The day of our reunion had finally arrived, and I was expecting my best friends to arrive at 5 PM. But knowing them, probably it will be late before they arrive.
I assumed they would bring their girlfriends, eager to show them off. While I was genuinely happy for my friends, who were now at an age where planning for the future - like building a family seemed more plausible, I couldn't help but feel a slight annoyance. As the youngest in our group, I didn't feel pressured to conform to societal expectations like having a girlfriend.
However, my mind was preoccupied with a more pressing concern - the mysterious woman who had been appearing in my dreams.
Her presence had vanished as suddenly as it had begun, leaving me with only fleeting glimpses of her image. I found myself longing to recapture that dream, but every time I drifted off to sleep, it seemed to elude me.
As I sat in front of my computer, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow on my room, I found myself consumed by the enigmatic questions that had been swirling in my mind.
It's 2 PM - Saturday, today.
I had succumbed to the allure of the unknown, determined to uncover the mystery that had been haunting me. My search query was simple yet profound: "the meaning of dreams." With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, I embarked on a journey to decipher the symbolism and secrets hidden within the realm of my subconscious.
And, at last, I found the answer.
Okay, It says here:
Dreams can be highly personal and subjective. Sharing moments either sad, happy or romantic with an unknown girl in your dreams could symbolize:
1. *Repressed memories or nostalgia*: This perspective suggests that your dream could be a manifestation of a repressed memory or a nostalgic feeling from your past. The conversation with the unknown girl might represent a forgotten promise or a cherished memory from your childhood.
2. *Inner self-reflection*: The unknown girl could represent an aspect of yourself, and the conversation might symbolize self-reflection, personal growth, or exploration of your own thoughts and emotions.
3. *Hidden fears or anxieties*: On the other hand, the unknown girl could embody unresolved fears or anxieties, and the conversation might represent your attempts to confront and overcome these emotions.
4. *Creative inspiration or new ideas*: Dreams can also be a source of creative inspiration. The unknown girl might symbolize a new idea or perspective that's emerging in your waking life.
5. *Romantic or social aspirations*: Let's not forget the simplest explanation! Your dream might be reflecting your desire for romance, connection, or social interaction.
Source: Google.
Among the five explanations presented to me, the number one resonated deeply - the notion that dreams can be a manifestation of repressed memories or nostalgia.
A shiver ran down my spine as I considered the possibility that I had, however I had no memory of encountering a girl before. Perhaps our paths had crossed in a fleeting moment, leaving an indelible mark on my subconscious. Yet, despite this tantalizing prospect, her face remained frustratingly shrouded in obscurity.
I leaned back in my chair, cradling my head in its cushioned support, and gazed up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
As I gazed up at the ceiling, my mind became increasingly entangled in the presence of the mysterious girl.
I couldn't help but wonder.
Why I was so invested in uncovering the truth behind her appearance in my dreams? Was it merely a nostalgic sentiment, or was it something more? Perhaps, I mused, my imagination had simply run amok, influenced by the countless stories I'd devoured reading my light novels, stories, manga, and video games.
I stood up, shaking my head in an attempt to clear the cobwebs occurred on my mind.
"Let's just forget about it," I muttered to myself. "It's not important." With a newfound sense of approval, I shifted gears from detective mode to student mode.
I grabbed a book and began reviewing for my exam later, focusing on the familiar comfort of academic routine.
...
..
.
Time seemed to have slipped away unnoticed, and before I knew it, the clock had struck 4:38 PM. I was still engrossed in my books, seated comfortably in my room.
The sound of chatter drifting from downstairs broke the silence, and I decided to see what was happening downstairs.
As I made my way downstairs, I was greeted by the warm and lively atmosphere of our living room.
My friends had arrived unnoticed and they were all chatting with Grandma, their faces aglow with smiles.
Ryan, Alex, Dianne, Orly, and Richard were all there, and the room was filled with the joy and camaraderie that only came with being surrounded by close friends.
"Wa...wait, what?" I was flabbergasted.
"Yo, Gil!" It was Alex, our leader. He salutes at me while he greet me.
"Gilbert". It was Dianne who greeted me in a softly and lovely tone, waving her two hands.
The remaining three, they only waved their right hand at me.
They showed different waves at me.
I walked downstairs and stood beside Grandma.
"Wait, I thought it was 5PM. It's 4:38 PM. Why so early?" I asked
"Oh, come on, bro, why you surprised in time than us?" Alex replied with a hint of amusement. "We've just seen each other for almost four years."
"Then why you didn't send me a message?" I questioned.
"It's for a surprise, bro". Alex casually answered.
"I'm sorry guys but I can't go with you. I have..." As I told them, Grandma interrupted me.
"Gilbert!!, your friends visited you after a 4-year lapse. Why not welcome them warmly"
"Yeah, Grandma Lily is absolutely correct. I will cry if you don't join us. It's our reunion after 4 years of separation." It was Dianne who was wiping her eyes now, before she said that she would cry if I refused, although there were no tears as I squeezed my eyes to look very closely.
"We will be going Grandma Lily," Alex said then he stood up. "I guess Gilbert won't join us afterall"
As Alex said that, Grandma looked at me intimidating.
"F-fine, fine. Let's go"
"That's the spirit!" Alex said with an arm gestures.
The heck is spirit there.
Then I followed them. Before we leave we excused ourselves at Grandma. My friends has high respect towards Grandma, that's the reason why she trust this people.
...
..
.
We just walked to the location.
Changing conversations, jokes and laughters.
This people still never changed, it's still what we were before.
As we reached our destination, it was 5:13 PM already. We are outside of the newly built restaurant for its opening.
It is not fascinating if you will ask me. Perhaps, It's just a normal restaurant.
"Isn't this a Japanese Restaurant?" I asked
"Yeah bro. The first ever Japanese Restaurant here". Alex answered.
I want to try most Japanese dishes since I had higher expectations of their food culture. I am eager to try them.
And while we are waiting, the owner - probably, get's outside and announces their opening to the shouting crowd. Along with him is a priest.
He cut the ribbon and welcomed us.
Luckily there is no stampede since it is so obvious to this kind of event, too many people that eager and anticipating to their cuisines. As Alex said, this is the very first Japanese Restaurant near the Baywalk.
Having Japanese Restaurant added by a wonderful scenery of the sea waves and sunset. It's a perfect ingredient for a romantic scenery, added by a delicious Japanese Dish.
A perfect location for those who love Japanese Culture.
This restaurant is 2nd floor. With ash gray painted walls with yellow on the edges. The room partition of this restaurant is made of clear glass.
There are six tables near the clear window glass. So those who got there sit in there are lucky.
Two things are anticipated here, the cuisine and the scenery.
The sun is slowly setting.
We are luckily got the best table.
We are on the second floor at the edge. Facing with a clear glass at my right and a concrete wall that faces me - back of Dianne.
"Order what you like" Alex said while looking at the menu.
"Be sure it's free. I didn't bring any money with me" I ask for assurance.
"Come on men, how many times have you asked that" It was Ryan
"I'm also poor. Gilbert, I feel you" It was Orly.
"You talking about..."
"For me. I bring money but it's only for my transportation fare to get home. Are we gonna be late later?" It was Richard who calmly asked.
Richard is the calm guy. And he is the opposite of Alex.
For the rest, we are normal.
"Well, well... Stop arguing. The waitress is here." It was Alex.
Alex was waving at the waitress to get its attention while I having a conversation with the other.
"Wait, I still can't decide." It was Ryan.
"Then choose the most famous one" Alex answered.
....
The Waitress is walking to our location.
Wait a second...
I noticed that there are only 3 waitresses in here. I guess they are still short of workers.
"What is your order?"
Then we all placed our order.
....
We are exchanging conversations and laughters while waiting for our order.
As for me, I am looking at the outside. And someone hit my back. It was Ryan who sitting beside me.
"Enough imagining. I'm sure your love of life is there. We will help you. Do not fear. You may not be as handsome as me, but you are cute same to my shirt."
He showed me his shirt and it had a kitten imprinted.
Why is it flickering so bright?
"Geh.... What are you talking about. I don't need it"
"Well, well. You'll be boring in life you know."
"I don't care". I said while looking at him in a perfunctory tone.
While I having a conversation with Ryan. Alex heard us.
"Hmmmm? You still haven't a girlfriend? You virgi..."
"Stop right there, Alex!!" it was Richard. "You know Gil, you are old enough. Aren't you bored and searching for something?"
"Hmmm? What do you mean?" I questioned him while holding a cup of water.
I'm drinking and suddenly...
"I can see in your eyes that you're looking for something"
Pffft- I forgot that Richard is an observant person. He can identify someone's mind just by staring at their eyes.
What a scary ability. But since Richard is here it means Alex is telling the truth about his treat...
"What do you mean by that, Richard" It was Alex.
Wait...wait....wait..... stop right there, please. Change topic, please. Someone get me out of this discussion. I scream inwardly.
As I am hoping for a change of air. The waitress came. "Can someone help me to get your order."
"Let me he-" I said and stood however Ryan grabbed my shoulder and he volunteered himself. And Dianne followed them.
The heck Ryan... I was about to set out on this topic.
"Okay, Richard you may proceed"
Huh!? I wide opened my mouth out of surprise.
"Gilbert seems searching for something. He always looking at side to side and below of the outside."
"Maybe looking for a girl" It was Orly who was leaning on his hands with his elbow on the table while staring at me so seriously.
"I'm not interested in that". I replied while sipping a water.
"An obvious lie, Gil" it was Richard then he continued. "Who are you thinking about? It's not your Grandma. I can feel... it's someone."
The waitress came along together with Dianne and Ryan. They are holding the dish that we ordered. Then they put it on the table.
"Here you go" as Ryan put the foods we ordered.
"Thank you". Orly said that in a happy tone.
"So, I heard your conversations." After he said it, he sat.
Someone get me out of here!!
He then continued and sat. "You see, when I got to Gilbert's room. He murmured something... "
"Murmured?" Alex asked.
The three looked at me, their eyes sparkling with curiosity, as they exchanged knowing glances.
Ryan, Dianne, Orly, Alex, and Richard were all grinning at me, their smiles playful and persuasive, as if daring me to reveal the secrets that had been occupying my thoughts.
"No... nothing..." I professed as I looked outside of the window.
~He is so obvious~ the five shared the same thought.
"So, you will tell us who she is?". It was Alex who asked.
I only remained silent...
"Well... well.... let's eat. The food will be cold. Having a cold food is not interesting. It makes the food bland and...". Ryan saved my day as he interrupted the topic.
While Ryan was having his speech again, Alex interrupted him. "Stop! You never changed do you?".
"Hmmm, It's delicious. Ahhh, heaven" It was Dianne who already fall inlove with the dish.
"Let me try." I said
Then all of us began to eat, forgetting the topic.
...
..
.
We sat at this square-shaped table, comfortably. Located on the second floor, near the corner of a concrete wall and a window that faces the sea.
Indulging in the delectable Japanese dish, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and conviviality.
Orly and Ryan were engrossed in conversation, their voices mingling with the gentle clinking of utensils against plates.
Dianne and Alex were similarly absorbed in their own discussion, their faces animated with seriousness - they seems debating rather than sweet talks.
Meanwhile, I and Richard, were savoring the unfamiliar yet exquisite flavors of the Japanese cuisine.
The delicate balance of sweet and savory notes danced on my palate, leaving me enchanted. It was my first time experiencing Japanese food, and I was thoroughly enjoying the discovery.
Until...
Dianne's eyes flashed with a sudden anger as she held Alex's phone, her expression - a picture of shock and outrage.
In a swift, unexpected motion, she slapped Alex, the sound of the impact cracking through the air like a whip. The noise was so loud enough to carry across the floor, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
Heads turned, eyes wide with curiosity, as all gazes converged on our table.
As for us, we were frozen in stunned silence, our faces reflecting to our collective shock at the sudden outburst.
The atmosphere around us was electric with tension, the air thick with unspoken questions. What had triggered Dianne's anger? What had Alex done to provoke such a reaction?
The questions hung in the air, unanswered, as we struggled to process the unexpected turn of events.
The drama unfolded with swift intensity.
Dianne sprang to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor as she stormed off, leaving the rest of us stunned in silence.
Alex, meanwhile, remained seated, his face had a picture of shock and pain. A crimson-red handprint glowed on his cheek, a testament to the force of Dianne's slap.
~It's probably hurt like no tomorrow ~
We - four, who were frozen in sudden events, shared the same thought.
Alex's face turned bright red, with a series of glowing. It's like Christmas Lights on his cheeks.
It took Alex a full 10 seconds to shake off his stupor.
Then. With a burst of urgency, he leaped to his feet and hastily followed Dianne, his long strides eating up the distance as he trailed after her.
The rest of us watched the event, our eyes fixed on the departing pair, wondering what had sparked the explosive confrontation.
Each of us probably has something to say, an opinion or a series of questions to those love birds.
We look at each other with different expressions.
...
..
.
As Dianne step off the restaurant she ran to the left side of the restaurant. Not too far only upto the next corner of the street and its Infront of the business establishment - a bank, same street and corner of the There she stops and following her breath.
"Ahhh.. why did Alex make that" she said while wiping her tears with her palm.
*****
Not so long, around 2 minutes.
Alex followed Dianne.
He as well, rushed to catch his breath with a crimson red handprint on his cheeks. It's still visible.
He caught Dianne on where she was at.
"Why did you make this!". It was Dianne who angrily said it.
"Common, this is our reunion and you're mad at me." Alex said that in a calming tone.
"So? It was sudden, Alex! This is our very first reunion for over 4 years and you made this?!."
After her rant, she intends to run.
As Dianne tried to hastily run away. Alex grabbed Dianne's right arm with ample force.
Alex puts her in his arms - leaning in his arms.
In a gentle and romantic moment. With the falling flowers and a warm breeze.
The pose they had appears to be a classic ballroom dance pose, specifically a dip or a back bend often seen in romantic dances like the waltz, tango, or foxtrot.
A very romantic scene.
"You're nowhere to run, baby," Alex whispered in a sexy voice, his eyes locked on Dianne's.
Dianne responded in an equally seductive tone, "So, what are you going to do then?"
Alex's fingers grazed Dianne's face, and he leaned in, his lips inches from hers. The tension between them was palpable, and it seemed like time had stood still.
Just as their red, tempting lips were about to meet, a sudden interruption broke the moment...
"Ahem!" A deep voice, shattering the intimate moment of this couple. It was the security guard of the bank, standing nearby.
'Hmmm?'. Both Dianne and Alex who are at the sweet romantic moment looked at him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you bu..." The security guard bit his lip and looked sideways to hide his laughter and he continued. " yo... your, *laugh*.... gi... girlfriend stepped". He bit again his lip and continue again. "she stepped on a dog poop."
As the guard finished. He is still laughing secretly.
For Alex, he removed his hands to Dianne's cheeks and shoulder.
Both of them look below and there, they saw a poor brown dog poop. It's not that fresh, however it is still wet. A poor poop that brutally stepped from these two love birds with no mercy. The fragments of the poop spread and the smell of its rotten body is strong that even the guard over the corner can smell it.
Even the passerbys are covering their nose to cover the smell of the strongest and most powerful poison in the world - probably.
Luckily the passerbys are few, however it's still shameful to these two love birds. The smell is slowly covering the area.
"Alex..." *Sobs* it was Dianne who already crying.
"Don't move" Alex said it and he hugged Dianne.
"Even if you stepped on a poop, I still love you.". Hugging Dianne so tightly.
"I can smell it now, Alex". Dianne is still crying.
"Me, too."
Suddenly Dianne shouts. *Waaahhmmm...*. Hastily, Alex covered her mouth with his hand.
"Don't cry so loud." Alex whispers Dianne in her ear.
"How long we will be here?"
"Until it's dark. It's almost near afterall". Alex said jokingly.
"Your kidding right?"
Alex only chose to be silent.
"ALEX!!" She exclaimed.
"Of course, I am. Let's go" Alex Grabbed Dianne's hand and they both ran.
They both run back to the restaurant to cleanse the body and the smell of the poop.
As they are running back...
They are both not far from the restaurant, just one more corner. But something, another strange event happens.
Dianne slipped... "Yah!?"
*Owh*. Thankfully, Alex catches her.
Dianne almost fell to the ground.
Another dramatic scene happens but they don't care about it anymore since the smell of a rotten corpse is strong.
"What happened? Did you slip on a poop?". He jokingly asked, however, the concern as well carved on his face.
Dianne gestured helplessly, her eyes still welling up with tears. "Funny?" she angrily whispered, her voice is also trembling.
Just then, more people walked by and saw the evidence. They laughed so hard. And gossiping...
Then again, they both looked what Dianne's step. And yes. If you think it's a poop, your correct.
Dianne's foot landed squarely on the poop again, causing Dianne to let out a silent, anguished cry.
Now, both left and right sandals are now covered with brownish-colored poop with stink that can kill even a fly.
She was having the worst day ever, and it seemed like fate was toying her.
"What the hell is wrong with you today?" Alex exclaimed, frustration boiling over.
"Why do you love stepping in poop?" He added.
Rather than be lectured, Dianne tried to run hastily. However, there is something strange that occurs.
A dog is watching at them, and it seems to be smiling too.
Alex bloodlust vapors and the dog runs fast as if it saw his death.
Alex and Dianne now continue their journey. As for Dianne, she is walking while sweeping his sandals to the ground to remove the remains of the poop.
...
..
.
Back to time where Alex and Dianne just got themselves outside.
"Just... what happened to them?". It was Ryan.
"I don't know" it was Orly.
Even Richard, an observant man didn't comprehend what happened and said. "Even I, didn't understand either."
"I just we forgot something". I said to grab their attention.
While facing at my plate, I stare at them. They stopped, probably processing some thoughts. Or... Those three didn't understand a thing or should I say, they only focused on what happened on Alex and Dianne.
Since they ignore what I said, I continued. "Just to tell you guys. I don't care about those two but..." As I said that I look at the foods we ordered to grab their attention that the food. This food we ordered, who in the world will pay for it. I thought they knew what I am implying to them, however...
"Yeah, those two. Fighting is normal for them. Let's just continue eating." It was Orly who didn't even grasped what I want to tell.
'huh!?'
"Hmmm. Let's just finish eating and join them." It was Ryan.
Richard only nodded.
'huuuh!!?'
Hey!. I think they didn't understand me.
Rather than question them if the food was paid. I decided to leave secretly to them.
I scanned the restaurant and I caught sight of the waitress...
I had no idea where she was headed. Did she have the bill, or was she simply waiting to take an order from the customers?
"I'll go to the bathroom," I announced, standing up from my seat. However, before I could take a step, Ryan, who is sitting beside me, grabbed my left arm.
"What?" I asked, exaggerating my discomfort. And continue...
"My bladder is going to explode!" I added, mimicking the urge to urinate for emphasis.
"Gil, we were friends for a very long time. We already did several tricks. Do you think I didn't recognized that idiot Alex and Dianne did?" It was Orly who seems mad.
"Yes, now you will go to bathroom and leave us alone. Do you think we didn't escalate that plan?" It was Ryan.
"I thought Alex changed but he is still the same."
As this three exchanging their honest opinion...
The waitress came together with the manager.
As for me. I sits. A sign of lose.
Then the two, arrives.
.....
A busy restaurant, four friends - Gilbert, Ryan, Orly, and Richard - sitting at a square table, looking worried.
The manager, Mr. Lioan, approaches them, wearing a bright white with a blazer's , a blue striped collar in its neck and a name tag that reads "Manager,"
"Ah-ah, gentlemen! I think we have a problem here! You've enjoyed a lovely meal, but it seems you've forgotten the most important part... (dramatic pause) ...the bill!" It was Mr. Lioan said in a silly voice.
Orly speaks nervously, "Oh, wha... what are talking about. We have money to pay. Ah-hahaha" forcefully laughing.
The manager shakes his pointing finger to say No. "That long red hair told me that you guys had no money".
~Alex~ we all had the same thought.
With that, we know Alex did this. In our imagination, that idiot is laughing at us now.
"I will go home and get some money." It was Orly. Trying to run away.
Mr. Lioan continued to speak while wagging his finger. "Tsk-tsk-tsk! You can't just eat and run, my friends! (he puts on a pair of sunglasses) That's not how the game is played! You've got to pay the price!"
"We're sorry, Mr. Lioan. We'll pay the bill." It was Richard.
As for me, this is expected. And I can't argue since I didn't bring money. 'That stupid Alex' angrily said to myself while clenching my hands.
Mr. Lioan replied, removing his sunglasses. "Ah, but it's too late for that! You've already eaten the food, and now you must face the consequences! You're going to have to work off the debt. We need additional manpower".
"Oh, my handsomeness is not fit for anything unless I will be going as the dishwasher!" It was Ryan who said it excitedly.
"No, it would be me". Orly speaks in opposition to Ryan.
"It would fit for me". Richard joins.
And the fight started.
Mr. Johnson who is grinning, speaks. "Ahem! ( He coughed to get everyone's attention ) but it's not just dishwashing! You'll be doing various tasks around the restaurant... (he consults a clipboard) ...including cleaning the grease trap, dishwashing, and... (dramatic pause) ... Area cleaning. I will give a task to you, so it will be equal."
"My house is near, Manager, can I just go and return back again with the payment?" I said that as I broke my silence.
"I told you leaving is not an option. You may also run. Don't worry, you will only work until 10 PM"
Ryan looked at his wristwatch. It's 6 PM.
"This is going to be a long day..." We said that in unison.
"Oh, it's just beginning! Now, let's get to work!"
*****
The manager gave us specific jobs.
For Richard, he was a waiter - lucky dude.
For Ryan, it was the grease washing from the used pans - how cruel.
And lastly, Orly was given the task of Area cleaning - cruelty as well.
As for me, I'm a dishwasher - an average cruelty since there are two people helping me.
As for Orly, area cleaning was not just a floor cleaning but also in the comfort room and every section of the establishment.
Orly is singing with tears while he's in the comfort room scrubbing. "I will survive... hey, hey... it's a cleaner life..."
"I think I'm going to survive... on a diet of soap and water... My handsomeness was covered by this grease. How painful..." Ryan speaks dramatically.
Ryan is also in the kitchen, in the dishwashing area not too far away from me.
"Stop daydreaming, you're not handsome!" It was Richard who just entered.
"Oh, come on... I'm more sexy than you and more handsome than the other actors..." Ryan is smiling with tears.
Cleaning grease is not easy. I know for sure that sacrifice.
The scene ends with the four friends in their different weapons. Serious and mad at the guy who abandoned them.
...
..
.
While the four got a serious job ongoing.
Alex and Dianne rushed hastily inside of the said restaurant, with, of course, the remnants of the evidence of the crime scene. What a poor poop.
Are also in a very serious battle.
"Boss...?" the manager said as they met at the entrance of the restaurant.
Luckily the four friends aren't around.
"Shhhh, quiet!" Alex whispered urgently, chasing his breath. "Can we use your bathroom for a second?"
The response came in equally hushed tones: "Ah, yes, boss."
"I told quietly. Don't call me Boss." Alex exclaimed.
"Ah, so-sorry. Si...sir?"
Alex nodded in gratitude. "Thank you."
Then the love birds entered the restaurant.
Luckily the smell isn't that strong. Why?
Alex is now carrying a plastic bag, inside of it were the sandals of Dianne.
How they got the plastic bag? Well, Alex scavenges first in the trash bins. They're like a homeless love birds. How romantic.
Alex didn't want to destroy the restaurant's reputation from its first opening so he planned to make the smell and the remnants to small as possible.
*****
"Who was that manager? They are stinky!" The waitress asked.
"They are the ones who ran away and left their friends, sir". The incoming waitress said.
"No. No. No. You guys are wrong. That was the owner of this restaurant. Also what he did was to prank his friends. You see, they just all met for over 4 years." It was the manager.
~Ohhhh~ both waitresses were shocked.
"But still. That girl smell's stinky".
"Shhh, Get back to work!"
~Yes, sir!~
.....
Back to the love birds.
When they entered the restaurant they headed to the manager's room, then proceeded hastily to the toilet to clean the evidence that glued on Dianne's sandals.
Dianne heads to the toilet and Alex patiently waits for her to finish.
.....
As Dianne finished, Alex came next.
He stripped the plastic bag and the smell explodes.
The awful smell can kill a fly.
Yes, it can.
With no mercy.
He took about 20 minutes in the toilet.
Luckily no one noticed a rotten-like smell, but if did, they will gonna ignore them.
He then continued to cover the smell of prophecy.
"Finally, the smell's gone." He said with a tone of success.
After being washed with running water and soap the smell seems gone, however, they are still not convinced so Alex uses three bottles of isopropyl alcohol and one perfume.
Wasted or not, as long as it covers the evidence of the poor citizen on the road, it's a necessary move.
"Finally it's odorless now." He said while he put the sandals standing on the wall then he continued. "Make sure that next time, check to where you're walking." It was Alex, said in an annoyed tone.
Dianne shot a dead and withering glare at Alex.
After cleaning Dianne's Sandals, Alex also cleaned the floor because it also smells like hell.
Even the room of the manager smells hell. So they cleaned, washed, and perfumed all places.
Now, the room is shining and smells flowery.
The operation, - covering the smell of evidence - is a success.
...
..
.
After the manager gave them their weapons. They scattered on their respective battlefields.
That time.
Orly, armed with a mop, made his way to the lower floor. As he began to clean, he noticed something familiar.
It was Dianne and Alex. Chatting with the manager.
Orly's eyes narrowed, his grip on the mop handle tightening in a sign of anger towards the idiot's love birds. He couldn't help but wonder why do they approached the manager.
Additionally, they chose the path of the exit rather than in entrance. Something wrong here. All of this wandering is at Orly's head right now. Trying to process this unexpected event.
"Seems Alex knows the manager. I see they plot this for us. Alex you piece of trash."
Now that Orly knew that what happened a while ago between Dianne and Alex was just a scripted act for a prank.
"Let's see what are they up to now?" Orly muttered to himself, his mind racing with possibilities.
He ran quietly and hid on a pillar to avoid being noticed.
Just then, the manager talked. "Boss?"
'Boss? Don't tell me... No no, I am not Ryan who overreacting easily.'
When he hears the "Boss" the following conversation is hushed. However...
Suddenly an expected thing occurs.
As Orly continued spying on them, Alex and Dianne proceeded to the Manager's room.
He knew for sure, that Alex was the mastermind of this prank and made Dianne part of it since he didn't want his girlfriend to be dirty. But this is way too far that it became annoying.
As he was about to move, he heard something interesting...
"... He is the owner of this restaurant..."
Orly stopped and looked around at the manager again.
Does he hear it correctly? It sounds clear but is it correct?
To answer this, he hid himself again however the conversation had already ended. To get his answer, he goes to the waitress.
The waitress, carrying a food tray, walked toward Orly.
"Ah... Miss. Excuse me. Is Alex the owner of this restaurant?" He asked the approaching waitress.
"Yes? Why you asked?"
For sure, this waitress didn't know Orly, so luckily the so-should surprise was uncovered.
"No. Nothing. I addressed him badly a while ago. Thank you"
The waitress nodded.
After he said that. He hastily runs to the others.
.....
He slammed the door.
"Guys, guys."
"What?" It was me - Gilbert, who questioned him in a lifeless tone.
Both Ryan and I are now wet and sweaty. Although the restaurant has an Air conditioner (AC). We still sweat like a waterfall.
"You will not gonna believe this, but Alex is the owner of this restaurant," he said either surprised or annoyed.
"Huh?" I was shocked.
"What do you mean? Is this another joke or sort of prank" It was Richard.
"Ohh. Are we done with our chores? I need sleep, I don't want to have eyebags. My beautiful face will be ruined." It was the dramatic Ryan, who talking flamboyantly.
He is not a gay, just overreacting. Since he's a model of course it is understandable but he took it to a higher level.
We choose to ignore him.
"Probably another lie," I bitterly spat.
"Who told you that?"
"I saw him and the manager talking and the manager addressed him as boss "
"Any person can be called boss. Even in the kitchen, they called me boss." Richard casually said.
"No, they entered the Manager's room."
"*sigh* It's a prank. Alex probably gonna pay for the food and let us continue to work." I coldly said to him.
"Yeah, that's a kind of person, Alex. Look there's a cctv's he may watching there and laughing at us." It was Richard who seemed annoyed.
"You have a point. So, are we gonna work even if we knew what he doing?" It was Orly's concern.
True... If the food is paid. There's no reason for us to work.
The manager entered the room. "Is that red longhair guy, one with you?".
"Yeah, yeah. Does he pay?" Orly firmly stated.
"Yes but only his portion. So the rest will still be paid by labor..."
*Huh!?. We shared the same thoughts.
"However..." the manager said, holding up one finger to indicate there was more. "You'll be paid half. We desperately need workers due to the massive number of customers we've got. And we didn't expect this."
"Fine by me". I said.
After I said it, the three agreed to help the restaurant for the day.
"Thank you".
"Ahhh, excuse me, manager. If you need a workforce. Can I apply?" I asked.
"Yeah, sure we love to have you."
"Thank you, manager".
...
..
.
As the time passed by, it was already 10 PM.
Time the closing of the restaurant.
The four get themselves up on the second floor to say their goodbyes to the manager and there, they meet Dianne and Alex sitting there with the manager standing at the right side of Alex.
"Yo! guys. How are you". It was Alex joyfully mocking us.
"Well, well, well, "I said while shaking my head. "Look who's the big boss now."
Ryan playfully rolled his eyes. "We should have known better than to trust you with our dinner plans."
Alex chuckled, unrepentant. "Hey, I just wanted to spice things up. And besides, you guys are doing a very great job. The customers love you."
Orly raised an eyebrow. "The customers love us? We're basically slaves, men. We were forced to work off our massive food bill."
Alex shrugged. "Semantics. You're part of the team now, men. And I hear you will also receive a pay. You are welcome."
As they stand still, Orly glares to Alex with a sly grin.
"You know, we're not going to let you get away with this that easily."
Alex's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. Hahaha."
Ryan chuckled. "Just wait until we come up with our revenge plan."
Alex continues to laugh. "I'm looking forward to it."
Alex and Dianne laughed so hard that they forgot the manager still standing.
The manager breaks his silence and speaks in a whisper. "Ahh excuse me, boss, can I go home now? I guess you didn't need me here"
Alex replied with a nod.
.....
As the four friends also plan to head home, Alex stops them.
"Opss guys wait. Come on, let's put that behind us and celebrate our friendship," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"What do you mean that?" I said.
Alex stood up and walked near them, then continued.
"Let's go to Labnasan Beach tomorrow. I've already packed our things. We ready to go tomorrow." He said in an energetic tone.
"Huh!?. Tomorrow?" I replied out of shock.
Although it's Sunday tomorrow. I don't want to be absent from my job again.
"Yeah, I already booked the place there."
"No, it's a trap again". Orly exclaimed.
"No. No. No. Men," he got his phone and handed it to Orly. "look at the messenger.". He said.
We four, looked at it and yes. It is legit. They had a conversation about booking a place to live for 1 day and 1 night. However, we should not lower our guard. This may be another prank.
"How about Dianne?"
"She won't come with us. She's at her friends." In a low-volume - energy, or a rather sad tone.
"I see. Well, I'm pass"
"Me, too."
"I will also"
"Well, I'm tired and my beauty is fading. So I'm gonna go home now, bye." It was Ryan who looked very tired, waving at us while he left.
We just witnessed Ryan walking outside of the restaurant.
"Come on bro, let's celebrate our reunion". Alex patiently waited for our answer, and then Richard continued. "Give me money and I will rent a car."
"I have a car, Richard."
"I know, that is the reason why I want to rent a car, I will also be in charge of ordering the foods and will be the one who will carry it."
"Huh!?, Richard. I have a car. I will go to your respective houses then we go together."
"No. If you don't agree with me. Then we will not come." Richard said in a justified tone.
I already gasped at what they talking about. Richard is now cautious. Alex didn't changed and the fact he did to us today, he is still a prankster. We should learn from him.
"Okay, okay fine" Alex gets his wallet and then he gives Richard a couple of thousands. I don't really know the exact count but it's probably P10k.
"Good. Our meeting place is at that beach you told us."
"Fine". Alex feels lost.
And after their conversation, we headed our way home.
Alex only gives a big sigh.
.....
We are now outside of the restaurant.
"I will go now, I have to rent a car and order some foods for tomorrow. I will also be going to your respective houses." It was Richard.
We just nodded and had ourselves at different paths.
Orly has a motorcycle.
For Richard, he got a Grab - a ride-hailing service.
As for me, our house is near. Just 500 meters away probably. I'm sorry I didn't know much about distance.
...
..
.
The next day.
I am in a heavy sleep because I was so tired last night.
I am quietly sleeping with a sense of freedom.