Chapter 36: Job

I found myself lounging around while Grey, my pet cat, was comfortably sleeping on my stomach. My father wasn't around, and my mother was out grocery shopping. I had offered her to do the shopping instead, but she insisted on going herself. She also didn't want me joining her.

I gently stroked Grey's fur, causing him to stir awake briefly. However, he quickly returned to his slumber. It was as if he was utterly exhausted, but the ironic truth was that he spent most of his time lounging around and sleeping. Left with no other option, I decided to watch some TV. I turned it on and started channel surfing.

Our classes had ended the day before, so I had the whole day to myself. Tomorrow, I was set to travel to Siargao. Three months had passed, and I noticed that my parents' relationship seemed to be growing colder day by day.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I had a strong feeling that they were drifting apart. They used to go to work together, but nowadays, my mother preferred to go alone. There was a noticeable lack of communication between them. Their interactions had become cold and distant, with neither of them making much effort to talk to the other.

After failing to find anything interesting on TV, I decided to get up. I carefully lifted Grey off my stomach and set him down on the bed. He seemed to be a bit miffed at being disturbed, but he got up and followed me nonetheless. I decided to take him for a walk, so I picked him up to spare him the effort of walking.

I fetched his leash, which was hanging on the staircase, and attached it to his collar. He looked up at me as if to protest, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "You need the exercise. I can't carry you all the time," I told him, trying to reason with my cat.

"Meow," was his only response, and he began to lead the way down the stairs.

I left Grey in the living room momentarily and returned to my room, realizing that I had forgotten to change. I put on a simple black crop top and a pair of black denim shorts, along with a pair of black Adidas sandals. Before leaving, I applied some sunscreen and grabbed my sunglasses.

I also took some money with me, in case I found something I wanted to buy. I sent a text message to my mother informing her that I was out and that I had left the house key in the pot of her favorite plant.

Donning my sunglasses, I let Grey lead the way. The weather was overcast, and there were quite a few people out and about. Grey and I stopped by a pet food shop, as I planned to buy him some more food since his supply was running low.

We didn't stay out long, especially as the sun started to emerge from behind the clouds where it had been hiding earlier. When we got back home, my mother was already there and had begun to unpack the groceries.

"Let me help you, mom," I offered.

She nodded in agreement, and handed me a chopping board and a sharp knife. I started to chop the chicken and the various herbs and spices.

I didn't know the name of the dish that my mother was cooking, so after finishing the chopping, I watched her cook.

I entered my room and found Grey lying on my pillow again. I frowned at him - this cat never seems to clean himself before lying down!

I picked him up and took him to my bathroom. I ran warm water and gave him a bath. He was a bit restless during the bath and even managed to wet my clothes with his playful antics.

After shampooing him, I rinsed him off and dried him with a small towel. I even used the blow dryer on his fur to make sure he dried off quickly. He then jumped back onto my bed and settled down.

I decided to take a shower after the bath. It took me a while, but once I was done, I found my mom had already prepared breakfast for the both of us. Two plates of food and glasses of orange juice were waiting on the table.

"Is Dad not coming home, Mom?" I asked her, as I placed Grey on the floor and gave him his own bowl of cat food. He lazily approached the food but eventually ate it.

"I don't know," she replied simply.

I blinked and nodded. I sat down beside her and began to eat.

"When are you going to Siargao for your vacation?" Mom asked me in the middle of our meal.

I looked at her and then returned to my food. "The day after tomorrow, Mom. Why do you ask?"

She nodded and took a sip of juice. "No particular reason."

After finishing breakfast, I told my mom I was going to the Cafe. I changed into a mint green dress and matching doll shoes. Grey was still with me, sleeping soundly in my arms.

I entered the Cafe and saw Tres busy with customers. Some of the other staff members were also busy attending to the customers, while others were cleaning up.

It was already one o'clock, yet the customers kept pouring in, despite the late hour. I gently settled Grey down into my office chair, allowing him to doze off.

I grabbed my apron, securing it around my waist, and tied up my shoulder-length hair. This revealed my deep and alluring collarbone, adding a touch of seductive charm to my appearance.

I stepped out of the office and joined Sassa and Evorie in serving the customers. The two women greeted me with warm smiles, which I returned in kind.

I picked up a tray, waiting for Tres to finish preparing the order for a group of high school students. Once he was done, he signaled to me, indicating that I could proceed with the delivery. Carefully, I placed the order on their table.

"One of them has a crush on you!" one of the high school girls giggled.

I responded with a gentle smile, glancing at the boy sitting next to her. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment under my gaze. I couldn't help but shake my head. Ah, the innocence of youth.

"Focus on your studies first," I advised them lightly.

The girl pouted slightly. "How old are you?" she asked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"I'm 23, but I'll be turning 24 on April 19," I replied.

I adjusted the placement of their orders, ensuring everything was in order.

"You're really pretty," she complimented me.

I smiled at her once again, reaching out to pinch her cheek affectionately.

"You're pretty too," I said, "Enjoy your food, kiddos," I added, before walking away from their table.

"What was that about?" my nosy cousin asked.

I rolled my eyes at his prying nature. Leaning against the counter, I took a moment to observe the bustling scene around me. The cafe was filled with customers engaged in various activities - eating, drinking, laughing heartily, and engaging in animated conversations. The lively atmosphere brought a sense of contentment and fulfillment, reminding me why I loved this job.