Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 28

Heat. Nothing but disturbing heat penetrating the skin. 

It was inevitable. They were bathing in the sun in the middle of the day by the beach. Plus, they spent all day yesterday finishing the kiosk for the event. The previous weeks had been hectic. But now is not the time to relax. 

Sweet Macys’ was invited to the Summer Beach Fair for two consecutive days. A campaign made by Christoph to promote livelihood and tourism. The harbor was completely developed and visitors would go onboard a ferry. It was unbelievable how the town improved in a short period.

Businesses, either small or large were invited to display and sell their products to incoming visitors. The government was hoping this movement would attract more people in the future. 

“Oh, God! He is so cute!” 

Girls squealed in delight at the sight of Miko. They crouched down stroking the adorable host. Miko stood by the menu board with Jenny greeting the customers. He loved all the attention he was getting. 

“Miko could even be our mascot,” Stef told Kaye as they stood behind the counter. 

Kaye laughed. “I don’t think he would turn down the job. He seemed to be enjoying himself out there.” 

Kaye decided to bring him along since they would be outdoors. She didn’t want him to stay copped up at home alone. 

Everyone agreed to him tagging along. Jenny even made his uniform. A black silky vest and bow fit comfortably to his size. It was classy. Unlike them who were only wearing lightly fabricated shirts and black aprons. 

“Three more orders of Rainbow Parfaits, please,” Stella approached them and handed the meal ticket.

It was their latest addition to the menu for the fair. It consisted of layers of vanilla ice cream and a variety of fruits: papaya, strawberry, and mangoes topped with berries. 

It was a big hit. Even the Smoothie Bowl grabbed some attention. 

“Pops, I have an order of Chef’s Salad and a Pesto Chicken Penne for you. And Kaye, you have one Smoothie Bowl for later.”

Jenny was breaking a sweat when she handed the orders. It's a good thing that despite the heat, it was still a bit breezy and coconut trees protected them from the blazing sun.  

“I have two Club Sandwiches, Pops. And two Rainbow Parfaits, Kaye,” Stella came back with another set of orders.

“Damn. We have been busy since we opened this morning. Not that I complain,” Jenny was idling by the counter.

“I know. So this isn’t exactly the time for you to be loafing around.” Kaye handed her a bottle of water and some treats. “Now give these to Miko. If you’re tired, so is he.”

“Oh, wow. For a moment there you sounded like a real owner,” Jenny acted all surprised.

Jenny was waving the treats playfully as she left. Well, Jenny was right. She did sound a little serious back then. 

Keith suddenly came in catching his breath with bags of things Kaye asked for.

“Man. Why does Geraldine’s stall have to be placed on the other end of the shore.”

His face was covered in sweat. Looked like he came from a long journey.

“Thanks, Keith.” Kaye took the bags from him. “You can go on break now.”

The young man seemed relieved as he took a deep breath.

After passing his school entrance exam, he started working again at the cafe. He was a smart kid but his perseverance was his key to success.  

“Here. We prepared these for you. You can eat at the back,” Stef gave him a Creamy Pasta with Garlic Bread and a can of soda.

Keith expressed his gratitude and quickly ran to the back. He looked starved. He was already biting off the bread when he left.

“Pops, you can take a break too. I can handle this much for now.”

“But there are still people coming in,” Stef said worriedly.

“Nah. It’s fine. We have short orders anyway,” Kaye patted the old man’s back to reassure him.

Stef might not say it but he looked a little tired already. The busy week was taking its toll. Must have been because of the heat, too.

“Alright. I’ll take up on your offer then,” Stef untangled his apron to take a break.

He was about to leave the counter when she called him back. He didn’t make any for his meal.

“Oh, my daughter made me lunch earlier. So I’ll pass on staff meals for now.” 

Stef looked proud. He smiled from ear to ear. She could imagine his surprised face when his daughter gave him the packed lunch. If her calculations were correct, his daughter might already be in her first year of senior high school by now. 

His wife had always been weak and sickly. So most of the time, he was the one doing chores at home especially the cooking. So he would always brag about how his children were independent and helpful. 

“Girl power on a lunch rush?” 

Rena suddenly came up to her. She looked refreshing wearing a yellow sundress with a brimmed hat.

“Hey. I barely see you nowadays.” Kaye responded. “Where are the kids?” 

Rena pointed to the menu board. The pair in question were snuggling up to Miko. She also noticed her husband was present, too. Seemed like a family outing. 

“Looks like you guys plan on swimming,” Kaye couldn’t help but notice the twins wearing swimming trunks and puddle jumpers.

“Yeah. It’s a rare occasion for him to be here in summer so we’re trying to make the most of it,” Rena referred to her husband.

Rena didn’t have a nanny. She was hands-on with their kids. She decided to give up her career in designing and focus on her family. They have twins after all. 

Her husband was working as a government secretary. With all the programs going on in Mt. Salvador, he would always spend his time on trips outside of town. 

“Probably, once the vice mayor closes some deals he would get to spend more time with us.”

Rena appeared to be happy but with discontent in her eyes. Couldn’t blame her. They vowed to be together but she got stuck at home on her own with the kids. 

Kaye never knew married life would be so tough. She could somehow understand why Macy remain single. Someone who can juggle their career, personal life, and family altogether would be an outstanding person.

They chatted for a little bit until their food was ready. She personally delivered their meals and greeted her family. 

“You all enjoy now, alright?” she told them before going back to the counter.

But as soon as she turned her back, she heard Miko howling excitedly. She looked back and she saw him all over Martin with a very familiar date. 

She was grinning suspiciously when she approached the pair fawning over her dog. 

“Martin, Emily. Thank you for visiting,” she greeted. A close look at them, she noticed how their hands were clasped together.

The couple looked a bit shy before greeting her back. She playfully pinched Emily on the side at which the latter only responded with a stick-out tongue. Like a teenage girl in love.

Kaye shook her head. She could not believe how fast they were progressing. Not that she was against it. She loved how they were getting along pretty well. She just couldn’t keep up with the pace. 

“I’m sorry I need to return to the counter,” Kaye said apologetically as she noticed orders coming in.

Before going, Kaye endorsed Stella to their table. 

“Order whatever you want. It’s on me,” she especially winked at Martin before turning her back.

She couldn’t contain her happiness while observing the pair from the counter. She kept praying for Martin’s happiness but she didn’t expect it would be sooner than expected.

Emily was keeping the mood bright with all her stories and energy. Meanwhile, Martin glued his eyes on her with so much interest. Things looked promising to both of them.

“Guess there is no such thing as too late for everyone,” Jenny sighed as she sat by the counter.

“What? Are you trying to get hitched too?” Kaye raised a brow.

“Hmm… Who knows?”

Jenny got her thinking about it. After all, her friend was a certified workaholic. She seldom took her days off. Neither has she seen her on dates. Nor did she hear her telling anyone about men. So, it would be a great surprise if she showed any interest in men or romance. 

Jenny was still looking far away when she suddenly turned to Kaye with a suppressed grin. 

Jenny was playfully pointing at the approaching familiar figure. It was Mykel in uniform with Miko skipping behind him. He was walking confidently and for a while there, Kaye thought time went on slow motion. She blinked multiple times to ensure she wasn’t hallucinating. She got orders to fill in.

“Hey, ladies. Aren’t you all famous today?” Mykel said once he sat by the counter. “Bunch of people was asking where your kiosk was.”

Jenny cackled a hearty laugh. Kaye looked at her with wide eyes. Her friend was overreacting, it's difficult to watch. 

“Aren’t we all today? That was the plan after all,” Jenny responded.

“That’s true.” Mykel then turned to her. “Have you had lunch yet?”

Kaye was conscious. Jenny was giving her the look she gave Martin just moments ago. Is this karma?

“Umm… No, but -- “

Jenny cut her off after a glance behind her. “Perfect timing. She was about to go on break. Right, Pops?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. I was just done with mine,” Stef replied with a satisfied look on his face.