22 // Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Pinalabas ako ni Jules ng kwarto niya after what felt like a million year. Inayusan niya kasi ako ng buhok para sa intimate celebration ngayon sa café.
Akala mo naman kung ano ang ginawa sa akin ni Jules. I still looked the same. If this wasn't a celebration of the café's milestones, I would have stayed in my room instead.
"Congratulations, Tita!" I greeted lovingly as I kissed her on the cheek.
"Oh, Viennica." She looked at me with similar expression. Hawak niya ang magkabila kong balikat. "Go greet some guests for me."
I just nodded. That's how we were to our parents, an extension to represent them. So during functions like this, we're expected to behave. Tita Lar is indeed my second mother, that's why I also do this for her.
From the café to our house, all guests schmoozed. Marami akong tinanguan na dumalo. Syempre binigyan ko rin sila ng sweet smiles ko because, diba nga, I can be a charmer myself.
I'm about to enter the real world, so I need connections. Kaya kahit hindi ko nakasanayan ay sinubukan kong makipagusap sa ibang bisita for a casual conversation.
"You finished Hospitality Management?" asked Mrs. Tolentino, isa sa business partners ni Tita.
"Yes po."
"If you ever need anything, you can come to me," mabait niyang sabi. I smiled and thanked her.
"Good evening, Mrs. Tolentino," bati ni Nolan pagkalapit sa amin.
Umatras ako to give them space.
"Wait, Viennica..."
Um-exit pa rin ako mula roon at naghanap ng susunod na kakausapin. Nahagip ng mata ko si Jerrick, nakikipagtawanan siya sa isang grupo.
Ang alam ko ay nakasama sa Sagada ang mga iyon. They're part of Nolan's creative team, I think. I saw Jerrick took out his phone as he talked to one girl. Iyong babae naman ay kinuha rin ang phone niya. Now it seemed like they're exchanging numbers.
Umikot ako kaagad para umiwas ng tingin. It's not the type of television series that I'd like to watch. But then may tao akong nabangga.
"Sorry..." sabi ko kaagad.
"Easy there." It's Nolan. He caught my shoulders. "Okay ka lang ba?"
Pilit akong ngumiti at tumango. He stopped me when I tried to exit again.
"Kamusta ka, Vie?" subok niyang magsimula ng conversation.
I took a quick glance behind me. I saw Jerrick now looking at me. Binalikan ko ng tingin si Nolan.
"I'm good. Congratulations din. I saw your works, everything looked great."
He's honestly good. I saw some of the promotional materials for the upcoming coffee branches that he did. Hindi rin naman nakakagulat dahil Tita Lar only works with the best people. Like me.
"Really? So I finally made an impression to you?" Napatungo siya at ngumiti.
I clasped my hands together. Anong sasabihin ko? Ahh! Why are conversations like these so darn complicated?
Hindi pa ako nakakasagot ay dumating si Tita Lar para tawagin si Nolan.
"Nolan, let's present your team to my colleagues."
Nag-alangan pa siya kay Tita, but because he's working for her he doesn't exactly have a choice choice. I then claimed this chance to bolt.
"Uhm, bye!" I quickly said with a lousy wave.
BINABASA MO ANG
Something That Will Last
HumorIt's always a normal day for Viennica to run around her auntie's cafe as a novice barista. She likes to think that she's good at brewing coffee, but not so much in making latte art. But she gets by. Afterall, she's her aunt's favorite-she thinks. Sh...
