Make a Wish
Chapter 3
“Ma’am? This isn’t what I ordered,” a man waves his cup in front of Nana’s face, pulling her away from her thoughts.
“O-oh?” Nana blinks at the customer, “I’m sorry?”
“I ordered a mocha latte, not Americana coffee,” impatience seethes from his voice.
“I’m sorry!” bowing apologetically, Nana takes the cup and quickly exchange for a new one, but not before knocking over a plate holding another customer’s order.
The large line of people shifts with impatience like a serpent ready to strike. Angel Wing Cafe boasts of its superb service, yet today, the clumsy girl is ruining its reputation: too many shattered plates, too many incorrect orders, too many unsatisfied customers. Nana wants to cry. She wants to sit and curl up in a corner, possibly where no one can find her, and cry. She doesn’t want to be here, serving people. She wants to be alone, away from all source of life. A gentle tap on the shoulder snaps her out of her trance. Nana stares, puzzled, at her empty outstretched hand.
“Why don’t you take a rest?” Leah, a tall model-like girl offers.
“Yeah. Yeah, I think that would be good,” Nana tugs corners of her lips, the feeling of skin stretching unfamiliar and out of place.
Nana shifts her position to let Leah take over. She scoots to the back, when she realizes that she has no idea what she should do. The usual colorful conversation that paints her daily life here in the cafe are now nothing more than monotonous syllables and irksome ruckus. She is pathetically lost. Why don’t you call him? Ask him for a clear explanation? The voice is gentle, yet urging. I don’t know how to ask him. She slumps against the shelf, her arms barely supporting her trembling body. She trusted him so much. How could he do that to her? She feels betrayed and hurt. She feels anger, angry at him, angry at herself for being stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid! She hits herself repeatedly on the head with a tight fist. There it is. The first wave of sobs washes her, knocking her breathless. She knows this isn’t the place to breakdown, nor does she want all these people witness her meltdown.
“Hey, Leah,” Nana steadies her voice, “I...don’t feel well. I think, I’ll take today off. Sorry for leaving you like this.” She tries to fake a smile, but fails.
After a long examination, Leah agrees, “That’s a good idea. You look a bit pale. You go get some rest. After spending the night here, maybe you caught a cold?”
“Maybe. I’ll be going then. Bye,” a weak wave, and she dodges through the throng of people into the warm spring air.
Nana wraps her arms around her shaking frame as if to keep herself from breaking completely. She shuts her eyes as a breeze of spring air embraces her, comforting her, drying her tears. Just like how he used to do. Nana chokes back a sob, her lips quivering. She wanders down the street with no particular destination in mind. You know, you can call him; her mind gently reminds her. I know, but what am I suppose to say to him? Hello, are you cheating are me? Her thoughts heavily reek of sarcasm and a tinge of... She stops walking. Am I mad at him?
Nana casts her head up, eyes squinting from the sun. Of course I’m mad. He promised. He said he loved me. Were those nothing but empty poetry? Her eyes begin to water, tears threatening to break free, but she blinks them away. Upon shifting her gaze away from the sun, she sees green spots dancing before her eyes. She continues to walk. To walk and to remember.
The crackle of fire, the crisp smell of wood, the embrace of a lover on a cold winter night, Nana snuggled into the warmth of her boyfriend. Winter wasn’t as cold as she remembered. In fact, winter wasn’t barren and lonely anymore. For once, the festive atmosphere was finally descending upon her. This was her first winter without being by herself. She looked at the window caged with creeping frost, their icy limbs stretched across the glass. They didn’t scare her. Her lips formed a shy smile, “I love being like this.”
“I love being with you,” his lips met hers.
A shove jolts her out of trance. She glances up at a curly haired girl bowing apologetically at her, “I’m sorry.” Nana shifts her gaze to the girl’s hand which is linked tightly around a man’s arm.
“Watch where you’re going clumsy,” the man teases her with a gently pat on her head.
“You were the pushing me!” The girl sticks out her tongue playfully. Her eyes glisten with happiness.
Nana watches them in sadness. She too was once like that. Her eyes linger on the couple with her heart heavy with longing. She stands there, her head turned, staring at a couple of strangers. Her eyes follow them as they turned into a small bakery around the corner. She wants to follow them in there, but her heart stops her. The wind has stopped blowing, leaving a strange stillness in the air. This strange stillness is oddly comforting, for this stillness is the very stillness that resides in her heart since last night. She sighs. I miss that bakery.
“Where are you taking me?” Nana giggled and tried to pry the two large hands covering her eyes.
“You’ll see,” his voice rang softly next to her ear, “stop moving. It’s a surprise!”
She pouted. “But I want to know,” she muttered.
He chuckled and pecked her cheek lovingly. He carefully guided her across the sidewalk, her heart beating erratically. What will this be? She placed one foot after another, each step taking her closer to the “surprise.” As they drew closer, she smelled an aroma of baking goods, of cookies and tarts, of freshly baked bread and sweet honey. She had a vague idea of where this might be. She felt his hands leaving her shoulder. She stood motionless, fearing that if she took one step, her clumsy self will embarrass her. Like so many times before.
“You may open your eyes now!”
“Oh my god,” her eyes blinked at the sight.
He walked in front of her, his position perfectly in front of a balloon arch in the shape of a heart. She felt tears prickling her eyes, as her trembling hand covered her mouth. He smiled lovingly at her, smiling to the core of her heart. He held a small rose decorated cake with puffs of cream each with a plump strawberry and elegant writing, “Happy Birthday.”
“Welcome to Secret Garden,” a cute voice peeps from the counter.
Nana nods politely to the girl and automatically orders a strawberry shortcake. The bakery is fairly empty with the exception to the earlier couple she saw. The two sit far away from public eyes in the secluded corner, cuddling into each other’s warmth.
Nana carries her cake to a window seat, for the outside world fascinates her all of a sudden. I’m just drained she tells herself, there’s no point wallowing when I don’t even know the entire story. The strawberry cake tastes bland: the cream melts too fast, the strawberry juiceless, and cake dry. Or maybe it’s merely her losing her sense of taste. Nana eats the cake painstakingly slow as the cake sticks to the roof of her mouth, and she has a hard time swallowing due to the rising lump in her throat. She stares at the cake intensely, with each second passing, the picture becomes blurrier. She chokes on the last bite. I’m such an idiot.
Low rumbles resound in the distance as dark clouds roll across the town. The first flash of lightning warns the people of the oncoming storm. Nana pushes back the chair to leave. The first raindrop strikes her as she steps out of the bakery. I always wanted to know what it feels like to be drenched completely. You’re going to be sick, her common sense retorts. There is something self-fulfilling in knowing that you can push pass the limit, and in this case, walking through the pouring rain. Nana walks slowly, feeling each raindrop soaking through her clothes. She shivers violently as a sneeze erupts through her. Told you, you’re only going to get sick. Find a cover. Nana reluctantly agrees. They make it seem to easy in movies. Nana sighs in gratitude as she spots a bus stop around the corner. I’ll take cover there until the rain stops. She breaks into a jog, ready to escape the wetness. By the time she reaches the bus stop, her hair is plastered against her head, and her clothes cling to her like second skin. She hurriedly ducks under the stand and attempts to squeeze the water out of her clothes. She looks up at the sky, the swirl of rain clouds appear menacing, not giving any signs of stopping soon. A soft cough makes her head turn to the huddled figure at the far end of the bench. Another pathetic being like me?
“Are you ok?” she quietly asks the person. Maybe she shouldn’t bother with other people’s business especially when she can’t even take care of herself.
The person doesn’t reply but coughs again, louder this time.
“Um, are you...” Nana approaches the person, but stops when she finds the coat familiar. Where have I seen this? She leans in but backs up swiftly. Oh my god, it’s that guy from last night!
“Hey, Jae...uh Jaej-jun?” I think that’s his name, “Are you ok?”
Hearing his name, he curiously turn to whoever it may be. His eyes widen when he sees that the person peering at him is the same girl from the bakery.
“Heh, yeah. I’ll be better,” he smiles, “But why must we meet under these types of conditions? Look at me, I’m drenched again, but hey! I’m sober this time!” He laughs, but to Nana, his laugh sounds strained.
“Yeah, so am I. Drenched I mean,” Nana sits down next to him.
“Did you get lost?” Jaejun straightens his coat, but he sees that Nana is wearing nothing but a thin blouse that has been thoroughly soaked through. He sighs before taking his coat off.
“What is this?” She eyes the dangling jacket warily.
“Take it. You’re shivering,” he shakes the jacket impatiently, but not out of impatient.
Nana quirks an eyebrow as best as she can. Damn it, I wonder what my face looks like. Probably really stupid, her conscience rolls her eyes. Wait, does that even make sense?
“You’re blouse is almost see through, so I suggest you put this over before my manly instincts take over,” He winks mischievously.
“You...” she renders speechless, but nevertheless takes the coat.
“So, why were you out in the rain?” Jaejun leans back casually, his eyes fix on her.
“Personal stuff. You?” She doesn’t meet his eyes. She clutches the coat tightly around her, not sure how to feel about pouring her heart out to a stranger. Technically not a stranger since you know his name and saw him semi naked. Shut up.
“Personal stuff,” he mimics her.
She hums a reply, but doesn’t say anymore. The silence is awkward, but not suffocating. Her sneeze sounds deafening in the dark night. The last of the rain clouds has passed, leaving a breath of fresh crisp air.
“You should go home,” he states as-a-matter-of-factly.
“Don’t want to,” comes her terse reply.
“Fine, then at least get warm,” he looks at her in concern. She looks so fragile.
“Don’t have another place to go.”
“Fine,” he sighs.
He stands up abruptly and stares at Nana’s surprised face before suddenly grabbing her wrist and pulls her up.
“Hey! What are you doing!” Nana protests, hugging the coat closer.
“You don’t want to go home, but you need to get out of those wet clothes. And so do I,” he runs towards the parking lot behind the bus stop dragging a protesting Nana.
Oh my god. What is going to happen? I’m gonna be raped! I don’t want to get raped! Nana’s thoughts race messily.
Just before entering the parking lot, Jaejun turns around with a smirk, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to rape you. Besides, you’re not my type.”
Nana doesn’t know whether to be relieved or insulted, so she decides to be both.
“Ma’am? This isn’t what I ordered,” a man waves his cup in front of Nana’s face, pulling her away from her thoughts.
“O-oh?” Nana blinks at the customer, “I’m sorry?”
“I ordered a mocha latte, not Americana coffee,” impatience seethes from his voice.
“I’m sorry!” bowing apologetically, Nana takes the cup and quickly exchange for a new one, but not before knocking over a plate holding another customer’s order.
The large line of people shifts with impatience like a serpent ready to strike. Angel Wing Cafe boasts of its superb service, yet today, the clumsy girl is ruining its reputation: too many shattered plates, too many incorrect orders, too many unsatisfied customers. Nana wants to cry. She wants to sit and curl up in a corner, possibly where no one can find her, and cry. She doesn’t want to be here, serving people. She wants to be alone, away from all source of life. A gentle tap on the shoulder snaps her out of her trance. Nana stares, puzzled, at her empty outstretched hand.
“Why don’t you take a rest?” Leah, a tall model-like girl offers.
“Yeah. Yeah, I think that would be good,” Nana tugs corners of her lips, the feeling of skin stretching unfamiliar and out of place.
Nana shifts her position to let Leah take over. She scoots to the back, when she realizes that she has no idea what she should do. The usual colorful conversation that paints her daily life here in the cafe are now nothing more than monotonous syllables and irksome ruckus. She is pathetically lost. Why don’t you call him? Ask him for a clear explanation? The voice is gentle, yet urging. I don’t know how to ask him. She slumps against the shelf, her arms barely supporting her trembling body. She trusted him so much. How could he do that to her? She feels betrayed and hurt. She feels anger, angry at him, angry at herself for being stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid! She hits herself repeatedly on the head with a tight fist. There it is. The first wave of sobs washes her, knocking her breathless. She knows this isn’t the place to breakdown, nor does she want all these people witness her meltdown.
“Hey, Leah,” Nana steadies her voice, “I...don’t feel well. I think, I’ll take today off. Sorry for leaving you like this.” She tries to fake a smile, but fails.
After a long examination, Leah agrees, “That’s a good idea. You look a bit pale. You go get some rest. After spending the night here, maybe you caught a cold?”
“Maybe. I’ll be going then. Bye,” a weak wave, and she dodges through the throng of people into the warm spring air.
Nana wraps her arms around her shaking frame as if to keep herself from breaking completely. She shuts her eyes as a breeze of spring air embraces her, comforting her, drying her tears. Just like how he used to do. Nana chokes back a sob, her lips quivering. She wanders down the street with no particular destination in mind. You know, you can call him; her mind gently reminds her. I know, but what am I suppose to say to him? Hello, are you cheating are me? Her thoughts heavily reek of sarcasm and a tinge of... She stops walking. Am I mad at him?
Nana casts her head up, eyes squinting from the sun. Of course I’m mad. He promised. He said he loved me. Were those nothing but empty poetry? Her eyes begin to water, tears threatening to break free, but she blinks them away. Upon shifting her gaze away from the sun, she sees green spots dancing before her eyes. She continues to walk. To walk and to remember.
The crackle of fire, the crisp smell of wood, the embrace of a lover on a cold winter night, Nana snuggled into the warmth of her boyfriend. Winter wasn’t as cold as she remembered. In fact, winter wasn’t barren and lonely anymore. For once, the festive atmosphere was finally descending upon her. This was her first winter without being by herself. She looked at the window caged with creeping frost, their icy limbs stretched across the glass. They didn’t scare her. Her lips formed a shy smile, “I love being like this.”
“I love being with you,” his lips met hers.
A shove jolts her out of trance. She glances up at a curly haired girl bowing apologetically at her, “I’m sorry.” Nana shifts her gaze to the girl’s hand which is linked tightly around a man’s arm.
“Watch where you’re going clumsy,” the man teases her with a gently pat on her head.
“You were the pushing me!” The girl sticks out her tongue playfully. Her eyes glisten with happiness.
Nana watches them in sadness. She too was once like that. Her eyes linger on the couple with her heart heavy with longing. She stands there, her head turned, staring at a couple of strangers. Her eyes follow them as they turned into a small bakery around the corner. She wants to follow them in there, but her heart stops her. The wind has stopped blowing, leaving a strange stillness in the air. This strange stillness is oddly comforting, for this stillness is the very stillness that resides in her heart since last night. She sighs. I miss that bakery.
“Where are you taking me?” Nana giggled and tried to pry the two large hands covering her eyes.
“You’ll see,” his voice rang softly next to her ear, “stop moving. It’s a surprise!”
She pouted. “But I want to know,” she muttered.
He chuckled and pecked her cheek lovingly. He carefully guided her across the sidewalk, her heart beating erratically. What will this be? She placed one foot after another, each step taking her closer to the “surprise.” As they drew closer, she smelled an aroma of baking goods, of cookies and tarts, of freshly baked bread and sweet honey. She had a vague idea of where this might be. She felt his hands leaving her shoulder. She stood motionless, fearing that if she took one step, her clumsy self will embarrass her. Like so many times before.
“You may open your eyes now!”
“Oh my god,” her eyes blinked at the sight.
He walked in front of her, his position perfectly in front of a balloon arch in the shape of a heart. She felt tears prickling her eyes, as her trembling hand covered her mouth. He smiled lovingly at her, smiling to the core of her heart. He held a small rose decorated cake with puffs of cream each with a plump strawberry and elegant writing, “Happy Birthday.”
“Welcome to Secret Garden,” a cute voice peeps from the counter.
Nana nods politely to the girl and automatically orders a strawberry shortcake. The bakery is fairly empty with the exception to the earlier couple she saw. The two sit far away from public eyes in the secluded corner, cuddling into each other’s warmth.
Nana carries her cake to a window seat, for the outside world fascinates her all of a sudden. I’m just drained she tells herself, there’s no point wallowing when I don’t even know the entire story. The strawberry cake tastes bland: the cream melts too fast, the strawberry juiceless, and cake dry. Or maybe it’s merely her losing her sense of taste. Nana eats the cake painstakingly slow as the cake sticks to the roof of her mouth, and she has a hard time swallowing due to the rising lump in her throat. She stares at the cake intensely, with each second passing, the picture becomes blurrier. She chokes on the last bite. I’m such an idiot.
Low rumbles resound in the distance as dark clouds roll across the town. The first flash of lightning warns the people of the oncoming storm. Nana pushes back the chair to leave. The first raindrop strikes her as she steps out of the bakery. I always wanted to know what it feels like to be drenched completely. You’re going to be sick, her common sense retorts. There is something self-fulfilling in knowing that you can push pass the limit, and in this case, walking through the pouring rain. Nana walks slowly, feeling each raindrop soaking through her clothes. She shivers violently as a sneeze erupts through her. Told you, you’re only going to get sick. Find a cover. Nana reluctantly agrees. They make it seem to easy in movies. Nana sighs in gratitude as she spots a bus stop around the corner. I’ll take cover there until the rain stops. She breaks into a jog, ready to escape the wetness. By the time she reaches the bus stop, her hair is plastered against her head, and her clothes cling to her like second skin. She hurriedly ducks under the stand and attempts to squeeze the water out of her clothes. She looks up at the sky, the swirl of rain clouds appear menacing, not giving any signs of stopping soon. A soft cough makes her head turn to the huddled figure at the far end of the bench. Another pathetic being like me?
“Are you ok?” she quietly asks the person. Maybe she shouldn’t bother with other people’s business especially when she can’t even take care of herself.
The person doesn’t reply but coughs again, louder this time.
“Um, are you...” Nana approaches the person, but stops when she finds the coat familiar. Where have I seen this? She leans in but backs up swiftly. Oh my god, it’s that guy from last night!
“Hey, Jae...uh Jaej-jun?” I think that’s his name, “Are you ok?”
Hearing his name, he curiously turn to whoever it may be. His eyes widen when he sees that the person peering at him is the same girl from the bakery.
“Heh, yeah. I’ll be better,” he smiles, “But why must we meet under these types of conditions? Look at me, I’m drenched again, but hey! I’m sober this time!” He laughs, but to Nana, his laugh sounds strained.
“Yeah, so am I. Drenched I mean,” Nana sits down next to him.
“Did you get lost?” Jaejun straightens his coat, but he sees that Nana is wearing nothing but a thin blouse that has been thoroughly soaked through. He sighs before taking his coat off.
“What is this?” She eyes the dangling jacket warily.
“Take it. You’re shivering,” he shakes the jacket impatiently, but not out of impatient.
Nana quirks an eyebrow as best as she can. Damn it, I wonder what my face looks like. Probably really stupid, her conscience rolls her eyes. Wait, does that even make sense?
“You’re blouse is almost see through, so I suggest you put this over before my manly instincts take over,” He winks mischievously.
“You...” she renders speechless, but nevertheless takes the coat.
“So, why were you out in the rain?” Jaejun leans back casually, his eyes fix on her.
“Personal stuff. You?” She doesn’t meet his eyes. She clutches the coat tightly around her, not sure how to feel about pouring her heart out to a stranger. Technically not a stranger since you know his name and saw him semi naked. Shut up.
“Personal stuff,” he mimics her.
She hums a reply, but doesn’t say anymore. The silence is awkward, but not suffocating. Her sneeze sounds deafening in the dark night. The last of the rain clouds has passed, leaving a breath of fresh crisp air.
“You should go home,” he states as-a-matter-of-factly.
“Don’t want to,” comes her terse reply.
“Fine, then at least get warm,” he looks at her in concern. She looks so fragile.
“Don’t have another place to go.”
“Fine,” he sighs.
He stands up abruptly and stares at Nana’s surprised face before suddenly grabbing her wrist and pulls her up.
“Hey! What are you doing!” Nana protests, hugging the coat closer.
“You don’t want to go home, but you need to get out of those wet clothes. And so do I,” he runs towards the parking lot behind the bus stop dragging a protesting Nana.
Oh my god. What is going to happen? I’m gonna be raped! I don’t want to get raped! Nana’s thoughts race messily.
Just before entering the parking lot, Jaejun turns around with a smirk, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to rape you. Besides, you’re not my type.”
Nana doesn’t know whether to be relieved or insulted, so she decides to be both.