(RILEY's POV)
"Isang hot choco po. Tsaka dalawang brownies." (One hot choco. And two brownies please.) a woman ordered.
"Hot choco and brownies? Coming up maam. Here's your table number." I said.
I took a hot choco cup from the kitchen counter and poured the pre-stirred hot choco. I added hot water to saturate the mix and stirred.
I got the cap and closed it.
Next, I opened the glass cake shelf, took brownies and put them on a plate.
And finally from the stack of trays, I pulled one and placed everything.
I was about to serve the customer when a guy approached the counter and another order came.
"Apat na strawberry frappe po tsaka glazed donuts po." (Four strawberry frappes and glazed donuts please.) he said.
"Got it sir. Serve ko lang 'to, I'll be right back." (Got it sir. I'll just serve this. I'll be right back.) I politely said.
"Sige po thank you." (Ok. Thank you.) he replied.
That is a common scenario and there are more extreme situations than that. I've experienced taking many orders at the same time.
I can't say I'm used to it already but one thing I know for sure is I really need someone to help me this time.
"Here's your hot choco and brownies ma'am. Just let me know if you need anything else." I said.
"Thanks." she answered as she exposes her perfect white teeth.
I quickly returned to the counter where the customer is waiting.
"Sir, thank you for waiting. Ahhh, four strawberry frappe tsaka apat na glazed donuts no sir?" (Sir thank you for waiting. Ahhh, four strawberry frappe and four glazed donuts right sir?) I asked to clarify.
"Oo tama po." (That's right.) he said.
"Ano pong size nung mga frappe sir?" (What are the sizes of the frappes sir?)
"Medium lang po." (Medium.) he answered.
And then a woman came approaching him.
"Gawin mo nang large yung isa kuya." (Upgrade one order to large please.) she abruptly said.
They looked at each other. The woman is smiling but the guy looks bothered.
I think they know each other and so I answered.
"Ok ma'am."
"Jelly." he called as if he's stopping her to say any word from this point. But there's no stopping the woman.
"Tsaka magdagdag ka na rin ng isa pang donut. Favorite ko kasi yun eh." (Another thing, add an extra donut. It's my favorite.) she added.
"Teka teka. Hindi ka pwedeng kumain ng masyadong matamis di ba?" (Wait wait. You can't eat too much sweets, can you?) the guys asked.
"Bakit?" (Why?) the woman asked back innocently smiling at his 'friend'. "Madalang lang naman ah." (It's not that I eat sweets everyday.) she even added.
"Nakalimutan mo na bang sinabi sa medical mo 'yon? Di ba?" (Did you forget it was mentioned on your medical test? Right?) he confirms.
"Minsan lang naman ako kumain ng sweets ah!" (I don't eat sweets very often!) she defended.
It's starting to sound like a couple fight.
"Baka naman... natatabaan ka na sa 'kin kaya ayaw mo 'kong pakainin?" (Maybe... you are afraid that I will turn fat that's why you don't want me to eat, right?) she sulked.
Here we go.
"Hindi gano'n yon." (That's not what I mean.) he answered.
"Eh ano? Bakit mo pa ako dinala sa coffee shop kung ayaw mo akong kumain ng matamis?" (Then what? Why did you bring me to a coffee shop if you don't allow me to eat sweet?) she clamored.
You might want to order a coffee at a coffee shop. Sugar contents vary.
My eyes moved side by side looking at each of them whenever they throw answers in their defense.
"Concern lang ako ok? Pag ako niyan yung nag-e-ML magdamag, ang dami mo ring sinasabi." (I'm just concerned ok? Do I complain when you nag at me when I play ML all day?) he said.
"Ah basta. Kuya, large frappe tsaka extra donut." (Whatever. Mister, large frappe and extra donut.) and then she went to their place looking pissed and sat with their two other friends.
"Is there... anything else... sir?" I uncertainly asked.
The guy felt helpless. He just sighed.
I went to the kitchen counter to prepare the orders.
ML. I wonder if Jordan plays that too.
I gazed shortly at the table of the couple. They're not talking to each other while their friends are forcing them to make up to each other.
And then, all of a sudden what happened few days ago in Cavite crossed my mind.
I think I've had enough of couples fighting in my presence.
While preparing the order, I saw my phone lighting up with a message request.
A person named "Rome" messaged me.
"I'm interested to work at your coffee shop. I have experience in coffee making, serving customers and other related jobs. I hope you could consider me." he said.
Finally, a person to sent me an application.
Then I typed in, "I received your application Rome. When are you available to visit the shop?"
But even before pressing send, someone called my name from the serving counter.
"Riley." he said.
When I turned around, it was Jordan.
I was surprised for a moment to see him here. I came to him.
"Oh. Ahmm." I said. I didn't know what to say after what happened last time. "Gusto mo ba ulit ng machiato?" (Do you want a machiato?) I awkwardly asked.
"Hindi. Nandito ako para mag-apply sa'yo." (Nope. I'm here to apply.) he said.
"Ha? Anong sabi mo?" (Ha? What did you say?) I asked.
"Di ba naghahanap ka ng waiter dito sa shop mo?" (You're looking for a waiter in your shop right?) he asked.
I didn't answer. I can't process what he just said.
He must have seen my post or one of the two, Gino or Patric, told him.
He wants to be a waiter here?
Is he getting back at me because of something?
Ooooh. Suspicious. So suspicious it gives me goosebumps.
"O baka may nakuha ka na? Ah sige aalis na lang ako." (Or you already found one? I'll leave then.) He was about to leave when I stopped him.
"Teka teka teka teka." (Wait wait wait wait.) I said. "Gusto mong magtrabaho sa'kin?" (You said you want to work for me?)
"Oo bakit?" (That's right.) he said.
"Eh di ba may trabaho ka?" (How about your work?) I inquired.
"Nagbawas ng manpower sa office. Home-based ako ngayon kaya mas marami akong free time." (The office has cut manpower. I was home-based so I have so much free time.) he said.
Really?
"Kaya... kung gusto mo tulungan muna kita dito." (That's why... I can help you if you want.) he added. "Pero kung ayaw mo naman sabihin mo lang hindi naman kita pipilitin." (But if you don't, just tell me, I won't force you.)
For a second I was chuckling inside. Is he sulking?
I was looking at my phone. It was just a click away to hire a more experienced person but I...
"Sige ba." (Alright then.) I replied.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" (What do you mean?) he asked.
I nodded and then I said "Try natin." (Let's give it a try.)
"Sinasabi mo bang hired na 'ko?" (Are you saying I'm hired?) he asked.
"Oo. You're hired." (Yup. You're hired)
"Gano'n lang kadali?" (That easy?)
"Gusto mo ba may interview pa?" (Are you suggesting for an interview?)
"Teka. Sinasabi ko sa'yo na first time kong magtrabaho sa coffee shop ah." (Hold on. Let me tell you this is my first time working at a coffee shop.)
"Wala namang problema 'yon. Pwede naman kitang turuan. Madali lang naman matutunan ang mga bagay dito. Magaling yung teacher mo eh." (That's not a problem. I could teach you. You can learn things fast here. You have a great teacher.) I jokingly bragged and then winked at him.
"Magaling na teacher huh." (A great teacher huh.) he responded. Then sarcastically looking everywhere and saying, "Nasan? Nasan yung teacher?" (Where? Where's that great teacher?)
I laughed. He laughed too.
"Excuse me po. Ok na po ba yung order namin?" (Excuse me. How's our order?) The fun was cut shortly as the guy from before approached us.
"Yes sir. Serve na po namin. Thanks for waiting." (Yes sir. We're about to serve them. Thanks for waiting.) I said.
"So kelan ako magstart?" (So when do I start?) he asked.
"Ngayon na." (Right now.)
"Ngayon na?" (Right now?)
I nodded. Yup.
"As in ngayon na?" (As in now?) he asked again.
"Oo. Ano ready ka ba?"( Yeah. Are you ready?)
"O sige.." (Sure...) he said doubtfully.
"Then..." I said and then I went back to the kitchen counter. I placed the tray on the order counter and instructed him "Iserve mo 'to sa table 10." (Serve this to table 10.)
"Yes boss." he said. I raised my head to tell him to go on.
"Teka, teka. Ilapag mo muna ulit yung tray." (Wait. Wait. Lay down the tray first.) I forgot he needs to wear an apron.
I quickly took one from the bottom cabinet of the kitchen.
When I got back to him, I put on the apron on him.
"Kaya ko na 'yan." (I can do that myself.) he said.
"Wag kang magalaw. Ako na magtatali sa likod." (Don't move. Let me tie it on the back.) I said.
"Sabi ko nang ako na eh." (I told you I can do it.) he said consciously soon as I finish.
"Ayan. Ok na." (There you go.) I said as I tap his back.
He took off to give the orders. As he places the tray on the table with a conscious look of a first-timer, I opened my phone quickly deleting the message I'm about to send.
I opened Camera and took a shot of him.
I locked it and saw him coming back.
"Kumusta?" (How is it?) I asked.
"OK pa naman. Meron lang akong isang bagay na ikinakabahala eh." (It think I'm good. There is just one thing that bothers me.) he said.
"OH. Ano yon?" (Oh, what is it?) I asked.
He took a deep breath before answering.
"Baka kasi hindi na umabot sa customer yung mga pagkain pag ako yung nagse-serve." (I'm afraid when I serve, the food will disappear even before it reaches the customer.) he explained.
I giggled.
He's suddenly showing this side of him that I once knew. Look at what heartbreak did to my friend.
"Kumain ka na ba?" (Have you eaten?) I asked.
He shook his head.
"Kung ganon, ibibili muna kita ng pagkain sa labas. Bantayan mo muna yung shop para sa'kin." (If so, I'll take out a food for you then. Look after the shop for me.) I said.
"Di na. Pwede na sakin ang cake. Hehe." (You don't have to. I can have a cake. Hehe.) Jordan replied.
"Sigurado ka? Eh halos lunch time na eh." (Are you sure? It's almost lunch time.) I suggested.
"Ooooh. Kung lunch time na, bakit hindi ka pa kumakain?" (Oooooh. If it's almost lunch, why aren't you eating?) he asked.
"Sanay akong magskip ng lunch lalo na pag sobrang busy dito. Diyan ka muna ah." (I'm used to skipping my lunch especially when it's busy here. Stay here ok?) I explained.
I was about to leave when he called.
"Riley."
"Ano 'yon?" (What is it?)
"Pa'no 'pag may nag-order?" (What will I do if someone orders?) he asked.
"Ilista mo muna sa sticky notes na makikita diyan sa counter yung mga order. Ako nang bahala pagkabalik ko. Mabilis lang naman ako." (In the mean time, list the orders on the sticky notes that you'll find on the counter. I'll take care of everything when I get back. I'll be quick.) I said.
My body is ready to activate Flash-mode when he called my name again.
"Riley!"
"Bakit?" (Why?)
"Damihan mo yung ulam ah tsaka extra rice na din." (If you could buy more dishes and extra rice please.) he requested.
"Roger."
Did I make him this hungry?
But he just served one table.
I was walking fast to get to the cafeteria where I always buy food.
When I reached the place, I saw a long queue of people.
A REALLY LONG queue.
At first I was like "Shoot! Ngayon pa talaga." but that didn't stop me from buying.
This place has so many good food with affordable price so it's worth the wait.
Anyway, after a few minutes, I bought the dishes that Jordan might like.
As I come closer to the coffee shop, I saw Luan's red car leaving the parking space nearby.
I paused as I saw her off driving her car in the opposite direction.
All of a sudden, I remember that day when Luan visited me for the first time.
Few days ago...
"At saka Riley. I just wanna ask a little favor." (And Riley. I just wanna ask a little favor.) she said.
"Sure. Anything." I answered.
I wonder what could it be.
"Malapit na kasi yung anniv namin ni Jords." (It's about our anniversary.) she said. "I'm thinking of giving him a little surprise."
"Sure, why not? Sabihin mo lang sa akin kung anong matutulong ko." (Sure, why not? Just tell me how could I be in any use.) I answered.
"Talaga? Thank you. You're his best friend kaya malaki ang matutulong mo. I want to make this special for him. Matagal pa kaso gusto kong maging perfect ang lahat." (Really? Thank you. You're his best friend so I know you could help me with this. I want to make this special for him. I just want everything to be perfect) she said.
"Una ko palang siyang makita, nagustuhan ko na siya." (The first time I met him, I knew I liked him.) she added. "Akala ko sa drama lang nangyayari yun at di ko akalaing makikilala ko siya." (I thought that only happens in dramas and I can't believe I met him.)
That day, her eyes are filled with sincerity.
I didn't know if what I am thinking right now is still relevant.
But after what happened in Cavite and before he showed himself here asking to work for me, I and Jordan didn't really talk much.
And even before that day when he and Luan fought, from the day he met me after 3 years, we didn't really hang out and talk. No one's reaching out to meet whom.
I'm trying to gain my confidence to call him but for some reasons, I just can't.
It feels like we didn't even know each other. We're so distant as if we didn't share a friendship for a very long time.
It hurts I must admit.
But that day when Luan told me how she feels, how she's excited to celebrate their anniversary, somehow it came to me. The realization that Jordan is now spending his time with someone else.
My best friend is dating someone.
I can't expect him now to be that guy from three years ago who just only thinks of games or where to go out with his friends.
I wasn't there to see him mature, to see the changes and developments that happened to him so I have no right to complain. It's my fault for not saying goodbye to him and telling him the reason why I left.
But right now, I want to make up for that by being that friend who is always willing to listen to all of his problems.
But it seems like his problem is solved even before I lend an ear to listen.
I entered the shop.
Jordan is standing at the order counter. He's looking so far away.
Is this guy spacing out at work?
On his first day?
I snapped my finger in front of his face. "Bakit tulala ka?" (Why are you spacing out?) I asked.
"Oh. Nandiyan ka na pala." (Oh. You're already here.) he said as he snaps out of his deep thought.
"Anong nangyari sa'yo?" (What happened to you?) I asked.
"Ahh wala. Nakabili ka na ba?" (Ahh, nothing. Do you have the food?)
"Oo. Heto, kumain ka na." (Yup. Here it is.) I said as I show him the food wrapped with a plastic bag.
"Nga pala Ri, dumaan nga pala si Luan para ibigay sa'yo 'to." (Before I forget Ri, Luan came by to give this to you.) he said as he put over a box.
He opened it. I saw ground coffee beans inside.
"Woah." I exclaimed. "Ito yung hinahanap kong coffee bean ah." (This is the coffee bean that I'm looking for.) I said as I inspect the beans on my palm and then I looked at him.
I guess I was wrong when I thought his problem is already solved.
I think their meeting didn't turn out well.
"Tara kain na tayo." (Come on let's eat.) he invited.
"Kunin mo na'to." (Take this.) I said while handing him the plastic bag. "Itatabi ko lang 'to." (I'll just put this aside.)
"Hindi ka pa ba sasabay?" (Aren't you eating with me?) he asked.
"Mamaya na lang. Walang magbabantay dito eh." (I'll eat later. I have to tend the shop.)
"Tignan mo nga oh. Wala nang masyadong tao. Wala ding pending orders." (Can't you see? You don't have many customers and there are no pending orders either.) he explained.
OK OK calm down. You said it that way. You left me with no choice.
We decided to eat in the kitchen counter so that if ever someone would come, we can still serve them.
Jordan sat waiting for me to finish preparing the food. I gaze at him once in a while and I can see he's still spacing out.
After setting up the table, I gave him a plate.
"Thanks. Teka, bakit isa lang yung plato? Asan yung sa'yo?" (Thanks. Wait, where's your plate?) he wondered.
"Ah. Ok pa naman ako. Kain ka lang ng kain." (Ah. Don't worry about me. Help yourself.) I answered.
"Hindi pwede. Sa'yo 'tong isang rice. Ang daming ulam oh!" (Not happening. This rice is yours. Look at all these dishes!) he insisted handing me the rice which is still plastic wrapped.
"Sigurado ka? Akala ko gutom ka eh." (You sure? I thought you're starving?) I asked.
"Sige na kunin mo na. Ang dami mo pang sinasabi eh." (Come on, take this. You surely nag a lot.) he offered "very nicely".
Is this how you offer kindness to people Jordan?
I took it.
"Kaya ka ba nagpabili ng extra rice at nagpadagdag ng ulam para sa 'kin?" (Is this why you told me to buy extra rice and dish?) I said as I took a plate from the dispenser.
"Oo. Bakit?" (That's right. Why?)
"Ang sweet mo naman." (You're so sweet.) I said while transferring the contents to my plate.
"Shut up. Akala mo ba maganda yung nagpapalipas ka ng gutom? Sa susunod na gawin mo 'yan, isusumbong kita kay Tita Leah." (Shut up! Do you think it's good to skip lunch? Don't do this again or else I'll tell Aunt Leah.) he said.
"Opo." (Yes sir.) I just answered.
"Tsaka tingin mo ba talaga mauubos ko lahat ng 'to?" (And do you think I can finish all these?) he said then ate a spoonful.
I chuckled.
"Nagustuhan mo ba yung ulam?" (Did you like the dish?) I asked.
"Oo naman. San mo binili 'to?" (Absolutely. Where did you buy this?)
"Diyan lang sa malapit. Buti naman nagustuhan mo." (In a nearby cafeteria. It's great that you like it.) I answered.
I didn't want to end there but I am trying to be careful of what I'm saying around him. I didn't want him to be uncomfortable especially this time when he's not himself.
"Jordan?"
"Huh?"
I was about to ask him about Luan. But on a second thought, I'd rather wait for him to be the first one to talk about it.
"Nagswitch ka na pala sa contacts." (I see you switched to contacts.) I commented.
He turned shy.
"Ahhh-ahm." he said. It looks like he's about to choke. "OO! Para new look naman. Bakit ba?" (That's right! I want a new look. Why do you ask?) he said.
"Wala naman." (Nothing.) I said. "Bagay mo pala na walang salamin no?" (I think you look good without glasses.) I added.
"L*l. Anong sinasabi mo?" (L*l. Shut up.) he said shyly looking away.
Then I giggled.