As If I Remembered

Chapter 1

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In the midst of another bustling afternoon at Oasis Cafe, the glass doors continuously swung open and shut as a steady stream of customers flowed in and out. As closing time approached, the majority of the patrons were university students, seeking a moment of respite from their busy schedules.

"One Iced Espresso. Two slices of cheesecake. And... Uhhm... 2 chocolate donuts," the woman at the front of the line placed her order, drawing the attention of those waiting in line. Their gazes were fixed on Drey, the man skillfully crafting coffee at the coffee maker machine. His presence, resembling that of a charming foreigner, captivated the many female and LGBTQ+ customers frequenting the cafe.

"Take out po, Miss?" Drey inquired as he swiftly noted down her order.

"Yes, please," the girl replied, stealing glances behind Drey as she waited for her order.

"Please wait for a couple of minutes as we prepare your order, Miss," Drey assured her before heading to the coffee maker machine to start fulfilling the request.

"Zach, here's another set of orders," Zach, engrossed in preparing coffee for other customers, gestured towards the table, silently indicating for Drey to place the order there.

The cafe buzzed with activity, especially during the students' closing hours. Its proximity to El Riego University made it a popular and convenient spot for the students, while also serving as the closest coffee shop to the city's office buildings, ensuring a steady flow of customers.

Zach efficiently completed two cups of Americano and four cups of espressos. As Drey served these to the customers, Zach promptly scanned the table tops for new orders.

"Why did Alice have to fall ill now? Just when we have a surge of customers. And Miss D is on leave," Warren, another employee, lamented upon returning from cleaning the tables.

"We always seem to be inundated with customers," Zach remarked without looking up, his English-accented Tagalog revealing his fluency in the language. His dedication and focus on work were evident to all present.

"Zach is right. This is nothing new for us. Let's just work double time," Drey added, echoing the sentiment.

As the clock struck five, the influx of customers only intensified.

"Warren, can you fetch some coffee beans from the storage room? We're running low," Zach instructed.

Warren promptly retrieved a box of newly delivered coffee beans from the storage room, his efforts to maintain a presentable appearance despite the physical exertion reflecting his dedication to customer service.

Warren's muscular build, in contrast to Zach and Drey, often positioned him as the primary handler of supplies from delivery trucks or the storage room.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, a familiar voice rang out, capturing the attention of the cafe staff.

"Dreeeeeyyy!" the voice exclaimed as she hurried into the cafe. Clad in her school uniform and high heels, she exuded a sense of urgency that drew the eyes of those present. She made a beeline for the counter to speak with Drey.

"Stella! You're so loud! What's going on now?" Drey chided her, attempting to quiet her down.

Undeterred, Stella let out another exuberant scream, prompting Drey to cover her mouth. Observing the curious glances from customers, Drey offered a slight bow as an apologetic gesture.

"Hi, Ella," Zach greeted swiftly from the coffee maker machine, positioned several meters away from the counter.

Stella acknowledged the greeting and redirected her attention back to Drey.

"What?!" Drey inquired, removing his hand from Stella's mouth.

"Remember that time I auditioned with you and Zach for Miss El Riego?" Stella asked excitedly.

"Of course. Why?" Zach paused his work, awaiting Stella's next words.

Stella displayed a text message from the pageant organizers confirming her qualification to participate.

"Woooah! Congrats!" Drey cheered enthusiastically, embracing Stella from across the counter.

Zach smiled warmly at Stella's news and resumed his tasks, attentively listening to his friends as they discussed the details.

The clearing of a customer's throat caught Drey's attention, reminding him of the five customers still waiting in line to place their orders. He promptly apologized and resumed his duties.

Stella approached the counter and made her way to Zach.

"Congrats," Zach greeted warmly as Stella drew near.

"Thanks. Thank you for your advice and support. You're an excellent mentor," Stella expressed with enthusiasm.

"Well... You can thank me by lending a hand. We could really use your help," Zach suggested, gesturing towards the trays of coffee ready to be served.

Observing the bustling cafe, Stella nodded in agreement and swiftly donned her personalized pink apron before returning to the counter.

"I'll handle things here. You take care of that," Stella directed as she took the notepad and pen, indicating the trays to be served. Drey nodded in acknowledgment.

Stella and Drey had been Zach's friends since their freshman year, serving as his closest companions. Zach, uninterested in forging new relationships since relocating to El Riego three years prior, found solace in their camaraderie.

Though not an employee of Oasis Cafe, Stella willingly lent her assistance to her friends during busy periods, showcasing her commitment to their bond. She even acquired the skills to make cappuccinos and espressos from Zach through her willingness to help.