CHAPTER 3 - Reckoned

CHAPTER 3 – Reckoned

“I am accepting your offer,” he uttered which made me smile.

“Good decision. You can start by tomorrow.”

“But in one condition.”

Huh?!

This is so sudden. I wasn’t expecting him to bring up a condition before accepting my offer. I wasn’t prepared for this. But I want to hear him out. Maybe the condition he’s asking for isn’t that hard.

“What’s it?” I asked, trying to hide the shock from my face.

“I don’t wanna be just your employee. I want to co-run the business with you.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Never in my wildest thoughts, I expected the condition to be like this. What the hell is wrong with him?!

“I want to earn as much you’re earning,” he calmly said, as if it’s a simple thing.

I was dumbfounded. I actually wanted to turn him down right away. But I did not. I tried to maintain my composure for him not to notice how bothered I am. I gathered enough strength to ask him something.

“And what would I get in return? Would it benefit me if I allow you to co-run the business with me?”

“Of course. You don’t know me, Mia. I can contribute to the growth of your business more than you think. Don’t worry. You can give me your decision tomorrow,” he said and started to walk out of the student lounge.

--

I went to a convenience store before heading home. I bought a few kinds of stuff since I mentioned that I am running out of stock of some things. This would do for now. I’d probably go on grocery shopping later this weekend after I receive my commissions.

“Uh, miss? Miss?! I said it costs $6.” The cashier snapped me out. I did not realize that I’ve been spacing out for too long. People behind me are probably irritated by now.

I immediately got money from my wallet then handed it to her, “Ah, yes. Here.”

After the conversation I had with Yuji earlier, I couldn’t seem to focus on other things anymore. He is seriously giving me a headache. I had to sort things out before tomorrow comes. But before that, I must eat first. I am starving!

9 PM. I am reading my notes when I was interrupted by a sudden call from my personal phone. It is Samantha who’s calling. But why would she call me on my personal number when we have the Ringo Dingo? Ugh, whatever.

“Yes?” I said as I answered the call.

“Ysabella. I am really sorry. I have to take a break from accepting requests from our clients,” she said on the other line.

“B-but why?! You know that there are lots of requests these days. You can’t do this.” I am flustered. Really flustered to the point that my head will pop out already. First, it’s Yuji, then now it’s Samantha.

“I know, I know. I just don’t have enough time anymore. My mom has been hospitalized and I must take care of her. I am truly sorry.” I can feel the sincerity in her voice. I let out a heavy sigh.

“Alright. Tell me when you can get back.” I ended the call and sat on my bed.

If I don’t accept Yuji’s condition, I’ll have to look for another employee. Who could it be? There’s no one else in our classroom who excels academically as much as he does. Samantha and Eunice are the best picks from their section already. I couldn’t think of anyone anymore.

If I accept his offer, would it really benefit me? Half of the money that is supposed to be mine would go straight into his pocket! How can this be a help to me???

My head hurts from thinking too much. I’ll sleep for now. Let’s see what will happen tomorrow.

7 AM. I stopped by a coffee shop on the way to school to buy something that could sober me up. I’m not drunk or anything. I just need something that could make me feel alive and a cup of Iced Americano might be a good help.

“Oh! You’re here this early?” Josh greeted me as he stood beside me and looked at the menu.

“Oh, Josh. Hi,” I said, unenergetically.

“What’s the matter? You look down.” Josh is quick-witted when it comes to things like this. I told him the story about Samantha as we walk our way to the school.

“Really? So, Eunice still doesn’t know about this?” he asked.

“Yes. I’ll tell her later. We have to work extra hard from now on. Everyone will be at stake if we don’t focus,” I firmly said to him. He just nodded and gave me an encouraging tap.

Before entering the gate of our academy, I saw Yuji slightly ahead of us. Walking beside him is Hannah. Wait, are they close? Anyway, I told Josh to go ahead first because I have something to do.

I stopped by on a corner and made sure that Yuji is far ahead already. I couldn’t afford to bump into him this early. I still haven’t composed what should I say if we meet later. I started to walk when I made sure that he is at a distance already.

When I entered the classroom, I tried my best not to look in his direction. It would just give me discomfort if we happen to lock glances.

Morning classes ended peacefully and I am now on my way to the cafeteria to have a snack. As I stood in line to buy juice and a sandwich, I saw Yuji sitting on the corner of the cafeteria. On his left hand is a carton of milk, and on the right one is a book.

I walked in his direction and sat in front of him. I looked around and noticed that there are only a few students. Probably because it was just a morning break.

I started to eat my snack when he suddenly said something.

“Now what? Do you have your decision already?”

“Yup. Just let me finish my sandwich first.” He stared at me blankly and proceed on reading his book.

“So, uh. I am accepting your condition. We’ll run Ringo Dingo together.” Satisfaction crossed his face before he smiled timidly.

He assured me, “You won’t regret it.”

--

So much happened over the past week and I must tell it to my team already. I shouldn’t keep a secret from them. That’s why we decided to meet in the Student Lounge after class.

Josh and I came together and we waited for Eunice for a while. Samantha couldn’t join this meeting since she has to rush to the hospital after class.

“So, the reason why I gathered you here is that I have big news.” I started.

I told Eunice about Samantha’s whereabouts first.

“And then, just so you know, I won’t be running Ringo Dingo alone anymore. I have Yuji as my partner already.” I explained everything.

Silence. There was a long silence. They weren’t able to grasp the situation immediately. I couldn’t blame them. Who would have thought that Yuji would join hands with us? The whole academy knows him as being someone close to ‘perfection’.

“Are you serious? As in Yuji Villareal of our class?! The class president?!” Eunice exclaimed. I just nodded.

“Well, he’s not that bad. I think that it’ll bring us good. Especially now that Samantha isn’t around,” Josh commented.

“You don’t have to worry guys. I’ll make sure to monitor his actions and keep him under my control. I just badly needed him as of the moment. But as soon as everything is fine, I’d run this business alone again.”

But… Can I really keep him under my control? Or would it be vice-versa?

To be continued...