The Best Spare (Be My Girl)

Chapter 2

"Wow. I thought her mom will get mad at us for bringing her daughter home in that state," Shaun said as we are heading back to his car.

"Well, I kinda know Tita Cely and kind of establish my reputation of being a good buddy to Amy," pagmamalaki ko which is true. I met Amy's mom for like five times since Amy bring us to their family get together. Most of their events happen in the beginning of the year kaya bongga ang celebration nila.

"Ah. I see. So, let's go? Dad says you're just in Kapitolyo. Tama ba?" Him remembering what his dad told him probably days ago? Nagpanic buong katauhan ko. And he is going to drive me there as well.

"Uhm, no need. Sobrang abala na namin sa'yo today. Malapit naman na ang Pasig from here." I want to laugh at myself. Malapit? San Juan to Pasig? Distance, yes. But getting a ride from Amy's place? Lol. Ang tahimik pa ng paligid since Amy resides in a subdivision and I have to walk for like 15 minutes before I can reach the main road.

Nakita ko ang pagtaas ng kilay ni Shaun when I look at him.

"That's like a 15 minute walk, Eli. And you had a drink. Isa pa, Dad will probably bring me to court if I told him that I leave you to commute back to your place. And trust me. I don't want to defend myself for the entire weekend."

"Uhm, sure. You can drop me off anywhere in EDSA. Bus will be available there." Shoot. Why did I say bus?

"I'll probably look for a convenience store or if there is any open coffee shop before I go home? I actually want to eat something pa kasi kaya ayokong sumabay," I explained sheepishly. Please Lord, maniwala naman sana siya sa excuse ko. At ibaba nalang niya ako sa EDSA.

"Really? I actually want to go to a coffeeshop as well before I head home. I mean, I was not able to eat properly earlier with Dad since we have to talk some stuffs and I am craving for something sweets for the past one month since my diet won't allow," sagot ni Shaun and I really saw some relief in his face. Napangiti nalang ako at nawalan ng choice kung hindi sumama.

Lord, bakit? Napaniwala ko nga siya pero hindi ko naman sinabi sa dasal ko na gusto ko siyang isama sa alibi ko.

"I am really sorry Eli. Are you sure you are okay?" Shaun asked as we were heading to his car. May pagkamakulit din tong anak ni Attorney. Naka-ilang sorry na siya for the past 20 minutes.

"I am really okay. She did not hurt me in any way," sabi ko nalang pertaining to his patient.

While we were driving out of Amy's village, his phone rang and he was asked to go to the hospital to which my curiosity took over and I agreed. I was just in the lobby near his office when an old lady approached me and hug me while crying. Magpapanic sana ako kasi baka mamaya isa siya sa mga pasyente dun and hindi pa nakakainom ng gamot or something.
It turned out that she is indeed a patient but recovering. I've been bugging Shaun ever since we left the place on what triggered her mental health to be in such state. Pero as an unfortunate person as I am, Shaun won't budge citing patient-doctor confidentiality.

"Not even a clue?" I asked as I got out of the car after he parked it in front of a coffee shop along Kapitolyo.

"Nope. I am bounded by rules, Eli. Don't force me to say anything," sagot niya nang may pag-iling pa.

Ang hirap talaga kausap ng mga righteous people or shall I say anak ng lawyer? I pout as I normally do and got all awed after I saw where we are. It's my favorite coffee shop near my place. I can walk from here.

"Hope you like this place. Their coffee is decent but I would really recommend the ambiance. And their blueberry cheesecake is to die for...unless you are not a sweet tooth," Shaun said while he is leading the way to the entrance.

"Welcome to Midnight Cafe. Uy, Shaun. ikaw pala," bati sa kanya ng isang lalaki na nasa counter bago sumulyap saken. I have never seen the guy ever since na naging regular customer ako ng cafe na to.

"New date?" Narinig ko pang sabi. Hindi pa man nakakasagot si Shaun ay biglang lumabas si Abi, one of the staff ng cafe.

"Eli? Maaga ka para bukas. Ano'ng meron?" pang-aasar pa nito sabay hila saken papunta sa usual seat.

"Ayaw mo?" react ko sa kanya.

"Gusto. Ano'ng order mo today? Wait. Bat ko ba tinatanong? Dyan ka lang ha?" mabilis na sabi ni Abi bago dire-diretsong pumunta counter.

That's when I remember that I came with Shaun. I sheepishly look at him who has an amused face. I don't remember mentioning that I am a regular of this shop.

"I didn't know you are a regular here," Shaun teasingly said as he sat down across me.

"Well, " I just answered. Ano ba dapat isagot? I mean, una sa lahat, ngayon lang kami nagkita.

"What's yours for today? Black? Cappuccino?" interrupted by the man in the counter.

"What are you having?" Shaun asked me instead.

"Caramel Macchiato and blue berry cheesecake?" I answered wondering why does he have to asked my order.

"I'll have one hot Americano and 2 glazed doughnuts," sagot ni Shaun nang lumingon sa guy na nasa counter.

"That's Denver. He's the owner of this shop and a good friend of mine. You?"

"That's Abi. She's the one who always takes my order when I visit but I am not sure why she's in this late. Usually, she's on a morning shift," I explained. Tama naman ang ginawa ko di ba? Ginaya ko lang yung sinabi niya.

"How did you find this place, by the way? It's not located along other restaurants," he asked.

"Uhm, I lived nearby...can...can you not do that?" I asked in a low voice. I feel like I am being investigated as of this moment.

"What?" He seemed to really looked so confused as his eyebrows furrowed.

"Uhm, the way you look at me. I feel like you are interrogating me or something," I said nervously.

He smiled as he put his face down before he rubs his hand at the back of his neck. What's wrong with this guy? Is he embarrassed or what?

"Bad habits. I actually find you cute to look at, I can't stop staring," he said without any stutter.