Chapter 2

"Hi!" Elliott greeted me when I didn't immediately speak.

I quickly averted my gaze. "What are you doing here?" I asked, stealing glances at the wall clock. It was already nine in the evening. It was strange for Elliott to end up here. It was also the first time I saw him here in the two years I've been working.

"Uh, my brother and I got hungry, so we went out to eat. There's nowhere else open, just this place, so we ended up here." He smiled before leaning towards me.

"This is just a convenience store, not a restaurant. You'll only find instant food here." I replied casually.

Elliott flashed a smile before turning away. I didn't bother asking where he was going when I saw him head towards the cup noodles and the shelf of hotdogs and sandwiches.

When I noticed he was buying more things, I quickly looked away. I didn't want him to think anything if he caught me staring.

"Aren't you tired?" The man in front of me asked softly, bringing me back to reality.

I looked up quickly. I couldn't stop the surprise on my face. It was true that Mr. Sarmiento was with Elliott.

"Good evening, Sir," I greeted, feeling ashamed.

I averted my gaze, although I really wanted to feast my eyes on his appearance. It was the first time I saw him wearing a beige t-shirt and faded denim. His hair wasn't styled neatly. It seemed like he had just showered without bothering to brush his hair. It was quite different from his appearance at school. His slightly long hair covered his forehead down to his eyebrows. I only realized now how long his hair was because whenever he was at school, it was always well-groomed as if he had gel on it.

I discreetly swallowed as I caught a whiff of his pleasant scent. I was sure it wasn't cologne. It smelled like his natural scent after showering.

"Dalha, I'm asking if you're okay?" I heard Mr. Sarmiento ask. I just noticed that I had been staring blankly. His hand was resting on my shoulder, while his index finger was lightly touching my cheek. "You're spacing out, Dalha, you might be tired."

"No S-Sir! I-I'm fine, j-just surprised with your appearance. It's different," I commented, making him grin.

I felt a stirring in my stomach as I saw his smile. He sometimes smiles in class. But his smile now was different. He looks hot?

What am I thinking?! Calm yourself, Dalha! He's your teacher!

"Oh, so you like this looks better than what I usually—"

"No, Sir!" I blurted out loudly, catching the attention of both Mr. Sarmiento and Elliott. Elliott slightly furrowed his brow as he looked at us.

Mr. Sarmiento glanced at Elliott, who immediately smiled before continuing to wait for the cup noodles to cook.

"So where were we?"

"Sir..." I bit my lip.

"You like my looks tonight, huh?"

"Sir, it's not like that. You look intimidating when you're wearing your uniform. It's surprising to see you like this for the first time," I explained. I bit my lip again, feeling like it was a mistake to clarify because he suddenly furrowed his brow.

"Uh, because w-w-when E-Elliott is dressed like that, it seems normal, though he's still handsome—."

"Is Elliott courting you, Dalha?" Mr. Sarmiento asked, staring into my eyes.

I lowered my gaze to the counter. I shook my head slowly. "Why would he court me?" I suddenly felt nervous. I was afraid of what he might think. He might get angry with me.

"Good." He said seriously, making me swallow. "Cause I don't want him to pursue you."

I felt a chill at his words. Is this how it is in books or movies? Being forbidden to approach their family because I'm not well-off? I suddenly felt small in comparison to their current lifestyle.

"Perhaps he also has no intention of courting me. If you're referring to the rumors at school, they are not true. It might have just been a joke. Who am I after all—"

"Enough," Mr. Sarmiento said firmly. He cast a dark look at me that seemed to disapprove even more of what I had just said.

"I have no feelings for Elliott, Sir. So you can be sure that I won't approach him. I also won't speak to him if that's what you want," I said nervously.

He just nodded slowly before walking over to the table where my English workbook was. I didn't bother collecting my belongings when I saw him reading it.

I felt embarrassed; maybe I said something wrong.

"What were you talking about with my brother?" Elliott asked as he approached me.

I just nodded slightly as I accepted the card he was handing me. I should distance myself from them. They're rich, and I'm poor. It looks terrible.

"Thanks for—"

"You're always welcome," Elliott said, smiling as I was interrupted.

I nodded in response and watched as Elliott approached Mr. Sarmiento. I saw him furrow his brow as he looked at my workbook. He quickly fixed it and placed it in my bag when Elliott came closer.

I let out a sigh and busied myself with straightening the counter. No one else was around. It was just me, the siblings, the guard outside, and the couple outside.

I slowly felt tired and sleepy. I wanted to go home to rest, but I still had a lot to do. I'm sure there's a stack of dishes waiting for me at home. I also have assignments to do. I'll probably end up sleeping late again. I just hope I won't be late for class tomorrow. Mr. Sarmiento is our first period teacher after all.

"Aren't you going home yet?" Elliott asked when they finished eating.

Mr. Sarmiento stood to the side, observing us. "Not yet, my shift ends later."

"Alright, take care here, Dalha," he said with a smile.

"Thank you."

As soon as Elliott turned away, I let out a yawn. It was a clear sign that I was getting sleepy. I quickly left the counter and approached their table. I cleaned it up and took a drink of water. I was getting hungry; I had forgotten to have dinner because of the numerous customers and the intermittent breaks I took to work on my workbook.

After a while, it was already ten forty in the evening. I nearly clapped my ears in relief at the thought of finally going home. But then, I received a text from Roy. He said he might be late because his pregnant wife was rushed to the hospital. She might be giving birth.

I let out a deep sigh before sitting down in my spot. I opened my cellphone to call Aunt Sabel. She agreed that I could stay out late as long as I gave her half of my salary to skip dishwashing duties for the day.

"But I'm saving up my money..." I mumbled after the call.

I sighed again. It seemed like I wouldn't be able to go to school the next day. Or if I did, I might end up just sleeping in class.

To prevent sleep from completely taking over, I busied myself with mopping the floor and organizing the merchandise. Albert; our guard, had scolded me several times, but I didn't stop.

I paused only when the floor gleamed to my satisfaction. I straightened up and went back to the table to have a drink of water. My stomach was growling. That's when I accepted Albert's offer of a box of rice and a piece of chicken, probably from the fast-food restaurant down the street.

That fast-food restaurant is open twenty-four hours, so why did Elliott and Mr. Sarmiento choose to eat here?

"Thanks, Al!"

"Oh, it didn't come from me. It was handed to me by the man who came here earlier. It seems like he knows you."

I paused from biting into the chicken when I heard that. It was only Elliott and Mr. Sarmiento who came here, and they were the ones I knew.

I shrugged and continued eating my meal. I was hungry, so I didn't need to be picky.

Whoever of the two gave it, I'll just express my gratitude if I make it to work the next day.