2 Rising Conflict

What a weird dream I had last night. I was walking in the streets at night holding someone's hand. When I tried to look at the face of the person, I couldn't see it. It was blurry as if she didn't want me to see her face. Anyway, we were walking then suddenly we came face to face with another person which this time I recognize: It's Daryl. I looked at the person holding my hand and this time the face became someone I know. She is Mary and she's looking at the guy. She suddenly let go of my hand and went straight for him. The scene went black and I suddenly woke up.

I hurried for work as soon as I woke up. That dream really got stuck in my head. Why was I holding hands with Mary? Why was Daryl there? And most importantly, why did she let go of my hand just to be with him? The thought got me irritated which I tried to forget because I didn't want to let it affect my job performance.

I arrived at the store and started my duties upon entry. Mary was there at the counter area doing her usual thing which is entertaining customers. A few hours later, a familiar customer ordered in Mary's counter, it was Daryl.

"Hey there Mary, I'd like to order one burger and fries combo." He smiled. "Ah hey Daryl, sure. That would be 80 bucks" She replied with a shy smile. Now, I was near the entrance area watching the whole thing and my head was so hot of irritation. "What in the world are they doing? Did he just come here to flirt?!" I irritatingly thought. I didn't want to interrupt them but something inside just wanted to break the tension. I approached Mary.

"May I remind you that you have a certain time limit to consume per customer? Don't take too long." I reminded her. "Oh sorry sir." She answered blandly. Daryl left the store after his order. "So, I saw how you were smiling when he arrived. Happy now? I asked in irritation. She didn't answer me and just continued her work. "So, are you guys together now?" I asked again. "Excuse me sir, with all due respect, I think your questions can wait till later." She answered in a bland tone. That's it, I snapped at that moment. "Mary, come to the stockroom right now."

I went to the stockroom and waited for Mary there. I really felt disrespected by how she answered me. I couldn't let it pass. A few minutes later, Mary entered the stockroom. I could see that she didn't really care if I scolded her. With the look on her face, she was sure that she did nothing wrong. I proceeded with questioning her. "What was that just now?" I asked. "What? Did I do something wrong?" She asked in return. "What was with the way you're talking to me?" I responded. At that point, she suddenly snapped. "Sir, I don't think there was nothing wrong with me. Why don't you ask yourself that question? Did you really need to humiliate me in front of my friend?!" I got so insulted by that reply that I didn't hold myself back anymore. "Friend?! Hah! You mean your boyfriend right?" I can see some tears flowing from Mary's eyes. "He's not my boyfriend okay?! And why does it even matter to you anyway?! You're not my dad! And don't get me started with the 'I'm your manager' talk. It doesn't count here!" she said with anger.

She said those words with intensity that I really felt hurt by it. Yeah, why did it matter to me anyway? What if they're together? I mean, would it really matter if she and Daryl were a couple? Suddenly the words Crystal told me came into my mind. She told me to ask myself a lot of questions. Actually, deep inside, I already knew the answer. I knew but I didn't want to admit it that I actually fell for her. But seeing that there's no going back now, I decided to just say it all.

I looked down. "Because I like you...I really do." I said in a whisper. "What?" she responded in shock. When I looked up, I could see Mary looking at me in shock like the thing I just said was so impossible to believe. "But I thought..." She wanted to say something. "Yes Mary...I think I'm falling for you. I didn't want this to happen because I know it's not allowed. But as every day passes by, I keep falling for that stupid smile of yours..." I said in response. "I...I don't know what to say Sir...I'm...I'm sorry." After she said that, she left the stockroom while I was still there wondering why said sorry. I guess I got my heartbroken there huh? And I'm so gonna regret saying it because it would really affect our work relationship. In other words, it would be so awkward for us to talk again.

The day passed by with me not talking to Mary again. I closed the store by 6pm and prepared myself to go when suddenly, Mary called out to me. "Sir John, are you going out now?" I turned to her. "Uhhh, yes I am. Why do you ask?" I asked. "Oh, I just need to tell you something? Mind if I join you for a short walk? She responded. "Sure, I mean, what's it about?" I asked again. "Let's go." She said.

We went out the store and started walking. Night has already fallen and stars shine bright in the sky. We decided to walk to a nearby park and sat on a bench under the lamp post. It was really awkward because we were both silent and just listening with the wind hitting our faces gently. "So...what were you going to say again?" I asked, breaking the silence between us. "Hmmm...I'm sorry." She said softly. "O-oh that's all? Yeah...I apologize as well for being insensitive for your feelings. I did that in the wrong place. I'm sorry too." I responded. "No...I mean, I'm sorry for not noticing your feelings for me. I didn't know because I always thought you just did all those things to annoy me. I never knew..." She looked down. "Oh...Uhh... it doesn't really matter anymore, okay? After all, I can't really continue liking you. I can't continue to fall for you. You already have someone in your life and I think you really look good together." I looked the other way. "We're not together. And why are you looking away? She asked.

At this moment, I really didn't know what to feel. I wanted to shout and cry at the same time. And I couldn't really face her not with my entire face so red from embarrassment. "Nothing, I uhhh, am coughing." I fake a couple of coughs. "Sir John... do you really like me? For real? I mean, I'm just a crew after all." She asked me and I just had to face her. I saw her eyes looking at me. "I do. I really do. You just don't know how much I do."

I saw her eyes twinkle a bit. Or was I imagining it? All I can think of is how pretty she was. From that day, I really decided that I have really fallen for Mary Llana.