapos ’yung susunod na order naman sa table five”.

He seemed startled but took the tray without a word. I watched as he carefully went through the crowded café, a bit clumsy hut managing to deliver everything without spilling. I couldn’t help but smile at his effort, though i quickly turned back to my work.

——

An hour later, we finally had a lull. I caught my breath and noticed the guy standing by the counter, looking uncertain. “Salamat ha, malaking tulong ka ngayong gabi,” i said, giving him a tired but grateful smile.

He hesitated before speaking, “Uh, actually, i don’t work here. I was just looking for a place to eat.”

I froze, the tray in my hands suddenly feeling much heavier. “Ano? Hindi ka nagtatrabaho rito?” my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

“Pssensya na, akala ko kasi bagong...” I said while looking down because i couldn’t look at him after what i did. He laughed softly, and the sound was surprisingly warm. “It’s okay, i didn’t mind helping out”

I felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.
“Salamat talaga. Ang daming tao kasi eh.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, glancing at my worker badge. “Saoirse, right?”

I nodded, feeling even more flustered that he knew my name. “Oo, Saoirse.”

He smiled and i noticed his eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’m Leon.”

——

We ended up sitting at one of the empty tables, and i brought him a coffee as thanks. We talked as if we were old friends, the conversation flowing easily despite the strange circumstances of our meeting.

“Bakit mo nga pala naisipang tumulong na lang?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“Gusto ko lang makita kung paano ang buhay dito,” he said, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Masaya ako na nakatulong ako kahit papaano.”

“Well, you did more than help,” i said with a laugh, feeling a surprising sense of ease with him.

——

As the night wore on and we finally closed up the café, i couldn’t help but think about how unexpected the evening had been. The night was just as chaotic, i had met a stranger who i mistakenly took as a part-timer, someone who seemed to understand the struggle and beauty of ordinary life.

“Leon, salamat ulit” i said as we stood outside ready to part ways.

“Walang anuman. Baka magkita ulit tayo,” he replied, his smile lingering in the dim light.

“Baka” I said, watching him walk away, feeling a strange connection to this stranger who had stumbled into my world.