Love Next Door

12 - Not the Same

MIKA

Medyo duda pa rin talaga ko sa taong nag-refer sa akin eh. For me to be hired immediately, that person must really have the authority at FEast.

Biruin mo, nagpunta lang ako doon para mag-lunch.

Tapos umuwi ako ng may free ice cream na, may new job pa. Ms. Kelly was too lenient with my schedule as well. Not much was required of me based on my contract.

Aarte pa ba ako?

Thank you na lang talaga sa kung sinumang dahilan kung bakit ako nandito.

My job's not too hard and I'm even allowed to sit kung wala namang darating na customer.

"Ano Ms. Mika, kaya pa po ba?", pangungumusta ni Laine sa akin.

"Sabi nang Mika lang eh. Saka nagmumukha naman akong matanda sa po mo.", sagot ko sa kanya.

Like what I have guessed, the people in the place are really kind. Nakakapagtaka lang kasi pakiramdam ko minsan, daig ko pa pagiging customer dahil sa pagtrato nila sa akin.

"Pero oo, kayang-kaya ko. Nakakahiya nga sa trabaho niyo. Ayaw niyo naman akong patulungin.", sagot ko sa tanong niya.

"Naku Miss---- este Mika. Kering-keri naman namin eh! Saka full-time kami dito. Ikaw, galing ka pang school tapos for sure mag-aaral ka pa sa gabi. Kaya wag mo nang isipin yun.", nakangiti niyang sabi.

"Thank you ah. Ay wait, mukhang may customer."

I stood near the door upon seeing a black Fortuner enter the parking lot.

I was fixing the ribbon of my uniform when I heard the door opened.

Push button ko yun to look up and greet.

"Welcome to---

...FEa...st..."

I was frozen on the spot upon seeing the person standing right in front of me.

Seryoso ba 'to?

Hindi yan multo, Mika.

I shook my head and composed myself.

"Table for how many, Sir?", I followed up.

"Just two.", he replied with a smile.

Haynaku, nakita ko na yan. Won't fall for that scheme.

I nodded my head and led him to one of the empty tables just near the door before walking back to my designated place.

I took deep breaths to calm my nerves.

Diyos ko po, hindi ko naman po first and last day ngayon, diba?

Hingang malalim.

Ok lang yan, Mika.

Nagawa mo na yung trabaho mo oh.

Thank you for dining with us na yung next interaction niyo.

Tama.

"Mika!"

"AY SINGKIT!", I held onto my chest as I caught my breath.

Laine let out a big laugh.