CHAPTER 3: (Edited)

“Good morning Canada!” said I, while I yawned and put my way back into sleep. Five minutes passed and “RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRING!” I quickly snoozed up my alarm and nervously said, “Oh God! First day of work!” I got out of the bed as quick as I could, took a bath and wore my uniform. I went outside of my room and cooked my breakfast. I had scrambled egg and fried rice. “Gosh, I miss Pinas (short term for Philippines). “ I wonder how my parents are doing.” Sigh.

 Another day without my parents or siblings and I am all alone at this house. “I know this place is small but I think my parents could fit their selves in.” My cup of hot cocoa is half empty when my phone alarmed for the second time. “Okay, got to go.”

 I put my dish and cup to the sink. Had a final look at the mirror, “Oh Sophia, you’re looking good”, and run to the door.

“Should not be late. Should not be late. Should never be...” I was taken aback with what I saw. A bouquet of red roses lay down on the floor. “Oh, what are these beautiful roses doing here?”

I looked around to check if there’s a sign of the sender. “I wonder where these roses came from?”

Good thing a card was with it.

 

Sophia,

May you have a great morning. I hope to see you later.

Take care.

JB

 

“JB? Who the hell could this be? John Bruno?” I gave out a controlled laugh. “Who the hell is John Bruno anyway?”

“Looking good, Sophia” said John, one of the first neighbors that I be-friend here.

“Thank you John. Oh, by the way. Did you see someone at my door lately with these, hmm, flowers?”

“Oh, I’m sorry but I saw no one. But, whoever he is, I think he has a huge crush on you. Those flowers are really cute.”

“Yes, indeed. Thank you anyway. Hey, I have to go. Today’s my first day at work.” I replied while waving goodbye at John.

“Goodbye Sophia. See you later”, answered John enthusiastically and quickly turned back away from me.

I walked down the street and looked for a cab.

“Taxi!” I went inside the cab and closed the door.

“To Hotel Supreme please, thank you”

“Alright miss”, said the taxi driver.

I arrived at hotel supreme for more than an hour. I wasn’t late though.

Hotel supreme is a famous 6-star hotel and restaurant here in Canada. Celebrities and politicians are the frequent guests here.

I greeted everyone cheerfully as I entered and walked along. I went to the administrator’s office and looked for him.

I stand outside his room for a minute then knocked and opened it.

“Good morning, is Mr. Jefferson here?”

“Yes. I am Mr. Jefferson. How may I help you?”

Mr. Andrew Jefferson is a tall, white and handsome man. A complete package. Like a prince charming who escaped from a fairytale book. However, I could sense something from his voice.

“Oh, good morning Mr. Jefferson. I am Sophia, Sophia Velasco. I’m new here as a receptionist. “

“Okay. We’ve already talked about your job and schedule during our orientation last Monday right? Since you will start as a trainee here, you will have tentative schedule. You’ll start your shift at exactly 10 in the morning in replace of Miss Soledad. Do I make myself clear?”

I gave him a smart nod and a smile. “Crystal”

“Good. Make yourself comfortable here first. It’s only 8:45. Have a sit. Retouch your make up if necessary.”

 His office is not that big however it was well-decorated. I wonder if he would mind if I will take pictures of myself here. I looked around and a flower arrangement caught my eye. “Oh my, these are beautiful flowers.”

“Really? Thanks. My boyfriend gave it to me earlier this morning.”

That confirms my suspicion. “Your boyfriend? How long have you two been together?

“Four years”, answered Mr. Jefferson gladly.

“Oh, that’s cool. I’m happy for you.”

Mr. Jefferson turned on his radio and a familiar voice was singing.

“Justin Bouvier? Number one again. Oh gosh, he’s really sensational”, said Mr.Jefferson.

“Justin Bouvier? Oh gosh.” I was shocked. My phone vibrated then rang. This woke me up.

“Hello, good morning. Who’s on the line?”

“Hey, it’s me, Justin. Good morning. How are you?”

I nearly stumbled upon hearing his’ voice. “I’m good? How about you?” I turned to Mr. Jefferson and covered the phone. “Oh my gosh! Pinch me!” I still can’t believe this is happening. Last night, I saw him and ate with him. Today, his on the phone. I really want to faint at this very moment.

“What? What happened? Who’s that?” Mr. Jefferson was a bit alarmed.

I waved wait to Mr. Jefferson. Took a deep breath and continued talking to him.

“I’m good. Where are you? Are you free tonight?” answered Justin.

“Oh, I’m here at the hotel for work. This is my first day and my schedule’s kinda confusing. I mean, there’s a chance that I’ll get home very late.”

“Oh, I see. Let me know if you’re free, okay? Oh, don’t you have a break? Let’s have coffee then.”

“I, I really don’t know. I’ll just text you if I have, alright?”

“Okay. I’ll wait for that. By the way, have you received the flowers?”

The flowers are from Justin. I can’t believe it. I’m starting to sweat.

“Oh, yeah. Thank you”, I answered in a plain tone.

“I hope you liked it. I was the one who chose those. Oh, hey. I hope I could meet you up tonight. What hotel is that, anyway?”

“Hotel Supreme. Hey, I got to go. My shift is about to start.”

“Oh, okay. Take care. Text me, alright.”

“I’ll try. Bye.”

I hung up the phone and wiped the sweat all over my face.

“Girl, who’s that? Are you okay?” Mr. Jefferson worriedly asked.

I was pale and a bit shaky. “Oh my gosh! You won’t believe who just called.”

“Who? Tell me. You’re making me way too excited.”

“Promise me. It’ll be a secret just between the two of us. Okay?”

“I will. I will.”

Since I got no one to tell what happened, I trusted Mr. Jefferson with it. Besides, I could feel my heart is nearly to explode if I would just keep it in.

I told him everything about what had happened yesterday. I realized Mr. Jefferson wasn’t that strict. He’s fun and very friendly. Our friendship started that day.

My shift ended at 11 in the evening. I changed my clothes and went out of the hotel. This was one tiring day”, I said to myself.

I walked along the streets; I wasn’t far though from the hotel when my phone rang.

“Hey Sophia. Are you out? Justin is on the line again.

“Yes, I am.”

“Where are you? I’m here outside of the hotel, waiting.”

“Huh? Where?”

“Oh, I think I’m seeing you. You’re wearing a red jacket, right?”

“Yes, I am. Where are you, I can’t see you.” I was looking from left to right but still, no sign of Justin’s shadow.

“Of course, you can’t. Don’t move. Stay there, okay?”

I didn’t move from the spot where I’m standing. After few seconds, a red Volvo car approached me.

“Excuse me, Miss. May I know where you’re up to?”

“Oh, there you are. I’m going home.”

“Oh, common. Get inside. I’ll give you a lift home.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you.”

Justin got out of the car and opened the door for me.

“Have you had your dinner, Sophia?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Oh, uhm. I just came from the rehearsal so, I didn’t have my dinner yet. Would you mind having another dinner with me? Pleease.”

I paused for a while. Thinking of an answer . I don’t want to offend Justin but I also don’t want to appear as if I’m easy. “Okay, as long as you promise to bring me home after.”

“Promise.”

Justin started a conversation as he searched for the nearest restaurant.

“I really love spaghetti and meat balls. Mom cooked it best. How about you?” he shared.

“I do love spaghetti too. I’m a big fan of pasta.”

“Really? That’s cool. I think that we could get along really well with foods.”

“I hope so.”

We arrived at El Pepito’s Restaurant. One of the famous Italian restaurant here in Canada. We got out of the car and went inside the restaurant.

The ambiance was really amazing. It was not a 5-star restaurant however, it clearly achieved the atmosphere of a fine-dining food establishment. The food was very appetizing and the restaurant gave a quality service. Now I know why this place is famous.

Justin and I had a great conversation. We did not even notice that we stayed there for more than 2 hours.

 Another unbelievable day passed by. I was home at last. I had my usual warm bath and had checked my mail before going to bed. I was really tired and sleepy and I’m hoping that I could get up early for work.

 “This was one crazy day again, Sophia. Goodnight” I prayed and closed my eyes to sleep.

Reviews

[Worms]

I think that this is going to be a good story,
but as of yet there is no real juicy conflict
there's no evil boss
there's no nagging parents
there's not even some demented ex boyfriend banging down her door
all I think that this story needs now is some conflict

[mir]

After hesitatingly reading Ch. 1, curious to find out what happened next, so felt need to continue reading Ch. 2, then Ch. 3. I believe you're doing a great job in using your creative imagination to GRAB the attention of readers (like me) into your interesting story. You've obviously got the talent and the passion to write. Sophia's personality is attractive. I like how you tailor certain personalities and their attitudes to the different characters in your story. If you add more to your story, you've hooked my attention, so far, to continue reading. I'm curious to follow up; I like your story.

Why did Sophia not know who her flowers came from? I would imagine that she would have guessed right away that they came from Justin, especially with the initials of JB and the message written on the card, and since the exciting event of the once-in-a-lifetime experience with him the day before.

Instead of worrying about all the necessary editing, punctuation and spelling corrections, clarifications, and all that other jazz, I'd finish this story, then go back to do all of that small stuff later. Keep on writing as long as the ideas keep coming in your head. I agree with Worms' comments below. Great job!

[iamcarolfierce]

Hey guys, thanks for reviewing. I'm not yet done with editing chapters 2-3. So, I'll have time to grant your requests. :) Thanks again.

[SpokenWord]

Oh Sophia is too funny to me, the flowers said JB and she missed it, but I guess she was running to work and didn't have time to really think about it. As a reader I have to ask, how did she afford a house when this was her first day to work? Her boss was mean at first I thought he was going to be some evil boss that Justin would have to rescue her from but instead he was just different and could relate to her on another level.

I think Justin is persistent but being a guy I have to wonder about his intentions. I mean who can have anyone and he has his sites on a woman who sometimes doesn't give him the time of day. So does he really like her or does he just want to get into her pants?

I will see when the next chapters post I imagine~