She Was A Cupid

Chapter 4 | Gift of God

In a world where masks underlie unwanted truths, love takes the form of what we can possibly imagine. And when it is so hard to recognize, love comes by and unexpectedly knocks on our creaking doors...

–

Present day

Year 2024

ISANG malaking inat ang ginawa ko nang magising sa napakalakas na tunog ng telepono.

My eyes were still half-hooded when I looked over my phone and saw Charlotte's name flashed on it.

I don't feel like working after my visit yesterday at the memorial park and I already told her that. What's up with the early call?

Agad kong sinagot ang tawag.

"I'm not going to work today. I told you that last night." namamaos ko pang sagot hindi ko pa man naririnig ang anumang sasabihin niya.

Seconds later, I still heard no response from her except a tiny commotion happening at the other line. I can hear her amplified tone talking to whomever there is.

I immediately rose up from my bed.

"What's happening there, Charlotte?"I said and can't stop myself from yawning.

"Sir, Ms. Hailee is not available today. If you would just–"

"Tell her it's urgent."

"Sir–"

"Hey, Charlotte. Tell me what is going on." sabat ko nang mahinuha na kung ano ang nangyayari. Narinig kong humingi pa ng pasensya si Charlotte sa taong kausap niya sa kabilang linya.

Maya't maya pa tumahimik na ang paligid.

"Madam, someone is looking for you. He said he desperately wants to talk to you."ani Charlotte at napakunot ako ng noo.

"Did you check if he made an appointment?"

"Yes, madam. But..."

"But what?"

I know Charlotte heard me, but she silenced for a few seconds, so I repeated my question.

"But what, Charlotte?"

I almost think that Charlotte has become mute if I don't hear her uttering some incomprehensible words. What is so hard about telling me what is going on?

"I taught you how to deal with those–"

"Sir Arthur's friend is here."

Tila binuhusan ako nang malamig na tubig nang marinig ang sinabi niya.

What did she just say?

Di ko pa man napoproseso ang mga salitang narinig nang magsalita si Charlotte na para bang inaasahan niyang matatahimik ako.

"Madam, should I go and tell him to go back another day?"

Muli kong binalikan ang sinabi niya. Arthur's friend? He told me he didn't have one except for the guy that went overseas.

"Hold on. Just give me a minute." sabi ko at napahawak sa sentido.

It's been five years and out of all the people Arthur told me about, he was the first I expected to see at the funeral. Why does he only show up now?

Napahawak ako lalo sa ulo ko at nag-isip kung tama ba ang gagawin. Arthur's death nearly ended me, and I honestly had enough of recollecting memories. Talking with his friend at a time when I am still on the verge of succumbing to guilt will not be the best idea.