Chapter 05

                                    

                                          
Monday came and it's already three in the morning. 
I closed my hands and prayed, "Thank you, Lord! Protect me and Bless me for this day!" After saying the short and simple prayer. I went to the compound as usual to take a bath, I washed my hair with shampoo and put soap on my body. I felt energized with just the smell of it. I changed my clothes at the back and hurriedly took my used clothes and went back to my dwelling. I washed my clothes excitedly two days ago with detergent and fabcon. I only have five T-shirts and Three shorts that I was able to purchase in a shop that sells second hand clothes with five to ten pesos each. I'm going to buy more clothes later on once I am able to earn a good amount of money. 
I hurriedly went to the eatery to help out. The two are already busy working and Gabriel's muscles are already flexing as he butchers the chicken. My eyes feasted on him first then after a few moments, I walked up to the owner. 
"Good morning, Nanay." I greeted the old lady. 
She didn't bother greeting me back, "Hurry up and wash these vegetables." She pushed the strainer filled with leafy vegetables, potatoes and carrots to me.  
She, then eyed me from head to toe, "You looked like a human now." 
Her words struck me shamelessly, it made me feel embarrassed. I can only smiled politely at her comment. I, at least, look a decent human now, no longer looking like a beggar. 
I heard a chuckle coming from the Gabriel and my face heated. I can believe he's listening to this. 
I headed straight to the sink at the back of the eatery to wash the potatoes and carrots using a small tub at the corner of the eatery. I felt warmth behind my back. I saw Gabriel eyeing what I was doing. Aside from the smell of blood, he smells like chocolate and mint, he's smell refreshes my mind. 
"You took a bath." He says eyeing my wet hair. 
I chuckled at him, "I always take a bath. I just don't have shampoo to use." 
A small smile appeared on his lips, and my eyes went blind from how brightening it is. I felt fulfillment just from watching him smile. 
He chuckles at my reaction and my face is heated from embarrassment. 
"Continue using the shampoo." He says as he reaches for the plate he's going to use. He turned around to leave. 
"You smell good." He says. 
I put my hand on my mouth to cover my scream. I almost bang my head to the sink just from the butterflies he's giving me. I can't believe he just said that! My heart flutters and I couldn't suppress the smile appearing on my lips, I almost laugh. 
I can't suppress myself and to stop my excitement, I prayed to God right here on the spot while looking up to the sky, "God, if he's not the one for me, please make him the one for me."
After that short prayer, I was able to take a hold of myself and was able to proceed with working. 
I hurriedly washed the potatoes and sliced them up according to what dishes will be prepared. I also began to quickly help out with the remaining ingredients and meals to be prepared but during those times, I keep glancing at Gabriel who's busy cooking two dishes at a time. The sun rose quickly and we were able to finish with seven dishes, rice cooked, with hotdogs, eggs and langgonisa ready to be purchased and served to the customers. 
A bunch of girls wearing highschool uniforms passed by our eatery and saw Gabriel who's wiping the table. I felt an uncomfortable feeling in my chest as I watched him get noticed by these highschool girls. My eyes darted to the girls and three among them are the pretty and well-dressed. They giggled and pointed at him while whispering. 
My heart tugged when he noticed that he was being watched by the girls and a smile appeared on his lips. That's it. He must've liked one or two of them.
I couldn't stand the sight of him walking towards the girls so I walked towards the door of the eatery leading to the backyard to clean. My eyes felt heavy and I couldn't stop myself from breathing hard. There's a huge lump on my throat but I was able to restrain myself. 
I shouldn't feel this way, I'm only turning twelve, I know I'm having a huge crush on him. I should stop myself from what I'm feeling. Should I just work somewhere else to avoid him? Because it feels like if I stay any longer I might not be able to stop myself. What if he catches on that I have a crush on him? What am I supposed to do? I'm not yet ready to be in a relationship. What if he likes someone else? As if a boulder tugged on my heart and a stone was smashed on my head. My eyes stung just from the thought of him being with someone else. Am I going to be rejected? Should I really just leave? I'm scared. I fretted while cleaning the sink using sponge and soap. 
"What are you thinking so deeply about?" He suddenly said behind me. I yelped in response and in anger, my hand automatically landed on his muscled arm. The heat just from the slight touch is overwhelming me. 
"You scared me! Don't crept like that behind me!" I said in a fit of anger. I couldn't stop the jealousy pouring out. 
He caught my hand and stared at me straight into my eyes. His eyes are filled with warmth and his voice is gentle. 
"What's getting you mad, hmm?" He asks while squeezing my hand gently. The warmth of his hand overwhelms me and any more seconds I might pour my grievances to him. 
My frown deepened, I took my hand from his hold and I avoided his eyes, "Nothing." 
"Kids, come here there are new customers!"