Maybe Because… (Chapter 4)

I looked on the counter and saw him again and he flashed a shy smile that time. Goodness gracious! I’m falling for it!! I gave a little smile. I didn’t want to look very obvious. He did the same gestures again. “That moron’s really dedicated in doing that, isn’t he?” Says my conscience. I neglected it. No antagonist for me today. So I decided to eat what he had given me. I felt wonderful that time as I ate. As I lookedback at the counter, he’s gone. Maybe he’s inside his office. Was he the manager or the owner? I really don’t have any idea, at all.
I decided to go home now because I fulfilled myself as of the moment. But before I went out, I wrote on the same sticky note.
“Thank You for this 🙂 Sofitia Cabrera”
I went home with a smile on my face. Mom’s laughing at my look. “Dad, look at our little Sofie. She’s definitely feeling something about this crazy little thing called love.”
“Mom!” I said.
Dad outburst into laughter. “Found guilty.”
“No, I’m not.” I denied.
“Archer,” said Mom and Dad. My brother came by their side. ” Do you think she’s telling the truth?”
They thought about it for sometime and they all shouted, “No!” And they all laughed.
“I hate you guys.” I replied.
“We love you so much Sofie.” Said mom.
“I’ll go upstairs. I wanna rest.”
“If I know, you’re gonna stalk that person’s profile.” Dad teased. They all laughed. “HAHAHA! Funny.” I sarcastically replied.
But the truth is, they were all right. I sat down my bed and took my laptop out. Opened it, and browsed the internet. Logged on to the social media and looked for his name. My gosh! I found it! He’s so adorable. I just noticed that we were already friends. Why didn’t I noticed him before?
*****
Last night. That dream I had before didn’t occur. And I had a very fine sleep. It’s obvious in my work because Anya noticed that I got livelier than I was before. I finished my papers early and took some of my colleagues’ work so I can keep myself busy.
“Are you inspired?” Anya asked me while we were in the powder room.
“Uhh, no.” I replied.
“What’s with the actions?”
“I guess I just had a very good sleep last night. First time in months, I say.”
“Well that is good to hear.” Anya sounded with relief. “So I guess you’re getting better with the insomnia thingy.”
“I guess so.”
Moments passed by without us noticing it. We bid farewell among each other. But my foot brought me again to Cafe Bernoulli.
I sat on the same spot. I searched for him but he’s not around. I ordered a cup of espresso and three slices of butterscotch. I had my time there as I waited for him, even only his shadow, to appear. So, I took a book from my bag.
The Witch of Portobello
I read the book on the page I last stopped. I nearly finished the book but he’s still not around. I went to the restroom for a waterbag break then I decided to leave and go home.
When I reached home, mom’s busy preparing our dinner. I decided to wash up and change my clothes and slack myself on the couch in the living room to watch Once Upon A Time Season 2. Dad and Archer’s not yet home by then when the doorbell rang.
“Sofie, can you look who’s outside? It might be your father,” Mom shouted from the kitchen. I went out and opened the gate when heaven lighted and bells in my head played a tune. “Why is Andrew here?” Ask my conscience. I don’t know. I phased out while staring at him when he suddenly spoke.
“Uhh, hi.” He shyly said.
“H-Hi.” I stummered. I hate it!
“You left your book in the cafe.” He said again, but now with a smile in his gorgeous face.
“How did you know I live here?” I asked him.
“Your bookmark has an address with it. I followed it. Lucky, I live here too but on the other street.”
Then someone coughed.
“D-Dad,” I replied with shock.
“Why not entertain this nice guy inside li’l Sofie?” Dad smiled. “You know it’s not good to entertain visitors outside. Come now an…err… what’s your name?”
“Andrew, sir.” He replied with confidence and euphoria in his tone.
“Join us for our dinner.” Dad asked him.
“It’s bad to turn down your offer so I will, sir.” He said.
Then we entered. I didn’t notice that Archer was at my rear when he whispered,”Is he the one you’re stalking last night online?”
I got shocked and I covered his mouth. “How did you know?”
He removed my hands from his mouth. “I hope you know how to delete browsing history, kekekeke.”
I punched him in the arm. He just laughed.
“Sofitia, lets go inside,” Dad said.
And then we started to enter our wonderful house.
*****
It was a dinner full of different feelings. I don’t know how to explain it but it feels so right that he’s here by my side when in fact he’s just a stranger in my existence. I started eating and did not speak while they were having their conversation.
“So what is your name?” Mom asked.
“My name is Andrew Sansenin.” He gladly replied.
“How old are you? And what do you do for a living?” What a question, Dad! It’s like he’s gonna court me.
“I am twenty six years old. I have a cafe in front of your daughter’s office. I hope you are familiar with Cafe Bernoulli,” he replied like a simple man with the perfect pitch.
“Are you in a relationship right now?” Archer asked.
Please no. Please?
I don’t know but my heartbeat’s getting faster and faster. I don’t want to hear that he’s with someone else.
And then he meaningfully replied.
“No I am not. Because my heart made a promise to someone else. She told me that if anything happens to her, I should wait until she comes back again. But I have to make my steps because I don’t want her to take long and return to me. And yes, I do believe that one day I will be where I was – right there next to her.” 
And then the bells started to ring in my head.
He’s looking at me.
And everyone else does.
I’m blushing!!
I broke the silence. “Well, then. She’s a very lucky lady because you are there to wait for her.”
He smiled while looking at me. “Well, I’m much luckier because my latter statement happened already.”
Confusion struck me. What did he mean by that?
Everyone’s faces were filled with content and security. And the dinner went on.
“Sir, I have to go. I have to close my shop. I don’t mean to be disrespectful but I have to be responsible too.” He said after dinner.
“Okay go on. I understand. Let us see each other some time, Andrew.” Said Dad.
“Yes, sir.” He replied. And then he looked at me. “Goodbye, Sofie.”
“Goodbye. Please take care.” I replied. And then when he’s near the gate, he faced me and did all the gestures again. I smiled. And then he left.
“I remember the day that you were like that to me, Gamaliel.” Mom teased Dad while she’s hugging him.
“I am like that because I want to take you and be my ever loving wife, Serensiel.” Dad cuddlingly said to my mom.
“So sweet I need a bitter gourd.” Archer sarcastically replied. And everyone laughed.

Maybe Because… (Chapter 3)

Light. Brightest light I saw. The sounds. They are very incomparable. The waters. They flow with agony and pain. Then there was nostalgia again.
I woke up with the same dream again. It’s two o’clock in the morning. I felt so elated. I went down the kitchen and took a glass of water. It’s been months since that dream bothered me. It served as my alarm clock the past few months but this was different because it’s earlier than I expected or I experienced before. I decided to return back to my room and drown myself to sleep again.
Alarm rang.
I prepared myself so I can go early to office. I went down for breakfast.
“Good morning Nana Lea,” I sweetly greeted our housekeeper and hugged her. She’s already a part of our family says mom.
“Good morning, Sofie.” She answered me with a perfect curve of happiness in her face.
“Are they still asleep?” I asked.
“Yes, dear. Actually, it’s very unlike you to wake up this early. It’s only five o’clock in the morning. Do you have a lot of stuff to do in your office?”
“People change, Nana.” I smiled. “What’s that beautiful smell?” I’m referring to the food she’d prepared.
“I cooked Arros Valenciana for breakfast. Some bacon and sunny side eggs, I baked some croissants. Your mom requested a good breakfast so I have to prepare it. Or else your mother will tease me again about cooking.”
“She really loves teasing you.”
“You bet.”
And we both shared a heartily laugh.
I started eating my breakfast and after, took a bath. Then, I dressed myself. But while I’m doing that, his smile flashed again in my head. I smiled with the idea because I like it. I like him.
“What!? You don’t like a person you barely know a thing or two. What if he’s a serial killer? What if he wanted you to become his sex slave? Tell me. Tell me!” Says my conscience. “Shut up, dear conscience! You’re such a paranoid bitch. But I like the idea of me becoming his sex slave. He’s way better than Christian Grey based from the looks. But hey, the sex slave thingy is pun intended, alright?” I replied to my mind. Now I’m getting weird like him.
I rode myself to office. I reached it by half past six in the morning. While walking, I noticed Cafe Bernoulli opening. And then I felt light when I saw him fixing things and as light touched his skin, it defined who he was – an imperfect angel. His haircut matched his innocent face. His eyes, gray with the contact lens he wore, or was it inborn? His lips, like the pink tulips. His skin was very pale like snow. His body was in perfect definition. He wore a light blue long sleeved polo hidden under a dark green sweater and paired with dark blue jeans. I realized that I stopped in front of the cafe while looking at him. By then I realized why is he wearing like that – it is cold for today. He faced me from the inside, maybe because he noticed me. He smiled. I died. Then he did the same gestures again. I gave him the perfect smile I can give and I saw him blushed. I laughed and waved him goodbye. Then I entered the office building for work.
My job had been very routinely this day and it had its curtain call for today. I decided to go down and enjoy again a solitary moment at Cafe Bernoulli. I sat again on that spot. I tried to look on the counter where I used to see him but he’s not there – kinda disappointing.
I sat there and did not order yet. I was still deciding what to purchase when someone came on my table bringing a cup of hot green tea, two slices of blueberry cheesecake, and a pesto dish. I looked at the waiter who served it to me and he just flashed a smile. I turned my attention to the food and noticed a sticky note in my tea cup. Written there was:
“Hi. I’m Andrew Sansenin :)”

Maybe Because… (Chapter 2)

As I rode myself home, I realized one thing – I forgot to ask him his name. But oh well, tomorrow is another day. Then, his smile flashed again in my memory. Oh Freud, did you teach him hypnosis? Because I am hypnotized by his smile.
As the taxi entered San Lorenzo Village, I received another text message. It’s from my older brother, Archer.
From: Archer

Message:

Hey li’l sis! I just got home from auditing a bank in Cebu City. I brought home some goodies for you. 
And a little smile formed in my face.
“You can drop me down in front of that silver motif gate,” I said to the driver. He stopped in front of our house and paid him. I pressed the doorbell so someone can open the gate for me.
“Oh Sofie,” said Mom as she opened the gate. “It’s the first time you went home late for dinner. What happened?” She asked with an understanding expression.
“I had tea before I went home. I lost track of time,” I said while we were walking. “Sorry if I am late mom.”
“That’s fine,” she replied. “You have to unwind one way or another. I experienced that when I was young so I understand. So shall we go and eat. Archer and your father’s already waiting.”
So we went inside, directly to the dining area. I can change my stuff later after dinner. It’s a bad thing to let the food wait.
“Hi Dad,” I said as I kissed his cheeks. “Hi Archer!” I kissed my brother too.
“You seemed to get past your time, Sofie. What happened?” Dad asked me in a curious but happy manner.
“Nothing much. I just had tea and lost track of time,” I replied with my normal tone. “It’s like you’re expecting me to do something.” I smelled something fishy.
“No. Nothing at all,” dad said while he looked on the other side. “I just wanna ask my daughter of the fun she had today.”
“Dad,” I laughed. “Stop concealing. You are not good at it. But thank you anyway. I really love all of you.”
Dad let go of a pefect and contented smile.
“So,” Archer said. “Shall we eat? I’m really, really hungry as of the moment.”
So we started our dinner. We’re the typical family who talks about life while eating. Mom and Dad are really good in intellectual speaking and life coaching. I really love listening to their words of wisdom – though sometimes I ask myself,”Am I applying them in my life?”
Archer’s the one who always bring the goof around the house. He’s the most caring and humorous older brother who never forgets to give us our requests – food and stuffs. Sometimes, I feel like he’s spoiling me but he says it is his way of telling us how much he loves us. I hope he gets married soon with his girlfriend.
“Sofie,” Archer said while Mom and Dad are busy watching their favorite TV Series. “I bought you a new pair of shoes. I hope you like those.”
He gave me this four-inch stiletto shoes with a sapphire gemstone at the center. “Thank you, Archer. You really know what I like.”
“Well,” he said. “I am your brother after all. By the way, have you finished the book I asked you to read?”
Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.
“Uhh,” I replied. “Not yet. But I would like to ask – do you believe that there is a chance that love at first sight will happen?”
“Do our eyes speak for our heart? Could you say it is love when you saw that one person for the first time in forever? You know life has a lot of complexities that what I asked you a while ago were just fragments of that crazy little thing called love and life’s offers.” My brother replied.
But of course, he has a point. I looked at him and he smiled. “You’ll understand things soon Sofie. You’ll understand why I asked you to read that.”
“Yeah,” I whispered. “But right now I want to sleep. I’m having a headache – overfatigue perhaps.”
“Okay, rest well Sofie.”
“You too, Archer. Tell Mom and Dad I wanted to sleep.”
*****

Maybe Because (Chapter 1)

“Why do things happen in life when you least expect it?”

Monday morning drizzles. The rain gives me this nostalgic feeling. I’d better shake it off or I’ll lose my focus. Tons of paper on my table – test papers of applicants. The feeling of being a psychometrician is a good and a tough job, really.
“Sofie, you better finish that or else you won’t enjoy the rest of the week,” said Anya, my boss in the Human Resource Department. “We’re going to have our lunch at Cafe Bernoulli. Will you come with us?”
But of course, I’ll join them. I don’t want to kill myself from starvation. The papers can wait. An hour of break will do.
“Yes,” I replied with an accent of frustration due to the toxicity of paper checking. “I don’t want to kill myself yet. The papers are asphyxiating.”
I took my handbag and flipped my hair back to its place before we go down. Anya smiled because she really liked how I do the hair flipping. Her apple cut hair can’t do that, eh.
From the 7th floor going down, and then outside of the building I saw Cafe Bernoulli waving its banner in my eyes. Its just across the street and the ambience of the place is great.
We crossed the street and went directly inside the cafe where music plays with a relaxing and amusing tune – a tune familiar to me but I can’t remember when or where I’ve heard it. Anya, Luke, Agnes and I sat on the side near the counter where I always see this weird person always staring at me and at the moment I caught him staring at me, he’s going to look down or pretend he’s doing something then when we’re going out, he’s going to poke his left chest twice and then salute like a soldier. It happens almost everyday Anya and I eat here. It creeps me out.
“I’ll order for us,” said Luke with a flashing smile. “Sweety, same old?” He asked Agnes to which she nodded as a sign of agreement. “How about you, Anya?” Agnes asked. “Espresso, bluberry creamcheese crepe and paella.” Anya replied, then Luke left.
“How about asking me?” I sarcastically asked them.
“Nah, we know what you like so why bother,” Agnes replied with a tease. “Besides, an element of surprise in your eyes is something new so…”
“So?” I asked.
“Nothing.” She sheepishly smiled. What’s wrong with this woman?
We spent the waiting time for the food with story telling and playful jokes. By a glance I saw again that guy staring and the same situation happened again. He’s already creeping my veins.
“Why are you staring at an… err… that guy?” Anya asked me.
“He’s getting on my nerves Anya,” I said after I let go of a sigh. “He’s been like that ever since and it is very vague to me why he acts like that?”
“Is he doing something bad to you?” Luke asked me.
“No he’s not.”
“Then I guess there’s nothing wrong with it,” he said while gobbling. “Unless he’s killing you slowly or what.”
“I guess you are right.” I defeatedly replied.
After, chitchat never idled. Fifteen minutes more til we return to our task in the office. Agnes and Anya retouched while Luke checked on his favorite band through the social media.
After a while, we’re ready to go. We stood up and started to walk outside Cafe Bernoulli when I noticed that weird guy perform those gestures again. But something’s new – he let go of a smile. A smile that gave me a feeling I knew I felt before but still, confusion ran in my body. I looked at him blandly and then walked away.
The day was cold and the rain gave me the desire to have a hot choco with marshmallows for snack while working. I went to the pantry and requested for that, which is odd because they knew exactly what was I going to tell – to put no cubes of sugar in my hot choco and include only the yellow marshmallows. Well, I guess someone orders the same thing here. Lucky we have the same taste.
I returned to my work with the hot mug and started filing things up. I’m done for today. I guess the hot choco gave me the inspiration to work with the tiring situation of evaluating the applicants’ test papers. Now my head’s kinda dizzy. Overwork.
It was five in the afternoon when I decided to go home. I bid farewell to Anya and the rest of my colleagues. I really felt tired and I badly wanted to throw myself to my best friend – bed. It still rained. Lucky I had an umbrella.
Crossing the street, my mind started to play along with the recall of that weird man’s actions. His gestures really were familiar to me but it still creeped my nerves. I had lost for words when I’m thinking about that.
When my mind returned to reality, I realized I was in front of Cafe Bernoulli again. Weird. I thought I was going home. But oh well, I felt hungry so better grab the opportunity. I went inside and sat on the spot I used to spend my day.
I sat down and took my iPad out. I browsed for some stuff in here and enjoyed reading my notes, especially my notes about each day passing when I always ask ‘Can I Say Something Crazy for Today?’. But I noticed something in my gadget. I tried to open but there’s a password. Really? I’m the owner and I forgot what my password is? I suddenly felt a little headache, when a baritone voice came over and brought in an accent of curiosity and a bristle of care in the air.
“Thinking out loud, eh?” He asked. I glanced and it was the weird guy.
“Why are you meddling?” I smirked.
“Because you’re telling your thoughts out loud and people are looking at you? Maybe thinking that you are some crazy kid who ran out of an asylum?” He continued. I blushed.
“Sorry,” I replied.
“A tea, perhaps?” He asked. I looked at him again. His face bristled with a shy gesture and blushed a little bit. He’s cute, I admit. But he still creeps me out.
We had tea for the afternoon. He did not speak after tea was served. I caught him stare at me secretly and saw him flashed that addictive smile. I pretended that I don’t notice him and kept on looking at my iPad. I smiled inside my mind and silently muttered, “He’s really adorable.”
My phone rang. It’s a text message from Dad reminding me to go home now.
“I have to get going,” I told him after I’d read my message.
“Okay,” he said then smiled. “Take care.”
I stood up and started to walk outside the shop when I glanced again to him. To my surprise, he did the same gestures again but with a wider smile and sparkling eyes. “He’s too devoted with that action,” said I in my iceberg.

The World is Our Playground…

“It was never easy to fall down six feet under screams but who cares? The world is our playground and we are the children who, even though we fall down, rise up and take the challenge.”

Life offers us different flavours. It is up to us if we are going to take the bitterness, savour the sweetness, keep the sour taste, be salty on every event, or take the spice up to another level. Whatever happens, enjoy its life’s taste. You’ll never know when will it delineate in your time.

Please take time to read my stories. These stories will be in vernacular or in English. I just want to share how I feel in writing. I am new in writing stories but whatever the road may take me, please help me improve these skills.

Sincerely,

The Little Hsien

  
PS. Coffee? 🙂