Mariela's POV
"Are you okay, Ella?" Valerie asked me after I got out of my boss's office, and I nodded at her.
"Are you sure about that, Mariela? I could tell every time you are trying to hide what you feel inside. I know that you are not fine. You were late again, and I could see the worried expression on your face the moment you punched in." She said, and I gave her a weak smile.
"You were right. I was anxious the moment I got inside the Resto Bar. After all, I know that Miss Ramirez will get angry with me again because I was late. But don't worry, I am grateful that our boss still gave me another chance, and this time I needed to be careful, or else I will get fired." I responded.
"That is what I have been telling you, Ella." She said as she looked at me with tenderness.
"I know, Val, but I couldn't believe that the one I tutored today asked me to help her with her report, and you know me, I couldn't say no," I responded, and I saw Valerie shaking her head. And I couldn't stop looking at her round face and big brown eyes; I have always been fascinated by her beauty, and I know the shape of her face makes her look cuter and younger than her age.
"You, and your tutorial, I know you needed to earn extra money, but I think you have to balance your time from now on, Ella, or you will lose your job." My best friend said, and I could see the worried expression on her face, and I wanted to tell her about my current situation, but I didn't want her to worry about me because I knew she was also dealing with her own battles in life, and I don't want to add to her problems.
"I know, but every time I help them with their reports, you know I will always earn extra cash," I said, and she released a heavy sigh.
"How I wished I would win the lottery so I could give you enough amount of money, Ella, because I couldn't imagine your life. You don't have enough time to sleep and to enjoy yourself; ever since we were in high school, you have been busy working." She said, and I laughed.
"I hope one day you will finally buy a lottery ticket, Val, so that you could win," I responded, and she chuckled.
"I am sorry, I always forgot to buy one, but don't worry, one of these days, I will buy a ticket for our future, Ella." She said, and I smiled at her. We have been best friends since we were in grade school, and we are inseparable, and I know we dreamed together; that is why we are here in the big city of Nagazville.
We both wanted to graduate college and find a stable job to help our family. She is sharing a pad with her cousins, and at first, I was with them, but I didn't want to be a burden since the space is so small for us. Valerie has done so much for me, and she is like a sister to me. And I hope one day I will be lucky enough to pay her back.
"Don't worry, when I get extra cash, I will buy too; if I win, we don't need to work anymore; we will build our own business, a restaurant will do, or grocery store in our hometown," I responded, and she giggled while I was thinking of the probability of winning the lottery. I know how impossible it is to win the jackpot, and I wonder if anyone has won the lottery.
We stopped talking when we became busy taking orders and serving the food. I always love the smell of the food, and not only that; I got the chance to learn cooking since sometimes I will have overtime in the kitchen. Even if my only function is as a kitchen steward and not a cook, when I am done with my work, I always find time to watch the chefs prepare each menu, especially during weekends.
I felt exhausted by the time my shift ended. I love working at the Resto Bar. I wanted to be with Valerie tonight since she would have over time, but I promised my new roommate that I would be there at her place after my shift ended.
"I will go ahead, and I promise tomorrow I will have an overtime," I said to Val, and I did my best not to let her see my suitcase.
"It is okay; I know you needed to have a rest, Ella, and I felt happy that you found some time for yourself." She said, and I felt guilty. I didn't tell her where I was going tonight; I should tell my best friend later after settling in my new place.
"Thank you, Val. Good night." I said.
"Bye, Ella, take care." She replied.
"You too," I said before I turned my heels away from her, and when I was sure she went to one of the tables to take some orders, I got my things and hurriedly left the Resto Bar. I could say I love being a waitress because of the tip. Yeah, it helps me a lot to sustain my needs.
I get my phone from my bag, and I reread the address of my new roommate. And I realized it was a little far from the campus, and I needed to take a bus since I was carrying my suitcase. I collapsed my body on the bus seat, and I couldn't believe I dozed off, and when I opened my eyes, I was already beyond the place I should get off of the bus. I disembarked on the next stop feeling so disappointed with myself for I was so late.
I realized my roommate's family is above average because students who stayed in this area can mostly afford to pay higher rent. The buildings around this place are new, classy, and the rooms are expensive, and I suddenly felt nervous as I thought about the amount of the rent I should share with her, maybe I will only stay for fifteen days, and I will look for cheaper space. I was gasping when I arrived at the reception area, and I was waiting for her to come down.
"You are so late; please proceed here at the coffee shop." She texted back after I sent her a message. I was in the lobby, and I looked around and felt relieved when I saw the coffee shop on the left side; I couldn't wait to apologize to her for why I was late the moment I saw her in person.
My forehead wrinkled when I searched the area, and I suddenly felt worried she had already left since I couldn't find a younger woman inside. My heart skipped a beat when at the far end corner, I could see the crush of my best friend, the renowned playboy in our University no other than Archer Lopez. I don't know what Valerie had seen in him. They had a minor class together, and my best friend became so obsessed with him like those other girls on campus.
When he stood up and strode towards me, my mouth agape when I looked at him, I realized for the first time why Val was crazy about Archer. He was towering over me, and he smelled heavenly, and when he smiled at me, I could feel the butterflies swarming on my stomach, and I could tell all the nerves on my body had come alive.
And this was the first time I saw his face this close, and no wonder girls are dying to be with him. Archer Lopez is beyond handsome, it seems like everything about him is so perfect, except his reputation in our school, but it seems girls don't mind if he was a playboy.
"Mariela Alvamiza?" He asked, and my eyes widened in surprise why he knew my name.
"How do you know me?" I inquired, and I was thankful I could find my voice since I couldn't believe I would be staring at him without fluttering my eyes, and I realized I needed to compose myself since I didn't want to be one of those girls.
"You texted me, and you are late." He said, and I was confused, and my eyes got so big as I realized I was texting Archer all along.
"You are a guy," I softly mumbled, still unable to believe I was texting the most popular guy in our University.
"Yes, of course, I am." He said while he gazed at my face, and I couldn't stop feeling so conscious.
"Your sister is the one who is looking for a roommate, right? " I asked, and he shook his head.
"No, I am the one who was looking for a roommate," He said as if it was not a big deal, and it made me think I was such a fool for assuming he was a girl since I told him all the details about me. I felt so overwhelmed with happiness that I've got a place to stay that I didn't even realize I haven't known his name and gender, but when I texted him my name and my age, he texted back, Thank God you are a girl so I automatically assumed my new roommate would be a girl.
"Please, I don't have time for jokes, I badly needed a place to stay, and if you are making fun of me, that is not funny." I declare, and his face suddenly turned solemn.
"I am not making fun of you, Mariela. I am looking for a roommate and preferably a girl." He said, and I couldn't deny even his voice was captivating, and my face fell as I realized he was not joking at all, and then the realization hit me like a bomb.
"You could have texted me that you are a guy, so I will not waste my time coming here," I said in a stern tone, and I could feel my face burning with anger. I turned my heels and made my way to the door, feeling more defeated, and I couldn't believe I had nowhere to go.