5 Chapter 4: Phone

“Can you still drive?”

It’s already 3:30 in the morning. We just finished hanging out together with Trinity and Beca. After watching a movie, we had a few drinks and talk about random stuff.

It has been awhile and I realized I missed Dimitri.

What more if he already left?

“Yeah,” he assured me.

“Sure? You had few bottles.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry about me, Gen. I’m fine.”

I nodded. We stayed quiet for awhile. I couldn’t help but to get sad on what’s to come. My heart was heavy with the thought of them leaving.

He lightly pinched my nose.

“I know you’re sad. I promised you that we will come back, right?”

“I know. But I am going to miss you all.”

He's leaving with Third. They will leave me.

I sighed and forced a smile. His face softened again. He knew what I was thinking.

“I was taught to follow the Words of God. One of those is not to put hatred to others. But I still did it anyway. To you.”

He ruffled my hair and wrap his shoulder around me. I pouted when my hair became messy. He grinned.

"I’m a fault, too. But we've already forgiven each other, haven't we?"

"I'm sorry if I added up on your burden."

"We're okay now, right? It's already in the past. It won't make any sense if we still keep on talking about it."

I agreed. The past gave us the lessons we should always remember. Despite the pain, we should learn from it.

"I'm gonna miss you, little girl."

I smiled. "Me too, big boy."

----

I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Although we have now reconciled and they promised that they will come back, I still could not refrain myself from thinking about the changes that could happen.

Sometimes you feel intense fear, and loneliness will add up to that fear. And you could not stop doubting anymore.

Fear and loneliness can really bend down your faith.

I opened this up to Vicky. I’m glad that I have friends that I could lean on. I told her what happened.

Even about the money Dimitri has given me.

“Five freaking million pesos?!”

I nodded. Even I couldn’t still believe it. When the bank told me that Dimitri has deposited a huge amount of money, I contacted him immediately. I told him I could not accept it, but he dismissed that idea. No matter how hard I tried to convince him, he still didn’t falter.

“It’s yours. Always has been,” he said.

Dimitri is much stubborn than I.

I massaged my temple when Vicky asked me if she heard it right. I nodded.

“So freaking rich! But it’s a good news because you’ll be able to start Nanay’s treatment immediately.”

I smiled when I remembered it. My goal why I am here. She's right. I should be instead thankful for this big blessing.

“But first, could you please buy yourself a new phone?” she suggested and pointed my phone out of disgust. My phone is indeed outdated and its screen is already broken, but it’s still working.

“I don’t need that luxury.”

“My god, Genesis. Your phone is older than my grandma!”

I laughed. “Stop exaggerating.”

“I’m not!”

Even during our shift, Vicky kept on insisting the idea. It’s true that I could buy cheap phones that are more presentable. With this “beauty” that I have (which I disagree), my belongings should at least look nice. I just laughed with her idea.

People need to stop concerning about appearances all the time.

“I’ll pray to all the saints and ask for their intercession. You really need it, Gen. Let your phone rest in peace.”

“Quit it, Vicky,” I snickered. “There are customers coming."

When we saw who’s coming, my feet felt like it were glued on the ground.

Job. With another woman.

“It’s my hottie Job!" Vicky whispered and hurriedly prepared all the things needed for our coming customer.

As usual, one of the guys hurriedly assisted them, eyes tantalizing while looking at our beautiful guest.

“Waiter!”

“I’m on it,” I informed them and attended the needs of the other guest, since their attentions were glued to where Job and his companion were sitting. My, these people…

I passed by their table and saw Job looking at me. I gulped and almost tripped on my feet.

Why am I so tensed?

The customer’s table I attended to where just beside Job’s table. I could hear their conversation and the lady didn’t mind if the other guests hear their almost daring conversation.

I tried to focus on my guest’s orders but I couldn’t help but to hear what they’re talking about. I slowly felt my ears hot.

“Come on, Job. Stay at my place, please? I missed you. I can make you up all night.”

“Okay.”

Oh dear God.

“That’s all, Miss.” The customer gave me back the menu. “Oh. Can we ask for a baby seat?”

“Of course, ma’am.” I smiled at them, thankful that somehow I still have my focus intact, despite hearing their heated conversation.

"Genesis."

Dear Lord, why…

I composed myself before facing Job. His stare is, as usual, intense. Why does he look like that? I mean, I have seen different people with strict composure and all. But Job seems different. His hazel eyes look like they could see the depths of your soul. I feel bared in front of him.

I cleared my throat and smiled. “Hey.”

Hey? Really? He’s a customer, Genesis!

“How are you doing?” he asked, maybe to be casual in front of his… girlfriend.

Where is Sabinna, though? And the other lady he was with the other time? But I remembered Trinity said that he’s single.

Right?

Why do I care?

And why am I even thinking about it right now?!

“I-I’m great. Thank you.” I don’t mean to be rude but I don’t want to prolong this conversation anymore, either. I just want to go on and do my duty and to not be the subject of those intense hazel eyes again.

He nodded, gaze still intense. “Genesis, she’s Taylor.”

“Hi!” said Taylor and lend out her hand. I hesitated to accept it but she’s smiling genuinely and I didn’t want to be rude to her.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Taylor.”

She giggled. “Taylor is fine. Job, she’s the one you’re talking about right?”

Huh?

Job nodded. He looked back at me. “Taylor is one of the donors of the youth in your parish.”

“Job said that we should remain anonymous but I don’t care. I wanna meet the people I help.”

Oh. Oh.

“T-thank you for helping the youth,” I replied, still confused. Taylor flashed her beautiful smile.

“No biggie! I’ve been looking for some organizations I could help out and it happens that Job mentioned about your parish.” Her eyes squinted. “You look familiar. You are Genesis…?

“Zabala. Genesis Zabala.”

“Hmm, have we met before?”

I shook my head. “I am certain that this is our first meeting.”

“Oh, okay.” She shrugged. “Zabala... I thought you are related to—”

“You are a businesswoman and a model, Taylor. Pretty sure you met a lot of people with the same surname.” Job said with finality. His voice was so cold I felt shivers down my spine.

Taylor shrugged. “Maybe.. Anyway, nice to meet you!”

I nodded and smiled. "Is there anything you need?" I offered before leaving them. Thank the heavens they do not need anything yet.

Why am I so tensed?

It’s a good thing that the restaurant became busy, and that the guys are willing to “serve” Taylor and Job so I will not face them. I am still not comfortable with Job. He’s so mysterious. He’s like a territory I should not be entering.

I didn’t even notice that they already left. But despite his cold demeanor, I could not deny the fact that he’s generous. He left a tip almost triple the price of their meal. So at the end of our shift, our coworkers are beyond happy again.

“I wish all our customers are like Job. Giving generous tips, and serving us a gorgeous view.” Vicky giggled as she reminisced her moment with Job. “Gosh, he’s so handsome! Like a Greek god!”

“Bold of you to assume that all Greek gods are handsome.” I stated but she ignored me.

“And have you seen him closely?”

Too many times already.

“His eyes are so mesmerizing.”

That, I couldn’t deny.

“His lips look so soft. Like a marshmallow.”

Marshmallow, hmm. Well, his lips look—wait.

“Vicky, why are you looking at his lips?”

“Why not?”

“It’s creepy."

She ignored me and just blabbered some more. “And his jaw! That jaw could rip me in half and I wouldn’t mind!”

“Sshh!” I whispered. “Have you forgotten that we’re in a mall? Right now?”

The people glanced at us and I felt my cheeks burned from embarrassment. A security guard even looked at our direction. Thank goodness that it’s just for moment.

But Vicky did not seem to mind as she's still elaborating Job’s magnificent physique.

“He could step on me and I’ll be thankful.”

“That’s creepy, Vicky. Stop it.”

“Oops. I forgot that you are conservative.” I scowled at what she said but she just sheepishly smiled. “Fine. I’ll stop now. Can we eat?”

“We just ate before we left the resto.” Our shift has ended and we ate snacks before we left. We are now on our way home.

“But I’m hungry again.”

“Because you wasted your energy talking about Job.” I rolled my eyes at her. “Just buy some to-go. Trinity and the others are already waiting for me.”

“Oh! Let me come, too. I forgot that it’s Friday today.”

We pray the Stations of the Cross every First Friday of the month. It is to commemorate the Passion of Christ as we, the Youth of Saint Paul, believe that the passion of Christ should be always in our hearts. That in His passion, there is life.

Vicky is always willing to join our activity. It’s part of our evangelization and I am glad that I can do my part in spreading the goodness of our Lord.

I love seeing people getting closer to God.

Vicky bought some to-go as we head our way to the parish. It took us less than 30 minutes to arrive. This is one of the reasons why I chose to apply for a job here. It’s near to our parish and to our home. Less hassle in commuting or sometimes, I could just take a walk going to work.

When we arrived, Trinity informed me that she forgot the hardcopies of the prayers we needed. She’s busy with her phone, face scowling.

“Luke and Wes are on it. They’ll be back after a few minutes.”

I nodded. “Let’s buy some food so we can eat together after the Stations.”

Trinity looked at me for a moment then continued typing on her phone. Looks like she’s talking to someone important.

“No need. Sir Job already bought some for us.”

“What?”

“He’s here. Job. He bought food for the us.”

“Huh?”

Job is here?

Trinity put her phone on her lap and sighed. “Sir. Job. Bought. Food. For. Us.” She emphasized by clapping her hands with each words. “You deaf?”

“I heard you! What I want to know is why is he here?”

“Then ask the right questions!” She rolled her eyes on me.

“Why are you even mad at me?” I laughed. She looked at me, brows furrowed.

“Jeez I’m not. I’m just busy.” She grunted. “Damn, Dimitri bugging me again. Can you believe?”

I laughed again and let her do what she needs to do. I looked around and look for Job. Why is he here? Is he with Taylor?

And he bought food? Wow. He is really generous.

Despite that cold demeanor.

Well, you should not judge a book by its cover.

“Yehey! Food!”

Job arrived with Luke and Wes. He really bought food. A lot of it. In both of his hands he’s carrying a big eco-bag full of packed food and drinks.

Where is Taylor, though?

I smiled when I saw the teens cheering for him. But I felt shivers when our eyes met.

His intense eyes again…

“Whatever, Dimitri!” Trinity put back her phone on her bag. “Such a stubborn man!”

“I know right?” I smirked. She just grunted and walked to the hall where they are staying. I followed her.

“Come on! I’m hungry!”

“But we should start the Stations first, Trinity.”

“Let’s vote for it, then.”

Trinity asked the group if we should start the Stations or if we should eat first. As usual, food comes first in them. I didn’t argue anymore.

We helped Job on distributing the food. Once finished, we said our graces and started eating. As usual, the young ones were loud and kept on bickering with each other. Meanwhile, Trinity, Beca were sitting beside Job. They were talking about the projects in the parish Job’s family has been supporting. I sat beside Vicky and took some pictures of the teens eating their meals.

“God, Gen! That phone again!”

I laughed as I took pictures of them eating. “What?”

She just rolled her eyes. “You have 5 million in your account yet you can’t buy a new phone.”

I just shook my head and grinned. “Just mind your own food.”

She grunted as she looked down on her food. “Ugh! Why am I always so hungry!”

“You should eat, too.”

I almost drop my phone when he talked. I didn't even notice that he's now standing beside me. Ah! Why am I so nervous around him?

He sat beside me and gave me a pack of food. “Here.”

“T-thanks.” I said and forced a smile. I put my phone on the table and I regretted doing that. He raised his brow at me and smirked when he saw my phone.

“Nice phone?” he teased. I felt my whole face burn from embarrassment.

Vicky guffawed. “Yeah! Nice phone!”

I scowled at Vicky and I heard Job chuckled. I looked at him and his eyes were full of amusement. My heart thumped when he looked at me with those eyes. I don’t know why but I felt a sense of achievement seeing him smile like that.

“W-whatever…” I said out of embarrassment and retreated my gaze at him.

Why am I so tensed around him...