Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

CHAPTER 6

Reunion

The next morning, i was back at the café, ready for another busy day. It had become a routine i found comfort in.

As i was wiping down tables and getting ready for the morning rush, the doorbell chimed, signaling the arrival of a customer. I glanced up and was immediately taken aback.

“Reeve?” i gasped, my eyes widening in disbelief.

“Sao!” he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.

It had been seven long years since i had last seen reeve, my childhood best friend who had moved abroad. Without thinking, i ran to him, throwing my arms around his neck in a tight hug.

“I can’t believe it’s really you!” i said, pulling back slightly to look at him. “Kailan ka pa rito? Ang laki na ng pinagbago mo”

“Just a month ago,” he replied, his smike never faltering. “I decided to visit you first thing once i was settled.”

“It’s good to see you again reeve.” i said to him while smiling.

Our reunion was interrupted by the demands of the café, and i quickly put reeve to work, asking him to help me out as we caught up. We reminisced about old times, laughing and sharing stories, and it felt like no time had passed at all.

As we were working, i noticed Leon standing outside the café, watching us through the window. My heart skipped s beat, but before i could call out to him, he turned and walked away, a troubled expression on his face.

I felt a pang of worry. Why had he left without saying anything? Was he upset? The rest of the day passed in a blur as i tried to shake off my concern and focus on reeve and the café.

Later that evening, after Reeve had left with promises to meet up again soon, i couldn’t get Leon out of my mind. I pulled my phone and sent him a message.

Saoirse: Hey Leon, Are you okay? Haven’t seen you today. Let me know if there’s any problem :)

I waited anxiously for a reply, but as the minutes turned into hours, my message remained seen but unanswered. A knot of unease settled in my stomach. Why wasn’t he responding?

The next day, Leon still didn’t show up at the café. I sent him another message, trying to keep my worry at bay.

Saoirse: Just checking in again. Everything okay?

Once again, no reply. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept drifting back to Leon. Had something happened? why was he avoiding me?

Days passed, and Leon’s absence became more noticeable. Each time I checked my phone, i hoped for a message, but there was nothing.

One evening, as i was closing up, Reeve noticedy troubled expression. “Something bothering you, Saoirse?” he asked gently.

“Wala, it’s just a friend of mine,” I admitted, sighing. “He hasn’t been around, and he’s not replying to any of my messages. So, i’m kind of worried about him.”

Reeve frowned thoughtfully. “Maybe he’s dealing with something personal. Give him some time.”

That night, i lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts of Leon. What had i done to make him avoid me? Was it something i said or did?