Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

CHAPTER 2

The next encounter

The dawn broke with the usual chorus of tricycles and street vendors setting up their stalls. I stretched, feeling the familiar soreness in my limbs from yesterday’s work, but a smile crept onto my face as i remembered Leon’s unexpected help and our conversation.

“Bumangon na, Ate!” Carlo’s voice echoed from the small kitchen. “May pasok pa tayo!”

“Oo na, sige na, gising na ako,” i replied, laughing at his enthusiasm.

After a quick breakfast, i kissed my siblings goodbye and headed out. The streets were already bustling with activity, and the warmth of the morning sun promised another hot day in Manila.

The café was in full swing when i arrived. Mrs. Rose gave me a quick nod, and i jumped into the flow of orders and customers. By now, the routine was almost second nature, but today, i found myself glancing at the door more often than usual, wondering if Leon would show up again.

Sure enough, a couple of hours into my shift, Leon walked in. He looked more relaxed today, a small smile playing on his lips as he spotted me. I waved, a mix of surprise and happiness bubbling up inside me.

“Hey, Saoirse,” he greeted, leaning against the counter. “I see the place is as busy as ever.”

“Oo nga, usual na ’to,” i replied, handing him a cup of black coffee. “Kamusta naman ang araw mo?”

“Pretty good,” he said, taking a sip. “Actually, i was hoping i could help out again. Kung okay lang sayo.”

I chuckled, “Sigurado ka ba?” baka maabala na naman kita”

“Not at all. I enjoyed it,” he insisted, his eyes earnest.

“Okay, fine. Pero this time, huwag ka na magpapanggap na employee ha,” i teased, making him laugh.

The day passed quickly with Leon’s help. He moved around the café with surprising ease, carrying trays and chatting with customers. It was almost like he belonged there, blending in despite his polished appearance.

During our lunch break, we sat together at the back of the café. I brought out a plate of adobo and rice, while Leon had a simple sandwich. “So, Leon,” i started, “Anong balak mo sa ‘personal project’ mo na ’to?”

He looked thoughtful, “I just wanted to understand more about different lifestyles, especially those that are very different from mine.”

“Bakit naman?” i asked, genuinely curious. “Ano bang ginagawa mo sa buhay?”

He hesitated, clearly choosing his words carefully. “I’m just exploring my options right now,” he said finally. “Trying to see things from a different perspective.”

“Hmm,” i murmured, sensitive there was more to his story but deciding not to press him. “Well, basta alam mo, you’re welcome here anytime.”

“Thanks, Saoirse, That means a lot,” he said, his smile sincere.

As the afternoon wore on, i noticed a group of men in suits entering the café. They looked around, their eyes landing on Leon, who was helping a customer at the counter. I saw a flicker of recognition in their eyes before they approached him.

“Sir Leon,” one of them said, causing Leon to freeze, “We’ve been looking for you.”

I watched as Leon’s expression shifted, the relaxed demeanor replaced bu something more guarded. “I’m fine,” he said tersely. “I’ll be back later.”

The men looked uncomfortable but nodded, stepping back and leaving the café. Leon turned to me, an apology in his eyes. “Sorry about that,” he muttered.

“Sino sila?” i asked, concerned.

“Just some colleagues,” he said, clearly wanting to change the subject. “Let’s not worry about it.”

I nodded, sensing his discomfort but not wanting to pry. Instead, i focused on the rest of my shift, though my mind kept wandering back to the strange encounter.

As we closed up for the night, Leon lingered by the door. “Thanks for letting me help out again,” he said.

“No problem,” i replied, smiling. “I’m starting to get used having you around.”

He chuckled, “I’m glad to hear that. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow,” i said, watching as he walked away, the streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement.