THAT PAPER BAG
Juneau Portman is Kai’s half-brother. Rachel Grey is with Kai inside this cafeteria.
Karen started talking about Juneau’s relationship with Kai. “I heard that the two aren’t close. They’re acting civil but they’re not close,” she said. “Kaisser Bennett is the legitimate child while Juneau Portman was only acknowledged five years ago.”
“Who’s older?” I asked.
John smiled. “I think they’re of the same age. Juneau Portman’s mother was Mr. Bennett’s secretary before. I don’t know the story in full and specified details but I think Juneau happened because of a mistake,” he narrated.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Juneau wasn’t acknowledged before?” I asked.
They all shook their heads.
“I remember Mr. Kaisser Bennett get wild and mad when he knew that Juneau would start working in the company.” Jason said. “He didn’t acknowledge his brother. Not until just recently.”
I nodded. I understand Kai’s side. How could his father do that to him and his mother? He cheated on his wife with his secretary. It must have hurt him a lot.
It was an additional pain from what I have caused him. I’m so sad and sorry that he had to go through those kinds of pain.
“Miss Eunique? Are you alright?” John asked me.
I looked at him and nodded, breaking away from my thoughts. I must have been spacing out. “Huh? Yes. Yes. I’m fine,” I smiled, disturbed and confused.
The three looked at me with narrowed eyes. I can see that they aren’t believing my words.
I just continued eating and started to talk about the upcoming new branch and the preparations when I felt my phone vibrate.
From: Nildex
Please just don’t talk to other men.
I narrowed my eyes on the text before looking at Kai’s direction. My heart skipped a beat when I saw him staring at me with narrowed eyes. Rachel seemed to be enjoying the stories she’s babbling beside him but he seemed so uninterested.
I looked away and deleted the thread and placed my phone inside my pocket.
“Don’t you have a boyfriend, Miss Eunique?” Jason suddenly asked out of the blue.
I looked at him with wide eyes. I’m so glad I did not choke on my food! “Pardon?” I asked him back.
Karen and John laughed. I don’t know anything funny with my statement.
Jason smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m just really curious, Miss Eunique,” he started once more. “Are you single? Because I think you should be married by now.”
I creased my brows. “What does that supposed to mean?” I asked.
Jason’s eyes widened. “No, no, no, Miss Eunique! I mean, you look pretty and any man would want to be serious with you, not to mention you’re also in the marrying age, so, why aren’t you married yet?” he rephrased.
I smiled and shook my head. “How would I get married when no one even asked me to?” Or maybe no one will ever ask me to. Not the man I want to.
I accidentally glanced at Kai’s way and caught him staring at me. He’s still staring and I hate it that he couldn’t keep it to himself. I wish no one could see him. I don’t want to be involved in any with him. I promised myself and I will do my best to keep that.
“No one asked you?” John asked me in disbelief. “Why do we find that hard to believe, Miss Eunique?” The other two nodded beside him.
I looked at them and nodded. “As you all know, I’m single.” I informed all of them. “I don’t entertain suitors, what more fiancés, right?” I laughed.
They looked at me and laughed as well. I love that my members are all happy persons. At least I don’t need to deal with sadness all the time.
After lunch, we resumed to our posts. I interviewed ten new applicants for the clerical positions the whole afternoon which killed my time until I decided to go home since it’s my time.
I was walking towards my car when someone called me.
It was Miguel Bennett, who seems to also be getting off from work.
“You’re heading home?” he asked me as walked beside me.
I nodded. “Yes, Sir,” I replied formally because I don’t want to act like we’re close when we’re not.
Miguel nodded. “Me, too,” he replied as entered the elevator with me. “So, how’s the job so far?”
I smiled and shrugged. “I am still getting used to the stress,” I replied that made him smile.
His almond-shaped eyes got even smaller as his cheeks got rounder when he flashed his perfect set of white teeth. I couldn’t see resemblance with Kai but I know that he looks really handsome as well.
“That’s good because I know that there are a lot of more stressors to come,” he looked at me with a smile. “You’re doing a good job, though.”
I looked at him, confused.
He chuckled. “I’ve heard from Kai that you have completed the first set of applicants for the new branch today. There’s not even a week since he announced the vacant applications,” he said as if he’s praising me.
I stared at him, amazed that he knew that from Kai. Why would Kai tell him?
He looked at me and smirked. “If you’re curious, I just want you to know that I know everything,” he replied.
My eyes widened at him. “What?” I asked in disbelief.
He chuckled as the elevator stopped at the basement. He was about to move out when he stopped and looked at me. “You don’t know how hurt he was when you left. You may not see it but he’s overly happy right now that you’re back,” he said before walking out, leaving me stoned on my spot.
I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know why his words have made their way to my lungs, stopping oxygen from getting inside.
I was stuck on my place when I saw the lift’s door closing. I immediately shook the thoughts away and ran out of the lift. I walked straight to my car and went home. I just needed to sleep to forget everything that I heard and seen today.
After all, I’m out of his life. I don’t need to care.
Days passed and I didn’t hear anything from these Bennett’s—not even from Juneau. Everyone in the company seems to be so busy for the opening of the new branch.
Heina, Sofia and Karen were sorting out the next applicants to be interviewed while John, Charles and Jason are finishing the grades of the applicants interviewed.
The two groups were arguing with each other as I read the new protocol sent from the management. I tried to edit and revise it with my utmost ability because that’s what Rachel told me.
When lunchtime came, my members called me to eat with them but I passed because I don’t want to break my momentum on my work. I am also not extremely hungry so I didn’t mind eating later.
I continued to work on the new protocol when I heard the door open. Oh! Someone must have left something in here. I waited for the door to open and close again after a few minutes but nothing came. Oh, is he staying inside now?
I ignored the thought and continued to write on the protocol sheet. It’s not like I don’t want to look at him or her, it’s just that when I stop looking at the sheet in front of me now, I would forget all the thoughts I have in my head for this certain protocol.
“Aren’t you eating lunch?”
I stopped working when I heard that familiar voice. I slowly looked up to confirm what I have on my mind and I am right. It’s Kai.
He’s wearing a dark blue suit with a checkered tie. His hair is a little messy but he looks so good.
But what is he doing here? Why is he in front of me?
He pursed his lips in a thin line as he looked at me. “Aren’t you eating lunch?” he asked that same question he voiced moments ago.
I brought my pen down and narrowed my eyes at him. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “And why do you know that I am here?”
I wish I could control the beat of my heart whenever he’s around me. I wish when I told myself to stop, I really have stopped wanting him. I really have stopped loving him. But I can’t. I can’t force myself to stop feeling for him.
He walked towards me and that’s the only time I saw him holding a paper bag with a logo of a renowned Italian restaurant. Shit. He remembers my love for Italian food.
“You weren’t in the cafeteria,” he told me.
I gulped. “Did you look for me?” I asked.
He stared at me. “No. I just saw it in my CCTV.” He replied and one part of me came crashing down. I hoped he looked for me but he didn’t. But why am I feeling lonely? I shouldn’t be. I shouldn’t be feeling anything.
He bit his lip as he placed the paper bag on the table. “I stopped by at Sbarro a while ago after my outdoor meeting,” he explained.
I raised my brow.
“I bought you your favorite white cheese pizza and the pinwheel,” he told me as he bit his lip again.
“What’s this for?” I asked, confused. “You don’t need to buy me this now. You don’t have to. Not anymore.”
I wanted him to realize that he is not mine anymore and he should know that I am not his for he has Rachel Grey to spoil now.
He clenched his jaw when he heard my words. “Can’t I just miss buying you the food you love?” he asked in a very soft voice filled with sadness and longing.