Chapter Four: Dreams

Wednesday came and it’s tennis day again with my dad. I pressed the 29th button of the elevator at my dad’s company building. 

I am still in disbelief that Ace, the guy I encountered in this elevator, was my dad’s boss. Also known as the CEO. I can’t stop thinking if Ace was here in the building as well. I mean, I just want my books back. That’s it. We made a deal that he will bring those back to me.

I shook my head and adjusted my tennis bag as soon as I stepped out of the elevator. 

I entered my dad’s office but to my dismay, I saw him napping on his desk. I don’t know if I’ll wake him up, he might get annoyed with me if I wake him up. Maybe he’s tired and needs some rest. What a hardworking old man.

I put down my tennis racket and bag on the floor and sat for a while.  I don’t know if I’ll just wait here.

I stood up and decided to go to a coffee shop near the building. Maybe my dad needs some afternoon snacks and some coffee for sure. 

I take a stroll here on the 29th floor first before going down. I heard someone’s voice from the office that I passed by.

“Stop bothering me. I already gave you enough money!” He said angrily. I looked at the office door and saw the “CEO” sign. I widened my eyes and didn’t realize that it was Ace’s voice. That kind of voice of his is unfamiliar. I’m used to his cheerful one.

I wonder why he’s angry and who is he talking to?

Two women stood in front of Ace’s door like they’re also curious about what’s the fuss inside.  “Is he talking to that pregnant girl again?” the other girl whispers. I move closer to hear them talking. I mean, if I’m also curious.

“Maybe, he’s always like that when he’s talking to that girl. I think that girl is demanding child support.” Another girl added. What I heard shocked me. Did ace get someone pregnant? I was disappointed. I guess he wants to neglect that child. What kind of man is he?

I walked away. Why do I have to hear those things? And why am I disappointed like this? Am I angry because he denies his child? Or because he got someone pregnant, that means he—Ahhh! What am I thinking?

I entered the elevator and shook my head. I should not think maliciously like that.

“wait!” someone said, I hurriedly pressed the open button of the elevator. This moment felt like a déjà vu.

“Oh. Hi Bliss!” He said cheerfully. I raised my eyebrows unconsciously. What happened to his mood? Why does he look happy now? I just smiled.

“You have tennis today?” He asked while looking at me. I don’t know if I should look at him or what.  I don’t know if I should also tell him that my father is sleeping. I mean, is it bad? Will my father get in trouble if I say that?

“My father seems busy today, so I’ll buy him snacks instead.” I just told him. I put on a smile. My heart seems to be nervous. I don’t know. I can’t even look at him without thinking about what happened at his office minutes ago.

“Okay. You want a ride?” He offered.

I smiled again and politely declined. I told him that the coffee shop I’ll be going to is like ten steps away from here. I can manage. He waved goodbye at me and I started walking.

The line was long in the café, people tend to get coffee at this hour, unfortunately. But I don’t mind the long lines. I can wait. I am a very patient person.

“Can I have two cheesecakes, one tall iced coffee, and one hot brewed coffee, please?” I said when it was my turn.

“To go?” the lady from the cashier asked. I smiled and said yes while searching for my wallet.

 “That would be $5.” She said, I gestured for a “wait” sign while I searched for my wallet, but this time, I am panicking.

“Can you add two more doughnuts and one milkshake for me?” Someone said, I looked at him. He winked at me. I looked away since I felt my cheeks blushing with his wink.

“She’s with me.” Ace said and gave his card to the lady. I sighed with relief. I relaxed my shoulder. He looked at me like I’m about to get scolded but jokingly. We went outside the café and thanked him for that kind gesture.

“You’re always there when I’m in trouble.” I said while nervously laughing. I don’t know if I’ll be embarrassed or not.

“You owe me a lot.” He said as he drank his milkshake and tried not to laugh out loud.

“I’ll pay you upstairs, I promise!” I exclaimed. He burst out laughing. Seriously, this guy laughs at everything.

“You don’t have to pay me. Let’s just say that this is my treat.” He winked. I catch my breath.  Oh my god, this man kept on winking. Stop winking at me! 

“You didn’t bring your car?” I asked him while I pretended that his wink didn’t affect me. 

“No, but hey, I counted the steps from my building to this cafe, it was 78 steps. You said it was just 10?” He said. I laughed.

“Why did you take it seriously then? You believed that?” I asked while still laughing.  He’s laughing with me. His eyes were in a crescent moon shape when he’s laughing like that and his dimples stood out. He’s very cute. Oh my goodness.

“Are you always this cheerful?” I asked out of curiosity. He pointed at the bench and sat there. I take a seat as well. I don’t know if this question is rude or not but I am regretting it already. I can’t tell if he’s angry or not.

“I have a bright personality.” He said as he finished up his milkshake. I think he’s thirsty because he has already finished his milkshake. He smirked at me.

“But I’m not happy with my accomplishment right now.” I looked at him as my eyebrows frowned. I suddenly felt sorry for him. He looked at me and smiled at me like everything is fine.

“You reminded me of my little sister.” I gasped. I didn't know he have one. 

“If she was alive, she’d be 17 by now.” My heart felt like it was crushed by what he said. We both have the same age. I wonder how his sister died.

 “I-I’m so sorry.” I consoled him.

“It’s okay, it’s been three years.” He smiled and looked at the sky.  He rests his head on the bench.

“From now on, I’ll be your little sister.” I said, without thinking. He chuckled. I laughed a little bit while scratching my head. This is awkward. What was I thinking? What kind of nonsense is that?

“Sure. And I’ll be your older brother” He pinched my nose. I felt something jump in my chest.  It felt like a jolt. I fixed my eyeglasses.

“So your dream is to be a chef?” He asked me. I’m glad he changed the topic. He fixed the way he sits.

“Yes.” I answered with a smile.

“That was my dream too.” I sit there with disbelief. Why is he the owner of a company now?

“My sister should be the one taking the company because I don’t even have the slightest interest when it comes to this.  You know, leading the company and all this stuff. But my dad got weak, he needs to rest and I have to sacrifice everything I have built. Including the restaurant I have.” He looked at his shoes while both of his arms were resting on the bench. I felt sad knowing this.

From now on, I’ll never judge his cheerfulness. It seems like it’s just a façade of what he really feels. It’s a mask. He’s going through a lot.

“And.. I have another problem..” He said while scratching his head.

“but you’re too young to understand, so..” He stared at me and smirked as he stood up and fixed his suit. I raised my eyebrows. I wonder what the problem is.

This made me realize that you should really never judge a book from its cover. What you see is really not the truth most of the time. People are most likely to pretend. Some people like to make other people believe that everything is fine.

And speaking of the book.. I need my book.

“Uh. About the book.. Have you seen it?” I asked him. He seems surprised. I guess he forgot about it.

“I forgot to look for it again. I’m sorry. If I ever see it, I’ll bring it to your dad.” He reassured me. My eyes widened. But what? No. I don’t want my dad to find out about that book. Oh my gosh he will kill me!

“Why? Is there something wrong?” He looked worried. I shook my head and smiled nervously.

“No! Uhm no. don’t give it to Dad.  Uhm. just give it to me next Wednesday..” I exclaimed. He looked at me suspiciously. Like he knows I’m hiding something. I felt my sweat building up.

“Okay, nerd.” He said jokingly. I was not offended by it because I know I am one. I laughed.

“You know what, I was bullied back in Highschool because I look like a nerd.  I wear glasses like this and read books all the time.” I told him,  like it was not a traumatic experience. His eyes widened for a bit.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call you that.” He said, trying to console me. He put his hands on my shoulder and leaned towards me. I was dazed by how close his face was.

“But, I’m not a nerd, I just look like one.”

“So what if you are a nerd, don’t have to change to fit in. I like how you look.” 

“I-uh. But I’m not one.” I defended myself. My cheeks blushed. This is the first time someone appreciates who I am. I smiled. I was so flattered by those words so much. I can’t help but smile at him. He pinched my cheeks.

“You are cute.”

I felt my cheeks turned even redder. Maybe because of how he pinched my cheeks. I don’t know but it made me feel like my heart is going to burst.