Rise Up

CHAPTER FIVE

“Ma’am Cara,you have visitors.” One of the employess in Cara’s restaurant greeted us and she lead us to the Cara’s office. The employee made a soft knock

“Come in.” I heard Cara shouted from the inside. The employee opened the door and we entered

“Chaaaaaii.” She put down the paper she’s holding.

            For almost a month, I didn’t see Cara and in that short period of time she changed physically. She became thinner. Her eyes look so sleepy and clack circle is surrounding it. It looks like she never slept for many nights already.

“Woah, Coz’ is that you? You look like a zombie. Are you okay?” I agreed to what Patrick said

“Woah to you too coz’ Is that you? Why are you together? Is there something I need to know?” she replied and looked at me

“We just bumped into each other at the malls. She said she’ll visit you and since I’m bored I accompanied her. That’s all, end of story” Patrick sat in the sofa but I remained standing. In front of me is Cara

“What happened to you, you look so skinny in just few days.” I faced her with a worried expression. She must have gone a very stressful days.

“Just. I need to save the restaurant. Some stupid son of a b***h is trying to ruin our business and I need to do everything I can to not let him.” Her shocked expression in seeing me changed. Her eyebrows meet and her eyes sharpened.

“Easy coz’. I know that you can do it, recovering the restaurant. Uncle Dexter and Aunt Murielle did their best and gave their all to produce 30 restaurants all over Luzon. We don’t want that to go to waste you know.” Patrick was right.

            I heard Cara’s heavy sigh. She looked pressured with what Patrick said. I want to help her, she always helps me every time she see those opportunity to help me.

“I want to help Cara. How will I help you.” I shake her arms

“Just continuously support me by not forgetting me in you prayer list sis.” She said and pulled me to hug. I miss this girl already, she starting to mature because she has no choice but to do it. I’m so proud of her. Cara is the only daughter; she is the treasure of her family. She is used to getting things easily but looking at her right now. I just realized that she’s growing up to be a daughter with responsibility not a princes waiting for someone to do her things.

“Thanks Chai, thanks coz’ .Actually, visiting me today is a big help already. If you have not visited me today I may lose my mind thinking of those responsibilities, expectations that I may fail. But now, I see that not everyone is expecting something from me, that there are still people who support me and don’t expect too much.” She slowly faced me and smiled. Suddenly tears fell from her eyes. This girl, she’s so strong.

            Patrick and I stayed there for more couple of minutes. The three of us just talking, I mean Cara and I, are always talking but for Patrick he rarely spoke a word.

“Bye, Chai. Hey coz’ take care of my best friend.” She hugged me once more before I entered Patrick’s car. Patrick will drive me to my place instead of taking taxi.

“Being in business world be it engineering firm, restaurant line, hotel empires is never easy. People always want to drag you down. Competition is never-ending, competitors keep on rising.” I looked at Patrick as he drives. He’s so random some times. But thinking at what he said, I agree.

“Then why?” I looked at him

“What do you mean?” He stopped the car as the red light shines. He faced me

“Then why are you in this business and not just a regular employee?” he faced the road and continued driving

“I don’t know, maybe I was too young then to realize. I had all the support from my family, friends that I was so determined to start things but when I realized it is becoming more and more difficult it’s already too late.” His concentration is still in the road. He made a left-turn.

“What do you mean too late?” I asked. At first I was facing him but then I turned my face to see the night view by the window

“That time, the firm is starting to fly up. I just can’t stand to see those young and hardworking engineers and staffs to lose their jobs just because of me chickening.” He let a soft laugh

            I now recognize the path we are taking. I’m almost home. But how did he knew my address? I’m starting get sleepy. Really? Self? You’re almost there. Turns out, my body wins. I felt my eyes getting heavier and heavier.

            I felt someone staring at me. I slowly opened my eyes to recognize where I am. I turn my head to the left, I just realized that I am still at Patrick’s car and he looking at me intently. Did I all asleep? Goodness

“I’m sorry I fell asleep.” I simply wiped the edges of my mouth in case my mouth drools.

“I was about to ask you where your specific place is but looks like you fell asleep.” Now that it hits me. We are at a small basketball court, few blocks away from my place. I removed my seatbelt

“I can take care of myself from here. Thanks for the ride.” I was about to open the door

“Are you sure, I’ll just drive you. Just instruct me where to go.” He said. I sighed and directed me towards my house.

“You sure it’s your house? You aren’t tricking me right?” I laughed at him

“yes sir, it’s my house and no, I’m not tricking you” I said and opened the door.

“Again, thanks for the ride.” I said before I close the door.