Our Substantial Hopes (High School Teen Series #1) [COMPLETED]

4

Huminto ang sasakyan sa tapat ng restaurant at hudyat iyon upang bababa na ako.

"I'll go first. Sumunod ka na lang. Sa loob na ako maghihintay," sabi ko sa kanya nang makalabas.

"Okay, I'll just park my car. It won't take long," tugon niya at isinarado ko na ang pinto at agad niyang minaneho ang kanyang sasakyan.

I went inside already and all I saw was a bunch of people. As I saw them eating, they were satisfied, eating their foods.

This is a top cuisine in Pagadian City, owned by my mother's brother. And from time to time this restaurant is growing and he really is a hardworking person which is his secret, to having this successful business.

This place is always crowded with people. Don't forget to mention their foods, Tito Emilio makes sure that the food they serve is safe for the customers.

Tito Emilio earns the trust of the people because he believes that he won't achieve all of these if it weren't for those people who keep on dining here. He makes sure that his staffs are well-trained too.

Even the interior design of the restaurant is inviting. If I were the customer it will captivate my eyes. It easily inspires the design of your personal spaces through texture, lighting, and seating.

Sa paglingon-lingon ko sa paligid, agad kong nahagilap ang presensya ni Tito Emilio at gano'n na rin siya.

I wasn't expecting to see him here. He's actually a busy man. I saw him smile and he was eagerly approached me.

"Vickie, you're here! It's nice to see you. Kumusta na ang mga magulang mo?" he greeted and asked me with a hug. By the way, kapatid ni Mommy si Tito.

"It's nice to see you too, Tito! They're both okay and they're maintaining their marriage well and also us," I repliedas I freed myself from his hug and I gave him a warm smile.

He just nodded and asked, "ba't ka nandito? You have a date?"

I laughed modestly before I answered him, "nope! Kuya wants me to be here. Nagpa-reserve kasi siya rito, may date sila ng girlfriend niya." There was a hint of sarcasm in the last two words I spoke.

"Really? Your Kuya must be in love with that girl so much. May pinagmanahan din 'yang Kuya mo." Natawa kaming pareho sa sinabi niya.

"Indeed! Parang na ngang mababaliw kapag 'di niya makita 'yong girlfriend niya."

We continued to tease Kuya Tope. If only he's here maybe he's already mad at us. I can totally imagine how his face will turn reddish in anguish and irritation.

Sa pagkukwentuhan namin ay agad nag-ingay ang mga chimes na nagsilbing tunog sa pagbukas ng entrance at iniluwa no'n si Zack. Lumapit siya sa amin, and he smiled genuinely to Tito Emilio.

"Oh..." Tito paused as if he was teasing me. "... may kasama ka pala 'di ka nagsabi. Well I should go. May aasikasuhin muna ako." He excused himself and suddenly winked at me. 

Mali ang pag-aakala niya, akala yata niyang boyfriend ko 'tong si Zack. 

"By the way, it's nice to meet you Zack, ang laki mo na. Take care of my niece." Tinapi niya ang balikat ni Zack at umalis na.

"What was that?" tanong ko at ngayon si Zack na ang kausap ko.

"Magkaibigan sila ng Daddy ko, way back in high school and he's my Ninong," he explained and my mouth shaped an 'o'. 

"Oh, what a coincidence! Kaya pala wala lang si Tito," I whispered but he heard it.

"I think he trusts me that much," he said in a playful tone.