BUT ONLY LOVE CAN TELL

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Marinel’s POV

AFTER HOURS of organizing, Enzo and I slumped on the couch, totally exhausted.

“Good thing I wore a tank top, it’s so hot,” he complained, lifting and lowering his shirt hem.

Lord, bless this bread! That six-pack! I couldn’t help but gulp.

“Nel?” he called.

“Ah—oh?”

Was that even a proper response? He laughed—like really laughed hard! I slapped his shoulder.

“What’s so funny, huh?” I asked, annoyed.

He brushed my hair back and tucked it behind my ear.

“Because you’re cute,” he said with a grin.

I backed away and scrambled.

“H-ha-ha! It’s… really hot!” I stammered.

I felt like I was in a drum contest—my heart was beating so fast, I’d never felt anything like it before.

“Nel, can I have some water, please?”

“S-sure.”

Why am I stuttering? I got him water and handed it over.

“Thanks for what you did earlier, even though I didn’t like it. I promise I’ll pay you back,” I said.

Because really, what happened earlier was so embarrassing. He placed the empty glass on the table.

“No. It’s just money, Nel. What’s important is that you and your friend have a place to stay.” I raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not okay with that being free. Every drop of it is important, Enzo. You worked for it, and I don’t want that kind of help,” I said sincerely.

“But at least you don’t have to worry about rent for now. Come on, Nel, I’m not helping you just for the sake of helping,” he said.

I rubbed my temples.

“Ah! Whatever, I’ll pay you back, okay? Not with money, since you won’t take it. I’ll find another way. Okay?” I told him.

“Okay,” he replied shortly.

“Wanna come with me later?” he suddenly asked.

Huh? What’s this? A date? In your dreams!

“Where?” I asked.

“To cheer. Andy has a basketball game later,” he explained, glancing at his sports watch—which looked expensive even if it was a simple design.

“Around six,” he added.

“I have work later, and I don’t want to skip.”

“Can’t you just—”

I raised my hand to stop him. He shrugged.

“Every drop of it is a treasure,” he said.

“You got me there,” I replied.

“I have to go, Nel,” he said.

I followed him as we walked out of the apartment.

“Bye, Nel,” he said with a smile as he reached his car.

I just nodded and gave a small smile. I watched him until he was completely out of sight. I leaned against the door after closing it. I wanted to go with him, but I knew I shouldn’t. Things were happening too fast, and I was confused. There’s nothing wrong with us being friends. Besides what he has, maybe being friendly just comes naturally to him. Still, something inside me isn’t at peace with this budding friendship with Enzo. Like there’s something holding me back.

“Ugh, Nel! Chill out! You’re overthinking,” I muttered to myself.

I straightened up and went to my room to get ready for work.

AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I was done. Then Veronica suddenly showed up in front of me, looking like she was about to cry.

“Don’t give me that drama,” I said irritably. I was still mad!

“Waah! Nel, I’m really sorry. I know I messed up.”

I just rolled my eyes and focused on packing my lunch. She sniffled.

“Nel… I’m really sorry...” I turned to face her, stomping.

“You’ve done this ten times already, and this is the first time I didn’t end up sleeping outside being feasted on by mosquitoes,” I began.

“When are you going to straighten up?” I added.

“Maybe the day after tomorrow?” she answered sheepishly.

“Ugh! If we weren’t friends, I’d have pulled your hair by now! Use the rent money to pay for electricity and water. Then use what’s left for groceries, and if there’s still some left, give it to Mrs. Lukring,” I instructed while braiding my hair.

“Huh? But… didn’t we owe Mrs. Lukring a lot?” she asked, confused.

“Enzo paid for it. So now I owe him a favor.”

She squealed. Tsk! Just a minute ago she was about to cry.

“Really? Oh my gee! So am I forgiven now? And who is this Mr. Enzo?”

I put on my doll shoes. I ignored her nosy question about Enzo.

“Clean the house. I’m leaving,” I said as I left and flagged a jeep.

“Nel, I love you!” she called out cheerfully.

“Love you more, Nica,” I replied and hopped on.

WHEN I GOT TO WORK, I changed into my uniform right away.

“Tsk! The problem with leeches is how slow they move,” Aira complained.

I exhaled deeply. Chill, Nel. I ignored her and went straight to serving customers.

“Nel!” I turned toward the voice calling me.

“Oh? Moana,” I said, surprised but didn’t show it.

“Are you just passing by?” I asked.

“Let’s meet tomorrow, it’s Sunday.”

“Is there an occasion?” I asked.

“None, is it wrong to spend time with my cousin?” I just nodded.

“No. Not at all. Okay. I’ll get back to work,” I said politely.

She smiled at me. I went back to the kitchen. What got into her? In all our years as cousins, she never invited me out. Maybe she just felt awkward around me before. I shrugged.

When I returned to the kitchen…

“Buy this from the convenience store,” Aira ordered dramatically, tossing a piece of paper at me.

I just shook my head, took off my apron, and headed out. The convenience store was across the street. As I walked, I heard people arguing, but I ignored it—until I got close.

I froze in shock.

“Babe, please? Come back to me. Let’s start over. Let’s talk about this,” Enzo was pleading.

My chest tightened for reasons I didn’t understand. I was even more shocked when Moana splashed him with water from her mineral bottle.

“Cool off! Maybe that’ll wake you up! We’re done!” she shouted and stormed off to her car.

Even though I was stunned, I quickly approached Enzo and wiped his wet face with my handkerchief. He suddenly grabbed my hand and hugged me tightly while crying. My chest tightened with every sob. It hurt. So this is why things felt weird between them before—Moana was Enzo’s ex. I rubbed his back, trying to comfort him. He kept crying and I didn’t know what to do. It was my first time seeing a guy cry like this. It hurt more than I expected. I wanted to carry his pain, even though we hadn’t known each other that long. I already considered him a friend.

AFTER A FEW MINUTES, he finally stopped and let go of the hug.

“A grown man crying,” I teased and wiped his tears.

“Sorry,” he said, looking down.

I smiled faintly and started walking while holding his hand. Oh crap! I forgot Aira’s errand. I glanced at Enzo—he seemed totally out of it. When we reached the convenience store, I faced him.

“I just need to buy something,” I said.

He gave a small nod. I ran inside and bought the items on the list. When I got back, he was still looking down. I held his hand again and led him back the way we came. He was still silent. I don’t know why, but I felt like laughing at myself. He looked like a kid who lost his candy. When we got back to the coffee shop, I left him outside and brought in the stuff.

“Hey, you! I’ve been waiting forever!” Aira scolded me.

She was about to slap me when a hand suddenly wrapped around my waist and blocked the slap.

“Do it and I’ll fire you!” someone said coldly.

“Enzo,” I whispered.

“Aira!” Manager chimed in.

“Sorry, sir Calvin. Nel, please accompany him,” Manager added.

“Ah, okay,” I replied nervously.

I quickly pulled Enzo out and brought him to a nearby park. We sat under a tree.

“Thanks for earlier,” I started.

He only gave a slight nod. I sighed deeply.

“You still love her, don’t you?” I asked bravely.

“What’s the use of keeping that question!? Just f**k! It’s useless,” he snapped.

“Easy now,” I told him.

Is this really how deeply a man can love? I stretched out my legs.

“Fine! It’s obvious you love my cousin so much. So to repay you for the rent help and defend me at work, I’ll help you win her back,” I offered.

I don’t know why, but it felt wrong to say that. But then again, why should I care? Life is like… life. He suddenly turned to face me.

“Are you serious? I mean, I’m not asking for anything in return for helping you, Nel.”

I removed his hands from my arms.

“And I’m not one to collect debts of gratitude, Enzo,” I said.

“Deal or No Deal?” I challenged him.

“Can I say both?” I frowned at him.

“Alright!” he agreed eventually.

I stood up, and so did he.

“We’re going somewhere tomorrow, and you’re coming. I’ll text you, okay?”

“Thanks,” he replied shortly.

I ruffled his hair.

“I’m going home. I cut work hours, so my pay’s gonna be docked again,” I said.

“Feeling guilty?” he asked with a laugh.

“Huh? Of course not!” I denied.

“Alright! I got this,” he said and suddenly slung an arm over my shoulders.

I gave him a tiny smile, hiding the awkwardness. Chill, Nel! I felt that cold sweat again. I guess I’m just not used to having a guy friend this close.