( Her Perspective )
_
Noticing Nathan
It started one Friday.
I remember how me and mom used to come here.
Friday was our day.
Lagi ako excited. Patakbo akong pumapasok sa loob habang tumatawa si Mama na nakasunod.
Nakakainis..
Nakaka'miss..
"Good afternoon Ma'am. Welcome to Jolibee! May I take your order please?"
Ngumiti ako. I've been coming here twice a week for the past few months.
Unlike when I was a kid, mag isa nalang ako na nagpupunta dito ngayon.
The thing is, whenever I'm here, I don't feel so alone.
Laging may ngiti na sumasalubong sa akin.
Kung pwede nga lang magtayo nalang ako ng bahay sa tapat ng Jolibee gagawin ko.
The familiar taste of chicken joy and my favorite sundae never fail to make feel at home. At peace. Loved..
"Burger steak po." Just wanna try something new today. Nagchicken naman ako kahapon. Total, masarap naman lahat dito. "Isang regular fries at isang.."
"Sundae." He answered for me. He, meaning the cute cashier/service crew na lagi kong nakikita dito.
"Uh.." Hindi ko alam kong matatawa ako o mahihiya. I think I've been coming here too much. Mukhang alam na niya ang regular ko.
Napakamot siya sa batok niya. Then he smiled at me.
"I'm sorry Ma'am. Napangunahan ko po kayo. A-ano po ang gusto niyo?"
Natawa na ako ng tuluyan. His dimples are showing. Sarap kurutin.
"Nope. You're right. Sundae. I want sundae." I said.
"One burger steak, one regular fries, and one chocolate flavored sundae. Is that all?" He asked. I nodded. Dahil parang walang lumalabas na boses sa bibig ko.
"Coming right up!"
I tapped my fingers on the counter while waiting for my order. Hindi ko mapigilan sumulyap sulyap sa kanya.
Lagi akong nagpupunta dito alam na nga niya ang regular order ko. Hindi ko alam kung mahihiya ako o magiging proud?
I mean, let's face it.. fastfood isn't favorable for your health.
"Here's your order Ma'am. Enjoy your meal." He slightly pushed the tray towards me. I quickly glanced at his name tag.
"Thanks, Nathan." I answered.
Natawa ako dahil parang gulat siya. Nginuso ko ang nametag niya bago tuluyang umalis ng counter para maupo. Muntik ng ilipad ang kaluluwa ko when he bit his lower lip to suppress a laugh. He's cute.
Wait. Ano ba 'tong iniisip ko?
I can't think about that stuff. Not now. Not ever.
Natawa ako sa sarili ko.
Makakain na nga!