Blessing in Disguise

A week has passed and I got a two-hour break after my second class today because my should be next professor got into emergency and not able to make it. I decided to go to the library to do some research and on my way, my phone vibrated which is telling me that I got a message.

“I saw Marco at the back of the art building doing his punishment,” that was Yvonne informing Marco's whereabouts.

“I wanted to talk to him but I’m afraid the queen bee will get angry again," I replied quickly and that was the truth. As much as possible, I want to avoid arguments or issues to occur again.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just jealous of you coz you are much prettier than her xoxo. Go there now! Don’t worry, I got your back!" she assured and I turned my way to the art building right away.

I thanked her but she did not forget to remind me to tell her everything without skipping minor details when we get to the shop later at night. She's very Yvonne!

When I sighted Marco, I got a little nervous because someone might resent me again for getting near him. But my guilt is not leaving me in peace without talking and thanking him.

When I reached near him, his back was facing me while sweeping the leaves in the garden. I cleared my throat just to get his attention and I felt like a bomb is going to explode behind my ribcage.

When he looked my way, I saw him with a serious face but nevertheless, he looked so charming and hot. What am I thinking? Stupid! I should go back to my purpose before I look like an idiot in front of him.

“Ahm, Marco right? I’m Faith, I just want to thank you for defending me last week over Clyde," I stuttered a bit. "We can’t control people with bad habits but it’s not necessary for you to fight because of me," I added. "I’m sorry that you’ve got suspended for a week and got this punishment,” I'm glad I was able to deliver what I wanted to say.

He was just looking at me and I have no idea what's going on in his mind. He's like an unpredictable kind of person. “You didn’t watch the game, why?” he seriously asked and I couldn’t believe what  I’ve heard from him. Was he more concerned about me not able to watch his game over his swollen lips and suspension for a week because of the fight? What the h***! I narrowed my eyes and my mind was in haywire on what reasons I should say to him.

“What? Oh, the game… Ahm…  sorry about that too and thank you for the tickets," I responded nervously. "I was caught up by my job that day and congratulations - my friend told me you were the MVP on that match. You’ve given so much moral to our university, you’re one of a kind,” I explained a bit shy because I forgot to thank him for those.

He smirked a little and turned his back at me to continue cleaning the area. I didn't know what to say but my feelings were full of guilt. “I’ll help you with the service, this happened because of me so better do my part too,” I said and moved to get the stuff for cleaning. He looked my way like he wanted to say something but let it go when he saw me already cleaning.

“Don’t you have class?” he asked not looking at me. “I’m on a two-hour break and will attend my last class later, then I’ll head to the shop,” I said as flawlessly as I could but I realized that he only asked for one question and I answered it with a lot. Damn, I was obviously tensed around him.

As we did the clean-up, we didn't talk that much because I felt like something’s awkward between us or might I say, I'm shy to talk to him. But I caught him sparing a glance at me from time to time and I just kept myself calm. I was afraid to look into his eyes because I felt like I’m going to melt if we stayed like that for a few more seconds. Even though I acted cool and confident near him, I felt betrayed by my heart because I was nervous or might I say self-conscious around him.

Forty-five minutes passed and we were done with the clean-up. I bid goodbye to him but not before thanking him again for what he has done for me. He just nodded and I noticed a hint of a smile in his eyes but he was good at masking it.

With my remaining free time, I ran to the library to have my research before attending my last class. After my class, I went right away to the shop to start my shift. This has been my routine for two and a half years now and I’m grateful to the owners for being so lenient to their part-timers. I'm so thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Brown for their compassion towards those who wanted to support their selves while studying.

When I reached to open the door of the cafe, I saw Yvonne already in her uniform. She’s a bit early and I noticed that she's smiling widely like her crush got a crush on her too. I shook my head and came near her and asked about the reason for her good mood. She said that I should get changed first and come back fast because she can’t wait to show me something.

I rushed to the counter where she is after I’m all ready for my job. There’s not a lot of customers so we could have the talk. She was holding her phone and raising it like there’s something important in it with her face full of a grin.

“I discovered that Marco already has an I*******m account,” she informed with raised brows and twisted lips. “Did you know that he got a lot of followers since last week,” she added with excitement and seemed so interested in it.

“Oh, I thought your news is kind of important or something. I thought you’ve got a boyfriend,” I laughed at her on the nonsense news she shared with me. “I want to show you some of his posts and I think there’s something familiar on it,” then she revealed it in front of me.

I am surprised to see the photo of his coffee which I know I made for him last week because of the smiley latte art. I read the caption, “You lightened my day!”

I didn’t know how to react because when I looked at Yvonne she was giggling like a fool. She teased me by looking at me with her meaningful stare and twisted lip. I didn’t want to assume anything about the caption coz maybe it was about the smiley latte and not because of me.

When I scrolled for his latest post, I saw that he posted the area with that garbage and cleaning stuff.  “Punishment sometimes can be a blessing in disguise,” was written. I am confused by what he meant about it but it tells something that he was happy about the punishment because he put a smiley emoji on it. Damn!

Our attention was diverted to the door because someone got in and my heart pounded hard because it was him approaching the counter. Yvonne winked at me and her smile widened from ear to ear. I kicked her legs for her to stop teasing me because it's not funny anymore.

“The usual,” he said directly in his serious tone. I don't know why I avoided having eye contact with him but it was awkward. Am I affected by his presence?

Yvonne immediately punched his order but before he could pay for it, I told them that the coffee is on me. Both of them looked at me in disbelief but I recovered instantly by saying, “ It’s on me, as a Thank you treat,” though I stuttered a bit saying those words, I pretended calm to mask my nervousness.

Yvonne cleared her throat to ease the tension and I went quickly to the machine to make the coffee. I cursed on my mind for the chaotic feelings I have inside my heart and it was the first time I felt that kind of emotion.

I was approaching to serve his coffee when I saw him busy with his phone. I guess, his busy with his I*******m account. I coughed softly to get his attention and put the cup on his table with a “Thank you” latte art on it. I was hoping he will like it though it's just a simple art.

“Enjoy your coffee,” I said and about to turn my back when “Until what time is your shift?”