Inside the Arms of a Stranger

I did not know when I started including this in my itinerary but all I made out is the fact that my feet seemed to have a mind of its own and is bringing me to this book café on a very specific time and place, Sunday 7:30 in the evening. I think I have started acting this way after that rainy, damp, and cold evening. I was on my way to a friend's house to seek comfort. Just as I alighted from the jeepney, the angry sky broke off and pours heavily unto me all the water it is trying to keep. The mood only added the pain I felt inside. I took pity for myself. I forgot to bring my umbrella, my stomach is growling with hunger, and the tears from my eyes kept on falling. I could not see the view in front of me because of my misty eyes. My shoulders started shaking and I began sobbing. I kept my eyes close. I could still hear the heavy downpour of the rain but I could no longer feel its drop as I was standing two meters away from the jeepney stop. Maybe I became numb because of the pain I feel inside. But I can feel something warm, a human hand, enclosing my cold body. When I opened my eyes, I saw a man whose eyes were so concern. He made me stay under his umbrella. I sobbed in his chest. It seemed that I have found the right shoulder to cry on at that particular moment. He embraced me in return and tried to calm me by caressing my back. We were like that for two minutes then I was brought back into my senses when I heard passers-by talking. I distanced myself from him. I suddenly felt awkward.

"Feeling better now?" he asked me after regaining myself. And my only answer was a weak nod.

"You are shivering. Come with me, there is a café near here. I have a spare t-shirt I can lend it to you." I never protested to his suggestion. I allowed him to guide me through until we reached the café he was referring to. Seeing how expensive the café looks from its ambiance, I hesitated at first and said, "I can't afford to stay here. I don't have enough money." I was about to turn around and just continue to my destination when he stopped me. "It is fine. I am working here so I will pay for your order. It will just be deducted from my salary." But I said no. I was so embarrassed. I have troubled him a lot. I don't want to be the reason why he would be receiving less for his salary. However, my stomach is now growling and I felt really cold inside. I agreed to him and said, "I will accept your offer on one condition. I will pay you after I receive my last salary. That would be next week. Okay? Then he smiled and said, "If you insist so. Then we are settled." Adrian ushered me to the table far from the air-conditioner and said he will be back soon with his spare clothe. When he returned he gave me the t-shirt and pointed the comfort room where I could change. After changing, I went back to the table and found a hot cup of choco drink with a post it that says,

Hey,

"Drink that to drive away the cold and eat those cookies to silence your stomach. I will be busy. You stay as long as you want or until the rain stops. For you not to be bore I brought you a book there. It is my favorite. And if you wish to leave, you can borrow my umbrella outside. But don't worry I have a raincoat in my locker."

Take care,

Adrian =D

After reading his note, I was very touched. I never thought someone would care for me after what I have experienced today. I was glad he found me. I never felt so safe and secure in my entire life than the moment he embraced me and allowed me to cry. Deep inside me I know he will be special but it is too early to tell what kind of feelings I will develop for him. All I know is that right now I am really thankful of him for rescuing me.

Thirty minutes have passed by since I entered the café. I have finished drinking the hot choco and eating the cookies. Right now I am enjoying the book he had given to me. It is entitled "Who Moved My Cheese?" It is just the perfect book to read after what had happened with my career. Somehow, it gave me inspiration. It gave me the strength to fight because it is not the end of everything but a highway for something more that is waiting for me to be found. All I have to do is to look harder and never quit. Then my phone suddenly rang. It was Grace calling me. She is worried because I did not arrive at her place. She said she was looking for me. I told her my location to fetch me. I searched for Adrian but I did not see him after he gave me the hot choco. Maybe he is working at the kitchen and not in the counter nor serving and getting customers orders. I was very shy to ask from the other crew so instead I wrote a note in reply.