Sing for Love

There's a lot of people in the cafe. I was so stressed this day and barely eaten. I wanted something sweet and cold so I ordered chocolate cake with ice coffee.

I took off my jacket to place it on the back of one of the chairs when a man walked past me. He had masks on, a cap and a tinted shade. Okay self, be calm. There's a lot of weird people here.

I continued typing a report for the next semester as I waited for my cake to be done. It wasn't long before the waitress set it down, along with the cup of coffee.

"Enjoy."

She said as she walked away.

I took a bite and started to enjoy it. Then I remembered that I didn't order an ice cream. This was the first time I forgot to order my fave. I always had it whenever I sitted and do my work. I think I was just stressed this days so my mind is completely blunt. I raised my hand to the waitress but she's not paying attention to me.

"Hey, can I get a-" she doesn't even hear me as she continues on with her work.

"Damn it, " I said under my breath. She ignored me and continued walking back and serve the new costumer.

I was about to stand up when the guy with a mysterious look sit in front me. I am shock and panicked at the same time because there's still a lot of free spot but he takes mine. I mean, I don't mind sharing but it's slightly big of deal. He seated as if he's already a regular here. I also hear some girls whispering and taking a pictures? Hello? What's this guy?

'What the--- is he a maniac?!'

I asked to myself as I stiffened standing.He takes off his mask and shades but not his cap. I think he's a bit familiar. His broad shoulders, puppy look, his eyelashes, his eyes but I couldn't think where'd I saw him. I shrugged and sitted.

"Excuse me"

He looked at me with a lil bit disappointed face? I don't know, maybe I was just imagining.

"Why did you sit here? I mean, there's a lot of empty seats out there" as I look with those empty seats. His face lightens and smiled a lil bit.

"Why? are you uncomfortable?"

He asked with a lovely yet deep voice.

"N-no, I actually don't mind but--- okay you can sit hear."

I sipped while he smiled at me. I still can't be unbothered with those gals who takes pic and whispering to each other. I looked away from him. He was still smiling at me.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Are you bothered?," He seriously asked.

"Why wouldn't I? Those girls are whispering and taking a pic of me or you, I don't know. Who wouldn't be bothered about that" I said

His eyes got big. "You don't know me?"

"Why? Are you famous? if you are then good for you, but I won't take any risks to be on social media, get some hates that I didn't know where it came from and why"

"No, I'm not famous. I was just r-regular here. I always stop here and get some beautiful view. The ambiance here is great, isn't it?" he smiled

"Yup, I'm also here as always but I don't think I saw you, but hell yeah, you look familiar to me. I guess I saw you once or twice" I shrugged and get my eyes back to my laptop.

He scoffed slightly,

"What are you doing?" he curiously asked

"School Reports" I replied simply

"Ah," was his response. We two sat in silence for some time until--

"Hey, what's your name?"

I stared at him with curiosity as if I'm asking an explanation why would he wants to know my name.

"Oh, I just want to know. You know, that's not that bad right?"

"I'm not giving my name to a stranger"

"Okay then, I'm Jake. Nice to meet you. So now, I'm not a stranger anymore" I rolled my eyes and shift back my eyes to my laptop.

"Hey, won't you give me your name?"

"No"

"What should I do?"

"Shut up"

"That hurts" as he acted up like his heart is in pain. I can't help myself to laugh because of how funny his face is.

'This guy is something'

"Okay fine, I'll tell you if you will buy me an ice cream" I smirked as he pout. What the---why is he so cute?!

"Fine" he stand up gradually while I am shock in my place.

'Oh my gosh, is he really ordering? I'm just joking!'

I was just about to stop him but he has long legs so he's fastly walking out. I just shaked my head and get back to work.

'That guy, he's so fool' and I slightly laughed

After a couple of minutes, Jake is back along with the ice cream.

"Sorry that took a while because a lot of costumers came in." he says as he placed the ice cream on the table. I looked at him holding my laughter because I still can't stop thinking how he's desperate to know my name.

"So, now, what's your name?" he seriously asked then he sitted. And me, that's it, I burst out laughing!

"What the--- are you really desperate to know my name?" as I continue laughing

"Well, obviously yes" I stopped. He's serious now.

"Okay fine. I'm Jame" and had a bite of ice cream and just continued. "And I currently studying in college"

Jake just nodded his head and also ate his ice cream."Hey Jake?"

He looked up "Yeah?"

"Is this your favorite ice cream flavor?"

"Nope. I asked Selene what flavor you always order"

"Selene?"

"The girl right there" Jake pointed the pretty girl who's standing behind the counter.

"That's witty of you though, I love matcha very much" as I take another bite of ice cream.

"Is that your favorite flavor? Matcha? Or are you planning to steal it from me" I asked him.

He smirked "Yes, maybe" he winked at me as I roll my eyes "--but to be honest, not really. I love chocolates but I think I should also try something different, so I thought why not? Also I want to try something different"

"Oh okay" I looked down eating more ice cream. "But tell me if you get bored or don't like it, I'm here to finish it all"

I also winked at him as I take a look at my cellphone. Crissy sent me something, I take a look at the picture she send and rolled my eyes. Crissy sent me a picture of guy SHE wants me to DATE. She said that my life is a lil bit boring so she's worried with the thought of I won't marry a guy because I always rejecting someone who's interested in me. I mean, what's the rush?

I placed my phone a lil bit irritated and Jake seems to noticed it.

"You okay?"

"Yes" I sighed "No"

"Spill the tea" I sighed and looked Jake's on his face. His visuals is insane, he's like an angel who comes down to--- okay this isn't the time for this Jame, focus!

"My best friend, Crissy, always wants me to attend blind date or date someone who I don't know. Like, the guy she sent me, she wants me to date him this Sunday" I took a bite of ice cream.

His face turns serious "That's not good. Why would she push you onto something you don't want? She's your bestfriend right? Then she should respect your decision"

"Yeah..." I sighed

"That's exactly her point Jake. She's my best friend so she's worried that I might not get a guy to marry with."

I looked at the flowers that in front of us.

"I'm not rushing things, and this"

I pointed my laptop with my school reports

"This can make me happy too" I paused,

"This may be boring but I'm not rushing things, even if it's love. I actually don't care if I'll die alone, I'm too trained for that"

I sadly smiled and stared at him

"I'm too dramatic right? sorry I---"

He cuts me off,

"No, I was asking you in the first place. And, we're a 50% out of 100% being a stranger, they say that stranger makes you feel better because that person will never see you again, right?"

'I won't see you again?'

I was a lil bit sad of that thought. I snap back at reality,

'Jame, how come you've already attached to someone who knew just in a minute?!'

"Y-yeah, I guess so"

"Okay, back to the topic. Are you going?" I look at the space.

"I don't know, maybe no, maybe yes"

"Why would you go into something you don't want to do at the first place? Jame, you're a grown lady now, you just can't let anyone control you"

I nods at him, "I know but sometimes, I'm just doing this for myself. Crissy is like my late mother though, she doesn't stop until she won't get what she wants" I faked a smile.

"Late mother? what happened?" I sighed

"I-I, you don't need to answer, I'm way too curious for being a stranger right? Sorry, I stepped my line"

"That's okay, my mother controlled me from everything I did. In the whole 16 years of age and now I'm already 21. I lived in luxury but not truly happy. I always obey what she wants me to do, she always say that she's doing everything she could for me to have a successful future. That is also the reason why I'm not into relationship until now because that's the way I lived on in a half of my life" tears are forming into my eyes.

"J-jame, I'm sorry, I-I, here" he gave me a tissue

"Thank you" I wipe the forming tears in my eyes

"My father isn't with us, the day I was born. I didn't know him. I didn't have a chance to stare at his face, so now, I'm completely alone because my mother died 2 years ago"

Jake is completely shock, even made an O with this lips

"Crissy is the one who made me feel that I'm not alone all this time, so I think I understand where she's coming from, although I can't stand what she wants"

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Jame" he look pale.

I slightly laugh

"Yes this is your fault, you made me cry" then he looks at me concern

"Okay, it's a joke. It's okay, I'm okay and there's nothing wrong you're asking me that kind of questions. Stranger is bests right?"

'Although I don't think you're an stranger anymore' I sighed with my thought

Jake sighed, "Do you want to know anything from me?" he asked

'Do I? of course?'

"Hmm" I paused, "Okay, as related at my drama of life, do you have parents?"

He sadly smiled,

"Yes, I do have."

"You have your parents so why are you making that face" he look so down

"Because I can't feel them. They always look down on me, my mom said I was her mistake. I don't know, I want to know but who will answer my questions? No one"

I bite my lips, it's now clear to me that I'm not that one who has big problems. I always thought the other way around.

"Your father, is just your step father, if I am right?" he nods

"Maybe this will be offending but I think I know why is your mother acting like that"

He looked at me puzzled

"What do you think?"

"Maybe you resemble your biological father so much, to the point that she always don't want to see you because of the memories of her past that haunted her down".

He falls into silence, and speak, "I didn't do anything wrong and..." he paused "I didn't pray to be born"

I don't know how to react, I'm not that used sharing and hearing problems, but this is a great experience though.

"I think you are right" he continued as I look at him confused.

"My mother said something that I shouldn't be born, and that I was her mistake because my father is a big jerk. She was drunk that time and spilled the tea on me. She also said that"

Jake sighed. I waited for him to continue

"I should die" I was so shocked that I put my hands on my mouth staring at him with a big eyes.

"O-oh my gosh Jake, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't ask you this, I'm sorry I didn't kno---"

"No. Please be not. I want to share this to you the way you shared your problems to me. And I feel way better than best. I didn't tell this story for a long time, I always kept it myself. This is the first time" he reassured me with a bright smile

"I envy you."

"Me? Why?"

"Because you can still smile even with that big problem suffocating your heart."

"But you can still smile, and in addition, I saw you laugh"

A pressure heats up my cheeks--no I'm not blushing!

"I laughed because you're funny and you're fool" I chuckled

"See? You can still be happy without minding your problems everyday. Jame, you're a tough woman, you know how to handle your problems without worrying others. In fact, you're the one who still cares about them"

"Well, I guess?" he nods "The same to you too. I thought you're 99% of people who doesn't have problems the way you smile and handle those handsome face"

"Me? Handsome?" he smirked. Okay Jame you're busted.

"Who? Did I say handsome? I don't remember" okay you're embarrassing yourself Jame

"I know I'm handsome though, a lot of people says that" he winked and I felt myself blushing. wtf

I rolled my eyes and checked my clock. It's already 7 pm in the evening. I also gazed at my laptop which I didn't type a lot of my reports because I was too swayed by Jake and our conversation haha

"I need to get going, Jake. I have to clean up my apartment" as I clean up my trashes and my things.

"Yeah, me too. I have a lot to do" as he also stands up. Wow he's so tall

We walked through the exit of the cafe and stopped beneath the bus stop.

"I'll just wait here" I said and looked at him. It's embarrassing that I literally do the chin up because he's so tall. If I say tall, he's so so so tall is what I meant. He smiled at me and nods

"Well, I don't know when will I see you again because this day will be my busy day" he said

"Pfft what are you? my boyfriend?"

I sarcastically said and laughed

"There's nothing to worry about. Who knows, fate will let us to see each other again" I winked and he gave me a bright smile

"Yeah right, fate." he nods a lot of times "There's a bus, thank you for today Jame. I had a lot of fun because of you. Nice to meet you Jame, I hope I'll see you again"

"Yeah me too" I paused "You gave me a lot of comfort, thank you, a lot" We stared at each other for a long time until

"Aren't you getting in?!" The bus driver irritatedly asked. Jake smiled as I smiled back. I finally getting in and take a seat. The bus is still in place so I wave at him as my last goodbye and he waves at me too. I guess this will be the last then...

Bye Jake...

Days passed by and I didn't see Jake since that day, Monday. I won't lie to myself that I don't miss him because I really do. His words comforts me a lot and really planted in my head. He makes me feel warm and secure, so I guess what I'm trying to say is that I miss him, a lot. It's not like he has been there for me before but it just feels more meaningful now, more real than ever. I was sitting m in my couch when I heard my cellphone ringing.

'It's Crissy---Oh my God! Today is Sunday!'

I feel like I will throw up because I haven't made up my mind going into that blind date. I sighed with disbelief and staring at my phone thinking how I will give some valid reason to Crissy of how much I don't want to go.

'Should I say that I'm sick? But if I do she will rush going on here and take care of me which I think is horrible because she also had some things to do'

I think deep till my brain wants to explode. Fine, I'll go. There's nothing wrong with this though and I'm free now. I clicked the answer button and sighed before answering,

"YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD REASON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GO!"

oh that hurts. Thank God I chose to make the speaker more loud because I knew she'll shout. Well.

"I'm pregnant" I sarcastically said and smiled

"Oh really? then is that a 'miracle baby'?"

she sarcastically replied as she emphasize the miracle baby thing. That bijj

"Shut up. Fine, I'm going. What time? Better not evening" I rolled my eyes

"Why not? That guy is free in evening, hmm and you can also get straight to---"

"Oh c'mon Cris, you better not finish that sentence" that bijj is really maniac asf

I heard her chuckle as I laughed,

"It's 4pm at Lily's Cafe" my eyes got bigger

"Lily's Cafe? As in my fave place???" I asked exaggeratedly

"Yup! I said that that's your favorite cafe so he agreed, also, his apartment is like few blocks away"

"Okay then, we're good."

"You saw his face right?"

"Yeah, don't worry." I paused "But something goes wrong Crissy, I swear I won't let you control me again"

"Oh c'mon, what are you saying I'm controlling you? You also want this kind of stuff"

"Who says I want this kind of stuff though?" she doesn't respond "I'll get some sleep, bye"

"Wai---" I didn't finish her words because I ended it up quickly. I sighed in disbelief thinking how should I make the guy turn off to me.

I stare at the ceiling of my room as I reminisce my encounter with Jake. He's my ideal type, the one who I can comfortable with, who I can rely on, who I can share my problems and who can understand me. I sighed. When will I ever see you again.

4 pm. I'm already at the Cafe but to be honest, Jake is the one I want to see. I'm hoping he's here or he'll stop by. Oh well, this is the disadvantage of being an easily attached person lmao

"Where are you, Ms?" the guy asked me through text. Crissy gave my number so now we're literally texting. I think I'll just buy some new sim card after this.

"I'm here" as I stepped inside the cafe.

I immediately saw the guy because his sitting on my fave spot. I walked to him and sitted. He doesn't remove his eyes on me that makes me uncomfortable because I think that's kinda... cringe.

By the way, I was just wearing fitted pants, a crop top with a black coat. I'm too lazy to dress up, he might think I'm doing some effort for him duh

"So" I stared at him blankly, I'm making a cold face as possible so he'll think I'm not interested in him, even 1%

"How have you been?" he asked

"Well, see, I'm fine" not breaking my eye contact with him

"Sorry but, Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"Of course"

"O-oh" he looked down

"You're straight to the point" he faced me again and smiled

"I like it" wtf, he's creepy! I mean, yeah, he's good looking but hello??? I'm trying my best to look bad for him but he still likes it? What the hell is that? How am I supposed to do?!

"I don't like you" I crossed my arms

"You will, soon" he winked at me so I immediately smirked

"That kind of attitude is suck. Too full of yourself" I waved at Selene to order

"Good afternoon, Ms. Jame, how are you?"

I smiled at her,

"I'm not fine" she confusedly looked at me and I smiled again

"Nevermind. I'll just order what I'm always ordering, thank you"

she nods and turn to Rex, Rex is his name by the way.

"Hello sir, what's yours?"

"What's the best here? except you" I frowned at his silly line, eww gross

Selene doesn't blush, she stared at him fiercely. That's my girl as I smirked

"The best here is the king size burger, is that you will order?

"Yes, I'll order ice coffee" Selene looks at him irritatedly while the jerk is smirking. This guy, he's so mean!

"Selene, I'm sorry for his attitude. He's just out of his mind this days because his poop doesn't comes out for a week now"

Selene holds his laugh and I looked at Rex, he's face is red and glared at me intensely.

"What?! N---"

"Okay, ma'am, sir. I excuse myself" she bowed at me and to Rex

"Better drink a lot of water sir"

I smirked at Selene's words. She winked at me then walked out

"What was that?!" he controlled his voice from shouting. Annoying jerk

"What?"

"I pooped awhile ago!"

"Who cares?"

"What?!" he angrily asked

"Oh, stay calm. Your veins will pop up"

"You---" he angrily said as I put my finger at my nose signing he should be quiet. He glared at me as I smile under my breath.

That time, Selene arrives with our order and settled it down. She smiled at me and glared at Rex while the guy also glared at her.

"Here's your order" as she placed his order at the table "sir" she sarcastically said. I silently laughed because of Selene, she has guts lol

The two of us are alone again. I stared at him and smiled,

"Are you okay?" I asked

He glared at me before smiling,

"Why? If not, will you give me what I want?" He smirked. Creepy. I feel some goosebumps err

"Sure, do you want some water? looks like your blood pressure is going high"

"Your water? Sure"

"I'm afraid I don't have one"

"Oh no--- I'm sure you have" and he looked down. This jerk, he's getting into my nerves!

I shivered when his hands roamed my legs. He's squeezing it while looking at me, smirking. I immediately kicked his legs and he groaned in pain,

"What the--- are you crazy?!"

he shouted as he stand up. I looked around the people who's now watching us with a terrified and curious eyes. I sent a 'help me' look at Selene and she nods and went out. I guess she will call the manager.

I tried to remain calm and sipped at my ice coffee. I looked at him while crossing my arms and raising my eyebrows while he remains standing. He's totally a freak!

"Babe, what are you doing? Can you please stay calm?" as I gesture him to sit and bowed at the other costumers while saying sorry.

"What? what are you playing you bitch?!" he raised his hands---ready to slap me!

I waited his hands to land on my face as I closed my eyes. I waited for a seconds until I hear an unfamiliar voice---

"Aren't you ashamed on what image you have right now?"

"Aren't you ashamed on what image you have right now?"

I opened my eyes and I saw a well built guy. His muscles are tracing into his plain black jacket as I stare at him shock. Like, who's this guy? I never saw him before.

"Are you okay?" I nod but still confused, but of course I'm thankful. He pulled me to his back.

"Who are you?" Rex asked him intensely. His eyes shifted on me.

"Is this your new guy?" I raised my eyebrows and stepped in.

"Excuse me? Don't think too much of yourself. You're just a pain in my ass. If this isn't for Crissy, I won't come here wasting my time for a jerk like you"

"Oh c'mon, I know you like me too." He licked his lips and winked at me. I stepped back at the big guy's back and cling onto his jacket. He looked at me and I also looked at him as if I'm pleading him to stand by my side.

Rex acted he would grab me but the big guy stepped up and twisted Rex's arms.

Rex cursed in pain---

"Can't you just stop? The lady is afraid of your fucking ass" he twisted it more and Rex groan more in pain.

"W-who are you?! L-Look bro, she's my---"

"Shut up, I don't need a glass of your opinion." as he cuffed Rex's arm. Wait, what?

I stared at the big guy more in shock but he winked at me. I am so confused! He's a cop?! What a lucky day you have, Jame.

After that, the big guy stated the rights Rex should have. He also said that I should follow them to the Police Station to state my side.

"Sorry Jame, I used you as a bait" Crissy. My best friend said. Yeah, she's a rookie police officer, we have 1 year gap and she literally used me as a bait because this Rex guy is known as a roaming maniac. They can't arrest him on board because this guy is a son of Mayor so he's obviously out of hook as always.

"In order to arrest this asshole, we have to cross some thin lines" she pouted. I hit her legs and laughed.

"You owe me one you bijj" I rolled my eyes against her and she smirked. I turn to the big guy who helped me earlier.

"Thank you for saving me, Officer--?" I don't know his name but asked for a handshake

"Devon Loiter" he held my hand

"Thank you, officer Loiter. " I smiled and he nods

"I hope this thing would never leave you some trauma?"

"Ofcourse not" I assured, he nods and say his goodbye. It was already 5pm when all of the fuss ended. The Rex guy is now in jail and there's nothing his father can do because of the evidences and witness the police had. Now, I'm going to a supermarket to buy some groceries and going back home.

I was so tired that I fell asleep at my couch. I was just awake when I hear my door bell rings.

"Hey Jame, you okay now?" it's Crissy.

"Yeah, luckily I am" I headed back and washed my face. I also drink a lot of water because I need this somehow.

"Look what I got" Crissy said while smirking at me, it's a beer and a chicken!!!!

"Wow! Looks like we're having a late night party ha!" I exclaimed and looked at the clock, it's 12:30 am now.

"Wait, don't you have work tomorrow?" as I take a bite of fried chicken

"Nah, I don't have. It's my day off, I deserve some peace after a long work, aren't I?" she drink her glass of beer

"Oh---take it slow" I also drink some of mine

"I have online classes tomorrow too, luckily it's 1 pm pfft"

I just attend online class because of this pandemic, this is good yet boring. I want to have some proper knowledge about my course, and, this is my last semester now, I hope I'll do good.

"But, seriously Jame, I'm so sorry for what happened yesterday. I didn't inform you about the raid we had" she held my hand

"Shh, it's now okay. I understand, at least that Rex guy wouldn't roam again and find his new victim, right?" she nods

"By the way, Cris, I have something to tell you" she curiously looked at me

"I think---I think I like someone" Crissy's eyes got bigger

"REALLY?! HOW? AND WHO???! Who is this lucky guy?!" she exclaimed and I laughed

"Lucky guy your ass" I laughed and started to tell her the whole story. How I met Jake at the Cafe. What I like about him and Why I fall to him at our first encounter.

"Woah, he really is a lucky guy" she nods agreeing with herself

"But, you said you didn't saw him again?" I nod sadly. It's been a days.

"Yeah, I didn't saw him even in the cafe for a days now. I don't even know his last name and his number, just..." I sighed "I just have our memories now"

"Aww" Crissy patted my head as I looked down.

"Jake" hmm

"Why? Do you know some Jake here in our neighborhood?"

"Yup, a lot. But if you want, I can find him for you"

"Ah, nah. Forget it, I don't want to waste your time and if fates want us to meet again, then I should wait."

"Yeah, right. Damn fate of yours" I laughed and drank my last glass of beer

"Wait, Jame" Crissy said--- I leaned at the sofa staring at her a lil bit dizzy

"Jake---you said he's tall, puppy like, has broad shoulders right?" I nodded

"What if, it's Jake that I know?"

"Hmm?" Crissy held my shoulders and shaked me

"What if, it's Jake Sihmon?! The famous singer?!"

hmm what--- and I dozed off....