Recapturing You [RCS#1]

ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ

🌄

"Wᴏᴡ! Tʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴇsɪɢɴ looks cute!" puri ni Benny na kapapasok lang sa kusina.

Holding a beautiful bouquet of tulips, she gracefully made her way towards me. Sporting a beige, button down shirt tucked in her tight jeans, at first look, she'd look conservative if it wasn't for her daring smile. She looked like a deceitful, prim lady.

"Thank you." I flashed back a smile. She stood beside me to have a nice peek on my work.

Katatapos ko lang mag-bake ng cake na pinaggugulan kong gawin sa loob ng ilang oras. Despite the long, idly hours, though, I couldn't be more tired. This has been making me happy. It pushes me to remember the sweet, old times.

"You should work for famous and bigger patisserie shops in the city than working at this small café!" She pulled a chair for her and laid down the flowers on the wooden, rounded table.

Apollo, her long-time boyfriend, sure has a nice taste. They have been together for about three years now. He is too handsome, talagang bagay na bagay sila.

Naiiling akong umupo sa harapan niya para tulungan siyang ilagay sa small vase ang mga preskong bulaklak.

"Paulit-ulit ko nang sinasabing mas gusto ko rito, Benny. This work feeds me, my needs are greatly supported, my wants are well-sufficed... what's your point?" I chuckled.

She rolled her eyes and tucked the few strands of hair behind her ear, exuding her pretty, heart-shaped face.

Siya ang may-ari ng maliit na café na 'to. Walong buwan na rin akong nagtatrabaho rito. She is cool and easy-going, our preferences meet perfectly so I instantly learned liking her.

"Alam ko pero sayang naman ang degree mo. I mean, kung sa mga mamahaling patisserie shops ka n'yan magtrabaho, makakabangon ka kaagad. You could make more than enough money to sustain your needs. Kung ako sa'yo..."

She no longer wants me here, doesn't she?

I laughed and shrugged. "Ayoko na sa syudad."

I have been badly wanting a peaceful life. I have been in many places but I have never been like me. Tingin ko'y mas lalo lamang akong nanghihina sa syudad. I tried my luck here in this province. So far, as early as one month, I suddenly felt like I should be here. Compared to the city, I am somehow comforted and at peace. Kahit hindi naman perpekto ang experience ko sa lugar na 'to simula pa noon, kahit ngayon.

The past years had been too challenging for me. I wasn't happy anymore over the littlest things. I felt like I was always soaking in the tub of anguish, I was always depressed, I was too empty. I had no colors, I felt very, very dull. I may not be too happy in this town, at least I am at peace. I still do not feel so much like myself... but I am at peace.

That made her silent, she held out my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She knew everything that I have been through.

"I know... How's your Mom?" pag-iiba niya ng usapan.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya at saglit na natulala. Kumusta na nga kaya? Lately, I have been so distant at her for so many reasons. I miss her so much.

Umiling ako at pilit binabale-wala ang bara sa aking lalamunan. "Auntie assured me that she's been doing good."

She heaved a sigh. "Nakakausap na ba?"