#CAC38

Dumating ang Sabado at ngayon na kami magkikita ni Inna kasama ang tita niya.

Hininto ko ang kotse ko at pinatay ang makina. I took my small shoulder bag and went out of the car. I'm wearing a white loose long sleeves with a beige highwaisted trousers and black heels.

Hinubad ko ang shades ko at nakita ang kabuuan ng shop. Bumaba ang paningin ko at unti-unti akong ngumiti nang magtama ang mata namin ni Inna. Katabi niya ay isang babae na sa tingin ko ay yung tita niya.

Naglakad ako palapit sa kanila. "Hi. Good morning!"

Sinalubong ako ni Inna at agad akong niyakap. "Talliah! I missed you. Glad you came."

I chuckled. "Of course! I'm so excited for today."

Kumalas kami ng yakap at binaling ang atensiyon sa katabi niya.

"Ay tita! Eto na pala si Talliah," pagkilala niya sa'kin

I looked at the lady beside her and extended my arm. "Nice to meet you po, finally."

She took my hand and squeezed it. "Ang gandang bata mo naman hija. Ikaw pala si Talliah."

I smiled shyly as I let go of my hand. "Opo."

"Buti nakapagkita na tayo. Alam mo bang lagi ka din sa'kin kinekwento ni Inna."

"Ahh oo nga daw po eh," sabi ko at tumingin kay Inna

"Okay mamaya na ang kwentuhan at may kailangan pa tayong gawin ngayong araw," singit ni Inna sa usapan

"Ahh oo nga pala. Pasensiya na," ani tita

Tumabi siya sa'kin at pinagmasdan ang shop.

"So ito na yung bakery shop ko. Kung mapapansin mo maliit lang siya pero malawak naman yung space sa loob," paliwanag niya

Tumango ako habang sinusuri ang shop. Para sa'kin ay hindi siya gaanong malaki at hindi din maliit. May bubong siya na kulay puti at itim. May malaki ding salamin at mga bintana. Meron ding dalawang bench sa magkabilang gilid. Kulay puti lang ang pintura ng pader pero bakas ang kalumaan nito dahil sa ilang cracks at dumi.

"Bakery shop po ba ito nung una o-"

"Ah hindi. Sa totoo niyan, isa itong coffee shop nung una."

Umawang ang labi ko at tumango-tango. "Ahh kaya pala."

"Pero pwede din siyang bake shop eh. Sa totoo niyan, may mga lamesa na gawa sa kahoy at upuan pa dati dito sa labas para sa mga customers kaso binenta ko. Meron ding mga halaman na nakapalibot sa labas. Diyan din sa malapit sa pintuan," sabi niya sabay turo doon

"Maganda ito dati pero naluma. Nasira nadin yung pintura at ganun din yung mga gamit. Hindi ko na nga matandaan kung kailan ba yung huling linis dito."

"Nililinisan niyo po ba talaga tita?" saad ni Inna

She went beside me and crossed her arms around her chest.

"Hindi ko na nga matandaan eh. Matagal na panahon na 'yon," sagot ni tita

Naglakad ako palapit sa shop at hinawakan ang pader. "But I think this can be fixed. Matitibay naman ang mga materyales nito."

"What are your plans ba Talliah?"

Lumingon ako sa kanila. "I'm thinking of having a small renovation but I won't go crazy to all of it. Besides, I like some of the wooden accent. It gives me vintage vibes."

Lumapit ako lalo para masuri ang maliliit na detalye. "Like this one. The small details of the wood. It can be furnished."

"Ahh oo. Mas maganda nga na iparenovate mo siya," sambit ni tita

"Shall we go inside?" I told to them

Tumango si tita at agad na lumapit sa pinto. I can see particle of dust all over the place.

She slid the key on the doorknobn and it produced an eerie sound. Tinulak niya iyon dahil medyo mahirap buksan.

Una siyang pumasok at sumunod naman kami ni Inna.

Pagpasok ay wala masyadong laman ang loob. May mga lamesa na bilog na gawa din sa kahoy. Sa kaliwa ko ay ang front desk o ang cashier. Gawa sa marble iyon pero natatabunan iyon ng alikabok.

"Ano ba 'yan. Dapat pala nagdala tayo ng mask. Sobrang alikabok pala dito. Sorry Talliah," ani Inna

"Ayy oo nga. Pasensiya na. May allergy ka ba sa alikabok?" dagdag ni tita

Tumingin ako sa kanila at tipid na ngumiti. "Ayos lang po. Hindi din naman po ako magtatagal."

Tumango si tita at iginaya ang mata sa kabuuan ng shop. "Meron ditong ilaw kaso yung isa pundido na kaya kailangan din siyang ayusin."

Naglakad ako palabit sa front desk. Katabi nito ay dalawang malaking salamin na doon nilalagay ang mga deserts. Gawa din iyon sa kahoy na mukhang matibay.

"So ito lang naman siya. Wala na siyang masyadong gamit kasi binenta na yung iba pero may ilan na nakatambak lang sa likod, nakatago."

"Ano po yung mga gamit?" tanong ko

"Ah mga sina-una na yun. Mga mugs, picture frames dati na nakasabit sa mga pader, meron ding malaking sign board na dating nakadisplay sa labas tsaka kagamitan para sa pag gawa ng kape. Ewan ko kung nabenta ko ba yung coffee maker," paliwanag ni tita

I slowly nodded. "Ah okay po baka din pong pwede ulit magamit."

"Pwede naman."

I crossed my arms over my chest as I scan the whole place. Napatigil ako pagkakita sa itaas ng shop.

I slightly tilted my head and raised my brow. "Is that? May second floor?"

Tumingin din silang lahat doon.

"Ayy oo nakalimutan kong banggitin. Dito kasi nakatambak yung ibang gamit gaya ng lamesa at upuan," sabi niya sabay akyat sa hagdan

"Tita! Baka mahulog ka. Diba mahuna na 'yan?" si Inna

Umawang ang labi ko habang pabalik balik ang tingin sa kanila.

"Oo hindi naman ako tuluyang aakyat. Basta yung nasa taas, pwede dito yung ibang customers. Maganda dito kasi yung view sa baba matatanaw mo."

"Sounds cool," I commented

"Kaya maganda kung maayos din ito tsaka itong hagdan," sabi niya sabay hawak sa railings ng hagdan

Nanatili ang mata ko doon at maraming ideya na pumapasok sa isip ko kung paano siya pagagandahin.

"Yun lang naman. Meron din banyo pagliko mo dito," dagdag niya

"So, what do you think Talliah?"

Hindi ko napansin na kanina pa pala ako nakatitig doon. Napakurapkurap ako at nilingon si Inna.

"Well, for me it's okay but it surely needs a total renovation especially here inside."

"So? Would you buy it or? I mean I don't want to you know since I'm your friend and-"

I chuckled. "No it's good to me. I like it."

"Sure ka? Pwede ka pa naman maghanap. Baka napipilitan ka lang ah," dagdag niya

My brows furrowed. "No I'm not and besides, aren't you the one who recommended this to me and now-"

Lumapit siya sa'kin at hinawakan ang braso ko para pigilan ang sasabihin ko.

She chuckled akwardly and glanced at her Auntie. She then went closer to me.

"I mean I didn't expect that it could be worse pala," she whisphered

"Huh? Why so?" I asked, confused

"I mean yung huling bisita ko dito maayos pa eh. Kompleto pa yung gamit pero 'di ko alam na binenta na pala ni tita dito yung iba. I forgot to inform you tho."

I shook my head and held her hand. "No it's fine. Baka binenta niya na yun kasi sobrang luma na at hindi na mapapakinabangan sa shop."

I sighed and scanned the whole place. "But overall, I like it. I can't tell you exactly why but I feel like this is the one. Kailangan lang talagang ayusin pero kapag ayos na lahat. Mas gaganda siya."

Tumango siya at lumayo ng konti sa'kin.

"But of course I would definately look up for other shops. Maghahanap pa ako. Naghanap na ko dati pero ang mamahal kasi nung iba tsaka ang layo. Syempre kailangan kong iconsider yung location tsaka yung budget."

"At para sa'kin. Ito yung pasok sa budget," dagdag ko at marahang tumawa

"Baka naman tita bigyan niyo ng discount si Talliah," hirit ni Inna

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata ko at agad na tumingin sa kanya. I shook my head and mouthed a 'no'.

She looked at me and smiled. "Huwag kang mag-alala. Malakas ako kay tita."

"Business is business Inna. Walang kamag-anak, kamag-anak dito."

"Did you forget? I studied business as well and working in a company as a corporate manager. I know how it works," she replied

Oh yeah. Totally forgot we're literally on the same page. Guess she majored in marketing by the way she persuaded me to buy the shop. And also, to help her Auntie. Mas mataas pa nga ata posisyon niya sa'kin eh.

"Ay naku. Discounted na yung presyo na ibibigay ko kay Talliah tsaka mura lang talaga yung benta ko dito dahil luma na nga pero kasi hindi siya gamit na gamit eh," sambit ni tita

"Kailan lang po ba niyo ito ginamit?" tanong ko

"Mga isang taon lang pero yun nga nalugi yung negosyo ko kaya naisipan ko siyang ibenta. Tsaka dalaga pa kasi ako noon, hindi ko pa pala kaya na magmanage ng isang shop at sabayan pa nung nabuntis ako. Mas dumoble yung gastos at nawalan ako ng oras, napabayaan ko yung shop kaya bumalik ako sa pagiging home based."

I suddenly felt sad. It must have been hard for her business to fail and to fall.

I wonder if that will happen to me too?

I'm scared of the thought.

"Bakit po hindi niyo na pinagpatuloy? Ang ibig ko pong sabihin ay hindi niyo na po naisipang ipagpatuloy?"

Umiwas siya ng tingin at bumuntong hininga. "Hindi na. Tinuon ko nalang yung atensiyon ko sa anak ko, sa pagpapalaki sa kanya. At sa edad ko na ito? Malabo na. Mas bagay sa'kin kung home-based business nalang tsaka may iba din akong trabaho."

"Po? Ano naman po yun? Sorry po kung madami akong tanong," nahihiya kong sabi

"Side line ko nalang kasi yung pagnenegosyo kumbaga may iba din akong trabaho bukod don kasi syempre mahirap magnegosyo kapag hindi patok sa karamihan. Hindi lagi maraming oorder sa'yo kumbaga yung kinikita ko doon ay maliit lang, hindi sapat para sa pamilya kaya naghanap ako ng ibang trabaho."

I bit my lip while listening to her.

Isa talagang sugal ang pagnenegosyo.

"Kaya pag-isipan mo talaga ng mabuti kung paano at saan mo paglalaanan ang pera mo. Mahirap din yung pagpapatayo ng shop kasi...ayoko din naman na matulad ka sa'kin pero sa tingin ko naman hindi kasi nakikita ko sa'yo na magiging successful ka din balang araw."

I smiled a bit teary-eyed. To be honest, it triggered my self-confidence talking about the possibilities of business failures. I just can't imagine myself or what would I do.

I know I just can't give up on it. I won't. I will never. It's what I love to do. It's my life.

"In short, ang sinasabi ni tita ay huwag kang maagang magpapabuntis," singit ni Inna

Agad na kumontra si tita. "Huy ano ka ba Inna!"

Tumingin siya sa'kin at nahihiyang ngumiti. "Sinasabi ko lang kasi yung mali ko noon pero hindi ibig sabihin nun na magiging ganun ka din. Noon kasi walang nagturo sa'kin nun kung ano ba dapat kong gawin. Padalos dalos kasi ako ng desisyon. Bata pa ko, hindi alam ang ginagawa. Basta alam ko mahal ko ang pagbabake pero hindi pala yun sapat. Hindi sapat na mahal mo lang yung isang bagay. Especially sa pagnenegosyo. Ang dami mong kailangang iconsider at isakripisyo."

Umiwas ako ng tingin. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi malungkot at matamaan sa sinabi niya.

I learned a lot coming from someone who has experienced the struggle of having a business. Sadyang ang dami din palang pagsubok na dadating na minsan ay hindi mo inaasahan na makakaapekto sa pangarap mo. Ang hirap lang isipin na dahil lang dun ay maaring mawala ang pangarap mo sa isang iglap.

"Well I don't think Talliah will have a family sooner or later. I mean she's very workaholic and has an incredible work ethic. Parang pag tinanong siya ni tito boy kung career o lovelife, malamang sagot niya ay career," wika ni Inna

I looked at her in amusement. "What the hell Inna? Seriously?"

Oh God, I'm so embarrased.

Mahinang tumawa ang tita niya sa sinabi ng pamangkin. "Mukha nga siyang sopistikado tignan."

My eyes widened at their remarks.

"What? Seryoso ba? Parang wala namang nagbago sa'kin," sabi ko

"Hay ano ba 'yan, pahumble pa si ate mo girl," sabi ni Inna at sinundot pa ang tagiliran ko

"But yeah, Talliah doesn't admit it. She's very lowkey. She even feels awkward receiving compliments. I understand naman 'cause eversince, you're already like that," dagdag niya

I looked at her with my arms crossed.

"Wow Inna. Never knew that you know a lot about me so much," I sarcastically respond

"No, you just," she sighed. "Okay...the thing about you is that you're so manhid. I think that everyone thinks the same way as I do about you. You just don't acknowledge how an amazing person you are."

I looked up and shook my head. I clicked my tongue and hid my smile.

"Okay I feel awkward and embarrassed right now so stop it," I said raised my palm at her

She giggled. "Kaya nga hindi ko naisip na may jowa ka na ngayon eh sa sobrang busy mo lagi."

"Pati pa naman lovelife ko Inna?" sabat ko

"Joke lang! I just missed you. Ngayon nalang ulit tayo nagkita after so many years!" she said and hugged me

"OA buwan lang naman," sabi ko

"Felt like years to me," she laughed

Kumalas din siya sa yakap at muling humarap sa kanyang tita.

"Uh sorry Auntie! Forgot that you're still here," she said

"Okay lang. Natutuwa ako habang pinapanood kayo. Naalala ko kasi yung anak ko," sabi ni tita habang nakangiti sa'min

"So ano na? What's your decision Talliah?" Inna asked

"Hmmm. I still can't give you my final decision. Let's schedule another meeting?" I said and looked at the both of them

"Sure pero di ko pa sure kung makakapunta ba ko. Baka kayo nalang ni tita?" sabi niya

"Pwede naman Talliah na bigay ko nalang sa'yo itong susi ng shop para pwede mong balikan kung sakali," wika ni tita

Tumingin ako sa kanya at tumango. "Ahh sige po!"

Lumapit siya sa'kin at binigay ang susi. Tinanggap ko iyon. "Salamat po."

Binalot kami ng ilang minutong katahimikan.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention. You can hit up Ericka. Terrence's girlfriend. She'a an interior designer. I bet she can help you fix all these things," sabi niya at iginaya ang mata sa buong shop

"Really? Well I didn't know that," I replied

"Now you know."

Inna always has many connections.

"So are we done here?"

I slowly nodded and took a quick look at the whole place.

"Okay great! Thank you tita!" sabi niya

"Thank you po!" sabi ko din

Ngumiti siya sa'min. "Walang anuman.

I sighed and smiled. "So I have to go now. I still need to drop by at the office for some paperworks."

"Aw really? Sayang yayayain pa naman sana kita," si Inna

"Don't you have work?"

She shook her head. "It's my day off. Sinakto ko talaga para makapagbonding tayo. I mean, it's been a while."

I chewed on my lips. "Sorry pero ano kasi, may kailangan pa kong tapusin."

Unti-unti naman siyang ngumiti. "Joke lang! I mean ayos lang! I completely understand. You know we're already adults. We got no time for other things. Kung hindi lang dahil sa shop eh malamang hindi tayo magkikita."

I suddenly felt guilty. "Sorry I just- babawi nalang ako."

"No it's fine. Sino ba naman ako para sumagabal sa trabaho mo. Naiintindihan ko naman kasi ganun din ako," she sighed and looked away. "I just miss the old times."

I held her hand and lightly squeezed it. "I'll make it up to you. I promise."

It's true that sometimes I don't have time for other things, like personal stuffs just because I have a lot on my plate. I'm always busy with work and all much more when I started business.

It's really hard to balance my social life and my work life. I'm already an adult. I know my priorities.

I even cancel plans. Hindi ako minsan nakakapunta sa birthday ng kaibigan ko. Hindi ako nakakasama kapag niyaya ako gumala o ano.

My life just revolves around work.

Hindi na ako magtataka kung may mga kaibigan ako noon na hindi ko na nakakausap o kaya madalang ko nalang makausap. Naiintindihan ko naman kasi matatanda na kami. May kanya kanya kaming responsibilidad at pangarap sa buhay.

Who knows maybe one of us are already parents, probably married, already have kids.

That's life.

***

"Talliah?"

"Hmmm?" sabi ko habang patuloy padin sa pagtype sa keyboard

"Why are you here? It's Saturday. We don't have work."

Inangat ko ang paningin sa workmate ko na si Caleb. Binalik ko din agad ang paningin sa mga papel na nakakalat sa desk ko.

"I'm just finishing some papers. Mabilis lang ako tapos uuwi nadin," sagot ko

"Really? At this hour? Sipag ah."

I smiled weakly. "Ikaw? Bakit ka andito?"

"May naiwan kasi ako na report," sahot niya

"Makakalimutin ka talaga noh?" I teased

"Grabe siya!"

I laughed. "I'm kidding."

"Want some coffee?" he offered

"No thanks, I'm good."

Tumayo na ako at inayos ang mga papel. Naglakad ako papunta sa printer.
Kumuha ako ng blankong pages ng papel at pinasok iyon doon.

"When's the paper due?" he asked and leaned on the wall

"Two weeks from now," I answered arms crossed while waiting for the papers to print.

"Aga gumawa ah," he said and sipped to his cup of coffee

I smiled weakly. "I don't want to cram besides, mas maganda nang matapos ng maaga para pahinga nalang pagkatapos."

"I mean...do you even rest?" he chuckled

I leaned on the wall beside him and sighed.

"Yes...I do," I murmured underneath my breath.

Silence envelop us. I can see from the corner of my eyes that he's staring at me.

"The funny thing is that I never really expected to be this-" I paused, not knowing the next words.

"I don't know, must be the amount of caffeine I consumed," I chuckled. "I'm just worn out."

"Matindi ba pangangailangan?"

I laughed. "No not really. Wala naman akong pamilya na pinapakain at anak na binubuhay. It's just me. I guess you can say I'm pretty much workaholic."

"Indeed. I mean you're also managing a business."

I nodded. "How 'bout you?"

"Let's just say I have to work twice as hard to earn more money. You know, the harder you work, the more money you'll earn."

I chuckled softly. "You just gotta do it."

Bumuntong hininga ako at pumikit.

"I didn't really excel in academics back in highschool, even in college. I didn't graduate with honors. I wasn't a scholar. I was just a normal student trying to cope and survive. That's why I'm always eager. I always push myself. For someone like me, I- I have to work twice as hard."

What am I even proving?

"You really are something Hope," he muttered

I looked at him with amusement. "No one ever calls me that. It is such a dumb name."

He sipped on his coffee to hide his smile. "Well it suits you."

Hope.

Maybe it does.

I just find it awkward when someone calls me that.

Ilang sandali ay umayos na siya ng tayo. He crumpled the paper cup and shoot it on the trash can between us.

"Anyway, got to go," paalam niya

I nodded and turned to faced the printer to check if the papers are ready to go.

"Sige, ingat ka."

Tumalikod na siya at naglakad palayo pero humarap siya muli sa'kin.

"Hey, take care of yourself. Especially your health. Prioritize yourself once in a while," he said and winked at me

I chuckled. "Of course. I know that. You too."

He shrugged and turned his back on me. Pinagmasdan ko siya habang naglalakad palayo. Binalik ko ang tingin sa printer at agad na kinuha ang mga papel na prinint.

Bumalik ako sa office ko at kinuha ang ibang gamit. Sinuot ko ang shoulder bag ko habang yakap ko ang mga folders. Napatingin ako sa computer ko at nakita ang isang sticky note na nakadikit doon.

I smiled upon reading the note.

Rest if you must! Fighting!

It's a message I wrote to myself when I first day of work. Sometimes, I often forget to take care of myself that's why I need a reminder.

This is just me reminding myself.

I'm so weird.

Napailing nalang ako at tuluyan nang naglakad palabas ng office.

****

"How's work Talliah?" mom asked

"Work is work," I simply replied

I cleared my throat and looked at them. We're all gathered at the dining table eating dinner.

"Nagsimula na pala akong maghanap ng shop," sabi ko

Tumingin silang lahat sa'kin.

"Really? Well did you find something?" My sister asked

"Meron na. May binebenta yung sa tita ng kaibigan ko," sagot ko

"Tita talaga ng kaibigan mo?" si papa

I nodded. "Opo. Nakita ko nadin in person yung shop atsaka mabait naman po yung may ari."

"Mapagkakatiwalaan?"

"Yes pa. Kaibigan ko naman po yun."

Tumango siya at pinagpatuloy ang pag kain.

"I'll still find shops online that are for sale though I'm already considering buying the first one kasi pasok sa budget atsaka malapit lang sa'tin."

"Ano ba'ng plano mo? Huhulugan mo o isang bagsakan?" tanong niya

"Ahh magdodown po muna ako," sagot ko

He simply smiled and glanced at mom beside me.

"I just want to inform you guys about it," I muttered

Hindi na sila muling nagsalita. We continued eating instead.

"Hay salamat sa diyos dahil biniyayaan ako ng masisipag na anak. Masaya ako dahil nakapagtapos kayo lahat ng pag-aaral at may magagandang trabaho. Nakaraos din kami ng papa mo sa paghihirap," si mama pagbasag sa katahimikan

"Eto nanaman si mama," reklamo ni ate

"Hay nako. Kung alam niyo lang kung gaano kahirap mag-alaga ng tatlong anak."

Bumagsak ang mata ko sa plato.

Masaya din naman ako dahil hindi ko na sila nakikitang nahihirapan magpaaral sa'min. Masaya ako dahil kaming tatlo na ang tumutulong sa kanila.

That's why I always work hard 'cause I want to give back to my parents, for everything that they have done to us. For all the sacrifices.

I'm not only doing this for myself but for them as well.

***

Kinabukasan ay Sunday at ngayon ay nandito ako sa isang cafe sa BGC. Kaharap ko ang laptop ko at naghahanap na binebentang shops sa internet.

I sipped on my cup of coffee while browsing on the internet. Katabi ko din ang isang bullet journal na naglalaman ng schedules ko at tasks na dapat gawin.

I opened it and took my black pen. I listed all my pending works and my schedule for this week, until next week. It's always important to plan ahead so that I know what task to do and it will be easier for me to finish it.

I still have a few notebooks and journals at home. I don't know I just like collecting them all as well as highlighters and pen. Meron pa ngang iba na binili ko nung college na hindi pa nagagamit pero nakatambak lang sa drawer ko. Tinatamad din talaga ko magsulat noon.

But as I grew older, I realized the importance of planning ahead. In that way I can also manage my time.

"Talliah?"

Inangat ko ang paningin sa tumwag sa'kin. Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang isang pamilyar na mukha.

"Ummm you are...wait hold on, I can't-" I said and quickly stood up

"Ericka," pakilala niya

I snapped my fingers. "Oh right! Ericka, Terrence's girlfriend."

She chuckled. "Yes. You remembered. Anyways, hi!"

"Hi!" I greeted. "Paano mo pala ko nakita?"

"Oh, I'm regular here. Pagpasok ko tapos paglingon ko nakilala agad kita. I wasn't gonna approach you but then I thought I wanted to say hi. We've met before naman eh."

I slowly nodded. "Ahh."

"Uhh, is it okay if I join you? Or do you have work to do?" she said and glanced at my table

"Oh no it's fine, you can join me."

Ngumiti siya at sabay kaming umupo sa upuan. Katapat ko siya ngayon.

"How's Terrence by the way? Hindi mo siya kasama?" tanong ko

"Nasa construction site. First project niya," sagot niya

"Ah talaga? Wala na kasi akong balita sa kanya eh. Ang huli kong nalaman ay yung nakapasa siya sa board exam. Sobrang busy lang talaga."

Naghalumbaba siya. "Yeah, he's also very workaholic. I'm really proud of him. I just continue to be a supportive girlfriend," she beamed

I smiled and looked at my laptop again.

"Ah wait lang. Order lang ako," sabi niya

"Sure go ahead."

Tumayo na siya at pumila sa cashier. Pinagpatuloy ko ang paghahanap ng shop at the same time ay naghahanap ng magagandang design ng shop sa internet. Sumandal ako at pinagmasdan din ang kabuuan ng cafe.

The cafe has a homey vibe to it. There's a lot of wooden furniture and aesthetic frames on every angle. I'm also inlove with the smell of the coffee. Freshly brewed coffee.

Hindi ko napansin na nakabalik na pala si Ericka sa lamesa namin. Hawak hawak niya ang inumin niya na frappe.

I cleared my throat and leaned on the table.

Pinanood ko siya nung tinusok niya ang straw sa frappe at ininom.

She took a few sips and looked at me. "Uhh bakit pala wala ka nung nagreunion yung mga friends mo?"

I blinked twice. "Hm? I mean ano...busy kasi ako. I couldn't make it. Umattend ka?"

She nodded. "Yup. Terrence introduced me to his friends. Andun si Inna, Mark, Kurt, Cheska and some of his college friends."

Tumango ako habang pinapakinggan siya.

"Tapos lagi ka nilang binabanggit. Ikaw lang daw yung kulang ganun kaya nacurious din ako kung sino ka. I wanted to meet you right away 'cause I got to know everyone besides you."

Bumaba ang paningin ko sa tasa ng kape ko.

Sana nakasama din ako pero mas hinihiling ko na sana naintindihan nila kung bakit wala ako sa reunion.

"There's always a next time," I smiled weakly

"Of course. I'm actually glad we met already. Wait, text ko lang si Terrence. Sabihin ko magkasama tayo ngayon," she giggled and took out her phone

Pinanood ko siya habang nagtetext sa phone niya. Kinuha niya ang frappe at muling ininuman.

"Inna told me that you're an interior designer?" I asked

Hindi agad siya nakasagot dahil busy sa pagtext pero nung natapos ay agad siyang tumingin sa'kin.

"Ha? Ahh oo. Napag-usapan din pala namin yun noon," sagot niya sabay patong ng phone sa lamesa

"UST din ako nag-aral. Same with Terrence," dagdag niya

I nodded.

"Bakit mo pala natanong?"

It took me a while before answering her question.

"Ahh wala. I was just- I mean I have this special project for myself. Meron kasi akong shop tapos gusto kong iparenovate. I thought of hiring an interior designer."

Hinarap ko ang laptop ko sa kanya at pinakita ang pictures ng shop ng tita ni Inna.

"Talaga? That's nice. Oh wait, are you asking me?" gulat niyang tanong

I nodded. "If it's okay with you but if you have a lot of projects then it's fine-"

"No. I mean game ako diyan," she cut me off

My lips parted. "Really? I mean I'm not forcing you or anything."

"Ako dapat ang magulat kasi pwede kang maghire ng iba na mas magaling sa'kin. Parang hindi ko ata deserve na ako magdesign ng shop mo."

I chuckled. "Marami ka bang clients?"

"Sa ngayon, wala pa naman. Free ako."

"Then game!" I cheered

"Seryoso ka? Ako talaga? Hala wait nahiya ko bigla," sabi niya sabay iwas ng tingin

"Don't be!"

"I feel pressured. Now we have to act like professionals tuloy," she muttered

"Show me you got," I said and smiled

Huminga siya ng malalim at tumingin sa'kin. Lumapit siya lalo sa lamesa at tumingin sa laptop ko.

"Okay so first, may idea ka na ba kung ano gusto mong itsura ng shop mo?"

"I already envisioned in my head the interior design but it's still not complete yet," I said

"What kind of colors, pattern, designs you want in the interior? Is there any pictures that you can show me?"

Tumango ako at hiningi ang laptop ko sa kanya. Tumayo siya at lumapit sa'kin.

"Meron akong nakita sa internet. First I want it to be simple yet classy. The color pallette that I want are black, white, and brown like a wood accent. Mga neutral colors," paliwanag ko

"I see," he murmured and slowly nodded

Sumulyap ako sa kanya na ngayon ay seryosong nakatingin sa mga pictures.

"Gusto ko din yung mga brick walls. I want to have that vintage vibes to it. Eto oh, maganda. Gawa sa kahoy yung wall tapos parang dahon yung design niya. Tsaka yung fron desk, maganda yung white marble pwede din eto, gawa sa bamboo. Ang ganda!" sabi ko sabay turo sa mga pictures

"Okay hinay hinay lang," sabi niya sabay tawa

"Oh sorry. Did you catch up?" I joked

"Nakakaloka 'di ako prepared," sabi niya sabay upo sa tabi ko

Hindi niya inalis ang paningin sa laptop ko at seryosong sinusuri ang mga pictures.

"Sorry. Ang dami lang talagang ideas na pumapasok sa isip ko. Eto inaantupag ko ngayon eh," ngiti kong sabi

Tumango siya at nagscroll pababa ng page. "I mean we can ask Terrence to build some of the furnitures here," pagbibiro niya

Tumawa ako.

"Ang mamahal din kasi ng mga materyales na ganito. Yung iba overseas pa inoorder," paliwanag niya

"Oo nga eh. Ang gusto ko talagang ipaayos yung interior. Hindi ako bibili ng lahat bago kasi may mga gamit pa dun sa shop na pwede pang gamitin. Ang gusto ko lang bilhin ay yung mga wala pa," sagot ko

"Magkano ba budget mo?" tanong niya

Sumandal ako at nilagay ang kamay sa baba. "Estimated? Mga around fifteen to twenty thousand."

Napatingin agad siya sa'kin. "Naku kukulangin pera mo kapag bibilhin mo yung mga materyales na sinabi mo sa'kin kanina."

I sighed. "Yeah I know. Magbabago pa isip ko maslalo na kapag alam kong hindi talaga pasok sa budget."

"Huwag kang mag-alala. May mga alternative materials naman na pwede ipalit dito na mura."

Tumango ako at lumapit sa kanya.

"Open naman ako sa ideas. You can share your opinions as well," I reminded

We continued discussing our plan and ideas. I like it 'cause she's very open and understands the concept that I want. She's vocal, creative, artstic and very detailed when it comes to explaining things, her thoughts as well. Komportable din ako makipag-usap sa kanya dahil talagang nakikinig siya sa sinasabi ko.

Hindi ako nahirapan makipagcommunicate sa kanya. She was a professional and knows her job well.

"Hays nakakastress naman 'to!" I blurted and ran my fingers through my hair.

She chuckled. "Guess we need another cup of coffee."

I looked at our cups on the table that are now empty. I sighed heavily and massaged my temple.

Mukhang hindi lang isa ang kailangan namin ngayong araw.

This is gonna be a long day.