Have You Ever

Umbrella

I woke up with a smile on my lips. I never felt this lighthearted for the past few months. Everything seems so nice and as if the plants on my window were waiving at me while greeting me a good morning. And I couldn’t deny the fact that Kree contributes a lot to bringing such joy in me every day. I never thought this day would come after all the tears I’ve shed because of my painful first love. Well, they say first love may be unforgettable but it usually doesn’t work out. Maybe, for me, it was a free trial subscription on how love works and what love may be.

So I made up my mind that whatever happens to us, I’ll just enjoy the process and go with the flow. No more expectations or assumptions. I won’t dive deeper; I’ll just test the water whether it’s hot or cold and choose which matches my current love temperature.

Everything is perfect until it rains. They said rain makes the romance complete but I’m not fond of it. In reality, traveling from one place to another while raining is so annoying. Not to mention all the dirt on my shoes and the slippery walkway. I have an umbrella but my jacket gets wet when the wind blows so hard. But no! I will not let the rain ruin my beautiful day. I was walking across the pedestrian lane when somebody walks with me under the same umbrella, it’s Kree.

“Good morning.” He greeted us while we are walking and displays his bright smile. Am I being fooled once again? What is he doing? And how did he know that it was me when I’m wearing a jacket and lowered my umbrella to avoid the wind from bending it.

“Hurry up. Three seconds before the light turns to red.” Then he wrapped my shoulder with his left arm and we walked speedily.

“Y-you can remove your arms now,” I murmured. I can feel my blood rushing through my cheeks. I hope he won’t notice that I’m blushing.

“Are you okay?” He was about to put his palm on my forehead so I dodged. Then I lose my balance and I was about to trip myself from doing so. Fortunately, he held my hand that’s holding the umbrella and supported my hips with the other hand. Our eyes meet and I can see he’s shocked and concern at the same time.

“I-I’m sorry.” Then I moved away from him then put away his hand. He’s flustered by the way I act.

“Thank you anyway for keeping me from falling,” I said and tried to display a smile forcibly. I’m still not used to this kind of action. I love watching these scenes in drama but I never thought it could happen to me.

“No, it’s okay.” He said then smiles at me.

“Let’s go. Be careful with your steps. You might slip again wearing that shoe.” Then we continue walking towards the office.

“Anyway, how did you know that it was me from afar?” I asked trying to avoid this awkward atmosphere.

“I just know it was you.” Then he smirked. Wrong move Enzey! Avoiding this awkward atmosphere? In your face! You just made it worse.

“He-he. R-really?” I was so flustered by what he said and don’t even know what to say.

“You may fold your umbrella. The rain stops.” He said.

“A-ah. O-okay.” I said while trying my best to gather myself as I fold my umbrella. What’s wrong with you, Enzey? Why do you keep on stuttering? Do you have a speech defect or something?!

Finally, we arrived at work and went on our separate ways. But I can’t avoid Victoria’s stare and she followed me up to my table in Production Office.

“W-what?” I asked to stop her from staring at me. It makes me uncomfortable.

“Why did you arrive at work together?” She asked intently.

“We just met at the bus stop coincidentally,” I explained.

“Coincidence, ha?” She crossed her arms and doesn’t buy my explanation.

“Really. You may ask him if you want.” I said trying to be as confident as I can. I don’t know why I feel guilty despite stating the fact.

“Do you have something to tell? I feel like you’re hiding something from us.” She said. Victoria and her girl’s instinct.

“Not now.” Then I smile, acting cute at her.

“ You!~ There’s something between you and Kree?! I knew it!” She exclaimed.

“Shh! Lower your voice!” Fortunately, I was the first one to arrive in the Production Office.

“Kyaaaa~ I’m so happy for you, girl!” She said with full of excitement by just hearing that there’s something between the two of us.

“Enough with the chatting! Let’s start working. I have to do the rounds in the factory.” I said.

“To see Kree working downstairs?” Victoria teased me. This is why I don’t want to tell her anything about us. She will keep teasing and pestering me. She will observe every move I take and find the perfect opportunity to tease me. I hate this kind of attention. Good thing I have a counter plan.

“Keep teasing me and I’ll tease you and David!” She paused for what I’ve said.

“H-how did you----“

“How did I know about the two of you?!  Well, I have my ways. Besides, you should be careful when you’re staying at the engineer’s quarter.” I said, reversing our situation. Now, I have the upper hand in this battle of wit. WAHAHA!

“We didn’t do anything? I swear.” She explained trying her best with full of gestures to avoid me from threatening her to expose what I saw.

“I didn’t say anything. I just said that I saw you two in engineer’s quarter.” I stated sarcastically and smiled at her.

“How dare you!” She exclaimed. “I was just comforting him that time.” She added.

“I know. You’re just being obvious! It’s refreshing to see you being flustered with such.” I teased her.

“You know? You know why am I comforting him that time?” She asked with full of awe.

“Yeah!”

“But how? Did David tell you about you? But he told me that I’m the only one whom he talked with about that story.” She said without breathing in between her words.

“I just have my way. Anyway, let’s go downstairs.” Then we continue talking about the topic.

David was heartbroken for about a month, I guess. He was courting Esmee but he was rejected. But it didn’t stop him from pursuing her. He even wakes up as early as 4 am and went to Esmee’s house so he can walk her to work before her shift, which is 6 am. Last February, he even bought some roses to give to Esmee but she didn’t accept them.

But don’t get her wrong. She’s not coldhearted like how anyone perceived her. She feels guilty about declining David’s effort. She appreciates every effort he made and how genuine his feelings for. It’s just that, Esmee is not into it. She’s into Stephy.

Yes, you heard it right. Esmee and Stephy are in a relationship. Esmee is a lesbie and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just that, they don’t want to hurt David that way. How can they admit to David that they were in a relationship when Stephy is a friend and Esmee is his love interest? It’s better this way. Esmee thought. It’s better to break his heart this way than to break David’s and Stephy’s friendship. And I admire Esmee’s decision. It may not be the right decision but it’s the best for all of them.

Good thing Victoria was there for David. He may be smiling and laughing in front of us but I know that he’s wearing a mask when he’s with us. I don’t know who else knows about it aside from me and Victoria because we don’t bother asking him. He’s in the process of healing with the help of Victoria and she’s doing great. I hope that it will work out for the two of them. Really.

========

I’m in a meeting right now. We’re talking about the upcoming Sports Fest when I received a text message from an unknown number yet familiar number.

*1 message received*

I’ll wait for you after work at the exit gate. :)

My heart skipped a beat. I can’t stop my lips from arching upwards. Victoria bumped her knees towards mine and looked at me. She raised her left eyebrow as if asking why I am smiling like that in the middle of a meeting. But I just moved my head from left to right slightly as a sign that it was nothing. The nosiest person ever.

“So Enzey kindly arranged the schedule of the Maintenance Engineers and other Production staff to avoid conflicts so we can celebrate the Sports Fest without affecting the performance of the factory.” Ms. Jeanne said.

“Yes ma’am,” I replied despite my nervousness. It was my first time attending such a company event and arranging the schedule for the entire factory made me more nervous. I never had such responsibility. I hope I’ll make a good job.

And the meeting continues until we adjourned at 6 pm. Oh my gally! I forgot about Kree’s message. I was so busy focusing on the meeting and jotting down notes about the details. I rapidly prepared my stuff and went out of work hoping he’s still waiting. Though it could be possible that he already left since I haven’t texted him that the meeting is taking way too long.

“What’s taking you so long?” I heard someone talking behind me. I was so excited to hear that somebody is still waiting for me. But when I turn around, I suddenly felt so down to see that it’s David and Mara while Stephy and Marc are sharing the same umbrella. It’s still raining which made me feel more disappointed.

“O-oh~ Are you waiting for me?” I smiled. This is why I love this squad. They never leave me behind. But I’m still looking for someone who said he’ll be waiting for me.

“Hurry up! Kree is waiting in the convenience store because he doesn’t have an umbrella.” My face suddenly brightens up as if he knows what’s on my mind.

“What is he doing there? Why did he leave you here and did not wait together?” I asked acting clueless but I’m sure Mara knows I’m acting lame.

“Then whose umbrella will he share with? I’m sharing with Mara and Marc is sharing with Stephy. You know boys like us are too lazy to bring their umbrella.” David explained with a matter of fact.

“A-ah~ Yeah, right.” It’s all I can say. Then we walked on our way to pick Kree in the convenience store.

Mara waved her hand to Kree to call his attention while sitting in the convenience store. He was holding the instant coffee and browsing at his phone while sitting in the high chair. I never saw someone who can look so cool that way by just sitting like that. He saw us and ran towards us with a broad smile on his face as if he’s waiting for us for a very long time. He rapidly walked towards me as we share the umbrella. He took the umbrella since he’s way taller than me.

“What took you so long?” He asked while we are walking towards the mall.

“We were preoccupied with the meeting that we didn’t notice it took longer than expected. I’m sorry I couldn’t reply to your text message.” I tried my best to explain to avoid any misunderstanding. Then I saw Mara looked at us and she smiled at me while hearing our conversation. Kree looked back at her so she just turned her head back as if she was told to mind her own business.

“Oh! So we’re having the Sports Fest. Nice!” He said enthusiastically.

We are at the mall and eat at another fast-food chain where fries and coke float should be missed. As usual, Mara and I are in charge of ordering the food. Mara can’t miss this chance to feed her curiosity.

“What was that, Enzey?” She asked.

“What do you mean what was that?” I asked acting innocent when I already know what was she talking about.

“Come on! Stop acting innocent when you’re not.” She said.

“We were just conversing. Why?” I replied trying to avoid any suspicion.

“I don’t think it was just a simple conversation. I sense something more than that.” She implied.

“I never knew you are a psychic now,” I said sarcastically. Why won’t they just let us alone and mind their business? These girls are nosy.

“Eeey~ I know you know what I mean.” She insists.

“You’ll know when the right time comes.” Then I just smiled at her as if I throw a teaser to make her more curious.

“Hate you!” She exclaimed.

“Same here.” Then we laughed. Finally, we’re done ordering and went back to our seats.

As we were eating, we talked about the details in the meeting and they were all excited about the Sports Fest. I’m sure they will but not me. It gives me an extra job on top of my daily routine at work which is exhausting already. Then we left and decided to go home. I need to go home early to have the energy to deal with the workload I have to face starting tomorrow.

Marc and Stephy were busy talking about the 1-liter bottle that had an issue a while ago. Mara and David were busy chatting nonsense while Kree and I were like a statue, standing side by side while waiting for the bus to come.

“Are you going to sleep already when you got home?” He asked out of the blue.

“W-why?” Don’t tell me you’ll gonna call or something?

“I was thinking of calling you later but I think you’ll feel uncomfortable so I guess exchanging messages will do.” He explained, taking all his courage.

“Y-yeah you’re right. Calling is quiet… I’m sorry. But I’ll reply if you’ll text me.” I uttered trying not to display any of this nervousness I feel.

“Nice! I’ll wait for your response.” He smiled so brightly and couldn’t hide how pleased he was to hear that I will reply. He’s been texting me “goodnight’s” but I am not replying to any of it. I don’t want to get attached until I became anxious when he couldn’t reply to my messages.

The bus has arrived. As usual, I was sitting on the seat near the window. I saw them walking on their way. Marc, David, and Stephy ride the bus on the opposite side while Mara and Kree ride on the jeepney.

After two hours, I’m finally home. I was preparing my favorite tea to help me digest the food we had. I ate a lot of fries that made my tummy so bloated. As I walk towards my room, my phone vibrates. I couldn’t stop my lips from smiling. I looked at the message but it was Victoria, reminding me to bring the lipstick that she asked for. I have dozens so I decided to give her and Charlotte some lipstick to brighten their pale-looking skin.

I just went out from taking a bath and was putting moisturizing cream on my face when my phone vibrates once again. I just ignored it, thinking it was from Victoria once again. But after ten minutes, I received another message.

*2 messages received*

“Are you home?”

“Maybe you fell asleep already. Goodnight.”

It was from Kree. My gally! I thought it was from Victoria. I immediately replied to him as promised.

Me: “I’m sorry. I’m still up. I just took a shower.”

Kree: “Oh~ too detailed. By the way, I’m happy you’re still up.”

Me: “Am I? Sorry about that.”

Kree: “No need to apologize. I was just appalled when I read the word ‘I just took a shower.”

Me: “My bad. Haha”

Kree: “By the way, I texted because I wanna ask you something.”

Me: “Ask something? Why didn’t you ask it a while ago while we’re in the mall?”

Kree: “Actually it would be better to ask you this coming from my mouth but you preferred texting so it ends up this way.”

Me: “What is it?”

Kree: “Are you free this weekend?”

Then it made me stopped. As if my world stops turning. What? Is this real? Is he asking me for a date or something? My gally~~~~