Sweet Scent of Success (Horizon Series #1)

Chapter 3

Nagising ako dahil sa katok na galing sa aking pintuan. My eyes are still closed but I heard my Mom on the door.

"Zia, wake up! May lakad pa kayo ni Stella today remember?" She shouted.

I replied, "Yes, My. I'm awake!"

Mabilis akong tumayo galing sa aking kama at dumiretso na sa banyo para maligo.

I am wearing a Gucci checkered print cropped tube top with a tassel denim coat and a black jeans. Paired with a white sneakers.

I grab my phone and texted Estella.

Me:

Hey, S. Good morning! I'm now dressed up. I'll just eat my breakfast and I'm ready to go. See you later.

Bumaba na ako para makakain na ng breakfast. I saw Xavier eating at our dining table. I slightly tapped his shoulders and kissed his forehead.

"Good morning, Xavier!" I smiled at him.

I grab a bread and put on my plate. I saw my mom walking in her red fitted dress. She's looking good now.

"Hey, Mom. Good morning! You look great. Where are you going?" I asked her.

She replied, "Nowhere. I'll just meet my friends — I guess?"

I answered, "Yes, Mom. You should go! Maybe it's time for you to reach out to people again. But Xavier will be left alone here."

"No, darling. Isasama ko siya sa akin. He'll meet some of my friends sons and daughters. Para makihalubilo namin siya sa iba hindi lang puro mga katulong ang kalaro niya dito sa bahay. What do you think is it a great idea?" She said.

I responded to her fastly, "That's a good idea. I'm glad you're doing okay now. Well, I need to go now. I'm a bit late. Take care. I'll see you later." I kissed her cheeked and slightly poked the arm of my little brother.

Kinagat ko ang huling parte ng aking pandesal at lumabas na ng bahay. I went to my car and texted Estella that I'm on my way.

Me:

Hey, S. I'm on my way.

After a few minutes she replied.

Estella:

I'm already here at the cafeteria. I'll wait for you. Take care.

Dali dali akong nag-park sa loob ng school at pumasok na sa cafeteria kung saan naghihintay si Stella sa akin.

I saw her sitting near the window. "Hey, S. I'm sorry I'm late."

She shooked her, "No, no worries. It's okay. Napaaga lang talaga ako." Pansin ko nga na naubos na ang kape niya.

I glimpsed at her, "Oh. Ganon ba okay. Wait, I'll just order some drinks. Do you want something to eat? My treat since late ako." I laughed for a bit.

She announced, "Uhm... No, I'm full. Kumain na ako kanina sa bahay bago pumunta rito. Just order your drink. I'll wait for you here."

Nagkibit balikat ako at naglakad na papunta sa counter.

The cashier gave me a wide smile, "Good morning, Ma'am! What's your order po?" She asked.

"Can I have one Java Chip Frappuccino, please?" I babbled.

"One Java Chip Frappuccino is that all Ma'am? What's your name po?" She asked and gave me a sweet smile.

"Yes, please. That's all. Uhm... Blair. Just put my name as B-L-A-I-R. Thank you, Miss!" I cheerfully said to her.

Bumalik na ako sa table namin ni Estella. She looked stunning in her white Hettie Off Shoulder Velvet Crop and a black jeans.

"So kamusta si tita?" Tanong niya.

I clarified, "Well she's doing good, I guess. She's with her friends right now. Sinama niya si Xavier."

She looked shocked, "That's a good news. Buti nalang at lumabas na si tita after how many months na pagkakukulong niya sa bahay niyo."

I answered her, "Yes, I'm glad she is recovering now from Dad's death. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na nga."

Hindi na nagtagal ay narinig ko na ang pangalan ko. Naglakad ako papunta sa counter ng may ibang tao akong nakita na kumuha ng Frappuccino na ibinili ko. 

"Hey, wait. Who are you? That's my order, Mister." Sinulyapan ko ang cashier para humingi ng tulong.

Hindi ako tinignan ng lalaki kaya tinapik ko ang kanyang braso. Nagulat ako kung sino ang nakita ko sa aking harapan. He's the same guy I met at the cemetery.

"Woah. Blair. We meet again." He exclaimed and looked surprised.

"Wait... W—What? Ikaw na naman? Ilang beses ba sa isang linggo tayo dapat magkita huh at dito pa talaga sa school ko? Una sa sementeryo ngayon dito naman sa cafeteria. What's wrong with the world?" I ranted at him.

He laughed at me. Pulang pula na ang mukha niya sa kakatawa. "Siguro nakatadhana talaga tayo para magkita. Ang galing noh nagkataon na pareho tayo ng pangalan at nagkita pa tayo hindi lang isang beses kundi dalawang beses na. Don't you think we're destined?" He exclaimed and started laughing at me again.

"You're so annoying! I can't believe na ikaw ang kaparehas ko ng pangalan. Ang malas ko naman. Teka nga! That's my drink. Bakit ba na sa iyo huh? Akin na nga!" I threatened him.

Sumingit ang cashier sa aming usapan. "One Java Chip Frappuccino po for Ms. Blair. Pasensya na po sir, eto po ang order niyo, Mr. Blair." She looked confused and gave his coffee. 

"Bakit ba laging ako ang nabibiktima sa ating dalawa? Tss." He said annoyingly and gave me my drink.

"Easy peasy! Chill lang bro. Mukhang bad mood ata ang tukayo ko huh." I teased him.

He glared at me and furrowed his brows, "Ganda nga ng mood ko eh. Saya mo siguro asarin." He said while looking at me.

I rolled my eyes at him, "Shut up! I hope I won't ever see you again! Mamalasin na naman ako buong araw dahil sa'yo. Hays."

"No, you'll be lucky today. You have my name. I have your name. We are lucky. Your wish will never happen you know why? Because we are connected to each other. I know you know what I mean." He clearly said and turned his back against me.

Bigla akong napainom sa Frappuccino ko. Naglakad na ako pabalik sa aking upuan. Bago ako umupo nakita ko si Blair na sumulyap sa gawi namin. He winked at me and I saw his lips rose from laughing before going outside.

My lips parted and I fakely coughed and looked at Stella, "Hey. Let's go, S. Baka matagalan pa tayo." I sighed.

Tumango siya at naglakad na kami palabas ng cafeteria.

I really hate him! I wish I won't ever see him again. Tumataas ang dugo ko kapag nakikita ko siya. His presence makes me so annoyed and irritated.