"HOW'S UNCLE GORIO?" Jacky stood beside me while holding an empty tray.
"He's fine. Maybe he can go home tomorrow," I smiled broadly as I continued to wipe the table.
"Well, that's good news. You won't be stressed by that."
I just nodded at what she said. I honestly don't feel tired. Especially now that Dad was awake, I feel like I'm stronger.
"How about you and Calixto? How are you two going?" She sat down in the black chair, and her question made me look down.
"We're fine." I smiled slightly to hide how I really felt.
"Hmm . . . That's smile, I already know you, friend. Are you hiding something to me?!" She raised an eyebrow at me.
I just sighed and sat down in the black chair beside her.
"I don't know. We haven't seen each other lately. Maybe he's just busy with some things." I shrugged my shoulder.
"Really? I heard that he has a new girlfriend."
I sat up straight in the chair since I heard that news from her.
"I don't know the girl but I guess you've heard about her. She's your batchmate in college. Her name is Amanda."
I swallowed. Amanda? The campus sweetheart and campus crush? I remember she was also a scholar before and even graduated summa cum laude.
"Yeah, I know her." I wanted to shed tears, but I firmly restrained it.
"It's okay, my friend. There are many other fish in the sea." She even patted my shoulder as if sympathizing with my grief.
"How about Rexon? How's your deal going?"
I immediately looked at her when I heard his name. I couldn't help but blushed when I remembered his kiss on my cheek.
"Hey, what's that? Are you blushing?"
"Of course not! With that arrogant one? Never!" I rolled my eyes.
"It's not obvious that Rexon pinched your heart." She pointed at me again.
"Tss. Even if all the men in the world are gone, I will never like him," I said as if it were a curse.
"Oh, afraid, huh? I'll note that!"
I couldn't answer because I was already looking at the newcomer. He's wearing a blue polo shirt and faded denim jeans matched with his brown shoes.
"Good evening, Sir!" Some waitresses greeted the newcomer, Calixto.
He just smiled softly before looking straight at me.
"At my office, now," he said to me and walked straight to his office.
Nervously, I immediately stood up to follow, but Jacky squeezed my arm.
"Confirm if Amanda is really his girlfriend. So you know when you can move on." She grinned at me, so I pulled my arm over and stared at her before slapping her arms.
I even heard her slight laugh as I walked away. I couldn't help but ask why she was still my best friend.
Shaking my head, I walked down the hall to his office. I first gathered air in my chest before knocking.
"Please, come in." I heard his cold voice then I opened the door.
"Good evening," I uttered.
He looked up at me but didn't say a word. I remained standing as I watched him signed some of his documents.
"Please take a sit, Miss Banaag," he formally said that made my heart tremble.
I immediately did what he said. He also stood up and went to the front of his table.
I leaned back in my chair because of his proximity to me. God, I missed him! If I could just hug him and give him a kiss, I would have done it before.
I took a deep breath before speaking. "W-why did you call me?" I still manage to talk even if I was struggling inside.
"I heard about your father's recovery. He's awake," he said casually, crossing his arms on his chest, then glanced at me dimly.
"Y-yeah, thanks." I wrapped my two hands over my thighs.
He didn't say a word because his gaze remained on me while I seemed to retreat from what I wanted to ask.
"I wish him well. You can get back to work." He stood up so that I looked up at him in alarm.
"Ah, Calix!" I gripped his wrist tightly, causing him to face me.
I stared into his eyes as he turned to look at me. I'm tired of quitting, so I gathered all my strength to ask him.
"What is it, Cherry?" He leaned his right hand on the table while the other was at my chair.
I leaned my back against my chair and swallowed without shivering. The silence went on so long that it became uncomfortable for me to breathe in.
"You're nervous, aren't you?" He chuckled.
I was inwardly nervous and look away. I can't stand his stares at me.
"Alright, speak up." He straightened up and leaned over to sit at the table. Two arms were already on his chest.
I gathered air in my chest before letting go of the words I wanted to say earlier.
"Amanda, is she your new girl?" I asked directly.
I heard he cleared his throat before answering. "Why do you ask me that question?" He looked down on me. I know he didn't like what I said.
I swallowed again. I knew there was something wrong with my question. I also knew I was not in the place to ask him his personal life. But I still need his answer even though it hurts-even though I know this is the end of the road for me.
"Is she your girlfriend?" I asked in my undertone voice.
He grinned and stood up, but I stopped him again. I also stood up and met his frown eyes.
"Is it hard to answer my question?"
He was obviously shocked by my frankness. Even then, I was opened to how I felt for him, but now it's different. I want an answer. No matter how much it hurts, I will accept it.
"Yes, she is!" he answered in a thundered tone.