"Miss, can I have —"

"It's already my out," I cut off and continue walking.

Nang nakarating sa staff room ay hinubad ko ang suot na apron atsaka kinuha ang gamit sa locker nang pumasok si Shanny.

"Ano na namang ginawa mo sa customers, Audrey?"

"Did I do something wrong? Sabi ko lang na out ko na —"

"Kahit na! Dapat kinuha mo pa rin iyong order nila, hindi mo ba magawa iyon? Hindi naman aabot ng oras!" sigaw niya ulit.

I gritted my teeth, getting irritated by her voice.

"8 PM out ko, kaya 8 PM din ako aalis. Ba't hindi ikaw ang gumawa, mamaya pa naman out mo 'di ba?" nagtitimping sagot ko sa kaniya.

Ang kapal ng mukha akala mo naman siya boss dito, eh, parehas nga lang kami ng trabaho.

"Matanggal ka na sana sa trabaho! Malandi!"

Shanny was about to turn her back when I pulled her hair. "What did you just say?"

"Bitawan mo 'ko!"

Hinila ko pa lalo ang buhok niya. "Ulitin mo nga 'yong sinabi mo."

"Bitawan mo sabi ako, eh!"

Dahil sa pagkairita sa malakas na boses niya ay patulak ko siyang binitawan na nagpatumba sa kaniya.

"Isusumbong kita!"

I fakely laughed. "Go ahead. I don't care."

Nagtungo na ako sa pintuan at huminto saglit sa gilid niya. "I'll get back to you next time. Take this as a warning, Shanny," I threatened.

Habang naghihintay ng bus sa waiting shed ay tumunog ang cellphone ko.

Rhiane:

Aud, nasa Marikina kami ni Margaret ngayon. Nasa'n ka?

Me:

Ano'ng ginagawa niyo rito?

Rhiane:

Hindi ba obvious? Pupuntahan ka namin!

Me:

Just go home, ayaw ko ng maingay ngayon.

Rhiane:

Grabe ka naman! Namiss na kita, eh!

Hindi na ako nag-reply at patuloy nalang na naghintay ng masasakyan. I'm still not used to this kind of life. Sue them.

"There you are!"

Napatalon nalang ako sa gulat nang may biglang lumitaw sa harap ko.

Ngumiti ako, pero nang nakita iyon ni Marga ay kaagad kong ipinawi.

"Oh my! You smiled!" Marga exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes. "No, there's nothing to be happy of."

"Gosh, you're still my girl!" Rhiane tightly hugged me.

"You're overreacting," I said.

"So, ano? Club tayo, treat ko," pag-aaya ni Marga.

I shrugged. "Kayo na lang. I'm living my life peacefully."

Parehas silang laglag ang panga.

"Talaga?"

"Did you just turn down my offer, Audrey?!" pasigaw na ani Marga.

I crossed my arms at them. "Baka nakakalimutan niyong nagbago na ang buhay ko, aren't you guys aware of my situation right now?" I coldly said.

Natutop ni Rhiane ang bibig 'tsaka bumaling kay Marga na masama ang mukha.

"Didn't I tell you too na sa 'min ka na nga lang dapat muna?" masungit na sabi niya.

"I won't bother anyone. Kaya ko ang sarili ko." Tumayo ako at hinarap sila. "I'll get going now."

"Wait! 'Di ka sasama sa 'min?" pagtatampo ni Marga.

Umiling ako at mataman silang tinitigan. "Pagod ako ngayon, bye."

I really can't imagine myself being like this. I don't want them to pity me, this is my choice after all.

Unknown number:

Audrey, I honestly got your number from your friend. I won't introduce myself unless you answer my call.

"Who's this again?" I whispered.

Unknown number is calling...

Wala akong nagawa kun' 'di sagutin ang tawag.

"Hello?"

"You answered. What are you up to these days? I asked your mom —"

"Where the hell did you get my number, Kurt? I'll hang up now. And don't you ever call me again." I then hung the call up.

These girls surely gave my number to him.

Me:

Margaret. Did you give my number to him? Do you wanna die?

She replied immediately.

Margaret:

Oh my! Hindi 'no! Baka si Rhiane iyon. I won't betray you, Audrey. Never.

I cursed under my breathe before texting Rhiane.

Me:

What the hell was on your mind, Rhiane?

Rhiane:

What?

Me:

You gave him my number.

Rhiane:

Who? What are you talking about?

Me:

Kurt.

Rhiane:

I didn't.

Ako:

He got my number from my friend. Only you and Margaret are my friends. Marga, didn't do it. What about you?

Rhiane is calling...

"Audrey..."

"What now?"

"I swear didn't give your number to him, but I guess someone did."

"Who?"

"Fiona," she almost whispered.

"What?! How did she get my number in the first place?!" My voice raised.

"Actually..." She breathe heavily. "She threatened me... She'll tell my parents that... I'm still seeing you."

Fuck. Fuck that bitch.

"Okay. Don't you dare to come here anymore, I can't risk it. Just forget about me if you don't want to be punished by your parents. I'll hang up now."

Hindi pa rin ba siya kuntento? She already destroyed my life, pati sa engagement namin ni Kurt siya ang dahilan. And now? She's threatening my friends? What a psycho bitch.

Hindi ako nakatulog nang maayos kagabi kakaisip sa gawain ni Fiona. I really can't understand her. Ano pa ba ang gusto niya? Wala na ako sa bahay, umalis na ako pero bakit ginagambala niya pa rin ako.

At mas lalo pang uminit ang ulo ko nang nagsimula na naman si Shanny sa pagbubunganga sa 'kin. Kapag ako hindi nakapagtimpi talagang kakaladkarin ko na siya, matanggal man ako sa pinagtatrabahuan ko.

"Feelingera ka talaga, Audrey. Akala mo mayaman kung makaasta, eh, waitress ka nga lang dito."

"You bitch, kung wala kang magandang sasabihin pwede bang itikom mo 'yang bunganga mo."

"Eh, kung ayaw ko —" My fist landed on her face. "Ito lagi ang matitikman mo."

Napadaing siya sa sakit habang hawak-hawak ang ilong niya na dumudugo. As if I'm scared.

"Humanda ka talaga sa 'kin!" sigaw niya at patakbong lumabas ng staff room.

"Do whatever you want. I don't fucking care," I whispered.

And just like that, napatawag ako ng manager.

"Ano'ng ginawa mo sa kaniya, Audrey?"

"I just taught her a lesson not to meddle in anyone's life."

"Tingnan mo, ma'am, sumasagot pa —"

"Quiet, Shanny. I'm asking her, so she'll definitely answer me," sagot ng manager.

Shanny's face paled.

I wanted to laugh on her face, but I would look like an idiot.

"Papalagpasin ko 'to ngayon, but next time... I won't accept all your excuses, got it?"

Tumango kaming dalawa.

"Audrey, pakilinis iyong table 12," utos ni Shanny.

Pumikit ako nang mariin, naiinis. "Inuutusan mo ba 'ko?" gigil na tanong ko.

"Gawain mo naman 'yan, 'di ba? Isa pa, may ginagawa ako rito." Nagpatuloy siya sa pagpupunas ng glass wall.

I applied as a waitress and not a janitress for Pete's sake.

Magdadabog na sana ako nang napansing pinagmamasdan pala kami ng manager kaya wala akong nagawa kun' 'di linisin ang lamesa na may sama ng loob.

"Miss, pakilinis naman dito!" sigaw ng customer sa kabila.

This is so embarrassing.

Nakababa lang ang tingin ko habang nililinisan ang lamesa ng dalawang customer na nanonood sa ginagawa ko. I wanted to cry out of frustration, but I know I'm not that kind of a person.

"Miss, one pesto salad."

My eyes went bigger when I recognized who it was.

"What else, m-ma'am?" I stuttered.

This is life. And look how the tables turned, ang dating Audrey ay pinagsisilbihan ang isang biktima ng bullying dati sa university. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit may makikilala ako rito, ayaw kong malaman nila ang sitwastyon ko. And yes, it is hurting my ego.

"A-Audrey?" She looks surprised.

Wala akong nagawa kun' 'di tumango sa kaniya, nahuli na rin naman ako and I don't think she'll spread this ridiculous news that the hot chic Persian Audrey is now a waitress.

"It's me. Nakakagulat ba?"

"Ah, h-hindi naman... Aalis na lang ako —"

"No, stay here. Am I that intimidating?" I arched a brow.

She gulped. "Y-yes."

And it's great. Hindi niya magagawang ipakalat, at hindi naman sa tinatago ko rin ang identity ko. I just don't want to be bothered by anyone.

"Here is your order, Norjana. I won't call you ma'am 'coz it's hurting my ego. Is it okay with you?" Nilapag ko ang plato sa harapan niya habang siya ay nakatitig pa rin sa akin.

"Oo naman..."

I was about to walk away when she called me. "Audrey."

"Yeah, may mali ba sa pagkain? But our cook's amazing —"

"Ah, hindi 'yan. Pwede ba kitang kausapin?"

"For?"

"Uhm, if you won't mind sitting." Tinuro niya ang kaharap na upuan.

I blankly stared at her before sitting. I can't believe I'm following her.

"Thank you sa pagtulong —"

"How many times did I tell you that it was nothing? You don't have to thank me hundred times."

"Sorry, hindi ko lang mapigilan... Kung hindi kasi dahil sa 'yo ay baka hanggang ngayon binubully pa rin ako..."

I bit my lowerlip, getting annoyed of her dramas. "Yeah, fine. You're welcome, happy now?" I gave in.

She smiled. "Thank you so much!"

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, I'll get back to work now."

"Teka, bakit ka pala... nandito?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm working here, Norjana."

Natahimik siya at hindi na nag salita ulit.

"You don't have to know all about me. Enjoy your food." I then turned my back at her.

Kinabukasan ay para akong binuhusan nang malamig na tubig. 

"May naghahanap daw sa 'yo! Bingi lang?"

I glared at Shanny. "Can you please mind your own business?"

Why is he here?

Wearing a white long-sleeve polo tucked in with his slacks, Zian's comfortably sitting while waiting for me to come.

Calm down, Audrey. You don't have to act like this in front of him.

"What are you doing here?" panimula ko.

I somehow missed seeing him, but I don't think he feels the same way too.

"Oh, take a seat first," he formally said.

Dahan-dahan akong umupo, hindi makatingin sa kaniya. I wonder how did he know that I was here. I didn't expect anyone to come here looking for me, but him.

"Persian, look at me."

"No."

Alam niyang wala akong mukha na ihaharap ngayon lalo na sa kaniya.

"Why? Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"Yes, you definitely are. So, if you won't mind... may I know why are you here?" I asked without glancing at him.

"I came here to see you."

Napatingin na ako sa kaniya. "Why?"

"I wanted to see you."

I fakely laughed. "Para sa'n naman, Zian?"

He smirked then pouted.

I rolled my eyes. How can this man be hot and cute at the same time?

"Why? Don't you want me to?"

"Cut it off. Paano mo nalamang nandito ako?"

"I have my ways."

"Whatever."

"Won't you ask me anything like... how have you been, did you eat —"

"Wala akong oras, kaya pwede ba?"

He glared at me and finally sighed. "Fine."

"So, why are you here?" I asked again.

"Paulit-ulit? I am here 'coz I wanted to see you. Is that enough?" he sarcastically said.

I kicked his foot under the table. "Don't make me laugh."

He chuckled and leaned closer. "Bakit? Mapapangiti ba kita?"

"I'm not joking around, Zian. I am at my lowest right now," I coldly said.

"Low? I don't think you're in your lowest now. You're still the spoiled-brat Persian Audrey I know."

"I see that you're working here. Are you having a hard time?" dagdag niya.

"Sa tingin mo?"

"I guess, you're not, but wait."

"What?"

"Are you washing dishes here?"

"No." I glared at his amusing expression. What was he thinking again?

"Hmm, that's a relief. Hindi mauubos iyong mga plato."

"I know how to wash plates for your information!"

"Wow, this brat knows how to wash dishes. Are you for real?"

This guy's insulting me. "Zian." I stared at him. "Do you wanna die?"

He smirked and lifted my chin up. "Not yet. Hindi pa ako nakakaganti sa 'yo." He flicked his tounge while staring at my lips.

Hinawi ko ang kamay niya, feeling embarrassed on what I did to him before. "Shut up."

"Oh, by the way. You were in a fight with your co-worker," he stated.

My forehead creased.

"What are you talking about? Are you stalking me ever since?"

"Oh, chill." He laughed. "You're still full of yourself. I didn't stalk you, okay?"

"Then why the hell you knew?"

He pursed his lips hiding a smile. "Bakit ka galit?"

"I am not!"

"Edi, hindi."

This jerk.

"I still have many things to do, Zian. Huwag ka nang bumalik ulit dito." Tumayo ako at umalis na.

He didn't even follow me. Jerk.

But I'm confused on how he got to know that I fought with Shanny? Did he and Shanny know each other?

"Audrey, sa kabila may order."

Magrereklamo na sana ako, pero hindi ko na itinuloy at dumiretso na lang sa itinuro niya, pero kaagad din akong napahinto at dali-daling nagtago sa gilid.

I saw some of my enemies and if they find out that I'm here... in this situation, I am surely doomed.

"Audrey, bilisan mo at marami pang customers!"

"'Di ka tatahimik d'yan, pwede ba saglit lang!" inis na sambit ko kay Shanny.

"What's wrong here?"

Parehas kaming napalingon sa likod nang may nagsalita.

"Ay, sir. Ayaw po kasi nitong kasama ko kunin iyong order sa kabila."

I rolled my eyes. What a two-faced bitch.

"Okay, ako na bahala rito. You can go now," Zian said.

Tumango si Shanny at umalis na.

Ang isa sa kanila ay papunta sa direksyon ko kaya dali-dali akong umatras nang hawakan ni Zian ang braso ko.

"What's wrong with you?"

I was about to say something when one of my enemy spoke at my back.

I'm doomed.

"Miss, pakuha naman ng order namin."

Napapikit ako nang mariin. No, I won't let them see me.

Saktong hinila ako ni Zian papalapit sa at igiya ang ulo ko na dahilan nang pagsubsob sa dibdib niya.

"Sorry, but she's not an employee here."

"Ah, sorry!"

"It's okay, she's gone. Let me take their orders, and go to the staff room," Zian whispered.

"Okay, thanks."

I was waiting for Zian when Shanny entered.

"What are you staring at?" I asked when I noticed her stare.

"Sino iyong lalaking kausap mo kanina?"

I eyed her suspiciously. "Why?"

"Mukhang close kayong dalawa."

"And?"

"Curious lang."

I stepped forward towards her. "Ayusin mo 'yang curious na pinagsasabi mo... baka matikman mo ulit 'to." Ipinakita ko sa kaniya ang kamao ko.

"Ang sama mo talaga," sabi niya.

"Oo, masama talaga ako kaya 'wag mo 'kong susubukan."

Hindi na siya sumagot at tinalikuran nalang ako.

"Are they gone?" I asked when Zian entered the staff room.

"They are eating obviously. Mga kaaway mo ba 'yon?"

I stared at him.

"As I thought. You should thank me, Persian, for saving you."

I rolled my eyes.

"AUDREY, someone's looking for you." Lumapit sa akin si Ms. Bretella kinabukasan, nakangiti atsaka itinuro ang table kung saan may nakita akong lalaking nakaupo.

It's him again.

He's now wearing a black shirt and  cargo shorts, while wearing a black cap. 

"You're here again. If you're gonna bother me, just leave."

"Can you please take a seat first?" masungit na aniya.

"And you're getting mad now?" I exclaimed.

"Hindi." Kumalma ang boses niya.

"So, what now?"

He smiled and roamed his eyes at me. "Bagay sa 'yo 'yong uniform mo ngayon."

Nagbaba naman ako ng tingin sa suot na uniform. Nakasuot na kasi ako ng long-sleeve ngayon hindi katulad kahapon na t-shirt lang. I still find this clothes cheap, I used to wear expensive clothes.

"Tigilan mo nga 'ko."

"Okay, I'll be serious now. I'm here to take you out."

I scoffed. "Take... me... out?!"

Halos mapatalon siya sa gulat sa pagsigaw ko. I don't care if people find me something.

"Why would you do that?" I asked again.

He cleared his throat. "Can you calm down, Persian? You're making my heart jump!" He exhaled. "I'll take you out of here, happy now?"

"Bakit?"

"You should come home —"

"Leave. If we'll gonna talk about this, umalis ka na lang."

"Oo, hindi na nga. Ang hirap mo talagang pakiusapan," he muttered.

"Are you saying something?"

"Ah, nothing. Can you walk me around this place instead?" Itinuro niya ang labas kung saan nakikita ang mga mall.

"Ano'ng tingin mo sa 'kin? Amo na iginagala ang aso niya?"

He eyed me before bursting into laughter, nang matapos siya sa kakatawa ay inismiran niya ako. "You have a corny jokes, Persian. Let's go, I already told your manager with your early out."

"Wait, what? Why are you deciding without telling me first?"

"Bakit, kapag sinabi ko ba sasama ka?"

Hindi ako nakapagsalita.

"Oh, 'di ba? Tara na —"

"Papalabasin mo 'ko while wearing this? Seriously?" Problemado kong pinagmasdan ang uniform na suot.

"What's wrong with your clothes? It's fine, maarte ka lang talaga. Bilisan mo, at magbihis ka na matatagalan pa tayo rito," pagtataboy niya sa 'kin at tiningnan ang relo.

Lumabas ako ng suot ang spaghetti dress. Gosh, this is so frustrating. I'm going out with him just wearing this? Naisip ko naman iyong suot niya kaya nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Why am I so problematic when it comes to this?

"You took 20 minutes, nakarating na sana tayo," bungad niya pagkalabas ko.

"Eh, ano naman? Do you have something to do after this?"

"Wala, ito naman... You always jump into conclusions and it's making me nervous."

"Whatever."

Pagkadating namin doon ay tahimik lang akong nagmamasid. Baka hindi ko namalayan na may nakakakilala pala sa 'kin dito at isumbong ako.

"Shit, Persian."

"What?"

"I left my wallet in the hotel."

"Oh, tapos anong gagawin ko? Wait, what? Hotel —"

He covered my mouth. "Lower down your voice. People might get the wrong idea."

Tinanggal ko ang kamay niya. "Why are you in a hotel, Zirdy Ivan?" I whispered angrily.

"I'm staying there for the mean time —"

"You aren't there to bed girls, right? —"

"What the hell, Persian? What are you talking about?"

"I was just asking!" sigaw ko sa kaniya.

"Fine, hindi! Kung ano-ano kasi pinag-iisip, e. Ano, are you treating me or not?"

"No. Why would I do that? Ang yaman mo tapos magpapalibre ka sa 'kin, at baka nakakalimutan mong ikaw ang nagyaya sa 'kin dito."

"Okay, fine. I'll get my wallet in the hotel, then. Wait for me here."

"No way." I grabbed his hand and took him to a restaurant.

Inihagis ko sa kaniya ang menu. "Here, order whatever you want."

I won't let him go back there unless he'll take me there.

"Wow, Persian Audrey's treating me nicely. What's have gotten into you, brat?"

I kicked his foot under the table. "Kunin mo na lahat ng gusto mo d'yan, you're so nosy."

He flicked his tongue and gestured me to come close.

"What?"

He leaned closer to whisper something in my ear.

"What if... I tell you..." he trailed off.

"What?"

"I want you."

My lips parted. "Don't make me laugh, Zian."

He pouted and held my chin to make me face him.

"I want you mine, Persian Audrey."