The Starbucks Scene

"What do you mean you did not follow my orders?" Mr. Montenegro said and slapped his hand on the table. "I told you to go to the chairman and pass all these papers!”

It felt like I wanted to just disappear as Mr. Montenegro continuously reprimanded me. Even though he was not shouting at me like a lunatic, every word is dropped and his tone is very serious. It is only an indication that he is angry at my mess at work.

"I... I am sorry, sir. It's just that I was too preoccupied with the coffee I was pouring from the machine f-for you, a-and..." I stammered in explaining as I could feel my tears stinging at the sides of my eyes. "B-But I won't do it again. I promise."

I closed my eyes so that I would stop my tears from falling down my cheeks. Jill, you have to reconvene your senses. This is not the time for you to break down. You are in the office of your boss, so stop the fucking drama of yours!

"You have been absent for the whole week, Ms. Castro. And now you are having a mess during your job. Do you expect me to listen to your stupid explanation, hmmm?" Mr. Montenegro said, so I looked at him again. "This is the only time you are disorienting yourself. You are not like this. What is happening to you?"

I could not answer truthfully. My heart is broken, sir, that is why I am being like this. And no matter how I want to keep it together, it would be no use. I can't move on right now. That is why everything is confusing to me because I don't deserve this kind of pain.

"N-Nothing, sir," I just answered briefly and lowered my head. "I apologize for the inconvenience. I won't do it again."

I could feel my boss' darting stares, but I did not have the bravery to look back at him. I just played with my fingers, bit my lower lip, and silently sighed because of what I have gotten into.

"Fine," he said. "I will let this pass. But next time you do this kind of mistake, I will fire you, Ms. Castro. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, then. You are now dismissed."

"Would you want another cup of coffee, sir?"

"I want one from Starbucks. Please get me."

"Will do, sir."

It must be because of shame that I immediately turned my back on him and went out of his office. I breathed in and out after closing the door and started my exit way out of the company building where I am working.

Mr. Darwin Montenegro is the Vice Chairman of VC Holdings Inc. I have been his secretary for three years in a row now, and he has been trusting me for that span of time. I am confident with my skills, knowledge, and work ethic, and he must also have seen those characteristics in me that I became apted in the secretarial position luckily.  

But I don't know if he is regretting it now because I am not in myself these past few weeks. He must be disappointed because every time I do my job as his secretary, I keep making mistakes and letting my tasks by a baffle. I am just... getting through something right now that time could never mend immediately.

"One cup of Americano, please," I said to the lady at the counter of the coffee shop.

"Coming right up, ma'am."

I stayed in line to wait for the coffee. My eyes surveyed the shop to entertain myself and think about the tasks I have to do tomorrow. Oh, right, I will have to type the statistical data on the computer tonight! I almost slapped my forehead because of that.

"What kind of cake do you want? I would give it to you right now."

"Can I have a vanilla cake and a cappuccino?"

"Sure, babe."

The voices were familiar so I turned to the entrance of the shop. It felt like my heart dropped to the ground when I saw Cielo and Grace together. They were holding hands while talking sweetly to each other. My heart constricted and my tears started to sting my eyes again.

Why do they have to show up right now?

"What's your name, ma'am?" the lady at the counter asked.

But I could not have the strength to speak up because I was too focused on my ex-boyfriend and my best friend who chose to betray me. They both lied and cheated on me. While they are flaunting their disgusting relationship with each other, I am here, crying like a pathetic pup.

When they went to the line, Cielo's gaze accidentally flew to where I was, so I looked at the lady at the counter. I stated the name of my company boss before I paid for the coffee. I tried my best to avert my way out of the shop, but before I could even pass by the two betrayers, Cielo had already blocked my way. I shut my eyes tightly and had the guts to look at his stupid face.

"Jill," he called me with a small smile. "How are you? Ummm... you were not... answering my texts."

I nearly scoffed because of what he said. I could not help myself but look at Grace who was just in the line. She immediately avoided her glance and pretended like she did not see me. What a piece of shit

"I don't have a reason to reply to you, anyway," I reasoned out and looked at him again with a threatening glare. "Can't you just bug me anymore? You are now having the freedom to have a public relationship with my own best friend. It is not like you have to keep it a secret anymore like you two were doing when we are still in a relationship, right?"