Worry, Jealousy, Love

-End of Flashback-

Meg POV

"You know until now; I really don’t know why you love her that much. You’re totally crazy about her".

"She made me feel things, Meg."

I just made a disgusted face and got out of the car since we’re now in the market. We hopped from store to store and bought some Pili Nuts, key chains, souvenir shirts, and some other delicacies. I crave those street foods that we used to eat when we were young.

After eating, I am resting now, here at the park. Sitting on the grass like what Nate and I used to do. She’s been on the phone for 15 minutes right now. I notice she’s been smiling and laughing. Who is she talking to? No one else but my baby sister.

At first, I thought Nica just wanted to be friends with Nate. So I really didn’t mind when I heard them talking every day for the first few weeks since Nate left. Then those weeks become months. They became so close—closer than Nate and I. I saw myself in Nica when I was young. She’s so fond of Nate. She’s comfortable and happy when she’s talking to her. Even the sudden decision to put up a café. I’m sure Nate is a big reason why my sister is into business nowadays. I’m surprised that Nate is comfortable with Nica as well. Sudden connection, and I’m afraid a sudden farewell might happen later on.

I love how Nica has grown since she met my best friend; she has become goal-oriented and has found direction in life. Nate has been happy and has someone she can talk to about everything under the sun, aside from me. But I’m afraid my sister will just end up like me. Just a best friend. Someone who will comfort Nate, someone who will uplift her mood when she’s down But at the end of the day, it's still Pat who will complete her; it’s still Pat who can make her truly happy. No matter how comfortable they’re right now, no matter how much they enjoy each other’s company, it's 99.9% sure that Nate will still cling to Pat if she's given a chance. I just don’t want my sister to end up like me. Someone who fell in love with a person who couldn’t move on from their past.

Nica POV

I just finished talking to Nate, and she told me that they are just at the park having some rest and will come home soon. Weird, but I felt relieved; I don’t know why. Maybe I thought she wouldn’t remember calling me because Meg’s here. And I thought all of her attention would go to my sister. I don’t want to act like an immature teenager who’s jealous when her favorite person gives attention to someone else. But I can’t help it. I’m not sure what it is between Nate and me, but I feel something special towards her. And the sad thing is, I’m not sure if Nate feels the same way. The situation I am in right now is a lot riskier than starting my own business. As long as the space of my café has a warm ambiance, good food, good coffee, and quality service, the customers will like us and come back to our café. But when it comes to the two of us, no matter how much I prepare myself to be presentable or how much I show her how good a catch I am, there’s no guarantee she will like... What do you mean by "like? I mean, I just... I don’t know anymore.

My head aches because of too much thinking. Monica, you should be thinking about the opening of your café instead of her. I drink my coffee and dial Jay’s number.

"Good morning, Ms. Bautista!"

"Hey Jay! How’s the preparation?"

"All good, ma'am! We’re just waiting for the opening day!"

"Thank you so much for your hard work and the team’s effort. I really appreciate it, Jay. Ah, Jay, I have a question." I’m really hesitant, but I have no choice; Jay is the only one who can understand me.

"Yes, Ms. Bautista?"

"Ahm Jay."

"Okay, I know it. Okay, sis, what? Is it about the girl?"

I sigh. "Yes, it’s about Nate and my sister."

"Oh! Attorney Bautista? Why?"

"Remember I told you they’re really close, as in close like girlfriend-close. And remember I’m here in Bicol right now to have a vacation, but I admit the main reason is Nate. Actually, I wanted to be with her. And I really wanted her attention solely to me. But now my sister is here, and just like before, she’s the priority."

"Oh god! I think you’re jealous."

"But why? I’m not even sure. I don’t even know what I really feel for her."

"No, madam, sis, Ms. Bautista. Yes, you know what you really feel. You just don’t want to accept it."

****

I woke up around 8:00 p.m. and received texts and calls from Nate and Meg. They want me to come because we will visit Nate’s best friend, Roy. I took a bath and dressed quickly since I only had an hour to prepare.

"Nica, Meg, and Nate are here!" Dad says.

We said goodbye to Dad and entered the car. I was surprised when Meg sat in the back seat instead of the front seat. She didn't say anything, she just smiled at me instead.

*****

"Hey bro!!!"

"Bro!" Nate and her best friend jump while hugging each other. It’s really funny; they look like kids. Meg and I looked at each other, and we just laughed silently.

"Hey Meg! I miss you! And ohhh..." Roy looked at me, puzzled. Obviously because this is the first time we saw each other.

"And who is this gorgeous lady?" Nate smacked his head and glared at him. So this is how it feels when Nate is being protective. I just smiled at the thought of that and saw Meg catch me, and she just smiled.

A lot of action figures and shoe collections are displayed in Roy’s living room. His PC is amazing too. Aside from being a gamer and anime enthusiast, Roy’s a good cook too. We enjoy every dish he prepares, and we are now in the garden drinking wine.

"I told you, bro, let’s start our restaurant," Roy told Nate.

"Bro, I told you I already have a lot of businesses, and I’m already having a hard time managing them."

"She has a point, bro, and in fact, it would be unfair that Nate can only contribute a little participation when running your restaurant," Meg says.

Hmmm. She calls him bro too? Are they really close? I mean, she’s close with every close friend of Nate? Stupid question, Monica; of course they’ve been friends since they were kids.

"Okay, okaayyy." Roy’s kind of tipsy now. He lowers his head, and I thought he fell asleep, and then he straightens his back again and tries to open his eyes.

"How about you, Monica? What do you do?"

"Oh me? Ahm, I just decided to open up a café, and we will have our opening next month." He looks like he’s about to cry, like a kid who cries when you don’t give them what they want. He clings onto Nate.

"Restaurant please. Ahhhhhckkk restaurant." We just laugh because Roy acts like a kid stomping his feet, a kid who really wanted to put up a restaurant. And Nate is like a mother who doesn’t give him permission.

After we finished the bottle, we decided to go home since Roy had already dozed off. Having a comedian friend is really a blessing. Nate is really lucky with her friends. I suddenly remember our conversation about her family. Nate may not be fortunate when it comes to her family, but she was blessed with friends who loved and accepted her.