Cofi and fishbols

Chapter III. That coffee and me

What have you been doing lately?

I don’t know why I’m here. Is it too late to back out? I don’t know why I’m doing this. I shouldn’t said yes. But it’s too late. Too late.

"Princess?"

No. It’s not the smell of Starbucks that’s making me hallucinate and hear things. Heck, I’m not even imagining hearing things. I looked up. There he was. Oh my gah! Still bronzed, but a bit pimply, but still chiseled, tall and like a Greek God. My Vito. I mean, just Vito.

"Did I make you wait? Sorry." He laughed. Stop marveling.

He sat down in front of me. He stared at me, a little smile played on his lips. His lips. In front of me. I stared back.

Thank God his name was called in the counter and he went to get his order. Then he was back carrying (oh my gah again!) my favorite cheesecake, complete with my favorite cappuccino. Oh no. Hold on to your sanity.

"Why are you back?" I asked as he sat down.

He again looked at me. The smile was gone. For a moment I thought tears were making his eyes shine. But it was just my imagination.

"I…got tired of Ilocos. I missed Manila. I missed my family. I missed…" He looked away. “Pwede ko pa ba sabihin yung susunod?"

"I’d rather not hear it. Look, Wag na please. Masaya na ako ngayon. Ngayon…-" My voice trailed away. I hate what’s happening. I feel myself weakening.

"Why can’t you finish it? Masaya ka? Bakit nandito ka at nakipagkita? Pwede namang tumanggi kung masaya ka nga. Masaya ba ang tawag mo dyan?"

I didn’t answer. I feel confused. Why am I here in the first place? I should be in the studio recording, yet I’m here.

"I’m sorry Alex…Princess…"

Stop him from calling you that. Make him stop making me weak. Leave. I have to leave while I still can.

"I missed you. Hear me out, please. The phone calls, I just did that to let you know that you’re still here. I’m still thinking of you. I missed taking care of you. I couldn’t stop thinking if he’s taking good care of my Princess…”

My princess. Walls crumbling. My princess.