Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 17

“Jeez! This is a lot of snow.”

Jenny complained as she straightened her back while holding on to the shovel. The temperature was still cold but she couldn’t help but sweat after hours of excavating the exterior of the cafe. 

“Come on. We are just getting started,” Keith enthusiastically continued his work not minding the cold and sweat protruding from one another.  

Jenny surely admired the tenacity of youth. She wasn't that old yet but the energy of someone younger in their teens was far more different than hers. Keith had been going nonstop without a break for a hours now. 

She puffed her hair away from her face. She was covered from head to foot yet the low temperature was sinking on her skin. 

She stretched out once more before jabbing the shovel into the thick snow covering the streets. She had a bad feeling that the pain on her bad would take a while before it'd subside. It would probably cause her lots of relief patches until it completely eliminates the pain. 

“Goodness.” Kaye let out a huge breathe taking a quick break. “I probably need more exercise. I can't believe I'm getting tired from this only for a few hours.”

They woke up early that day to clean at the cafe. The continuous snow from Christmas day buried their town deep in snow and fog for almost a week. The local government forbade movement on the streets for days until they’ve gotten clear weather. 

The strong wind that coincided with snow and rain caused the winter storm. Despite the heaters working, the temperature inside their houses was still low. Water tubes were frozen solid. For a few days, they suffered without water. Even the electricity during those times was erratic causing frequent power interruption. It was that bad. But not something they were not used to, though.

Fortunately, the new year gave them a pleasant start. The snow dwindled and even the fog was clearing since yesterday. They just have to handle the remains of the harsh climate. And it was not easy to deal with. People around town were all busy digging up snow from their places. 

“Perhaps we should take a break,” Kaye suggested trying to catch her breath. 

They had been at it for almost three hours now and it was undeniably tiring especially with only the three of them present. The cafe was still closed since they needed to do some cleaning before reopening. 

Thankfully, Keith volunteered to join them since his other siblings took charge of cleaning their home. It would take forever if it was only Kaye and Jenny doing the job.

Stella couldn’t leave her daughter since she was still nursing her cold. Stef was out of the question. Kaye didn’t want to old guy to be digging up snow in this condition. It’s already pretty harsh on them considering they were beaming with stamina.

While Keith and Jenny resumed, Kaye went inside the cafe to brew some hot cocoa. There was also coffee but she opted for the cocoa since it’s every person’s favorite. She hasn’t met a person who didn’t like hot cocoa, especially in this weather condition. No sane person would hate cocoa.

Kaye went to the chiller to grab foods they could eat with the hot drink. Unfortunately, there were a couple of spoiled ones she threw away. After all, it had been days since she hasn’t visited the cafe.

There were little to no items so she’d work on her requests later on after finishing the job outside. She snagged some fruits that remained in good condition because of the freezing temperature. There were also a couple of cakes left so she might as well take it. 

She was almost done preparing their meals when the front door chimed. Jenny came in wiping her forehead with Keith following behind. 

“Jeez. I should try running every morning starting tomorrow.” Jenny slumped on the nearest chair she found. “And here I thought I was still young.”

“I’m young but I’m out of breath,” Keith grunted after sitting beside Jenny. 

Kaye giggled. How amusing it was since they barely accomplished anything. This would be a very long day for all three of them.

“Then we need to power up with chocolate. It is said that cocoa combined with carbs can help build stamina,” Kaye smiled while fixing the foods on the table. They have the sponge cake and a mini chocolate cake. She even stirred some milk on the hot cocoa for a creamier taste. 

Hopefully, with all this sugar, they can accomplish everything by the end of the day.

“I’ve never realized I’m hungry until I smelled the cocoa,” Jenny murmured under her breath.

“Then dig in,” Kaye smirked. She turned to Keith and invited him to join. 

Keith nodded as a response and he was about to stand from his seat when the front door opened. 

The low temperature from the outside brushed on their skin. 

“Good morning.”

Mykel greeted with the usual charming smile. He was still in his uniform so either he was on break or off from work.

The instant Mykel came in, Jenny noticed that Kaye almost choked on her drink. She subtly observed Kaye from her peripheral view. Dunno if it was because of the sudden chills, but Kaye’s face was flushed. 

“Mykel, what perfect timing,” Kaye responded with a smile. “Join us. I’ll pour you a cup, too.”

Kaye went behind the counter to prepare Mykel’s hot drink. Keith quickly pulled the chair for Mykel before moving to the chair beside Jenny.

“You off from work?” Jenny questioned after Mykel sat across Keith.

“Yeah. It was hectic this morning since the shore looked like a dumpster. We helped to clear things before the fishermen set sail later tonight,” Mykel explained after removing his coat. 

Keith snapped his fingers. “So that’s why my neighbors were rushing to the shore so early in the morning.” 

“Yeah. Usually, everyone helps out cleaning after the storm. It’s a huge amount of work for the fishermen alone.”

"Shouldn't you be cleaning at your house, too?" Jenny asked.

"Well, I had some guys helping me out yesterday so Missy and mother could take on what's left."

“Here’s your cup,” Kaye set the cup of cocoa on the table. She even included an extra plate and silverware for him in case he wanted to eat.

Mykel briefly turned to Kaye with an ecstatic expression. He said his thanks as Kaye sat beside him to eat.

They resumed their conversation about the clean-up and how the previous days bored them to death at home. 

Since there were no movements on the streets, everyone was holed up at home. Every day passed without being productive which made them restless. It lasted for almost a week and thankfully enough, a broadcast aired finally allowing businesses to operate.

Jenny was joining in the exchange as well. But her eyes were glued to the two people in front of her. 

She felt something changed. She just couldn’t point her finger at it.

Sure, Mykel and Kaye had always been getting along. Their behavior towards each other was still the same. They would talk, squabble, or make fun of each other. It was the same thing all over again.

From an outsider’s perspective, they seem normal. But for her, they’re now totally different. Of course, they’re still friendly with one another but something was offbeat. Perhaps perks of being the best friend and person closely related to the both of them.

Hmmm… how should I say this. Nothing changes at a glance but when you think about it, how they treat each other is slightly different. Like the rough edges had been smoothened. 

Jenny may look calm on the outside, but her head was actually splitting trying to figure things out. 

What could have happened in the past week for them to be like this now?

Let’s see… Kaye just sent me a text one time to greet me on Christmas. Then, we talked over the phone when I got stuck at my sister’s place. 

Now that I think about it, our conversation was mostly one-sided. She never shared what she had been up to in the past couple of days. Maybe something happened during those days for them to act like this. 

Heck! It’s about time, right?!

Jenny unconsciously giggled at the thought. After all, she has been rooting for them ever since. It was honestly frustrating knowing they haven’t dated yet.

Three sets of curious eyes turned to her. 

“What’s up? You seem like your having fun.” Kaye grinned at her. Kaye gave her a teasing look. “Did something happen to you in the past days?”

Jenny was surprised for a moment. Funny how she thought the same for Kaye. She cackled aloud with her voice bouncing around the cafe. 

I’m sooo looking forward to what’s going to happen from here.

“Oh, nothing much really,” Jenny responded after regaining her composure. 

Kaye gave her a disapproving look but then she didn’t probe any further. Instead, Kaye took the pitcher with hot cocoa and refilled Mykel’s cup. 

She then fixed him a plate of sponge cake. “You don’t need too much caffeine or else you’ll be having trouble sleeping when you get home,” 

“Boo! I was aiming for the chocolate.” Mykel frowned but ate the sponge cake anyway. “I can still help you guys with the cleaning today,” Mykel promised. He looked so enthusiastic for someone who just got out of the night shift. 

“We can share mine if you’d like,” Keith offered genuinely. He was embarrassed since he took too many bites already. 

“Oh, don’t indulge him, Keith. You just finish the whole thing,” Kaye insisted like a mom not wanting to spoil her son.

Keith didn’t hold back. Although he would eat anything from the cafe’s menu, the Chocolate Overload was his favorite. And so to lighten his guilt, he volunteered to wash the dishes. 

Mykel put on his coat back and took the shovel that was placed adjacent to the front door. Jenny had also prepared herself but she took her time. She was still busy observing the “couple”. 

It sure was interesting seeing Kaye helping Mykel put on his coat. 

“You probably should go home and sleep. You’ve been up since yesterday evening,” Kaye protested with a worried look on her face. 

“Nah, I’m fine.” Mykel shook his head. He wasn’t sleepy yet to be honest. “This way, you’ll finish early, right?”

“Well, you’re right there but if you get tired you need to take a break or best you go home, alright?”

Hearing the exchange between them sounded like a newlywed couple. Jenny smirked trying to ignore what she heard and not say something stupid that could ruin the mood.

Unbelievably, Kaye could be sappy if she wanted to. Now that was something new to her. Kaye always hated saying sentiments nonchalantly given her independent nature. 

Aren’t they sweet? Sickeningly sweet that I’d want to throw up.