Chapter 20

I noticed Pretzel looking intently at me after some time. When our eyes met, she smiled and said, 'You look like a Turkish actress." When I was about to reply, Felicity interrupted, 'Oh true! I often see it on social media when I post on my wall. I just don't know the girl's name. If that's what you think she looks like, I will agree!" 'I guess her name is Bursa Develi," Pretzel stated. 'I'm not sure," Felicity responded with a frown. I smiled because she was correct, but because Felicity continued talking about other things that were outside of my knowledge, I couldn't get on board with the conversation. I was simply watching them. Felicity was constantly laughing, and when overjoyed, he hit the person next to him. When it got harder, Pretzel retaliated against him, and she would also hit or push him. They looked so close to each other, and that made me feel jealous. Another thing that made me envious was seeing her pregnant, which had always been my greatest dream. Sitting so close to her, I noticed her pregnant belly was already visible. I wanted to ask how many months her belly was, but I couldn't get in between. They kept talking as if there was no end. Frankly, I felt out of place, but I needed to pretend I was eager to listen to everything they were talking about with a smile glued to my face. The old lady left us. We remained sitting in the spacious front part of the small grocery store, which they simply called the ‘Sari-sari store'. There was a roof over our heads; that's why it was not hot where we were. I couldn't see Felix. They seemed far away, and I was not sure how long he would be there. 'Mag-merienda muna kayo." I was taken aback by someone's sudden appearance. An elderly man emerged from the store, carrying three bottled soft drinks that were already open and had straws. He placed it on the table, where he was forced to carry three bottles with both hands at the same time. 'Thank you, Uncle! Pakilista na lang po sa akin mga ‘to," Pretzel told him. He thanked him and told him to just list all those under her name. She was the first to take one of the bottles; I thought it was for herself, but I was stunned when she suddenly handed it to me. 'Thank you…" I had no choice but to take it. Felicity took one bottle and sipped it through the straw right away. He came to a halt about halfway through and burped some air. Gross! I wasn't used to drinking soft drinks in that manner because the straw was made of plastic, and we all know what chemicals are in products like that. But I was afraid Pretzel would react if I acted rashly. I took a sip, and I must admit that the coldness of the soda refreshed me a little. 'Oh, before I forget, Elyana!" Felicity turned to face me, his voice was so loud you'd think he was talking to someone far away. The shrillness of his voice hurt my ears, making my mouth twitchy, and I leaned against the monoblock I was sitting on to get away from him a bit. We were sitting next to each other; Felicity was between me and Pretzel, so when he turned to his left, he'd see me right away. 'C-can you lower your voice a bit, girl? It hurts in the ear if you don't know that yet," I asked her, and I heard Pretzel chuckle. 'Oh, I'm sorry, but what?" I glared at him, and he abruptly stuck out his tongue like a child to tease me. 'I just wanted to ask how was your date with Quintin. Did it go well? Did you teach him a lesson just like we planned?" he continued. I wanted to tell him what happened the night he vanished for a long time. I had almost forgotten about it because it had been days. I shifted my gaze to Pretzel and noticed her staring at me. She had a genuine smile on her face and appeared to be interested in what happened on my date. 'Well, I didn't teach him a lesson just like what you wanted—" 'For real?" Felicity suddenly yelled. I covered my ears and said, 'Volume, please!" 'Tell me the whole story!" He was disappointed with what I did. When I was about to tell him what had happened, he stopped me and turned around, facing Pretzel, to tell her who Quintin was and what a demanding man he was. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, but it wasn't long before I lowered it and sighed. My chest felt heavier. I couldn't believe they were treating her so well, and seeing it happen in front of me had a greater impact than simply hearing how much they adore her in words. The annoyance I felt before we met had grown far too great. They spent a long time discussing things, and they made me feel out of place again. Felix returned just as they were about to finish. I felt relieved when he arrived because he said he needed to talk to me about the floor plans he had. Felicity excused himself, leaving us with Pretzel. Even though my chest was heavy, I tried to remain professional. I made every effort to be of assistance. Two of Felix's men were with us; they simply listened and spoke when needed. Pretzel was only listening while we discussed the plan and solved the problems. I was the one who said the most words at the time, and they were just staring at me with fascination. It was evident in their eyes how much amusement they had while I was talking, and as time passed, the weight in my chest decreased because I felt I was the center of attention. I offered advice based on my knowledge. Felix also taught me about the differences in climate between the Philippines and England. Because of the autumn season, when the weather begins to cool down, the floor, walls, and even the ceiling in England must have many layers. Then there was the winter season, unlike in the Philippines, where there are only two seasons. Felix desired to construct sturdy structures that would last for a long time. He wanted something that could withstand powerful typhoons while also looking like a typical Nipa hut. I suggested various options, and what they agreed upon was constructing concrete houses that resembled logs and wood. While we were discussing designs, the old man who had brought us drinks returned to tell us that it was already lunchtime and that the food was ready. At the time, Felix was writing something on a blank sheet of bond paper when he raised his head to look at Pretzel and said, 'Come on, let's eat." I also caught him taking a glance at Pretzel's stomach. He seemed concerned. He was probably thinking about the baby in her stomach and didn't want the child in the womb to go hungry. We all went to a large table in a cottage. Felix's men had arrived to get their food. There were also a lot of kids whose parents I had no idea about. I let them go first to get their food because it was indeed crowded. 'Here's your plate, Elyana." I didn't notice that someone was already handing me a plate because I was too busy watching people line up to get food. Surprisingly, it was Pretzel. 'T-thank you," I stammered. Felicity, who was standing next to her, caught my eye. He was also holding a plate and handed Pretzel a spoon to give to me. 'Come on, girl!" Felicity exclaimed. I didn't move because I wasn't sure if it was me or Pretzel who he was calling. I froze when someone unexpectedly grabbed my plate, and Felicity began taking food from the long table for me. 'Your diet hasn't changed yet, right?" he asked when he finally loaded the plate. I looked at the plate he was handing back. I saw some steamed vegetables, some slices of grilled pork chops, and two large crab claws that I never thought he would still remember as my favorite part when it comes to crabs. I couldn't control the smile forming on my lips. My eyes were also a little teary when I looked at him. 'Y-you still remember?" I asked him while looking straight into his eyes. 'What on earth do you think would be the reason for me to forget?" he asked, raising one eyebrow. He was right, but I wasn't expecting it.