Where I Want To Be (2b published)

CHAPTER 12 - Promises

"Meron silang Passion flower tea?" tanong ni Bea, looking interested. "Dati nagpabili ako kay papa non, maganda syang sedative."

"Hmm, kaya siguro ang kalma ng feeling ko noon..." sabi ko sa kaibigan ko.

Four days have passed since our 'date' with Sir Dario, and today, I plan to take Bea to Solace Bakery and Cafe.

Matagal akong hindi bumalik, because after that night, nahimasmasan ako at na-realize kung anu-ano ang ikinuwento ko kay Adan. Nakakahiya rin na hindi n'ya ako pinagbayad ng araw na iyon, pero ganon pa man, gusto ko uli s'yang makita.

I was surprised when we got there. Halos puno ang lugar, at less than half na lang ang natira sa mga cakes nila! Mahaba rin ang pila sa counter, at busing-busy sila Adan at Abel sa dami ng customers.

"Akala ko ba tahimik at walang tao?" tanong sa akin ni Bea.

"Balik nalang tayo mamaya?" suggest ko sa kanya.

Just then, nakita kami ni Adan. Tinapik n'ya si Abel sa balikat at nagmadaling lumabas ng store.

"Jason!" tawag n'ya, sabay kapit sa kamay ko. "I'm so glad you came back!"

"Adan, this is my best friend Bea." I said.

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Adan Santiago." he extended a hand.

Tinitigan s'ya ni Bea before she smiled and shook his hand.

"The pleasure's all mine." she said, "I wanted to try some of your teas today, but it seems the place is full right now."

"I'm afraid so..." natigilan si Adan at tila nag-isip. "But if it's okay with you, there's a small nook in our kitchen where you can stay for a while..." he offered, "That is, if you don't mind?"

"I wouldn't mind, would you?" tanong sa akin ni Bea. Umiling ako.

"Well, the place is nice, and this room, at least, is quiet." sabi ni Bea habang tumitingin sa paligid.

Kasalukuyan kaming kumakain ng order naming tea and cakes. Sobrang busy pa rin sa cafe.

"Anyway," patuloy n'ya, "You never told me you were that close with the manager?" she asked with a frown.

"Sorry... napag-buhusan ko kasi s'ya ng sama ng loob." sagot ko nang pabulong. "Nabanggit ko na sawi ako sa pag-ibig."

Just then, bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Adan na may dalang empty tray. Agad akong tumahimik.

"Sorry, hindi ko kayo ma-entertain, how's your orders?" tanong n'ya.

"This is divine!" said Bea, taking another sponfull of her Amaretto Schichttorte. "No wonder the place is packed!"

"Thanks for the compliment!" sabi ni Adan, "Laking pasalamat nga namin at dumami na ang customers..."

May sasabihin pa sana s'ya ng bumukas ang pinto at sumilip si Abel.

"Oi, I'd hate to break your party, pero marami pang customers sa labas."sabi niya.

"I'll be right back." Adan told us.

"Sabi ko sa 'yo masarap dito eh!" pagmamalaki ko kay Bea.

"Oo, pero hindi mo sinabi na nag buhos ka ng sama ng loob sa mga taong 'di mo kilala!" sagot ni Bea habang kinakain ang cheese cake ko. "I blame the tea, but I partly blame myself for leaving you on your own!"

"Bea, alam mo naman, I wanted to be alone that time..." sabi ko sa kanya. "And it's good to have someone who can't judge you, simply because they don't know you too well." I sighed. "I guess yun ang tingin ko kay Adan."