PARIS: A Night to Remember

Chapter 7 – Chitchat

RIELLE’s POV:

At last nakababa nadin kami papunta sa resto. Lexa’s really something and I think she’s not just an ordinary woman. ‘Yayamanin! Pede naman ako sa fast food lang at di rin naman ako maselan. Pero ito na yon eh, let’s go with the flow!’

The ambiance of the restaurant enveloped us in a cozy embrace as Lexa and I sat across from each other, our dinner plates adorned with delectable dishes. Amid the soft hum of chatter and the clinking of cutlery, Lexa's curious eyes fixed on me, her question hanging in the air like a gentle invitation.

"Rielle…" she began, a hint of curiosity in her voice,

“Hm?” tumingin naman ako dito.

"What's your story?" her gaze fixed on me.

“What story do you want to know?”

“Anything…”

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling a mix of vulnerability and excitement at the prospect of sharing a piece of my life with her. ‘Is this the beginning of our own story?’ With a sip of wine to steady my nerves, I embarked on recounting the chapter of my life that had left an indelible mark on my heart.

"Hmmm… It's a bit of a sensitive topic," I admitted, my gaze momentarily dropping to my plate before meeting Lexa's inquisitive eyes once more. "When my dad passed away, it was like a storm had descended upon my life, it was like my world shattered. I went through an emotional breakdown that I can't even put into words..I was in such a bad state that I couldn't even find the will to eat, really. Ikaw ba naman ang makakita na nag-aagaw buhay ang papa mo. I witnessed him bleed to death because his internal organs were failing."

Lexa's attentive expression showed that she was genuinely interested in hearing more.Parang ang gaan sa pakiramdam na magshare ng buhay sa taong kaharap ko ngayon. She’s like a safe zone for me na para bang lahat ng bagay pwede kong ipagkatiwala rito. I miss having this kind of comfort, as if her presence made it easier to peel back the layers of my emotions.

"Food lost its taste, and I felt like I was wandering through life without purpose. It's strange how grief can make the simplest things seem unbearable." I continued, recalling those difficult days.

I’m really close to my father. All of the things I know came from him, well my mom was also there for me. I just really admire my dad for being cool. He’s cheerful, kind, sweet and caring. Kahit may nararamdaman na ito lagi parin yung masaya niyang imahe yung nakikita ko. He’s too strong when you look at him but deep inside his body is weak.

Lexa nodded, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "I'm sorry to hear that, Rielle. Losing someone close can be incredibly tough. I can't even imagine how tough that must have been for you," she murmured.

I nodded, my voice softening as I delved deeper into my past. "It was a dark period for me. I couldn't find solace in anything, and it's strange how grief can affect your relationship with even the simplest things in life."

I was there with my dad before he took his last breath and I simply can't wrap my mind around that moment.

As I spoke, I could sense Lexa's genuine concern, and it was really comforting to confide in her. It felt like I was opening a window into my soul, letting her glimpse the real me.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, I decided to turn the conversation around. "What about you, Lexa? Have you ever faced something that shook you to your core?"

Her eyes, usually guarded, softened for a brief moment before the walls came back up. She hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass.

"Nothing much, I just miss you," she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know why or how, but I do."

‘Awts kinikilig ako. She misses me daw! OMG!’ I offered her a gentle smile at tsaka umiwas para maitago yung namumula kong pisngi but I faced her again, understanding her statement that sometimes emotions don't have neat explanations. "Well sometimes, our hearts know things our minds can't grasp. I think some feelings don't always need an explanation. Sometimes, they just exist, and that's okay."

Her lips curved into a small, appreciative smile, at sadyang hindi maitatago yung connection between us. It was undeniable. As the night drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a newfound excitement about where our journey was heading.

Naalala ko na naman yung paglapit niya kanina samin ni Sir Vin, she even called me babe. Kinikilig talaga ko pag naiisip ko yun. Pero mas kikiligin ako pag totoo yung babe part na yun! Hai, love nga naman. ‘Wait, is it love? Ang bilis namang panain ni kupido yung puso ko. Crush lang muna dapat preno muna tayo baka masaktan tayo sa huli. Napaka sungit pa naman nito si Lexa! Minsan nga lang to makausap ng matino eh.. Kaya erase muna ang love! Momol muna hmf! Kung siya nga past time niya lang ako eh.’

Di ko maiwasan ang mapangiti as we walked out of the restaurant, the unspoken promise of deeper understanding and shared experiences lingered in the air. Our stories had brought us closer, ‘ay story ko lang pala!’ Well, the bond that was forming between us felt like the beginning of something beautiful—a connection worth exploring and cherishing.

"Rielle, it's already quite late. Would you... would you like to come over to my place? Only if you're comfortable, of course.", I heard her ask me with a trace of uncertainty, breaking through the quiet while starting the engine of her car.

Her invitation sent a surge of excitement through me, isipin ko lang na hindi pa tapos ang gabi and the idea of continuing our connection is really really tempting. I met her gaze, offering a soft smile that concealed my eagerness. "I'd love to, Lexa. But is it okay with you? I might invade your privacy na naman."

Nagkibit balikat na naman ito, “I’m used to it.” kasabay ng pag andar ng sasakyan nito. ‘I’m happy to know that.’ natutuwa talaga ako dito sa araw na’to. She was so nice, kahit masungit.

The drive to her place was filled with a comfortable silence, the air charged with anticipation.

“Alam mo..” pagbasag ko sa katahimikan, “Working at the company has been quite an experience, no?" My words carry a mix of reflection and honesty. "There are some employees who seem to take advantage of their positions, and others who seem to be more interested in getting close to the managers just to climb the ladder.", naalala ko na naman tuloy yung ibang agents ko na parang halos makipag plastikan sa akin just to earn my trust pero when I’m not around them kung anu-ano yung kwento nila sa iba.

Her attentive gaze met mine, her expression a blend of curiosity and understanding. "It's unfortunate, but not entirely uncommon," she replied, parang may awa sa tinig nito, "In any organization, there will always be those who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of the company and its employees."

Tumango naman ako, appreciating her perspective. "That’s true, I just find it disheartening that some people are willing to compromise their integrity for success," I continued, a tinge of frustration coloring my words. "It's as if they believe that the ends justify the means, even if it means stepping on others along the way."

Lexa leaned back in her driver seat while driving, her expression contemplative. "Yeah, I completely understand where you're coming from. It's crucial to remember that true success isn't solely measured by external achievements or positions of power. It's about the kind of person you become in the process."

Her words resonated deeply with me, an affirmation of the values I held dear. "You're right," I replied, my voice firm with conviction. "I believe that success should be earned through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to ethical practices. It's about doing what's right, even when no one is watching."

Ngumiti naman ito, her eyes holding a sense of admiration. "Rielle, your dedication to upholding those values is admirable. And while it might seem like some people are winning through shortcuts, they might find that their success is short-lived if it's built on shaky foundations."

Her insight was a breath of fresh air, a reminder that integrity and authenticity were values worth cherishing. "Thank you for understanding," I said, gratitude evident in my voice. "It's reassuring to know that there are employees like you who value these principles."

Lexa reached the handbrake as she pulled it. "Well, the choices we make in our careers and our lives define who we are. And I believe that those who stay true to their principles will ultimately shine brighter, regardless of the challenges they face." ngumiti pa ito tsaka pinatay yung engine.

“We’re here. Let’s go.” Sumunod naman ako pagkarinig ko rito.