Oh My Chef

Chapter 3

"How are you?" I asked.

"Fine. I heard you're here in the Philippines. When did you arrive? You didn't tell me so I couldn't go to your birthday. Anyway, belated happy birthday to you," she said.

"Yeah, I arrived yesterday. I'm sorry, Pearl. Nawala kasi sa isip kong sabihin sayo na nakabalik na ako," sabi ko habang tinitingnan ang mga naka pile apron na nakalagay sa lamesa.

I'm currently at the mall right now and I'm planning to buy an apron. Mabuti na lang at walang masyadong tao kaya hindi na ako mahihirapan. Kinuha ko ang white na may black stripes.

"So, what are you doing right now?" Pearl asked.

"I'm at the the mall right no—aray!" Napatigil ako sa pagsasalita nang may nakabangga ako at tumilapon ang hawak kong apron. Buti na lang at hindi cellphone ko ang natapon.

Hinarap ko yung lalakeng nakabangga sa akin. "Kuya, next time please watch wh—"

"I'm sorry." Mabilis niyang sabi at yumuko, pagkatapos agad na siyang tumakbo. I couldn't see his face properly because of his hat, but I saw a small scar on his left hand.

Grabe si kuya walang respeto. Hindi pa nga ako tapos magsalita umalis na agad, tapos binangga pa ako. Pasalamat siya mabait ako.

"Hoy Mikah! Buhay ka pa ba?!" Nabalik ako sa aking wisyo nang marinig ang pagsigaw ni Pearl sa kabilang linya.

"Sorry, may nakabunggo kasi ako. "Paumanhin ko. "Ano nga pala yun ulit?" Tanong ko habang pinupulot ang apron saka pumunta sa counter at binayaran ito.

"Sabi ko Mikah Safari Triton, pwede ba tayong magkita ngayong araw?" Diin niyang sabi.

"Oh sige, kung wala akong gagawin o pupuntahan," sagot ko.

"Wow, kararating mo lang nga busy ka na kaagad. Baka iniiwasan mo na ak—"

"Huwag ka ngang oa diyan. Wala akong sinabi na busy ako at lalong hindi kita iniiwasan." Pasigaw kong sagot sa kanya. Napakagat labi ako nang may ibang mga tao na napatingin sa direksyon ko dahil sa pagsigaw ko. Makaalis na nga.

"Sorry, naman."

"Teka, tumatawag si daddy." Putol ko sa sasabihin niya.

"Okay." Tanging sabi niya.

Sinagot ko ang tawag ni dad at inilapit ang phone sa tenga ko. "Yes, dad? Need something?" I asked.

"I don't need anything, but we need to talk right now," he said in a serious tone.

Nangunot ang noo. "Talk about what?" I asked again.

"Something important. Meet me at ****** restaurant," he said.

 "Okay, dad. I'll be there," I answered.

Aalis na sana ako nang magsalita pa si dad. "And Mikah..."

"Yes, dad?"

"Please be careful."

Napangiti ako. "Don't worry Dad, I'll be careful." I said and ended the call.

Pumunta muna ako sa messages at hinanap ang pangalan ni Pearl saka siya ti-next na hindi ako makakapunta.

Lumabas na ako ng mall ay sumakay na ng kotse ko. Pinaandar ko ang makina at umalis na.

Habang nagmamaneho hindi ko mapigilang mapapikit nang pumasok ang mainit pero preskong hangin sa kotse ko dahil nakabukas ang bintana. When I opened my eyes I hurriedly hit the brakes when I saw a person crossing the street and I was about to hit that person.

Oh my gosh! I should remind myself not to close my eyes again when driving. I almost made a big mistake.

I removed my seatbelt, hurriedly open the door, and went straight to the person I almost hit.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Sunod sunod kong tanong. Kulang na lang ay kapain ko ang katawan niya para lang masiguro na hindi siya nasaktan.

Hmm...I can guess from his build that he's a man. Sana naman hindi niya ako sigawan.

"I'm fine," he answered in a low voice almost like a whisper but I still heard it.

Nagpakawala ako ng malakas na buntong hininga habang hawak ang aking dibdib. "Thank goodness. I was really worried." I bowed my head a little. "Sorry, it's my fault. I was closing my eyes while driving." I said and was about to hold his arm but I was taken aback when he avoided it.

"It's okay." He said in the same tone. Mas lalong hindi ko siya naririnig dahil sa suot niyang mask.

"Why are you whispering? Are you ill?" Nagaalala kong tanong at titingnan na sana ang kanyang mukha nang takpan niya ito at biglang tumayo saka tuloy-tuloy na naglakad palayo.

Weird guy. I was only worried and I just wanted to help him, but it seems like he doesn't like it.

I stood up and went back into my car.

I almost forgot! I have to meet dad. I closed the window of my car and started driving, and this time I concentrated.

I arrived at the restaurant where I'll be meeting my dad. I parked my car and turn off the engine. When I entered the restaurant, a waiter went straight to me.

"Welcome miss Triton. He's waiting for you at the VIP room."

I smiled at him. "Thank you." I said and went straight to the room.

I open the door and saw him sitting on the sofa while drinking his coffee. I sat at the chair opposite his and face him.

"What is it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked straight to the point.

He put down the mug and leaned back on his sit. "Do you want to eat something? Or maybe a drink? Tea or juice?" He asked, not answering my question.

Umiling ako. "Nothing. Just say it, dad."

He sighs and crossed his legs. " I know you won't be happy with what I am about to say," he said. "Mikah, my friend has a son which has the same age as you and single. My friend and I had been thinking that you two should meet each other and try getting to know each other. Who knows, you might be compatible. They're having dinner tonight and I want you to come with me."

It took me ten seconds to process everything he said. Is he serious? He knows that I'm not interested but still insisted. Well, it's not that I don't like the idea, but, I just wanted to spend more time on myself being single.

"I'm not going and I'm not meeting that guy." I firmly said.

"But Mikah, you're already twenty-three. Please, Mikah, I haven't asked any favor except for this one. Can you please do it for me?" He said while holding both of my hands.

Does he really have to say it like that? Guess I'll just do it. I haven't had any boyfriends or even had a proper date. I'll just try and see if it works out.

I sighed heavily. "Fine. I'll do it dad, but don't force me if I don't want to do it anymore," I said.