GAEL'S POV
I had just gotten home from work and decided to stop by Manong Kaloy's bakery for a quick snack. Their pandesal was too good to pass up, so I found myself in line, waiting to buy some.
Should I invite Gianna to eat here? Lately, it felt like we hardly went out together anymore. Life had been so busy; we rarely even left work at the same time. Sometimes she had to stay behind, and I'd leave without her.
But what really puzzled me was why Sir Locan had personally picked her up in his car during the company anniversary. I thought he was just dropping her home, but according to people at her apartment, she hadn't gone back. Where did they go?
I could feel it—she was hiding something from me.
I was lost in thought when a small tap on my shoulder brought me back to reality. I looked down to see a little girl tapping me. I raised an eyebrow in recognition. Where had I seen her before?
"Can you move aside?" she said, in perfect English. Wow, her parents must be rich.
"Are you deaf?" she added. Wait… what?
"Huh?" I replied, confused. She raised her brow and pointed in front of me. I turned and noticed, for the first time, that one of Manong Kaloy's staff had been staring at me and waiting for his order all this time. I forced a smile and quickly apologized.
I stepped back to let the girl pass. I was even more surprised when she started picking out her order and handed money from a tiny little purse. Wow, she had a lot of cash. Once she paid, she left.
But before she reached the door, a slightly taller boy grabbed her arm.
Maybe her brother? They looked alike. But why did they feel so familiar to me? Where had I seen them before?
"What are you doing here? I've been looking for you!" the boy said, a little annoyed.
They were adorable together. I couldn't help staring.
"I'm buying you food. You said you were hungry, remember?" the girl answered.
"Fine. Let's go. Daddy's probably looking for us."
They left through the door, disappearing from sight.
I returned to buy a slice of cake and a soft drink, then sat down at a table outside the bakery.
I was enjoying my snack when I noticed a man rushing into the bakery, looking frantic, searching for someone. He even asked the vendor for directions before rushing back out. My eyes widened when I recognized him.
"Sir Carl?" I called out in surprise. He immediately turned toward me and hurried over.
"Did you see two kids? A boy and a girl—about this tall?" He gestured as if measuring them.
"Kids?" I thought for a moment, then remembered the two children who had bought something earlier.
"Oh, yes! Two kids were here earlier. One of them even spoke English—"
"They're them! Where did they go after buying their stuff?" he cut me off sharply.
"I… I don't know. They just went that way," I said, pointing. But before I could blink, Sir Carl was already off, running toward the direction I'd indicated. I quickly finished my soft drink and followed him.
"Wait, sir! Hold on!" I shouted, but he didn't even slow down. Why was he in such a hurry? Were these two kids really his siblings? If so, he'd need my help to find them.
Even as my knees gave out, I pushed myself to run faster. I tripped when the heel of my sandal broke. Great. I could feel the scrape on my left knee, but I ignored it, kicked off my sandals, and kept running barefoot. I didn't care what people might think. Right now, my future boyfriend needed me.
I caught up to Sir Carl just as he stopped about two hundred meters ahead, frozen, trying to decide which way to go. I was out of breath, nearly gasping for air.
"You walk… so fast," I said, panting, but he just frowned at me.
"What are you doing?" he asked irritably.
"I'm helping you find your siblings," I replied. He frowned again but just shook his head.
"I don't need your help," he said, turning toward the forks in the road.
"I know this area like the back of my hand. I can help you, I promise," I pressed. He finally glanced at me.
"Fine, sir," he muttered, sighing before nodding. I grinned.
"Okay. We split up—"
"No! We're not even official yet, and you want to split up already? No way! I won't allow it—"
"Be serious. I need to find them. Understand?" he said sternly. I went silent and nodded.
"Okay," I agreed.
"You go that way; I'll go this way," he pointed left. "Give me your phone," he ordered.
I froze. Damn. I'd suspected he might be the type, just shy about admitting it. I handed over my phone, smiling secretly.
"Call me when you find them, okay?"
Before I could answer, he vanished from sight.
I bit my lip, unable to hide my grin. He actually gave me his number! Luck was definitely on my side today. I straightened myself up and headed right.
I went to the plaza, the market, and the schools, but couldn't find the children we were looking for. I had already walked quite a distance when the sky opened up and a heavy rain started.
Great. I sprinted, letting the rain drench me completely, and sought shelter at the police station.
How was I supposed to find them now, with no umbrella and soaking wet? I cursed myself silently. The rain poured harder, and here I was—barefoot. Perfect.
Minutes passed, but the rain showed no signs of letting up. Should I just run into it? I was already soaked anyway. But I had work tomorrow… I could get sick. Ugh, this was so frustrating. Maybe I should just call Sir Carl. That was probably the best idea.
I grabbed my phone and dialed his number, unable to stop myself from smiling. My heart raced.
I held the phone to my ear, waiting for him to pick up, when I glanced at the glass door of the police station—and nearly dropped my phone.
"Hello?" he answered on the other end.
"I found them!" I said.
He swore loudly. I moved the phone away from my ear. Wait—was he swearing at me?
"Where are you? I'll come there."
"At the police station, near the plaza."
"I'll be there."
"Oh… hello? Sir? Hello? Don't hang up on me!" I rolled my eyes. Sometimes, that handsome guy really had no manners.
But it didn't matter. At least now, I'd found his siblings.