Alluring Scent of Heaven (AS#1)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Necklace

"One caramel latte for Ms. Reign!" 

I set my palms down flat on the table. It's already noon and the sun's shining so brightly. Buti na lang malakas ang aircon dito sa loob ng café. I still feel so dizzy and my head hurts so much. 

"Oh, Meizha" nagulat ako sa boses ni kuya Tryden. "May sakit ka ba?"

Kuya Tryden owns and manages this coffee shop for about 20 years already. Sinabi niya sa'kin na 29 years old daw siya nung simulan niya ang business na'to. I've been working for him for 6 years already eversince my family left me. Si kuya Tryden na rin ang tumayong ama ko sa buong anim na taon kong pag-iisa.

"Huh? Wala po akong sakit!" I chuckled.

"Ang putla-putla mo oh. Mukha kang pagod na pagod. Nag-iinom ka na naman ba kagabi ha?"

I remained quiet and lowered my head, avoiding eye contact. Binatukan niya lang ako at naglakad papunta sa office niya. He's always like that whenever I'd go to work feeling nauseous or haggard.

"Oh, inumin mo" Belle handed me an ibuprofen. "Sabi ko na nga ba makakalimutan mo na naman dalhin. Hay nako!"

Belle's my workmate and we also hang out sometimes. I think she's the reason why customers are increasing these days. She has a rosy skin, almond-colored eyes, wavy hair, and she's charming! Belle's the typical woman every guy wants. 

"Thanks" I took the pill and drank it. She gave me a glass of water and tugged the strands of my hair behind my ear that were blocking my face. 

"Ayan, inom pa!" she teased. "Iinom-inom ka tapos hindi mo maaalagaan ang sarili mo!" bulyaw niya.

I threw myself on the couch since there were no people around. Belle sat in front of me and checked her phone. I also took out my phone and looked if there was a message from the guy yesterday but there was none. Not even one. I didn't even ask for his name. I just know his face and that's all. 

"Magg-grocery nga pala ako mamaya. Sasama ka ba?" Belle asked.

"Mm. I also need to buy necessities"

I suddenly flinched when a notification popped up and even slouched from the couch. It was from an unknown number at nalaman ko agad kung sino 'yon. 

*Unknown number

Hey. U available today?

I adjusted my seat and quickly typed a response.

*me

Hello! I'm up for it. Where should we meet up?

*Unknown number

Workplace

Workplace? ko? niya?

Before I could even ask him, he already replied and said that he's going to my workplace.

I sent him the address of the café. I felt nervous right after sending it that my hands are shaking. Paano kung stalker pala siya? 'Di ko talaga alam kung bakit natulog siya sa kuwarto ko. I should probably ask him that. Yes. It should be a valid reason. Yes.

Bumalik na kami ni Belle sa counter nang pumasok ang ilang customers. Sinabi ko sa kanya na dito na lang kami sa café mag-lunch dahil baka dumating yung lalaki mamaya. 

We ate inside kuya Tryden's office dahil malaki 'yun at saka masarap ring tumambay doon. I told Belle everything that happened yesterday, including the man I met yesterday. I also told her that he's meeting me today that's why we had lunch here.