I Am The Witness

Aixela's Pov:

"Denise, are you done already?" Mama asked.

"Almost!" Denise responded at the top of her lungs.

"See! I told you to sleep early last night. Now look, you're in a hurry! Haish! You little stubborn." Mama gave a pinch on Denise's side.

"Ma," I entered and shook.

"Denise, remember! Make no mistake in front of your boss. Just be yourself and have confidence. You can do it! Ok?" I cheered her.

She smiled and nodded. "I'll do my best!" She bit her lips repeatedly.

Mama pressed Denise's mouth.

"Ahhh! Mama!" Denise yelped.

"I told you to stop that habit. Tsk! You look like an idiot dog!"

"But I'm nervous! Huwaaa!"

I laughed at her reaction. "What is that? How can you have a boyfriend if it's just a simple audition and you'll faint? Just calm down. When you pass that, I promise you, Mama and I will treat you in an expensive restaurant." I gave her a wink.

"Whaaa! Okay, okay. I got this! Whoo!" She said while beating her chest.

"Hmmm! I am the coolest!" Mama cheered as she raised her hand.

I smiled and followed our chant. "I am the cutest."

A smile also engraved in Denise's lips and did our chant. "And I am the prettiest!"

"Together we are the family of the bests!" We did our combo handshake and hugged.

"Okay! I'm good now. I gotta go! I'll see you later!" Denise said confidently. "Prepare your money 'coz I'm gonna be eating a lot later."

I laughed at her triggering wink. "I'm sure you will. You always do."

She just grimaced and waved goodbye. Mama and I waved back to her and even if she's already far from us, we could still hear her voice cheering herself.

I barely laughed at her. "Oh, Denise," I whispered to myself.

"Xela," Mama uttered. "It's your anniversary with your boyfriend today, right?"

I nod as a reply.

"Don't you have a date later?"

"We planned to, but he said he's busy. So, I'll just date you and Denise instead."

"You sure?"

"Yes, Ma. I told Denise that we'll treat her if she'll pass the audition. You know how she likes fancy restaurants, so I'm sure she'll not let this deal slide."

Mama tapped my shoulder and smiled at me. "I'm so lucky to have you, Xela."

I shook my head. "I'm luckier to have the both of you, Ma."

She sighed. "I'm sure she is proud of you."

"Haha! It's 8 o'clock in the morning and we are having a dramatic scene here?"

"Haha! Whatever," she mumbled. "Well, I better get going too. I'll meet some of my friends today. They told me they want to see some of your works and if they like it, they will give you some offers."

"Really?!"

"Oum! Don't worry! I'm sure they'll like it. You're the best writer I've ever known."

"Hh! Of course, I'm your daughter. Hmp."

"Exactly!" She expressed. "Okay, I'll go ahead. You take care of the shop while I'm away. Just call me if anything happens, k?"

"Bye! See you later!"

Few moments later after Mama left the shop, a customer entered.

"Good morning, Ma'am. How may I help you?"

She didn't greet back, instead she focused on finding up something.

"Mm, what kind of book are you looking for, Ma'am? Maybe I could help?" I offered, but she just glared at me.

What is her problem?

The customer stops searching and was about to exit but I approached her.

"Didn't you find what you were looking for?"

She looked at me and rolled her eyes. Then she walked away. I was left gaping. I just shrugged and sat down.

I wonder how Louis is doing? Has he taken his breakfast already? Should I call him?

I picked up my phone and dialed his number. It took a few minutes before he answered the call.

"Why?"

"Uhm, hi. I just wanna check you if you're fine. Did you take your breakfast already?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Yes, me too. We ate early today because Denise will be having an audition, remember?"

"Ahh.."

"I told her we're going to eat at a fancy restaurant if she'll pass the audition."

"Louis!!" I heard someone from the phone, calling Louis' name. She seems quite mad.

"Uhm, Xela. I have to go. My boss is calling me. I'll call you again later."

"Ahh. It's alright. I know you're very busy. Just call me when you have free time. Don't forget to eat on time and take some rest, hmm?"

"Oum, I know."

"Happy anniversary, Louis. I love--" Louis ended up the call without letting me finish my words.

I just sighed and smiled. Maybe he's just too busy.

A few more hours passed and I remained alone guarding the shop. It was getting dark and Denise had finally arrived. But I was surprised to see her face. The make up on her face was scattered and she looked like she had just started crying.

"De--"

I haven't finished my words yet when she hugged me furiously. I caressed her back to calm her down. She slowly let go of my hug while sniffing.

"Hey, stop crying. Look at your face. You look like a melting ice-cream," I tried not to giggle.

"How dare you!" She beats me.

"Joke. I was just trying to lighten up the mood. But kidding aside, I know you did a great job. So stop crying ok?"

"I know that."

"I'm sure you'll find another opportunity."

"What? Are you crazy? This is the best opportunity for me," She sneers. I just gave her a smile.

I do really pity her until she burst out laughing. I was surprised at her and remained clueless.

"Xela! I passed the audition, idiot!" She exclaimed.

My eyes widened at what she said and even shouted in shock. "What? Repeat what you said."

"Did you really think that I couldn't make it?"

I hit her. "Pshh! Lunatic! Of course I know you'll make it. It's just that you look like a crybaby who lost her candy... But! Whaaaa!"

I embraced her tightly and together we jump while cheering.

"I'm very happy for you!"

"Hey, don't forget my reward."

"Yes, yes. I know that! But before that, let's call Mama!"

We announced the good news to our mother and she told us that we'll just meet at the restaurant. Denise and I closed the shop and went home to change our clothes.

After getting ready, we went to the restaurant immediately and look for Mama. We saw her sitting near the window and waving at us.

Before we walk through our table, Denise stared at something.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"Uh- Nothing. Let's go."

We sat down next to Mama. She greeted Denise happily.

"Congratulations, Denise. But of course, don't forget to thank Xela for giving you a motivation to do well in your audition. She should be dating Louis tonight but she chose to treat you."

Denise smirked. "Mama, for sure, even if we're not having a dinner tonight, Louis and Xela would not have a date. As if Louis will ask her."

Denise stopped talking as Mama stepped on her feet.

"Aww!"

"You really have a bad mouth," Mama sneers.

"Why? Did I say something wrong?" Denise urged. "What did he say as an excuse to you now? He's with his father? Mother? Gentleman?"

"He told me he's busy. It's peak season, so for sure there are many guests at the hotel."

"Really though?"

"Tsk. Enough of this thing. We're here to celebrate, right?" Mama retained.

Denise just shrugged.

"Uhm, Ma. I'm just going to use the restroom," I uttered.

She looked at me and sighed. She nodded, so I started to walk. Not a long distance, I heard her conversation with Denise.

"Look what you've done!"

"Why? Louis must be the one being scolded, not me. I told you many times that he is not good for Xela. He's just hurting my sister. If only you know how miserable that man is."

I just continue to walk and looked at myself in the mirror.

Louis loves me. I know he does.