Unmasking Love

THYE CAFÉ 5 pm

"One cup of Espresso" A hasty customer ordered.

"Coming right up" Sophia responded cheerfully.

She brewed the coffee with a smile on her face, made a love design on it, and served it with a smile.

"Happy drinking" She wished heartily and the customer flashed her a smile and left.

She sighed and started cleaning the counter. That has been her daily routine. Brew a coffee with a smile, serve with a smile, and do everything with a smile even though her situation permits her to just lose it and cry down torrents of tears.

Her phone rang and she ransacked her bag to bring it out. The number calling was saved as "Clio's class teacher". She heaved a sigh and picked up the phone slowly.

"Hello" She muttered.

"Hi, this is Clio's class teacher" The voice said.

Sophia nodded as if she could see her.

"I've been trying to call you but your number has been busy" The lady on the other end continued.

Sophia has seen the call but ignored it on purpose because she has run out of excuses to stall them.

"I'm sorry about that. I left my phone at home" Sophia lied.

"That's fine. I'm calling to remind you about Clio's tuition fee. It's long overdue and failure to pay might lead to withdrawal. Please make sure you pay as soon as possible" The lady relayed.

"No problem. Thanks for the reminder" Sophia mumbled.

"Alright. Bye" The call ended.

"Oh God" Sophia exclaimed gently when she dropped the phone. Her countenance fell drastically and sadness was evidently written on her face.

"Where do I get the money? My salary for this month isn't till the next two weeks... Gosh" She lamented again.

Her head dropped on the counter in dejection. She wouldn't have done that if it was rush hour. But it was already evening and people rarely come in during this time.

"Hello" A Soothing voice called out.

She jerked up in reflex and quickly masked her expression with a smile.

"What can I get you?" She asked perfunctorily.

"An espresso" He replied in an endearing tone.

Sophia looked at him and his blue eyes bored into hers.

"Coming right up" She took her gaze off him and set to work.

"It will rain very soon. Won't it?" The guy asked.

"Oh, really?" Sophia feigned interest.

She was not in the mood to strike up a conversation with a random person. She has a lot going on in her mind already.

"Yes" He nodded. "I'm Alex by the way" He started.

The coffee machine made a soothing noise.

"The forecasting agency predicted that there won't be any rain in the next two days. So, I think you're wrong sir" She blurted and focused her gaze on the brewing machine.

"They can be wrong you know, they are humans too" Alex pressed on.

"The thing here is not about them being humans. It's about them being expert and professionals in their Field. They are the ones who can predict the weather better because it's their area of expertise" She explained avidly.

Alex was stunned and only muttered an okay.

"Here comes your expresso. Happy drinking" She said with her usual smile.

Alex collected the coffee from her hand and their hands touched. Sophia's gaze locked with his again.

He brought out money from his pocket and dropped it on the counter. From the bulge, Sophia could tell it was more than the stipulated amount.

"I think you overpaid" She pointed out to him.

"Consider it a tip, For the conversation I enjoyed" He smiled boyishly and exited the Café.

Sophia stared at him until she couldn't see him anymore.

"What was that?" She wondered and felt her heart skip a bit.

No doubt, he was a handsome and simple guy with admirable facial features.

Sophia grabbed the money on the counter and felt a rustle with it. She looked at it and saw that it was a crispy folded paper.

Curiously, she opened it and it read thus: Your smile can light even the haziest of days.

Sophia felt her insides churn strangely as she read the handwritten note. She traced her fingers along the perfect handwriting on the note and let her fingers savor the smooth texture. She revered the sincerity of the letter and how It got to her. No doubt, she has been receiving random compliments but never has she received a handwritten one.

"When did he write this?" Sophia wondered.

She soon waved the feeling off and started preparing to leave.

"Sophia" A middle-aged man entered the Café and called her.

"Boss" Sophia flashed her most endearing smile.

"How is your health?" She asked.

"What can an aging man do than to hope for good health?" He replied heartily.

"How was sales?" He drew out a chair and sat closer to the counter.

"It was fairly better than yesterday's" Sophia divulged.

"Sounds fair enough. Let's make calculations and you can close for the day" He said.

Sophia brought out all the money she made and they both counted it and sorted it out.

"Thank you Sophia" He appreciated genuinely.

"You're welcome boss" Sophia responded cheerfully.

"I will see you tomorrow" He said and walked to the entrance.

"Boss" Sophia called out in a low but audible tone.

"Yes" He stopped in his tracks and turned to her.

Sophia clasped her hands together nervously but she reasoned that she had no other options.

"I need your help" She intoned shyly.

"Is everything okay?" He asked with concern laced in his voice.

"Yes. I mean no. It's Clio" Sophia stuttered.

"Clio? What happened to her? Is she sick?" The man panicked.

"No, she's well and healthy" She refuted.

"So, what's the matter?" The man pressed on patiently.

"Her school fees have been long overdue and the school is considering her withdrawal" Sophia explained melancholically.

"That's so sad" The man sympathized.

"Please, can you give me a salary in advance? Please" Sophia pleaded with misty eyes.

She detests doing things like this but she has no choice if she still wants Clio in school.

"I'm sorry Sophia but I have to pay for my health fee"

"Oh right" Sophia felt guilty for bothering the ailing man.

"But I will see what I can do and get back to you" He assured her.

"I will really appreciate that sir" Sophia eyes lit up.

"Pack up quickly and go home to Clio" He urged and exited the Café.

...................................

Sophia walked down the lively street deep in thought. She was oblivious to the excitement and buzz around her as she concentrated on the wants gnawing her insides. Closing time is when she has the time to brood as she is busy offering the happiness she didn't get to strangers over a cup of espresso during work hours.

The lyrics of Jeiel Damina's song boomed through the speaker and the lyrics etched into her soul.

And if you feel under pressure

Lost a close treasure

Broke beyond measure

You gotta remember you're not what they call you

Can't limit yourself to what people tell you

You're the final word!

"All will be well" She consoled herself and continued her short journey home.

Her mind drifted to the stranger who had written her a note earlier. She found herself thinking more about him but she soon waved it off as just a mere kind gesture. She got to the entrance of her small but decent one-bedroom apartment. That was all she could afford for Clio and her.

"Leave me alone or I scream" That was Clio's distressed voice.

Sophia was alarmed, she kicked the door open in reflex and yelled her name.

"Clio"

"Clio" Sophia barged into the house defensively.

"Oh, you're back. Welcome" Clio rushed to hug her.

"I thought you were in danger" Sophia was confused.

"Danger? No, I'm fine" Clio replied.

"But I heard your strangled scream from outside" Sophia insisted.

"Oh! That was nothing. I was only rehearsing for a drama in school. The presentation is tomorrow" Clio chatted excitedly.

"Oh" Sophia mumbled in realization.

Her thoughts wandered to Clio's class teacher's words and she shook her head tiredly.

She got to the nearest couch that was now flattened and sat down gently on it to avoid being pricked by the wood rearing its head out of the couch.

"Have you eaten?" Sophia asked while unbuckling her sandals.

"I made spaghetti when I was hungry" Clio muttered and stepped back instinctively.

"Again" Sophia eyes widened and she restrained herself from yelling at her.

"But it's really good this time" Clio defended.

"When has it ever tasted good? You're just twelve for God's sake, leave cooking for now" Sophia scoffed.

"But I love cooking" Clio muttered and toyed with the hem of her faded dress.

"Go bring it" Sophia told her and her eyes lit up.

Clio ran to the kitchen and dished the spaghetti out on a plate.

"Here is your order ma'am" Clio intoned dramatically.

"Is this Spaghetti broth?" Sophia teased and watched her face fall.

"Taste it first" Clio urged.

"Sure"

Sophia scooped a small quantity of spaghetti with the fork and took it to her mouth. She chewed on it gently and scooped another one in her mouth almost immediately, repeating the same exercise.

"How is it" Clio quizzed expectantly.

"Get me a cup of water" Sophia requested and continued stuffing her tummy with more spaghetti.

Clio ran to the kitchen and soon came back bearing a cup of water.

"Thank you" Sophia collected the glass cup and gulped down the water slowly.

Clio clasped her hands together in anticipation of her culinary skills score. She was dying to know but Sophia was taking her time.

"How is it?" She asked impatiently.

"When did you get so good, Chef Clio?" Sophia teased with a smile.

"Oh my gosh" Clio held her chest and sat down beside her.

"I thought it wasn't good enough"

Sophia faced her squarely.

"Everything you do is enough. It's just not the best which means you have to practice more to bring it to utmost perfection. Don't ever think you or your doings are not enough" Sophia advised.

"I love you big sister" Clio muttered and wrapped her little hands around her in a hug.

"I love you more, Kiddo" Sophia mumbled and pulled her little frame closer to herself.

..................................

THE NEXT DAY

"Bye Sophia" Clio yelled from the entrance.

She's wearing her blue and white school uniform which was ironed out neatly. Her black school bag is strapped on her back smartly and her white socks are without blemish. Her shoe was glittery with polish too. Sophia made sure she always looked neat and presentable to school to avoid bullying from her peers.

"Do not cause trouble" Sophia warned from inside.

"I can't promise that. These cocky boys in my class always get on my nerves and their cup has overflowed already" Clio muttered inaudibly.

"I won't" She shouted to Sophia's hearing and exited the house.

Sophia emerged from the room wearing a pink polo shirt and black baggy trousers. She's not a tomboy but she likes to dress free like this sometimes. She took a hairband and packed her hair neatly in a ponytail. She grabbed her handbag on the couch and exited the house, locking the door behind her.

She soon got to the Café and turned the tiny placard to indicate they were open. She cleaned the little space and went to change into her work clothes in the dressing room.

People started filing in and placing their orders. Since it's morning, they are usually headed towards work and a cup of espresso is just the right necessity to start their day with.

Sophia received orders with a smile and gave them out with a smile too as she has always done.

"Happy drinking" She wished cheerfully each time she handed out a cup of espresso.

Her energy was contagious and people needed her reassuring smile as much as they needed the espresso and she never failed to make them grin before they stepped out of the café.

"Thank you. Happy drinking" Sophia said to the last customer in queue.

She took the money on the counter and put it in the money drawer. When she opened the drawer, she stumbled upon the handwritten note the stranger had dropped yesterday and read it again. The handwriting seems to give her a sense of comfort and she found herself unconsciously hugging the tiny paper to her chest.

"Who is he?" She mumbled to herself.

She found herself staring out of the door and anticipating his entrance and endearing smile. Each time a customer comes in, she looks up with the hope that he will be the one but her expectations get dashed every time.

She gave up on expecting his arrival and concentrated on her work.

"Good morning beautiful" The same alluring voice spoke to her.

Sophia raised her head to see the man that has been putting her in unsolicited suspense and setting her expectations on fire. He was dressed in a simple white T-shirt and black jeans trousers.

"Good morning sir" Sophia curtsied in a low tone.

She felt that he would see through her and notice her heart beating wildly against her ribcage. She maintained her composure.

"A cup of espresso, barista," He said with a foreign accent and his eyes bored into hers again.

"Is he flirting with me on purpose?" Sophia thought as she took his order and started the brewing machine.

"You were right" He intoned, interrupting her thoughts.

Sophia went stiff immediately.

"Did he read my thoughts? Does he have super power?" She thought.

"You were right yesterday. It didn't rain" He completed his statement which made Sophia heave out a sigh of relief.

"I don't say what I don't know is proven" She blurted bluntly and regretted it immediately.

"That's a very intelligent thing to do" He complimented.

"You think so?" She raised her brows at how smoothly he talked.

"I know so" He stared into her eyes again.

Time whirled by and it seemed like forever. Sophia wasn't ready to take off her eyes, neither was Alex. Everything else seems impossible as they bask in the euphoria of their alone time. They looked like they could see through the strings that attached their heart to beat in sync.

"The espresso" Alex intoned and pointed at the brewing machine that had long stopped.

"Oh, I'm sorry" She intoned apologetically.

She designed a latte on it in a love shape and handed it to him slowly. Their hands touched again and ignited the same spark it had earlier.

"Thank you" Alex appreciated and paid.

"I told you my name. What's yours?" He asked.

"I didn't hear you tell me your name" Sophia narrowed her eyes at him.

"Okay, let's start afresh. I'm Alex" He introduced himself.

"I'm Sophia"

"Pretty name" He complimented.

"Thanks" She simply responded.

"So, Sophia, What time do you close?" He asked coyly.

"Why do you ask?" Sophia was curious.

"Just maybe, I can walk you home" He raised his brows in anticipation.

Sophia stared at him and felt her heart leap in an untold excitement. She hasn't had this feeling in years and now it's rushing at her like a boisterous tsunami.

"7 pm" She found her lips swaying.

AT NIGHT 6:45 pm

Alex stood outside the Café. He was waiting in earnest with his hands stylishly dipped into his pockets. His eyes darted around the bubbling environment in fascination and lit up in observation of a discovery.

Alex was born with a silver spoon and he knew not what life was at the grassroots so this is an adventure for him. For some reason, he found himself wanting to know more about Sophia, and to do that, he needed to be in his modest form.

"Hey" Sophia waved at him.

"Hi" He responded with a charming smile.

"Shall we?" He quizzed like a gentleman.

Sophia nodded and led the way. For some minutes, no one said anything. The silence stretches out and thickens with each walking minute. They both pretended to be listening to the music being played out on the streets.

They watched some ladies sway their bodies to the rhythm of the music in an unfettered symphony. The ladies shook their head vigorously and Alex feared it might fall off their neck.

"What are they doing?" Alex was amused.

"That's the latest street dance according to them. It's crazy" Sophia chuckled.

"Wow"

"So, your name is Sophia and you're a barista? Nothing else I need to know right?" He asked smartly.

"What do you want to know?" Sophia looked at him.

"Everything" He whispered but Sophia heard anyway.

Her heart skipped again when she heard him.

"My name is Sophia Park" She said abruptly.

"Nice name. You live with your parents?" He questioned.

"I lost my parents some years back" Sophia told him.

"I'm sorry about that" He sympathized genuinely.

"It's fine. What about you?" Sophia inquired.

"What about me?" He teased knowingly.

"Stop it" Sophia turned to look at him.

"Okay fine. My name is Alexander Reith, I'm currently seeking a job and I have no parents too" He lied.

"I'm sorry about that" It was Sophia's turn to be sympathetic.

"It's fine" Alex muttered.

Deep down, he was worried about the wall of deception he was building. He felt bad for lying but this was the simplest he had ever been with anyone and he didn't want to jeopardize that chance. He felt an attraction with Sophia that he couldn't fathom and unveiling his identity would only drift them apart because they are obviously of different class.

"Down to earth, Mr. Alex" Sophia snapped her fingers to his face.

Alex jerked out of his thoughts and flashed a flirty smile.

"Sorry, I spaced out for a second"

"We are here" Sophia said vaguely.

Alex was confused.

"We are where?"

"My house" She pointed at her apartment.

Alex felt the urge to ask her how she lived in such a tiny house but resisted the urge.

"You have a nice place" He said instead.

"You don't have to be so nice" She rolled her eyes and they laughed together.

"So?" Alex drawled.

"So" Sophia intoned almost immediately.

"The same time tomorrow?" He asked waiting for a positive response.

Sophia looked at him but said nothing. She knew that something was going to happen with the pace they were going and it was either she's in or she's out, her present decision will determine the outcome.

Sophia wanted to explore her feelings.

"Having a friend won't be that bad right?" She reasoned.

"Sure" She finally made up her mind.

Alex's mouth burst into an appreciative smile. No doubt, he was excited.

"Bye" Sophia waved and entered the house.

Alex watched her slip into the house and turned back to start his walk home. He was ecstatic at his feat.

His phone rang suddenly and he picked it up with a smiley face.

"Marcus" He called to the guy on the phone.

"Boss, where are you?" The guy asked at the other end.

"Paradise" He replied senselessly.

...............................

"Boss" Marcus called for the umpteenth time while looking into the rearview mirror.

They are both in the car. Marcus is the one driving while Alex is in the back seat reminiscing on the event of this evening. He was barely listening to Marcus.

"Someone hacked into the app" Marcus dropped the news.

Alex faced him abruptly and his eyes shone in rage but he quickly relaxed.

"Drive to the house" He muttered.

"Okay boss" Marcus nodded and stepped on the pedal.

Marcus horned in front of a sleek gigantic gate and it opened immediately. The gatekeeper saluted Alex as the car drove into the spacious compound. This is one of Alex's several penthouses and the one he called home.

It's a spacious house that has six bedrooms with personal restrooms and bathrooms and closets, a gym, three sitting rooms, a bar filled with exotic drinks, a spacious kitchen, a Laundry room, a study room, and a library, and his Tech room where he performed wonders in the aspect of tech.

Due to his apathy for publicity, he rarely shows himself at work and works from the comfort of his tech room. He has few maids and he doesn't allow them to live with him. They just come and go after work.

Alex got down from the car gently and strolled into the house. Marcus followed suit after parking the car appropriately.

"Marcus" Alex called.

He was on the fifth step of the stairs. Marcus who was at the foot of the staircase looked up to him.

"Get me unbranded and simple shirts and Pants" He ordered.

Marcus was confused but he muttered an okay and proceeded to leave.

"And I also need you to rent a one-bedroom apartment in a neighborhood," Alex said and proceeded to go move.

"For whom boss?" Marcus asked.

"For me" Alex scoffed and continued his journey.

Marcus was dumbstruck. His boss has been acting strange these past few days and requesting weird things he won't ordinarily request for.

"Get me the project file in my room, I will be in the tech room" Alex's order invaded his thoughts.

"Okay boss" Marcus responded and proceeded to Alex's room.

Alex entered his tech room. It was spacious and well-equipped with the latest models of various computers and expensive gadgets arranged carefully. The room was painted white thereby giving it an alluring look.

"Now, let's see who dares infiltrate my project" He flexed his fingers.

He pulled out a chair and sat in front of a computer. The computer was blinking red intermittently and it wrote infiltrated on it.

Marcus rushed in with a file in hand and handed it over to Alex.

"Turn on the anonymous location" Alex ordered.

Marcus immediately obeyed.

Alex's eyes were fixated on the computer as he typed furiously on the keyboard. His fingers moved swiftly through the keyboard and his eyes darted through every corner of the computer, carefully observing any slight changes.

"The location is moving boss. It's not stable" Marcus relayed as he kept his eyes on the location projector.

"Just keep your eyes on it" Alex said between gritted teeth and continued his work.

"Boss, you pressed delete" Marcus panicked.

"I know" Alex muttered calmly and watched the app delete slowly on his computer.

After five minutes, he retrieved the app again.

"OMG" Marcus exclaimed.

"I fed the hacker's system a destructible virus and he had to send my app to avoid a system lockdown" Alex explained and smirked cockily.

"You're a genius boss" Marcus praised him.

Alex picked up the phone and went to his call log.

"Oh shit" He cursed when realization dawned on him.

"I didn't collect her number" He banged his fist on the table and the computers shook vigorously.