ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE

5.1 Meeting Shine

XYLARA REYNA VIOLA

Nasa coffee shop ako ngayon kasama si Janessa. Umalis si auntie Vanessa dahil may meeting siya kasama ang supplier namin dito sa shop. Anim na taon na si Janessa, masunurin at matalino, kaya madali ko siyang naturuan kung paano batiin ang aming mga costumers. Sa cute ng batang 'to tiyak kong mapapangiti namin ang mga dadating.

"Good morning miss beautiful!"

Ngiting bati ni Janessa sa bago naming costumer. Isang magandang babae na may mahabang blond hair, naka jeans, croptop, at heels.

She smiled, "Good morning din sayo baby. Awh, ang cute mo naman," puri niya na naka puppy eyes pa.

"Thank you! "

" Kasing cute mo ang baby ko." Di mawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ng costumer habang nakatingin kay Janessa.

" What would you like to order maam?" Pormal kong tanong sa kanya habang nakangiti. Ipinukol naman niya ang tingin sa menu board na nasa likuran ko.

"Dalawang iced coffee for take out. "

Pinindot ko kaagad sa countertop kiosk ang kanyang order. "Ano pong pangalan na ilagagay sa cup, maam?"

"Shine, the other cup will be Shine too."

Nakangiti akong tumango at inihanda na ang dalawang iced coffee.

"Two iced coffee for Shine," tawag ko matapos ihanda ang order, agad naman siyang lumapit. Matapos niyang iniabot ang cash ay ibinigay ko ang resibo.

"Nakakatakam tingnan ang mga cake ninyo ah," lingon niya sa cake fridge na may lamang ibat ibang flavors ng cake.

" Masarap po 'yan ma'am, I can asure that. Nag di deliver din po kami," kumuha ako ng pliers namin at iniabot iyon sa kanya," may contact number po kami d'yan. Baka sakaling maisipan ninyo mag order."

Nakangiti siyang tiningnan ang pliers, "Okay, Thank you."

When Shine left, I was busy polishing the tables while Janessa was sitting near the counter playing on her ipod.

"Ay palaka!" I gasp, the disinfectant spray from my hand flew into the air. Everything turns into a slow-motion. Heavens!, I need to catch it!

I'm paying attention to the bottle as it flips in the air. If I don't catch it in time, it will really hit my forehead.

"Aah!" Oh, no! I stepped on something, what is it? Oh!, now bracing myself! I'm going to fall and slip on the floor. Help! I just closed my eyes. This is going to be painful!

"Yeah, a frog. But definitely a prince one."

Someone spoke close to my ears. Didn't I slip? I opened my eyes. I'm in someone's arms. But who? I looked up to recognize who's the one who caught me from falling.

"Kanji?" I whisper, but I think it's audible.

"Did I startled you?" His blue eyes are now an inches away from my gray ones.

I found his left arms around my waist to support me from falling, while his right hand is holding the disinfectant spray.

I didn't move. My both palms are covering my cheeks. I gulped. We're staring each other few seconds ago 'til now. His eyes, its lustrous. When I first saw this man, I couldn't help but judge him. I thought he has a chilly personality, but what I'am seeing on his eyes right now is different. His blue eyes reflects the endless horizon of tranquility. You can truly appreciate the view up close.

Wait.What?

Hey, Reyna what the hell are you thinking?Where did the wind blow your thoughts!

"AH!" I screamed when Kanji suddenly released me. My ass fell to the floor so bad.

"Ah, Aray!" f**k, it really hurts. It's like being stroked by a strip of wood in the butt. I'm sitting on the floor and rubbing where it hurts.

"Ang bigat mo kasi, 'dina kinaya ng braso ko. "

I looked up. Grr!

"Have you lost your sanity? Why did you do that? " I look at him fuming with anger.

"It's not my fault, you're hefty. I think you need tips on how to get rid of pudgy body." His hands on his pocket while talking.

He's now wearing a fancy tux. Yeah, I admit, he's freaking classy and attractive on his looks right now. But, I would have appreciated his looks even more if my butt didn't hurt this bad. And what is this pudgy he is talking? A bag of rice is even weighty than me!

"E'di sana hindi mo na ako sinalo."

Tumayo na ako at naglakad pabalik sa counter.Nakita kong tumayo si Janessa na nakangiti.

"Good morning Mr. handsome!"

Napalingon ako kay Janessa, siya lang ang nagsabi no'n, hindi ko siya tinuruan.

"Good morning to you too, Baby beautiful."

Sabi ni Kanji na nakatingin saakin. Wait. Hindi naman ako ang pumuri sakanya. Pinagsikapan kong bawiin agad ang aking tingin, baka mamaya maulit nanaman yung titigan kanina. f**k, medyo dinadama ko pa ang aking puwet.

"Janessa, what would you like to say? He said you're beautiful," mabait na ang tono ko ngayon. Syempre di'ko pweding turuang ng masamang asal 'tong cute na batang to.

"Thank you! "

"You're welcome. "

"What would you like to order, sir?" Gusto kong madaliin na gawin ang order niya nang makaalis na.

"Long black."

"That's my Tita Rena's favorite kind of coffee!" Janessa intruded.

I smiled sheepishly without having a word. When I finished making the coffee, I took the marker and wrote the name of the coffee's owner. Kanji.

"Long black for sir Kanji."

Matapos bayaran ang kape, nakatayo parin siya at hindi umalis. I'm starting to wonder why.

"Anything sir? "

"Uhm, bago kasi ako naka park sa labas kanina, may nakita akong babae galing dito sa loob. Naalala mo ba kung ano yung pangalan niya? I assume na naalala mo kasi nilalagay mo naman ang name sa takeaway cup."

I was trying to figure out which woman he was referring to.

" Sir, pasensya na pero marami na akong naging costumer na babae. Uh, can you describe her? "

He's thinking seriously, "Blond hair."

I think he's not sure based on his tone.

" Shine! "

For the second time, Jansessa intruded. Kanji and I both turned to her.

"Ops, I just remember the beautiful lady earlier when he mentioned blond hair," She grind, her cheeks turned into pink.

Dahil sa sinabi ni Janessa, naalala ko yung babaing nag order ng dalawang iced coffee. Tama, siya nga!

"Yeah,tama!" I smiled. Matalas talaga ang memorya ng batang 'to, mana sa'kin.

I turned my gaze to Kanji. I can't read any emotion from him. Is there anything at all behind that impassive face?

"Sir? " now I had his attention, " Tama si Janessa, may nag order kanina ditong babae na blond ang buhok. Shine yung pinalagay niyang pangalan."

"Reyn, can we talk for a moment? If it's okay with you."

"Huh? " What he said astounds me. Did I heared right, he wants to talk to me?

" Sorry if it shakes you up. What I mean, I want to talk with you about someone. Please."

I'm wavering wether to say yes. Based on his features, he seems to be serious. I guess he won't mind if I refuse, after all he's still a stranger to me. On the other hand, I remember the night he helped me on my pollen allergy, he was sane. Oh Reyna, that person is totally sane, you are the only one who is being suspicious.

I nod, "Alright, but I'm sorry if I can't do it now, I'm still on duty, " I ended up saying yes.

" Its okay, mamayang gabi nalang kung okay sayo. Anong aras?" may liwanag sa kanyang mukha.

"Okay. Uh--"

" Dinner?"

He interrupt while I'm still building my thoughts.

" Te--"

" Okay, see you then."

I gaped as I watched Kanji's back out the door. Did I conclude it right? Me and Kanji having a dinner together tonight?

Hindi man lang ako pinasagot.

... ... ...

Ala una ng hapon.May pasok ako ngayon sa Whiz Franklin, dito din talaga ako sinuwerte, sa class schedule. Pabor saakin kahit may trabaho ako sa coffee shop.

"Reyna!"

Hindi pa ako lumilingon alam ko na kung sino ang tumawag sa pangalan ko. Si Nikki at Mhina. Nakangiti ko silang nilingon. Abot taynga naman ang ngiti nila saakin.

Naglakad ako papalapit sa kanila.

" What's behind that strange smiles, you two?" Bakas ang excitement sa mukha ng dalawa.Nakatayo kami ngayon sa corridor at casual na nag-uusap.

" Magkakaroon tayo ng long weekend!" Tili ni Mhina. Iniwagayway pa nito ang kanyang bitbit na folder sa ere.

"Yeah, at anong meron? " I said chuckling.

"Mag beach naman tayong tatlo.Napaka stress kasi ng mga naganap lastweek. We deserve to have short vacay!" Naiirap pang sabi ni Nikki sa salitang stress.

Napaisip ako, matagal tagal narin nung huli akong nagtampisaw sa dagat. So, why not?

" Hmmmm," umarte pa akong nag-iisip para ma thrill itong dalawa kong kaibigan.

" Sige na Reyn, para kumpleto tayong tatlo," Nikki coaxed.

"I agree. We're planing to go to the recently opened Wave-Sand Island. There are many resort options in Wave-Sand Island, and I've heard that almost all the hotels there offer five-star services. They have superb services, facilities and water activities. No one can deny that the island rose to fame in just a short period of time," It's Mhina who gave a long spiel.

" Okay," nahawa na tuloy ako sa excitement nilang dalawa, dahil sa sinabi ni Mhina.

Nagkasundo kaming tatlo na mag shopping mamayang gabi. Paminsan minsan nililibre ko rin naman ang sarili ko, pero hindi katulad noon na bili dito, bili doon. Ngayon, I know my limitations, mas marunong na akong magpahalaga ng pera.

.... .... ....

I'm wearing off shoulder top, jeans, at

simple flat sandals. I'm on my way to Fujisawa Tower Mall where Nikki and Mhina are waiting.

Pagkapasok ko sa mall, dumiretso agad ako sa labas ng elevator kung saan kami magtatagpo.

"Let's go buy swimwear," Mhina suggested.

Dinala kami ng aming mga paa sa loob ng exclusive shop ng isang signature brand ng swimwear.

Isang mannequin na nakasuot ng puting one-piece swimsuit ang umagaw saaking atensyon. Nilapitan ko ang mannequin,

"Hot," the only word escaped from my mouth.

I skimmed every details of the swimsuit. Maganda ang istilo nitong butas-butas, mula sa pagitan ng dalawang dibdib hanggang sa pusod.Napuri ko rin ang scoop back style nito sa likuran, na kita ang buong likod ng susuot.

"Ganda, bagay yan sa'yo Reyn."

Napalingon ako kay Nikki na nasa aking likuran. I smiled. "Di kaya lumuwa to?" Sumenyas ako sa kanya na tinutukoy ko ang dibdib ko. I admit, I'm blessed to have big boobs.

Nikki gave me a flirty look, "Hindi yan luluwa, pero yung mga mata ng boys na titingin sayo, malamang luluwa."

Pareho kaming tawang tawa sa sinabi niya.

Sa huli, binili ko ang puting one piece swimsuit. May nagustuhan din akong two-piece swimsuit na kulay itim, simple lang ang istilo kaya ko binili.

Bitbit ko ang tatlong shopping bags habang naglalakad kasama si Nikki at Mhina. Ngayong tapos na kaming mag shopping, balak naming mag dinner.

"May alam akong magandang restaurant sa second floor, gusto nyo e try? " Nikki offered.

"Sige doon nalang tayo," Mhina and I answer in unison.

Kasalukuyan kaming nasa third floor kaya kailangan naming bumaba. Napagkasunduan namin na mag elevator dahil nasa malapit lang kami 'don.

While we were walking, I noticed that my phone vibrated, when I look at the screen, someone is calling. " Unknown number? " I whispered as I read the words that pop up. I swipe up to receive the call.

"Hello."

" I thought we're having dinner together tonight, parang nakalimutan mo. "

My jaw dropped after I heard an exasperating voice on the other line.

Nahinto ako sa paglalakad. Nakita kong huminto din sa paghakbang ang dalawa kong kasama, pareho silang napatitig saakin.

" K- Kanji?" I said between my breath.

"Uh, huh. "

I rubbed my forehead. "I'm sorry nak-" I was about to speak when the line was suddenly cut off.

"Is there a problem?" asked Mhina. I guess, she was wondering why I feel bothered when the line went off.

"A stranger." Busy akong naka tingin sa screen ng phone ko habang sumasagot. Napansin kong titig na titig saakin ang dalawa. " I think, he's no stranger to me, costumer namin ni auntie Vanessa sa coffee shop," I explained.

" And? " Nikki asked curiously.

"He's asking me to have dinner with him. Ewan ko ba, bat bigla nalang akong niyaya ng lalaking yun. Kailan ba kami naging close? "

I saw Mhina bit her lower lip. "Reyn, baka naman friendly lang."

"Friendly? mu'ka nun kahit aso matatakot." I saw Nikki's mouth formed O shape.

Nagkatinginan si Nikki at Mhina sa isat-isa. Hindi ko mabasa anong senyasan nilang dalawa.

"Any problem ladies?" 'di ko talaga sila ma gets.

"Wala.. wala.. I guess the guy behind you has a problem," sagot ni Nikki sabay turo saaking likuran.

I gasp. I gulped. Napaatras ako ng isang hakbang. s**t!,bakit ba umandar ang pagka taklesa ko at sinabi ko ang mga bagay na'yun? Nandidito lang pala ang lalaking 'to sa likod ko.Kaylan pa? Kanina paba siya nakikinig sa usapan? I guess the answers would be yes.

Pinuwersa kong ngumiti, "Hello," I wave at him. Wala na akong magagawa, narinig na niya ang mga sinabi ko kanina e'. Patay malisya nalang to!

" Reyn, baka gusto mo naman kaming ipakilala kay mr. no stranger to you," Mahinang siniko ni Nikki si Mhina.

"Oo nga, hindi naman kami takot sa kanya. "

Sabay na napahagikhik ang dalawa. Nak' ng! pinagkaisahan pa ako nitong dalawa oh.

Humakbang si Kanji papalapit sa tabi ko.

"Kanji"

Inalok ni Kanji ang kanyang kamay sa dalawa kong kaibigan. Nikki ang Mhina introduce theirselves too. Pinapanuod ko lang silang tatlo habang nakikipag kamay sa isat isa.

"May lakad paba kayo?" Tanong ni Kanji sa dalawa kong kasama. Parang na out of place na ako sa usapan nila. Okay lang din saakin 'yon, para mawala sa isipan ni Kanji ang pinagsasasabi ko kanina.

" Wala na, tapos na kaming mamili." Mhina answered shaking her head.

Nakita ko kug paano kurutin ni Mhina si Nikki habang sumasagot siya kay Kanji.

" Oo, wala na. Pauwi na kami," support ni Nikki sa sagot ni Mhina.

" Great, may lakad kasi kami ni Reyna, sinundan ko siya dito to remind her. Tingin ko kasi nakalimutan niya." Pinukol ni Kanji ang tingin niya saakin. Gusto ko ring salubungin ang kanyang tingin pero diko ginawa, or should I say 'diko magawa. Alam kong may halong inis saakin ang titig niya.

Nakita ko kung paano nag explain si Kanji sa dalawang kaibigan ko na halatang kinikilig na. Ano tong wala na, at uuwi na? E' may plano pa kaming kumain. Sa bilis ng conversation nila, 'di ako maka singit.

" If that's the case, mauuna na kami Reyn," Nikki's waving goodbye.

" Teka--"

" Sige na, magkita nalang tayo bukas, okay? " Mhina winked at me before leaving.

May pagniningning sa mga mata nitong dalawa kong kaibigan. I know they're thinking something fishy.Tumango nalang ako at tuluyan ng nagpaalam.