#Wattys2023 Winner: Best Characters Award
❝This was probably what people meant when they said they disappeared into a moment.❞
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College exes Laurine Antoinette "Laurie" Navarro and Simeon Lee Aguirre didn't really expect to meet again. But with...
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❝His touch contrasted the cold floor pricking the soles of her feet.❞
— ❁ —
ALL MORNING, Christmas songs blasted through the café's speakers. Laurie thought of drowning out the festivity but she didn't. Marami kasi ang customers, gawa ng Christmas discount nilang 10 to 15 percent.
Nasa gitna siya ng paghikab nang kumagingking ang door chimes.
Upon meeting Lee's eyes, she felt hers light up. He seemed to be happy to see her, too, underneath the face mask he wore. Saglit na nilibot ni Laurie ng tingin ang café. Mayamaya, tumuro siya sa mesang katabi ng bintana. He responded with a thumbs up and walked towards the table.
Before meeting him, she approached Malie and Cheska. Cheska manned the register while Malie prepared the drinks.
"Mal, naka-plate na 'yong dalawang order ng tortellini. One goes with the signature blend and the other one—" Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "—kasama yata no'ng carbonara and strawberry chocolate cake."
"Miss Laurie, may isa pa pong order ng tortellini. Uh, 'yong may kasama pong dark mocha," nag-aalangang paalala ni Cheska.
Laurie clamped her hair, then she grabbed a clean plate. Nagmamadali niya iyong nilagyan ng pasta at garlic butter sauce. Sighing, she placed the dish on the counter. "Cheska, you can call me 'Ate'. Ilang beses na rin kitang sinabihan na i-drop 'yong 'po', 'di ba?"
"Ay, sorry po."
Mahina siyang natawa. Nilingon niya si Malie pagkatapos. "I'm getting two slices of strawberry chocolate, okay?"
Malie pulled the lever of the espresso machine. "Two slices?" Bitbit ang dalawang baso ng kape, nilibot nito ng tingin ang café. She smiled knowingly as her eyes landed by the window. "Akala ko, busy si Lee? May ni-retweet siyang poster ng gig for later, e."
"Yep, kaya nga 'di siya makakapunta sa dinner mamaya."
"A, so kaya mag-e-exchange gift na kayo ngayon?" tanong nito habang sumasandok ng tapioca pearls.
Smiling, Laurie approached her best friend. Inayos niya ang pagkakatali ng apron sa baywang nito. "It's Christmas Eve and I'm not sure if we can talk over the phone later. Madaling-araw kasi set niya."
"Hmm, okay. May tira pa naman atang five slices," nakanguso nitong sabi. "What about drinks? Anong gusto niyo?"
Her forehead furrowed at the question. "Why are you suddenly treating me like a customer? I can manage, Mal."
Laurie glanced in Lee's direction before pouring a glass of iced tea. Muli siyang sumenyas kina Malie at Cheska. With the cake slices and iced tea, she walked toward him. Walang-imik niya ritong iniwan ang mga bitbit. Mukhang may kapalitan kasi ito ng text message.
