Chapter 2

"By the way, do you know the Suitarez twins?" I furrowed my brow at her question. Who are they? And besides, I don’t know who they are.

"Don't tell me you don't know them?!" Sheila exclaimed, shocked and incredulous, looking at me as if I were from ancient times because I had no idea.

"I really don't," I replied, as we continued to bring orders. We mostly whispered to each other whenever we walked together or when there weren't many customers.

"Oh no, those billionaires! They're really famous because of their looks; you'll drool over them." Famous? Why don’t I know them?

"I don't have time for that."

"You always say you have no time. Give yourself some time! Enjoy life a little. There's nothing wrong with flirting, going out, drinking, or having fun once in a while—just don't do it every day. At least try to experience living and enjoy those things."

"Your friend is right, Cath. You should also enjoy life sometimes. Don’t focus too much on work," chimed in Ate Fait, who was cleaning a table behind us.

"I don’t feel the need to experience those things," I defended myself against both of them, plus I have no interest in such things.

"Okay, it's up to you," Sheila said with a sigh. Ate Fait sighed too and left after cleaning the table. "By the way, have you bought your school supplies yet?" Sheila suddenly asked to change the subject.

"Not yet, why?" I replied, returning her question.

"Let’s go shopping together on Saturday; I haven’t bought mine either." I just nodded at her. We continued working while chatting.

Around five in the afternoon, Sheila went home because her family was looking for her. I still had to work until six, so I wouldn’t get home until later. I knew Lola would be home by now, setting the dining table, as she always did.

It was getting dark when we left work. "Bye, I'm leaving," Ate Fait said, waving her hand as she got on a jeep. I said goodbye to Kuya Ray before heading home.

I decided to walk home to relax my mind and get some exercise. Plus, I’d save on fare since our house was just a few minutes away.

As I walked, I passed by a bar. I was about to walk past it, but I was curious about what it looked like inside. I had never been inside a bar, and I hadn’t even tasted alcohol at the age of 20.

I decided to peek inside the bar to satisfy my curiosity. The guard initially thought I was a minor and didn't want to let me in, but eventually, he allowed me inside.

When I entered, I was greeted by loud music and women dancing in front. There were men kissing each other randomly, and women wearing revealing outfits. Some were even doing tricks on the side. I didn’t expect the bar to look like this. I thought it would just be music and drinking, but I was surprised by what I saw—far from my imagination.

I couldn't handle the atmosphere, so I quickly left. I resumed my walk home, reflecting on what I had seen inside the bar, still in disbelief.

I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. I quickly took it out to see who was calling. It was Sheila.

What does she want now?

"Oh, why did you call?" I asked as I answered.

"Nothing, just wanted to ask if you’re home yet," Sheila replied. It seemed she called just to check if I had returned.

"Not yet, but I'm walking home to relax a bit," I said.

"Okay, that’s all. Bye." Sheila said and hung up. I sighed, rolling my eyes. I put my phone back in my pocket. Sheila is my longest friend; we've been friends since grade 2 and still are.

I can say Sheila is like a sister to me. We treat each other like siblings. She's always been with me in everything. One thing I can say about her is that I’m lucky to have a friend like her.

I didn’t realize I had already arrived home while thinking. Walking really feels different.

“Lola, I’m home!” I shouted before entering to announce my arrival. I walked calmly inside and headed to the kitchen. I saw Lola preparing the dining table.

"You’re here! Come and eat with me," Lola greeted me. I placed my things on a chair. "How was your day?" she asked. Lola always asks me about my day when I get home to know what happened.

"It was okay, we had a customer who got mad at me because I gave them the wrong order. They said all sorts of things to me," I recounted to Lola while serving rice from the rice cooker.

"What did you do?" Lola asked as she sat down at the table.

"Nothing, I just let it go; it was my fault anyway for giving the wrong order," I replied.

"That's alright, just be patient with those kinds of people," she said while we ate, sharing stories about our day.

"What about you, Lola? How was your day?" I asked.

"Just fine; I made quite a bit today. Someone even gave me a tip."

"That's good to hear. Who gave you that?" I asked while drinking water.

"I don’t know; one of the regulars," Lola replied as she continued eating.

"I’ll wash the dishes later," I offered, knowing that Lola was tired, and I didn’t want her hands to get cold.

After we finished eating, I volunteered to wash the dishes. After washing, I went to my room and lay down on my bed. It had been a tiring day. I gradually felt sleepy as my eyelids began to droop until I eventually fell asleep from exhaustion.

Another day awaits tomorrow.