CUTE GUY talked to me after the high schoolers left.
They idolize you, he said.
I retorted, Because they’re smart and literate.
Now, he recognizes I’m a “great” writer after all.
Or, was it his friend who pointed it out?
***
The senior high schools in my town take up my stories (and some poetry) in a subject called 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World.
When they discuss Hiligaynon and West Visayan regional literature, I am usually the default text.
***
Whatever.
Jersey boy thinks I’m cool now.
Been working on my iPad, occasionally looking at him—and smiling!
Was friendly to other costumers, was generous and kind to the girls.
Obviously, famous and popular.
And he heard it said, a great writer.
***
The army dreaming cute guy left with his friends.
In the end, each of them said, Goodbye, sir!
Like, one by one.
Like we were close, or were talking all the time.
Like I ever engaged each one.
Hmm…
***
More customers come in, and I lost count.
I mean, I‘m writing this.
I’m checking out jersey boy.
A few customers come in to say hi to me.
I did not even notice others leaving anymore.
I’m almost finished with my coffee with milk.
I’ve gone to pee for the second time.
***
I’ve untangled my hair, flirting.
I’ve only checked my phone once since coming in.
I’m doing pretty good.
I think jersey guy is waiting for me.
Do I make a move?
***
The shop has cleared again.
It’s almost 11 am.
I’ve been here like four hours?
But so is jersey guy.
***
There are 12 people in the shop.
A table of two “other” boys.
A girl waiting for her takeout order.
Seven girls in a long table at the back.
And jersey boy joined by a thin, younger-looking boy who is not drinking coffee.
***
Earlier, I sort of offered jersey boy coffee.
But he said he just ordered some more.
I thought he ordered it for his companion.
He’s actually drinking it now.
***
A group of four girls just came in.
Filled the table with school work papers.
But judging from the waiter’s delivery, it’s just one caramel macchiato. Haha.
***
Jersey boy and company are joined by a high school boy in white polo shirt and pair of navy blue pants, with an apple green knapsack.
He ordered some iced coffee, likely a caramel macchiato.
On the house PA, “Don’t Stop Believin’” plays.
I don’t know which version it is, but I like it.
It’s jazzy.
***
Over the last 15 minutes, jersey boy and I have been exchanging smiles a lot.
Right now, he just stepped out.
I’m a little heartbroken.
He’s not drop dead gorgeous.
But he can grown on me. Haha.
***
Thankfully, he comes back to sit in front of me.
Flashing his fair inner thighs.
This is too much.
I’ve already read every word, every letter in his jersey.
And if he’s wearing his own jersey, I would already know his last name.
***
It’s a jersey for a team in our local college.
And what would happen if I waltz in, and look for him on campus? Haha.
I am not beyond stunts like that; so, world, beware. Haha.
***
From being fully charged, this iPad has only 21% battery life left.
But I check, and the screen was only 2 hours and 4 mins on?
Wait, so I haven’t been writing much?
Perhaps not much, but enough for three issues.
And for February pieces, I’m okay with the theme of longing and flirting in a coffeeshop.
Who needs love when you can flirt for free?/PN
