Saturday Cafe

I woke up from my sleep because of some nightmare I had, but it wasn't a bad dream at all. It was a bad memory of the past. I bawled in my bed for a while. After that, I checked my phone to see the time, and it was still five in the morning. Too early, but enough time to get enough fresh air.

I slipped into my robe and left the room. The maids who were busy cleaning up before the sun rose stopped in their tracks when they saw me and greeted me a good morning. I gave them a shy smile and went to the kitchen to grab some bread and hot milk.

"Miss Luna!!" Nora screamed my name in shock, seeing me enter from across the room.

"I'm just here to grab some bite before I go to the stables," I said, waving my hand to her, telling her to just continue what she's doing and not mind me. She nodded her head in response.

The kitchen sounds really busy. I hear clanking, chopping, and shouting. Everyone was busy preparing the menu for breakfast. I'm in awe watching each one of them doing their roles. Norma was busy putting the muffins on the plate while shouting some instructions to the other maids. The head chef was busy tasting dish after dish and checking up on the sous chef's work. I suddenly laughed at my thoughts, which caught everybody's attention, and that was my cue to leave. It's just that everyone was preparing too many dishes, and it's like a feast is to be held, but it's just Grandfather and me at the table then.

After the bustling kitchen view, I went straight to the stables. I can see the blue sky tainted with the colors of orange and red as the sun is peaking for its sunrise. Compared to the busy corridors of the house, the outside is quite more peaceful and serene. The plants surrounding the house seem to be dancing as they sway back and forth with the wind.

When I arrived at the stables, the boy I remember when I was young was the closest friend I could have in the manor - was talking to one of our horses.

"I see your habit is still present after how many years," I said, sneaking from behind him.

"Miss Luna!!" he said, shockingly surprised to see me.

"Jasper!" I hugged in return.

Jasper and his mom have served our family for years. I remember how her mother was so caring of her when he was still a child. Jasper and I grew close because of our love for the horses. He grew up well. He has dark skin with curly hair, thick lips, and brown eyes. His body is well built, and indeed, you can tell that he is used to housework.

"I heard you came back with your Grandfather. How was that?" he said with a worrying tone in his question.

"Dreadful. The entire ride was quiet and awkward," I answered. He hugged me once again to comfort me.

"But why are you so up early? Aren't you the type to wake up past the supposed time?" he asked curiously.

"Oh, haha! I am still that kind of gal, but not for the night. I never thought I would feel uncomfortable in my own bed in my own room," I explained. He nodded in agreement.

"Well, I understand," he says while patting me on my shoulder. "Anyways, up for a ride?" he asked.

"I thought you wouldn't ask," I said happily.

Jasper led me to the back part of the stable, where I see a familiar horse I have taken care of for since I could remember. It broke my heart to leave him here, but I am happy to see him finally again.

"Ohh, Max!!" I said while hugging him. "Oh, how I missed you!!" I brushed the back of his neck as I know it comforts him for me to do so.

"Wow! I thought Max wouldn't recognize you after you left him alone. Your Grandfather almost dispatched him--"

"Dispatch? You mean to sell him??"

"Yeah, exactly. But Nora convincingly told him not to."

"What? I should give my thanks to Nora then," I said.

I whispered to Max something I truly wanted to say to him since I left him, and it was as if he understood me because he neighed in response. I mounted Max for the first time after a year. He showed some restraints, but I calmed him down by brushing the side of his head.

"Max, it's me," I said.

When he calmed down, I asked Jasper to move out of the way. He said it's not really a good idea to be riding the horse in my robe. Still, I told him, "Isn't it more fashionable to see me riding Max like this?" and he was left holding up his two hands and in surrender.

At first, we started walking, but when I realized that Max has now fully recognized me, we started moving faster. I didn't think where I wanted to go, but I just felt like riding with Max and with the wind. It was refreshing to feel the morning breeze touch my skin. The view was definitely beautiful! All I can see is the greener pasture. Max and I strolled around the estate for a while, and when the sun was already up, I went back to the stables. Jasper was waiting for me by the entrance with a worried face.

"Jasper?"

"You have to go to the dining hall now. You're Grandfather is already up," he said.

I gave him the reign of Max and rushed to the dining hall. I saw my Grandfather already sipping his morning coffee.

"Good morning, Grandfather," I curtsied.

"Sit down," he said. I did as was told.

The maid then served me breakfast and asked if I prefer juice or coffee. I said the latter. She poured the coffee into the mug in front of me. I mouthed, 'thank you when she was finished.

Yet another silent meal was upon us. Grandfather didn't say a single word after telling me to sit, and my hands were just shaking with the sight of him. I think I will never get used to this.

"I will be taking my leave after this," I said, breaking the silence.

"And where do you think you're going? It's Saturday," he asked, but as if telling me to stay because I don't have a business anywhere but here.

"I promised Valerie to be at the cafe shop to study for the upcoming exams," I said.

"Study? I see that word is now part of your vocabulary," he said as if insulting me, but I didn't bite.

"Yes, I had to grow up so suddenly," I said. He was silent and didn't bother answering back.

I honestly didn't expect that Grandfather would be driving me to the cafe. He caught me off guard when I was about to leave because his car was waiting for me by the entrance. Now, another uneasy atmosphere has fallen inside the vehicle. Good thing that we're almost there, and this nightmare is about to end.

When we were closing near the cafe, I texted Val to give her a heads up about Grandfather. But I saw an exciting figure that hopped off the cab by the restaurant. It was Nate! Then, I remembered the conversation I had with Grandfather last night. Shit, why of all the days he has to appear, it's today?

Good thing that when we have arrived in front of the cafe, Nate has already entered the establishment. I was so excited to get out of the car that the minute the car stopped, I immediately opened the door, but Grandfather grabbed my wrist hard and made me sit back again.

"What's the rush?" he asked, trying to grill me.

"I'm sorry, Grandfather, and thank you for the ride," I said, reminding myself of simple manners when I'm with Grandfather. I tried to get off but failed because Grandfather held me back again. Then he said, "Remember what we talked about." He let his hand go, which was my cue that I can finally leave the car.

Don't worry, Grandfather. The conversation has been stuck in my head since last night.

I walked into the cafe being overly cautious. I was trying to look for Valerie's table, and I saw them at the corner. Jane and Kate waved their hands as soon as they saw me, and I waved back. I walked towards their table and greeted them, hello, but I stepped back when I saw who was sitting across from Jane and Kate. It was Nate and Valerie - a very unexpected combo.

"H-Hello!" I said, stammering.

"He'll be our tutor for today," Valerie said, hanging her arm on his shoulders. I can't help but show a bit of disgust. I clenched my fists to control myself, then forced a smile.

"I see! So, that's why you were so excited…" I said while pushing over Jane to make room for me to sit. "To be honest, I was shocked you asked for a study out since I don't really take you as the smart one in the room." Valerie's jaw dropped on my comment, then she smirked and put her head over her folded hands.

"Well, this will be interesting," she said.

I looked at Nate, who was looking at the book he was holding. If I am to judge what he is thinking right now, he surely wants to be out of trouble. Valerie put one arm around Nate's while giving me a provoking look, but I didn't bite. Why is she even trying to seduce Nate? Haha! She looks pathetic.

"Let's start," she said. Jane and Kate looked at each other with confusion, and I shook my head and took my notes from my bag.

Nate started with Math. The tutoring session continued until we overlooked the time that it was already three in the afternoon. Jane and Kate are taking a short nap, while Valerie ordered another set of drinks for everyone. Nate and I were the only conscious ones left at the table.

"Why are you here?" I asked. Nate finally looked up to look at me.

"I had no choice. Valerie cornered me yesterday and insisted I come here today," he answered.

"No choice? What do you mean you don't have a choice? What dirt does she have about you?" His right eyebrow raised with the question I asked. "What?" I said with a confused looked, but our conversation was cut off short when Valerie came with the drinks.

"Here's another set of drinks. One black americano for Nate, one cappuccino for Luna, and a chocolate frap for myself," she said with a silly smile.

"I didn't think you were close with the nerds, Valerie. Weren't you the one who put them in place saying that we shouldn't go near them because they're too ugly to be noticed?" I snorted. I don't know why I feel extra furious today.

"What the hell is the matter with you, Luna? Obviously, we need one because we are stupid ourselves, aren't we? We only know parties, booze, and boys," she said.

"Excuse me, but remove me from the stupid group. Been doing fine lately," I said proudly.

"Doing fine, my ass. You haven't even been hanging out with us. Too busy being a goody-two-shoes in front of your Grandfather? Drop the act, Queen!" she said.

Mentioning Grandfather was enough to make me stop making a comeback at her. I remembered my conversation with my Grandfather last night. Now, I felt overly cautious again and looked around for any sign of him checking on my whereabouts.

"What are you looking at?" Valerie said in an annoying tone.

"I need to go to the bathroom," I said as an excuse. Nate grabbed my wrist, but I forcefully smiled, telling him I'm fine.

I went to the restroom to recollect my thoughts and composure. As soon as I entered, I went straight to the sink and turned it on. I washed my hands roughly as if I was soaked in mud. After a minute or two, I turned the faucet off and breathed. Valerie came inside then.

She walked towards the sink where I am. She was reticent, but all I could do was watch her and remind myself to be calm and not be provoked by her. That's when a thought came to mind, why the hell am I feeling at the edge today?

"I thought it was already interesting enough to have him with us, but it turns out it's more interesting to see how you've acted these past few hours," Valerie said while washing her hands and not even giving me a single glance.

"What are you talking about?" I said, confusingly. Wait! It has bewildered me as to how Grandfather knew about my encounters with Nate. Was it Valerie who told him about it? But that couldn't be because Val is as afraid of Grandfather as I am.

"Oh c'mon, Luna, don't play dumb with me. Just spit it out," she said, crossing her arms in front of me. She raised an eyebrow and smirked. "C'mon, say it, Queen," she insisted.

"Say what exactly? What do you want to hear from me?" I said, trying to figure out what she wants me to tell her.

"Do you want me to spell it out for you?" she asked.

"Go ahead. Amuse me," I said, but then regretted it soon after I heard what she told me.

"You're…"