Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 18

Jenny peeked outside the window and noticed the open view. She arched her back a little to comfort her muscles but she winched in pain after feeling the sharp pang on her shoulders. But her shoulder was only the tip of the iceberg. She was also feeling inflammation on some parts like her back, arms, and neck.

Oh, man. I’m going to feel this for days. I hope there are still patches available in the stores or pharmacies.

She sat and lied on the table facing the window. Thanks to Mykel they finished faster than expected. It was already lunchtime and they asked Keith to buy lunch for everyone. As much as they wanted to cook for everybody, but they barely had anything in stock. Some were even spoiled so they had to throw it away.

She groaned inwardly. She was honestly hoping there would be ready-to-eat meals available. It would be time-consuming if they needed to cook. She could eat anything right now. She was both tired and hungry now.

As for Mykel, well, he started snoring just seconds after his back fell on the couch. The couch in their staff room was too small compared to his hugeness. It amazed her how he could easily fall asleep.

Not my problem since he refused to go home anyway. Man, I really want to interrogate Kaye. She never tells me anything.

Most of her complaints remained on her head. She didn’t wanna sound like a pushover to Kaye. And Mykel might be too tired to go home now. After all, he did help them. It would be ungrateful of her to just shove him away.

“Hey! Did you receive the email I sent you?”

Jenny turned to her side looking at the open door beside the bar counter. She saw Kaye in front of her laptop while answering a call. She’s probably talking to their suppliers right this moment.

Contrary to her, Kaye seemed to be in a good mood. After tidying the front, Kaye proceeded to the office to settle the necessities. She was complaining earlier about how exhausting digging was but right at this minute, she didn’t appear tired at all.

Someone’s definitely inspired to do their job.

“Oh, okay. Is there some kind of problem with my requests?”

Now, Kaye sounded troubled. Jenny stood from her seat and walked towards the office. She leaned at the door frame waiting for her to finish her call. If it was about their supplies, then she needed to know everything. 

“Something wrong?” Jenny asked the moment Kaye ended the call. She was growing concerned after seeing the wrinkles on her face. 

“I don’t know yet. But Geraldine wanted to talk to me personally so she’ll be here any minute now,” Kaye said sounding disturbed. She was more confused than being troubled.

“Oh yeah? I wonder what it is all about,” Jenny replied in a similar manner.

“Yeah, me too. But judging by her tone, it's not something serious. I think.” 

Kaye left her seat and snooped at the next door. Mykel was still wheezing on the couch with his legs hanging on one end. Despite the difference in size, he appeared comfortable on their small couch. 

“What a stubborn man. He should just have gone home,” Jenny commented as she stood next to Kaye.

To her surprise, Kaye laughed. Not the usual sarcastic laugh when they make fun of each other. More like a wistful smile. 

The sight sent shivers down her spine. She was so thrilled that she wanted to force Kaye into telling her.

Calm down, woman. We don’t want to ruin the mood by interfering, don’t we?

She reminded herself of the yoga positions she learned from her sister. She needed to calm down so she wouldn’t get ahead of herself. She wanted to respect their privacy after all.

“He sure is hard-headed. He is bound and determined that eventually, he’d force you to give up.”

“Oh, he does?” Jenny made an effort to laugh when in fact Kaye’s words sent her to wonder. Something tells me there’s more to it than that.

Kaye walked behind the bar counter and prepared drinks, plates, and silverware for everyone. So whenever Keith arrives, everything would already be set.

“Should we wake him up for lunch?” Jenny inquired tilting her head a little towards the open staff room.

“Nah, let him be. He would wake up if he wants to eat.”

“Really? I don’t think I can if I’m sluggish. I’d rather compensate for my hours of sleep than my hunger. ” 

“Me, too. But Mykel is a slave to his instincts. After all, he has a huge body to feed.”

Both Kaye and Jenny laughed at the expense of the innocent dozing man. 

Kaye smiled softly as if reminiscing something from the past. “When my mother died, I remembered standing next to him. I was sweating too much but I couldn’t cry. I don’t know how to mourn her knowing she neglected me. But Mykel didn’t judge me.”

“Well, you were barely five. Kids don’t usually understand unless they’re told at that age,” Jenny replied before sipping her drink. 

“But don’t you think I should’ve cried for my mother?”

Jenny sat down her cup. Her face fell in contemplation. She didn’t exactly know what to tell Kaye. It was hard to tell since she hasn’t been in that kind of situation. Such a sensitive topic, too.

“I felt guilty mourning for Macy but not for my own mother. I seem heartless, don’t you think?”

“Kaye….,” Jenny stuttered trying to look for the right words. “I think you were too shaken up with your mother’s death. I agree with you when you said you should’ve mourned properly for her but I wouldn’t go as far as calling you heartless. You were a kid. A preschooler.”

“Hmmm…,” Kaye’s short reply.

“Haaah!” Jenny breathed out heavily. She needed to change the subject. Their supposed to be lively conversation took a huge turn. It was becoming difficult to handle. “Man, I’m famished! Keith sure is taking his time.”

Oh, boy. That sounded forced! Jenny scolded herself. Even her tone was exaggerated. She suddenly felt embarrassed.

The silence between them was unnerving. Kaye didn’t even acknowledge her statement. 

Slowly, she turned to see Kaye’s reaction. 

Jenny expected the depressed look on Kaye’s face. But on the contrary, she appeared fine. Her eyes didn’t look dead. Neither were her shoulders slumped. 

Is this strength that I see?

For years they have been friends, she could say, she knew Kaye pretty well. Kaye was a cynical person despite her strong independent aura. Since she wouldn’t trust others, she always kept things to herself. And thus, causing her to self-destruct from overthinking. 

In spite of keeping it to herself, she was actually easy to read. As clear as an open book. 

Jenny would know whenever Kaye was dispirited. If she’s annoyed. Or if she’s genuinely happy. 

All of Kaye’s emotions were reflected in her eyes. And Jenny mastered that for years that they’ve been together. 

The only problem was Kaye’s ability to hide things. She would never speak of it even if it kills her. And to be honest, that was frustrating as hell for Jenny. 

She wanted to help Kaye but how would she? She never knew what the trouble was. 

Still, no matter how agitated she was, she didn’t want to obligate Kaye to do something she wasn’t willing to divulge. Moreover, she might’ve opened a can of worms if she did. It would make her feel pathetic if it happened.

And so, she decided to stay by the sidelines and patiently wait for Kaye to open up. But would she ever do that?

Quick brains! I need something to brighten the mood.

However, before she could come up with ideas, she heard a voice from behind.

“Is lunch ready?”

Mykel was already beside Kaye when Jenny realized his presence. Was she that caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the huge man?

“Keith isn’t here yet,” Kaye answered as she sat on the barstool. “I’m getting worried. I should probably call him.”

Kaye scuffled to look for her phone. She started ringing Keith’s phone but no response or whatsoever. 

Meanwhile, Mykel took a cup of drink before settling on the set next to Jenny’s.

“I’m surprised you’d wake up although you barely slept,” Jenny switched to Mykel’s side. His vigor was really something.

“Well, my stomach was grumbling,” Mykel responded casually. He stretched his arm before staring at Jenny with a sleepy yawn. “Where did the boy go anyway?”

At least he couldn’t hide his drowsiness. “We asked him to check if Jenkins was open. Or any restaurant with cooked meals. But looks like there aren’t since he’s taking long.”

Jenkins was a small family restaurant in Mt. Salvador. They usually serve main courses for a reasonable price. 

“Finally! What happened? Where are you?” 

Both Jenny and Mykel turned to Kaye. It appeared she got a hold of Keith somehow. Worry was visible on her face.

“Alright. That’s good to hear. We’ll wait for you guys then,” Kaye ended the call. She huffed and sat at the chair across from Mykel.

“What happened?” Jenny asked out of curiosity.

“He’s almost here. Apparently, other restaurants are close so he was planning to buy raw ingredients. He met Geraldine along the way and he said they were coming together.”

Jenny nodded as an acknowledgment. Somehow the awkward air earlier changed for the better. 

“I’m sorry. He’ll be here soon with lunch,” Kaye smiled apologetically to Mykel. 

“Stop! You make it sound like I blame someone,” Mykel grumbled with wide-open eyes. 

Kaye laughed softly before saying. “Well, I’m just concerned about your tummy. You should go home after lunch so you could have a proper rest.”

“Yeah, man. Are you planning to go to your work later from here? We don’t have a shower here, you know. We don’t know when we’ll be done here,” Jenny added teasingly. 

“I’m free tomorrow, so no worries,” Mykel beamed his charming smile.

“One heck of a persistent man,” Jenny mumbled under her breath. Mykel really looked like he didn’t mind at all.

More like a greedy man in love.