Chapter 2

    Cameron’s

    It was a perfect sunny day. I grab the keys to my tiny apartment and make my way outside the house. My busy neighborhood greeted me as I descended the concrete staircase. I already hear the voice of a woman nagging their children and lecturing about the value of education. Some are talking to their phone using a megaphone or not; why? They talk so loud as if they want the people around them to also know what they are talking about. And on the far corner of the street, I saw some women forming a circle and doing their daily dose of vitamins, gossip. Mind you half of the women on that circle’s name was Marites and Karen they are famous local newscasters majoring in gossip. I can’t help but smile.

    At first, I was culture shock. But, later on, I am already used to the noise that Filipino people give me, and I'm starting to love it. They are generous and hospitable people. They treat me as if I'm one of them, and even if they don't know me, they always give me food to eat, and most significantly, they make me laugh. I can afford a five-star rate hotel or a high-class condominium, but I choose to live in a slum area. I choose to live in Tondo Manila, and I never regret it when I make that choice.

    Besides, I need an excellent place to hide. Sometimes I need to slap my face. I know he wouldn't find me 'cause when the commotion has happened, he never believes in me. And I hate him for that. But I still choose to hide. My unborn child and I don't need a man like him.

    "Good morning, beautiful Cameron, how are you? Did you use the liniment oil that I gave you last night? It's good for pregnant women. You have to rub it on your belly," The middle aged woman approached me as I set foot on the ground. She's petite, and despite her age, she's still pretty, her almond eyes radiant with hope. Regardless of her situation, she still stands tall and goes on with life.

    I give her my sweet smile. "Good morning to you too, Aunt Magda. Yes, I used it last night, and It is soothing. I feel relieved that it lessens my back pain, thank you, Aunt Magda."

    "Oh, I'm happy to hear that. Now, off you go, the cafe is just nearby. A walk is good for you, and the weather is good. Take care always, Cameron."

    "Thank you, Aunt Magda. I'll be forever grateful for your kindness," I said with a bit of emotion.

    These good people are my newfound family, and sometimes I dreamed that I would never run away, and if she could turn back time, I wish that I never meet Alejandro.

    I bid goodbye to the kind lady and walked my way to the coffee shop where I work as a cashier. I greeted some people that I know they're just sweet people.

    Bids of sweat were dropping on my forehead when I reached the Sweet Little Café. I love to work here. The owner is sweet, and I'm lucky she accepted a pregnant woman like me. I push the glass door, and the aroma of brewed coffee mixed with vanilla scent welcomes me. I am a caffeinated person, and right now, I am not allowed to drink coffee. Yeah, my job is torture, but I can't complain.

    "Good morning, Cameron." Lena greeted me as I walked to the counter and dropped my bag. She's one of my good friends here, and she's jolly and gorgeous. I love her personality. Lena squinted in front of me, and she came face to face with my belly. "Good morning, baby. How are you doing?"

    I almost jump when I feel my baby move. "Lena, she moved." I beamed happily.

    "Yay. You love my voice, little fella?"

    "Nope. She didn't move." I laugh wickedly.

    "You ungrateful mother. Why can't you accept that your baby loves me more than you?" Lena said, rolling her eyeballs.

    "Yeah, as if." 

    "Good. Be thankful that I love you, woman."

    "And I love you too. Now, please, will you make a glass of milk and please just a drop of coffee, pretty please." 

    "No! It's not good for my baby." Lena demanded. And she turns her back on me. I smile, knowing that Lena will grant my request.

    "Make sure that my milk is ready when I get back." I halfway shouted and made my way to the kitchen.

    "Yes Señorita!"

    I froze when I heard what Lena called me. It's been six months but damn! Forget it, Cameron! Please don't go back to that pit of memory. It's painful to remember.

    I grab the apron and sit back in front of the cashier. I smiled when Lena gave me a glass of hot milk.

    "Love you," I happily said, I know it's just a drop of coffee, but, damn! I miss coffee.

    Since the Coffee shop is located in front of a University, lots of students come and go. And Sweet Little Café is their favorite hangout place. So for us, it's a busy day every day.

    I was busy cleaning my counter when I heard the door open. I looked up to greet our supposed first customer. But  everything was frozen solid when my brown eyes met the most beautiful gold eyes she ever met. A prominent nose, pinkish lips that hold power to melt my whole system in an instant. A regal, stunning looks and authoritative aura that demand control.

    My heartbeat is faster than its regular rate. Cameron is seeing a ghost of her past, the person she didn't wish to see. Anger rushed through her system, and she looked at the man standing with so much hatred.

    Damn!

    I burst into the kitchen, struggling to untie my apron. I swore under my breath when I fumbled uselessly at the strings. My hands shook so bad I couldn't even manage to do this simple task.

    Finally, I yanked hard enough that the material ripped. With all my strength, I threw it on the hook where the other waitresses hung their aprons.

    "What is he doing in here?" I muttered to myself while walking back and forth, both of my hands placed on my side. I hadn't done a whole lot to cover my tracks. Yes, I'd left Spain, and at the time, I didn't know what to do. All that I was thinking was to hide and never set foot on Spanish soil. And now this? After six long months, what is he doing here? Why is he looking for me?

    I refused to believe in coincidences. This wasn't a place Alejandro Sancho Conde De Parama would ever happen to be. What would his family say if they found out that their Count sits foot at a low-class coffee shop? His precious family would die before sullying their palates in anything less than a five-star restaurant.

    Wow, Cameron, so much bitterness?

    I furiously shook my head. It's just his presence, right? But, Fuck! Alejandro still affects me.

    "Hey, Cameron, what's going on?" Lena asked.

    I turned to see my friend standing in the doorway to the kitchen, her brow creased with concern.

    "Closed the door," I hissed as I motioned Len inside.

    Lena quickly complied, and the door swung shut. "Are you okay? Is everything alright? You don't look good, Cam. Is it the baby?"

    Fuck! I almost forgot about my baby. Alejandro and his gang would have been blind not to have seen my protruding belly. I had to get out of here.

    

    "No, I'm not well at all," I said, grasping for an explanation. "Please, tell Roland I had to leave."

    Lena frowned. "You're not yourself. Fine, I'll tell him. Go home, take a rest." 

    I kissed her and said a million thanks. I hurried towards the alley exit. I paused at the rickety door and turned anxiously back to Lena. "Do me a favor, Lena. This is important, okay? If anyone in the coffee shop asks about me, anyone at all, tell them you don't know me, and you don't know anything."

    Lena's emerald eyes widened. "Cameron, are you in some trouble?"

    I shook my head impatiently. "I'm not in trouble. I swear it. It's...It's my ex. He's a real bastard. I saw him in the coffee shop a minute ago."

    Lena's lips tightened, and her eyes blazed with indignation. "You go on ahead, sweety. I'll take care of things here."

    "Bless you," I murmured.

    I ducked out the back door of the coffee shop and headed down the alley. The sun's heat didn't bother her anymore. My apartment was only two blocks away. I could go there and figure out what the heck to do next.