ASHLEY NICOLE AMORES
I was shocked. He apologized! Why am I so flustered? It's annoying!
"Ah, n-nothing. I don't mind it at all," I stammered. Why did I stutter? I was doing so well!
"Okay, good. You understand," he said, then left. What was that? He left so quickly! It's irritating!
"Ma'am, finally, Sir Zandro ate with you!" Manang said, making me smile.
"Yes, Manang. He's cold, but handsome," I replied. Manang seemed to be getting a little giddy.
"Oh, okay, Manang. I'm going back to my room," I said to Manang, and she nodded. Once I got inside, I immediately lay down and fell asleep. Everything went black.
I woke up to the sunlight, so I got up and changed into a denim short and a white jacketâjust the jacket, no shirt underneath. That's what I wanted.
I went downstairs, rubbing my eyes sleepily. I was still half-asleep as I walked, heading straight for the refrigerator to get some water. I sat down languidly, putting my feet up.
I was wearing pink slippers. I almost fell off the chair because I was so sleepy.
"Manang, I want my milk. Is it ready?" I said listlessly, still with my eyes closed.
"Ah, Ma'am, here you go," Manang said, placing it on the table. I opened my eyes and immediately saw the milk. I was drinking it when suddenlyâ
"You're like a baby, or what I mean, you are my baby," someone said. I turned to see Zandro. I choked on my milk, some even coming out of my nose.
"Oh dear, Ashley, be careful!" Manang said, looking worried. I composed myself.
"Manang, why didn't you tell me he was still here?" I said to Manang, a little annoyed but quietly.
"You didn't ask, dear," Manang replied, which made me hit my forehead.
"Ahh, okay, Manang. Please take my breakfast upstairs," I said and turned my back to them, but someone pulled the collar of my jacket.
Ugh, why am I so short? This is embarrassing.
"Where are you going? You're going to eat breakfast with me, Ash," he said. Ugh, I'm so flustered! He called me by one of my nicknames!
"Ah, it's okay. I'm leaving," I said, feeling embarrassed. Why did he have to grab my jacket? It makes me feel like a child.
And wow, he easily pulled me back. He made me sit next to him, so close we were practically touching.
"Why aren't you eating?" he asked.
"I don't really like carrots. I already told Manang," I said, because yuck, I hate carrots.
"Give it to me," he said. Whoa, he's going to eat it? I didn't give it to him, afraid he might be disgusted by me.
"I said, give it to me," he said, and he took it, replacing it with hotdogs and ham.
"Thanks, cold man," I said. Everyone stopped when I realized what I said and looked at him, who was already looking at me.
"Wah, sorry, cold manâI mean, Limuel. I'm used to calling you that in my head. I'm really sorry," I said, standing up.
"Nah, it's okay. At least I know what you think of me," he said, smirking. What am I saying?
I just sat back down and ate silently.
"By the way, Ash, do you want to go with me? I need to go to a party, so⦠I'm just asking if you want to come with me," he said seriously, actually inviting me.
"Yes, of course! How could I refuse? You're strong, colâI mean, Zamdro! Yes, I'll go!" I said, since I'm used to calling him that.
"It's okay. The party is at 7:00 PM," he said, and then I remembered I didn't have anything to wear.
"I'll buy a dress for you. Don't worry about it," he said, making my jaw drop.
"Seriously?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"By the way, don't you have work? It's already 6:25 AM," I said.
"I do, but I'll be leaving soon," he said, so I just nodded.
After we finished eating, he said goodbye and that he was leaving. What could I do? I couldn't stop him!
"Manang, cold man is actually pretty kind, huh?" I said to Manang.
"Oh, Ma'am, Sir Zandro is really kind," she said.
"And you know, Ma'am, you two are so sweet together. You're a perfect match," she said, making me blush.
"Oh, Manang, no, we're not," I said shyly.
"Oh, why are you blushing, dear?" Manang asked, so I looked away.
"Hayy, I've been through this before, dear," she said, making me look at her.
"Wow, Manang, you have a love life? Why didn't you tell me?" I said, making her laugh.
"It's been a long time, dear. But he's gone now," she said.
"He passed away, but he's still in my heart," Manang said.
"Yeah, Manang, even though he's gone, he's still alive in your heart," I said, making her smile. After my conversation with Manang, I went back to my room.
TO BE CONTINUED...