Diary of an Introvert 2

14: A bag of freshly baked Malunggay bread

"How can I manage my work and relationship with others without compromising the other?" 

I asked to my self-proclaimed life adviser, Sir Francis. He listened and agreed that it's really difficult to manage both without sacrificing something. It was even hard for him to explain by definitions and theories so he just shared his own experience.

"In my case, my team knows that if I'm quiet, then I should not be disturbed. But what made me have a good relationship with the team? I spend time, even a little, to tease them and talk random things with them. I'd also bring them a bag of freshly baked breads in the morning, just to give them something. Without me noticing it, they appreciate my effort and even my existence.

So even when we don't take a lot of time just to talk, by the act of kindness, we are appreciated and noticed. You can try it if you want and see how it feels." 

He advised and so I followed. 

I woke up early the next day and bought a bag of freshly baked Malunggay pandesal, from the small bakery, found 2 blocks away from my house. 

As I arrived at school, I gave them the bag of bread and the look on their faces explained how glad they were. I also decided to spend at least 5 minutes to talk with them before starting my work, in my own room. Indeed, it feels light to start the day with a simple act of kindness and love.

Without me realizing it, Natalie and I started talking and making jokes again. Just like the old times. No awkward feelings; no painful smiles. Just pure words and laughter.

I am honestly happy today, Lord. I'm very thankful for the lessons that you're teaching me through these experiences and the people I meet. 

In the midst of this happiness, I remembered Oliver. I wonder if he's okay now? Is he still in pain? 

Something within told me that I should call him and so I did.

As he answered, I heard a heavy metal song playing in the background. He paused the music and started talking to me in his usual listless voice.

"Kailangan mo?"

"Busy ka?"

He yawned. "Bakit?"

"Gusto mong pumunta sa ospital? Balita ko, tutugtog at kakanta si Yukie sa dinner party ng mga bata." 

He yawned again. "Time?"

"6 pm."

"Okay." 

The call ended. Pupunta siya, di ba? Hay.

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 Hospital

"Ate, Cee!" Yukie called out to me while waving her hand. I entered her room and sat on the chair beside her.

"You look excited." I said, giving her a soft tap on her shoulder.

"Yes, ate. Salamat sa pagturo sakin. Hehe." 

"You're very welcome." I smiled. "What will you sing?"

She grinned. "Secret." It's the first time I saw her this happy. I'm glad I reached out to her that time.

"Kuya, Oli!" Yukie called.

I turned to face the person at my back and it was Oliver. I gave him a teasing look and smiled. "Oli?"

He shot me a glare and whispered, "Shut up." 

"Okay, Yukie. Pupunta na kami sa hall, ah? Good luck sayo."

"Thank you po, ate." 

We said good bye to her and went to the hall. We chose to sit on the chairs in front of the stage so Yukie can see us and we can show her support better. While waiting, I handed him a chocolate bread I got from the grocery store beside the hospital.

He looked confused. "Anong meron?"

"Hm? Wala lang. Baka gutom ka. Ayaw mo?"

"Hindi ako mahilig sa chocolates."

"Oh," I returned the bread in my bag. "Okay." 

"I like garlic bread." 

"That's nice."

"I'm saying, bilhan mo ako sa susunod." 

I looked at him and raised an eyebrow. He did the same.

We were like that until we heard Yukie's name. We focused our eyes on her. She looks beautiful on her white dress, holding the ukulele I have her while sitting on her wheel chair. She greeted everyone with a wide smile on her face and started playing the intro to her song.

From the first notes of the song, I knew that she wanted her mom to hear this. Thinking about her story again was making me sad.

"Are you crying?" He asked.

"Shut up."

"Hah. What's the use of crying?" Here he goes again with his emotionless face.

Unlike Jay, who wanted me to cry to release these pain, Oliver's pointing out that it's useless. Both of them, honestly, are making sense.

"Cee." He called my name for the first time.

"Oh?"

"Huwag kang umiyak pwede?"

"Ha? Teka nga---what's the big deal---"

"Hindi ko alam. But I guess, I'd feel hurt if I see you cry."

My heart skipped a little as he held my hand.

"So please don't cry." He continued. "At least, not in front of me." 

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Uhmm, Lord? Please explain this.