Dancing with the Devil

Chapter 32

It didn't let me sleep. Sobrang binagabag ako sa aking nalaman. How come he's not married? Was Natalie lying to me about the marriage or whatever fiancé thing? Actually, I don't want to think about it.

But Akio's not lying, all along he's not married and I thought he was... he'd been telling me but I was so blinded to even hear his words. Knowing the truth made me realize that I never learn- I still don't know how to listen. Communicating is not one way that goes around, and I should have known that.

I felt the shame creeping up on my heart, not just to the heart but to my whole body.

Hindi ko alam kung paano siya haharapin ngayong alam ko na ang katotohanan. Nahihiya ako, sa ginawa ko, lalong-lalo na sa sarili ko.

I stayed up late last night from thinking, even scrutinizing myself. I am really evil.

Instead of staying inside, I decided to go and spent my morning in the shop. Mas mabuti na 'to kaysa tumunganga at mag muni-muni sa mga maling bagay na nagawa ko. Dahil 'di ko na maayos pa iyon.

8 am pa lang, inopen ko na ang shop. Even though usually on Saturday and Sunday we open at 10 am, we're 2 hours early just because I couldn't sleep.

I don't expect customers this early. Naglinis lang ako para di na kailangan maglinis ng morning shift staffs. I rearranged the chairs and tables whilst wiping them, I even mopped the floor. And when I was done, and satisfied with the outcome. Pakiramdam ko kumikintab ang buong paligid dahil sa paglilinis na ginawa ko.

I went to the counter and made a drink that I drink almost everyday since it was easy to do. Putting on my barista apron protecting my white top from any spilling.

"Good morning, welcome to sweet leaf cafe where the coffee served was never bitter..." I greeted when I heard the door chime.

I waited for the customer to call on for my attention but it never happened. Instead a manly and crisp scent of woods with a bit of fresh fruits attacked my sense of smell. I breathed when I felt his presence behind me, I didn't bother throwing him a glance and continued what I was doing.

Paharap siya sa aking sumandal sa counter, putting all his weight on it. With his heavy stares I couldn't help but look at him, I became conscious of how I look. He titled his head as if trying to read what's on my mind as he crossed his arms on his chest.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin dahil doon. He's on the way to his work looking at his get up. I was curious why he was staying in Makati when the main branch was in Manila. Totoo nga namang mas malaki ang makati branch but it wasn't the main, so why stay there. Gusto ko man makichismis sa kapatid dahil parte siya ng Viare architectural and engineering firm na ngayon ay isa nang construction firm ay hindi ko magawa dahil sa iniiwasan ko nga noon.

"Galit ka na naman?" he started. "I already gave you enough time and space and yet you're still mad."

He flashed a coy smile, "what, are you still pushing that I'm married?" he added teasingly when I didn't talk and just glared at him.

"You want proof? Here's a proof that I'm not really fucking married."

Itinaas niya sa aking harapan ang kamay na walang ano mang bahid o senyales ng singsing, nang makuha niya ang atensyon ko ay kinagat niya ang sariling labi upang pigilan ang sariling ngumisi. Iwinagay-way niya ito na tila inaasar pa ako sa chimis na mabilis ko pinaniwalaan.

"Are you seriously teasing me? Stop-"

He grinned at me mischievously when I was cut from speaking because his phone rang, slowly putting his forefinger against his lips shushing me.