Reece Tyler Anderson’s POV
I was driving my ferrari purosangue on my way to Aster Café when my phone rings, I didn’t bother to answer since I don’t have the guts to talk to anyone right now. However, it keeps on ringing so I get my phone with my left hand and answered;
“Hello?”
“Hey son, How’s your stay in the Philippines?” I heard my mother’s voice through the phone.
The urge to punch the steering wheel but I calmly talk to them like nothing was happened.
“Mom, I’m doing good here. I’m on the way to café, so call ya later. Bye!“
A couple of minutes when I arrived at the location. I immediately felt the cool breeze of Baguio. Well, I felt that yesterday when I arrived at my place but it’s colder here at Aster Café.
This is one of the famous coffee shop here in Philippines, due to its high quality servings and the verdant view outdoors, and has a wide space for star gazing at night. A two story building and a perfect place for relaxing view. When you’re at the counter, you can see an aesthetically painted flower. It is an aster flower with its red petals. On the other part of the wall, you can see coffee and bread related paintings. They were also aesthetically painted. Amazing.
One cup of filtered coffee and a pieces of pita bread are my requested orders while waiting for ‘my friend’, Dennis.
But while waiting, Someone caught my attention at the entrance door, I saw this lady in her red fitted dress, carrying her black coat with her black louis vuitton hand bag on her right hand. She’s absolutely stounded while looking at… me? Yeah she’s looking at me!
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Mariah Stella Cruz’ POV
3 months ago, I have received an email stating that I was hired at Aster Café, one of the biggest and famous coffee shop here in Philippines. They have over 200 branches inside the country, and over 50 branches outside the Philippines. The reason why I was over the moon when I read the email saying, I am hired to manage one of their Café and that’s where my dream place is… In Baguio!
But look who’s inside this café, that causes my feet trembling, I couldn’t move forward, I’m stuck standing at the main entrance of my workplace!
Reece Tyler Anderson is intensely staring at my direction. Did he recognized me? Of course not, Riah.
To lighten up the atmosphere, I called Mr. Dennis, the manager of all the managers in this company. I asked him about his friend, the one I will tour later. He sent me his picture and name, and to my surprise, it’s Reece Tyler Anderson! And he is not just someone I know, because he was my first boyfriend, my first heartbreak!
However, analyzing about what happened is no one to blame. I am certain, he already reached his dreams. Look at him, he looks like professional. And I will always be proud of him.
But for now, we’re back to strangers again. So I don’t have any reason to get nervous or to feel what kind of feelings I’m feeling right now. I can conquer this.
“Good day, Sir! You must be Mr. Reece Tyler Anderson, a friend of Mr. Dennis Gomez? I am Marriah Stella Cruz, the manager of Aster Café here in Baguio. My pleasure to meet you, Mr. Anderson!”
I was expecting that he would somehow smile, just like before, but I can’t see any curve on his lips. He looks so serious. Seems like he’s different person.
Instead of greeting me back, he looked around the venue and he just sighed!
“Is that how you manage this café? You are always late when you’re meeting with VIP?”
“But I’m on time, sir, maybe you’re just too early?”
He has amnesia, that’s why he didn’t recognize me.
We were in 2 years relationship before. We were happy enjoying each others company. We were so in love. But sadly, his parents were not in to us. They wanted us to pursue our career, they wanted Tyler to study abroad and pursue his dream there. But he couldn’t leave Philippines just because of me, of course I want the best for him and if he stays in Philippines just for me? I will be forever guilty. That’s why when he got the accident and he lost his memory, I took that chance to escape from his arms.
It was hard, I was hurt, broken and missing him every day. It was really hard. But at least his parents successfully convinced him to live in US. There was no reason to stay… because the time when he woke up, I wasn’t there to introduce myself as his girlfriend. His parents knew it all.
“Wow, it’s nice here.” he commented when I brought him here in the rooftop.
“Yes, this spot is perfect for you. You love star gazing.”
“You know that?” Then I stopped when I realized that I didn’t control my mouth. Of course I remember he loves star gazing but I shouldn’t tell him that. He will just teased me that I’m stalking him. Ohh!
“A-ohhh, I’m just guessing. A lot of people comes here because of stargazing. Maybe you have same reason as them.”
“Ok”
That was an exhausting night.
And I thought that was the ending of my pretending. But he became a regular customer and his favorite spot is here at the roof top.
He is leaning on the rails while holding his coffee. I couldn’t help but to stare at him from behind.
‘I miss you, but I’m just a total stranger to you’
‘I miss our laughters, our small talks to deep conversations. Your hugs and kisses.’
‘Why do these memories of us keeps on popping inside my head?’
‘Will you forgive me, if your memories comeback?’
‘I apologize for taking that chance to escape from your arms. I loved you and I wanted the best for you. I will, always….’
And for unidentified reason, I don’t know why that tears escaped from my eyes. I just felt a loud bang to my chest, the eagerness to hug him tight, to tell him everything and to let him know who I was to him.
I immediately run in to my office. I throw myself at the swivel chair and started to stare on the wall, there’s a picture frame but it’s a painted flower. Maybe Mr. Dennis love that kind of flower. I also noticed that flower at the counter, on the wall.
Why I’m even distracted over small things? Riah, focus on your job.
I was planning to recheck the sales from the other day, since our new cashier got a huge trouble on his duty. I was on the middle of computing when my phone beeps and it was Mr. Dennis, the manager of all the managers.
He asked about the performance of this new café. Last night, our sales went higher over six hundred eighty thousand pesos. And Baguio branch became top 2 with the highest sales in the country. But to my surprise, he also asked how I’m feeling. Does it matter to him?
Time flies too fast. Today is Monday and earlier before I entered in this café, I decided to stay positive and to be happy. But unexpectedly, Mr. Dennis came by to visit.
He is sitting on the sofa while staring at the flower painting on the wall “You’re doing a great job, huh.” He suddenly uttered and turn his gaze on me. He smiled.
“Of course, I love managing.”
He just laughed “Have you ever managed a relationship, then?” I was stunned by his question.
“Wow. Mr. Dennis that was a sudden question, huh?” What if I tell him that his friend, Tyler was my boyfriend? Hmmft.
“Kidding aside, anyway I told you that you should just call me Dennis, we’re just in same age so, no formal talks hahaha.”
“I’m not used t---
“Then be used to it…” he smiled and stared at painting again.
A few seconds of deafening silence while he’s staring at the painting.
“That’s a kind of aster flower. That’s a genus of perennial flowering plants. It symbolizes love, wisdom, and faith…” he is smiling while looking on the wall where the painted aster flower is hanging.
I’m amazed about what he just said.
“They even used that flower as medicine for treating pains…” he stopped and chucked a bit, seems like he remember something.
“You’re obsessed in to that flower, it does have a meaning to you, right?”
But instead of answering my question, he just laughed and smiled like an idiot. OMG.
“I am the manager of this branch, but I don’t own that painting. My cousin chose to put that painting here in Baguio Branch. Well, It seems like it does have a meaning to him.” He says while he’s staring at me, I glared at him but he just teased me with a sudden wink.
I guess it’s our Big Boss he is talking about. Well, Dennis is the cousin of our anonymous Big Boss.
“And you know what aster means?”
I do have an idea, it seems like it means Star? But I don’t know what’s the history behind that painting.
“What?” eagerly want to know, so please just tell me.
But instead of answering me, he just tore his gaze from the wall, and he started to stare in my eyes. He says nothing but then again he smiled and he just shrugged his shoulder. He stand up and walked closely to the door, holding its knob… and before he could go out, he turned his head to my direction…
“You are so blessed, Stella.”
What? I don’t get what he’s pointing out? But wait, did he just called me by my second name? I only allowed one person to call me by that. And it was his friend, Tyler.
But before I could utter a words, he’s already walking outside the office. I just left here standing and a bit curious.
Tonight, I decided to stay over. I just want to be alone with my thoughts, there’s a private room here where you can freely watch the night sky. The roof was made of clear glass, but the wall is made of bricks. This room was specially made for VIP person, and since I’m the manager, I am free to come inside.
Watching the night sky alone became my hobby after we broke up. I opened the room with my key, but I saw the dim lights are open…
Maybe I forgot to turned off the last time I came here.
I was about to throw myself on the bed but I heard something suspicious and before I could do that…
“What are you doing?”
“Gosh!” I held my chest as I’m breathing heavily after hearing that voice.
Wait, did I hear his voice? Tyler’s voice?
To confirm my thoughts I immediately turned my gaze to his direction. And to my surprise…
“Tyler? What are you doing here?” My heart’s keep on pounding and I don’t know what to do. Should I run outside?
But something caught my attention as he walks closely to my direction, I saw how his lips started to curve a bit “Tyler…” he repeated saying his second name "“Who allowed you call me by my second name? Huh?”* He’s not angry but he’s not smiling either.
His deep voice gives a tickling effect to my ears. Moreover, I’m afraid to look at him in the eye.
“I only allowed 1 person to call me Tyler and it will always be my girl frie-”
He already have a girlfriend?
The thought of him, marrying someone and being in love with the other girl, was already came to my mind… but to hear it from him that he has already someone, really hurts my feelings.
“A-Aa I’m sorry, I was just startled that you’re here. Sorry.”
Tears raced down to my cheeks and I was about to leave after I opened the door but I feel a warm hand holding my elbow.
“Don’t go.” There’s a power on his words that keeps me staying like this. I couldn’t even move my feet nor look at him in the eye. I’m afraid because if I’ll do that, I can’t hold it anymore. “Don’t try to escape from my arms again… Stella.”
I suddenly looked at him like what was that?!
S-Stella?
My heart is keep on beating so loud that causes my hands trembling...
“You … your memories came back?” the only words I uttered while seeing him this so close. He called my second name, Stella. It means he knows me already!
“When will you stop pretending like you don’t really know me? You’re making it more even harder for me. You think it’s easy for me to come here being denied by the most important person to me huh, Stella?”
“I can’t even last for a weeks, pretending that I don’t know you. The more I tried to deny you, the more it hurts my feelings. So please, let’s stop pretending.”
And for this moment, I took the chance to stare on his eyes. His eyes that tells a million of feelings, his eyes that screams sadness, loneliness and longing.
“8 Years ago when the accident happened. 2 years after, my memory came back.” He explained.
“What…” I spat “Why you didn’t find me, then? And why you just showed up now?”
“Why? Am I too late to come back, baby?”
Baby? Shocks what are you doing to me, Tyler?
“It’s just because, I didn’t expect you to show up like this. To comeback and…”
I couldn’t stop myself, the weight of the feeling made me suddenly punch his chest!
“Shocks, Tyler! You didn’t know how hard I went through just to forget everything about you! Even in the little things I saw, will always reminds me of you, like damn! How can I forget about you?”
I was in the middle of bubbling my feelings when I felt my tears sliding to my cheeks. I just felt his thumb wiping those liquids when he says…
“It’s really hard for me too, Stella. But why did you took that chance to escape from my arms?” I think he is pertaining about the accident, when he lost his memory.
“For your future, and family, Tyler. For your study and for your dream job. It was way easier than staying here in the Philippines all alone, without your parents!”
“I know you loved me, and you don’t want to leave if you recognized me as your girlfriend. You wanted to stay in PH than being with your parents in America that’s why I decided to escape because I have loved you, and I wanted the best for you.”
He didn’t even tore his gaze on me. He keeps nodding his head and I waited until he says some words.
“So, I am right all along, you always think the best for me.” He sighed and looked at the night sky, the stars that is visible even we’re inside room
“I guess you have to pay for what you did… escaping from my arms with a good intention is understandable. But escaping while I’m in comma is not considered as a break-up, right?” he suddenly look me in the eyes.
“The shreks! What are you pointing out, Tyler?”
“I didn’t agree to break up because I was in comma, it’s just simply mean that you’re still my girlfriend. Oh don’t worry because I did my research, found out that you were never been in a relationship after your escape. Hmm right?”
Shocckks?! Reece Tyler Anderson! What are you doing to me?
“Well, to answer your question earlier, I did find you right after my memories came back. I just showed up when I think everything is better.”
I didn’t sleep well that night. I have a lot of questions in my mind. I am still shocks about what I have known. I was surprised, and glad that he's finally doing great.
It’s just simply mean that you’re still my girlfriend
It’s just simply mean that you’re still my girlfriend
It’s just simply mean that you’re still my girlfriend
It’s already 7 PM and I feel like I don’t wanna go out . I’m here inside my office, I’m a bit exhausted, sitting on my chair when his words last night popped in my head. I just found myself smiling like an idiot until I realized that I was staring at the painting on the wall…
I don’t know why I feel at ease every time I look at that aesthetically painted aster flower. I just love that flower as if… ah nothing.
***“Hmmm… You like it?”**** I immediately stood up in shock when I heard his voice echoed inside my office. I even shook my head to ensure that I’m not dreaming, and to my surprise he’s really here inside the office!
Did Mr. Dennis allowed his friend to enter in this office?
“Tyler… What are you doing here?” I asked with trembling voice. It’s already 7 PM and don’t tell me, I’ll gonna tour him inside?
Oh no.
“Sorry for not informing you, but I thought you already left. I was about to tour my self here.” He said calmly and I think he’s telling the truth.
“Hmm, by the way, it seems you really like that painting, huh?”
“Uh yes, I think Mr. Dennis’ cousin is obsessed with this flower. I heard it’s Aster Flower, they are really pretty.” I answered with a smile on my face when I remember that it does have a meaning. “I don’t know but Mr. Dennis cousin or Big Boss, I think he’s inlove HAHAHA.” I couldn’t help myself but I laughed when I remember what Mr. Dennis said to me.
“Because he’s really in love.” I stopped chuckling when he uttered those words seriously. “Your Big boss is really in love.”
He slowly came closer to me and covered the distance between us.
“Huh?”
“He was in love, and still in love… that flower symbolizes his love for the woman he loves. And that flower reminds him of her. It means love, wisdom, and faith. Even after a long years, after all the pain he went through, after all the loneliness and longing… she’s still his aster.”
Seeing him this so close while he’s talking about that flower made me think of us.
I don’t want to assume but I think…
Uhm? I don’t know.
“Wow you must be connected to him, huh? You know a lot about him.” I managed to chuckled so that he can’t sense that I’m a bit nervous while he’s standing close beside me.
“Of course… Stella. I know him very well.”
He gave me a serious yet calm face while telling me the last words.
“Shocks Stell. Am I making you nervous? You’re sweating already.”
Because he’s making me nervous! Why can’t he just stand there at the door and talk 5 meters away? Huhu. My heart is beating faster and louder.
“The girl is so blessed to be loved by a man like him, huh.” I commented so that he wont noticed my feelings.
But instead of getting some good answer he sighed and looked at me with a serious face!
“You think so? Stella? Even if she’s clueless? She doesn’t even know that this is for her.”
I don’t know but I think, I get it now.
“Tyler…” I think I get it now, I think I already know!
So what I was thinking earlier is true! That the aster flower is really connected to me, and to him!
I don’t know how exactly what I feel when I get what he’s talking about. What the shocks! He’s the man in the story and I’m the woman that reminds him of that flower!
I’m Stella and my name means Star, He loves stars and this aster flower means star.
That’s why it seems so familiar!
OMG.
I’m happy, and emotional, It hurts my chest thinking that even after all those years that we were apart, his love didn’t changed at all? But is that even possible? However seeing him and all the things he did for me would make it possible.
Confirming the fact that he’s our big boss, means he’s bigtime. He has a lot of money, he can date whoever he wants but he didn’t. And now he’s saying that he’s still in love?
After all. And I know to myself that I loved and still love him.
He has everything. Yet he still considered me as his girlfriend, based on our conversation last night. I don’t know if he’s kidding but I know that he was being serious.
I heard his footstep in front of me I already feel his hands brushing my tears that raced down to my cheeks.
I looked at him and he gave me a serious look in his eyes.
He is very handsome with thick eyebrows, his brown and shiny eyes, his perfect jaw line, pointed nose and his red lips. His hair is a bit mess but it looks so cool! Shocks! He’s still as handsome as he was, Uhm… I think he’s more handsome now.
“Stop staring at my face if you don’t want to punish”
“H-huh?”
I can’t uttered any words. I’m a bit shocked because he’s the big boss and I can’t stop thinking about that aster painting… and I can’t think of anything except these and… and his lips!
He pouted his lips when he saw me looking at it. Damn it!
“Shoockst” I turn around and tried to leave but a warm hand on my left arm stopped me from leaving.
“Stell…” He grabbed my arms and he pulled me closer to him, closer that I can only see his chest and when I look up, I can only see his face and his seductive lips.
He just laughed when he realized what I’m thinking. But instead of doing it, he just kissed my forehead and hugged me slowly and tightly.
“Stop being cute woman, I’m controlling my self.” He chucked and whispered “Te quero, Mi Stella. Please Mary Me.”
“H-Huh?” What did he say?
Out of control, and because I’m in still in shocks, I suddenly slapped his hard chest. I looked up at him with my reddish blushing face, my brows furrowed due to confusion and my lips are trembling as I’m finding the right words to say! I’m stuck!
“D-Don’t joke around like that!” and thankfully I was able to speak!
His eyes met mine, he swallowed hard and looked at me with his thick furrowed eyebrows. As if he’s getting angry for no reason.
I feel like I’m going to fall down from the weight of his gaze. I still managed to not look away and all I can see is his dark and shining eyes. I’m so focused at it and I even forgot that my right hand is on his chest. I just felt his left hand holds mine, he slowly caressed it and guided towards his heart where I felt his heart’s beating so fast as mine!
I can feel his sincerity even he’s not talking.
“I know it’s so hard to believe if I say I really love you until now, I may hate you for escaping from my arms but now I understand why you did that. But please…”
I’m all ears when tears fell down through his cheeks while uttering those words, he’s really sincere.
“But please, now that everything is fine please… please comeback, Stell. Hmm? I can’t be totally happy without you and it hurts me so bad to pretend like you’re stranger to me when all I wanted is to punish you from what you did, but I can’t ! I can’t do that anymore. All I want is you, to come back in my life again. Stell.”
I’m so focused to what he’s saying until I heard myself sobbing and I felt that my face is also full of tears.
“Now, If it’s hard for you to believe or to accept this. Let me prove it to you. I will show you my pure intentions and my love for you. And I will wait until you want me back in your life again.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes… Because Te Quiero, Mi Stella.”
I bit my lips to stopped myself from sobbing. I wiped his tears and smiled at him…
I still managed to laugh a bit when I saw him with his teary eyes.
I slowly nodded and at him while I continued wiping his tears. I looked at him with smile and said…
“Okay fine. I’ll give you the chance to win my heart again, so do good.” I teased and challenged him. I thought he would complain but unexpectedly, he just grabbed my waist and hugged me slowly the tightly!
I’m still in love but I won’t tell you until you passed the challenges hahaha. I laughed with my thoughts but I know in myself that I love him then, and until now specially that everything is clear!
“I’ll do my best.” He said and when he let go of the embrace, he uttered “Te Quiero, Mi Stella.” He smiled and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.