After Yana went back home, for some reason, she was so exhausted she fell asleep. The next morning, she dragged her body to work. She didn't know why but she felt something bad was going to happen to her. She just had this uncomfortable feeling and couldn't pinpoint it.
"Yana, you don't look so good," Nini worried glanced at Yana before pulling her aside. Since it was Saturday, Nini worked the whole day with Yana.
"Was it because you came home late because of me?"
Yana shook her head, "No, just had a nightmare."
Well, this bad feeling could count as a nightmare.
"I-"
"Nini," the manager came out. He was a burly man in his 50s but had a very friendly face, "Can you go and take care of the orders? The delivery man for today had a short emergency and can't attend."
"Are all the orders for private or events?" Yana looked at the book that was on the counter where each order was noted. Time and address.
"If it's for an event, the respective providers will take care of it. Did you forget?" the manager looked at Yana as if he couldn't believe she didn't know this after all this time.
"I know," Yana softly said, she had hoped that the delivery companies who usually delivered the flowers to the events would take the burden off Nini. After all, the city was dangerous and having Nini manoeuvre through the centre with a van was too much to ask of her, "Can I do it?"
"No," the manager shook his head, "Nini's more familiar with the city. You've only been here a month and didn't even go anywhere because of the protests."
The manager was right. Since Yana came to City A, she was unable to explore the city much, so there was a high chance she messed up the orders and showed up late. Customer service was all about competency, punctuality and respect.
"It's fine," Nini smiled at Yana, "It's not the first time I've done this. "
The manager nodded.
"I also got another job for you," the manager said after Nini left for the delivery.
"What is it?" Yana was curious since it was rare to have anything else to do in the shop than the usual, "We've got a new employee, so I want you to take care of him."
"A new one?"
"Yes, Nini has to focus on her studies since she's entering the exam's period, so she requested some time off. Coincidentally, we've got someone new applying, so I thought of welcoming a new member," the manager heartedly laughed.
"A new member… what is this? A secret club?" Yana sighed seeing how carefree the manager was, "Could it be that you've got something else to do, so you're dumping it on me?"
"Yana," the manager turned serious and held his belly, "It's a great honour to help the new ones. You'll be their support, their rock and bread or… wait, how did the saying go? Anyways, I'll count on you," the manager patted Yana on the shoulders and then said grimly, "Boss has me do the counting. Or you want to swap?"
"Nope," Yana instantly shook her head and saluted, "I'll do my job properly. May you come back safely."
The manager also saluted, "A good soldier. I'll leave it to you."
"Rest assured!"
With that, the manager laughingly went to the back of the store to start the torture. The counting. It was a horrifying job the boss thought of. Since he was a flower fanatic, each time he sent a batch of his flowers, he requested them to be counted and given the exact numbers.
What a terrifying requirement, especially because there were at least more than thousands of flowers. Yana silently prayed for her manager who was a good and easy person. He often went along with jokes and knew how to have fun instead of being strict and too unreasonable.
Yana quickly tidied the store and then opened it. There would be a newbie soon. They usually came during lunchtime and then did the shift until the shop closed. In other words, it was a trial day for them. Lunch quickly came and Nini was sent back home after she finished delivering the orders.
Usually, the shop only needed one staff and the manager, but on the weekends and Fridays when it was busier and the manager had the day off, there would be two people.
And since a new worker was coming, there was no need for Nini. The manager, for some reason, was fully convinced that Yana was able to deal with all customers, take orders and guide the newbie even when it was busy.
Yana didn't mind the trust the manager had in her but this was too much given that Yana was pretty new herself. Yana closed the shop for the lunch break but then just when she arrived at the counter she heard the bell. Someone came in? But didn't Yana just turn the sign to close? Could it be the new worker?
Yana quickly rushed to the entrance but when she did all colour drained from her face and her eyes widened. No way. There was no way-
"Hello, I'm the new staff. Here for my shift," a handsome smile appeared on the elegant face but all Yana could think of was how to rip that damn bastard's head off! Just what in the world was he doing here?
Yana's mind spun with anger. She didn't even know why she was so angry but all she knew was that she didn't want to see him. Just how did he find her? What did he want? Why was he here?
All sorts of questions ran through her mind as she stared at him and didn't break eye contact. Right now, it seemed like time stood still and the only magical place on earth was around them. As if the whole world was just made for this moment, made for them to meet again.
The more Yana stared at his face, the more her heart slipped into derail and suddenly a different feeling entered the bundle of negative one.
It was warm and fuzzy, full of happiness but the core of it was pure pain. Just what was it that Yana felt after seeing Luka again? Again after she swore to have cut him out? Again after she ditched him so easily and abruptly?
Just what was it that made him come and find her again? Yana was at a loss and didn't know how to act.
It was Luka who made the first step after confirming Yana was frozen on the spot. With a gentle smile, he took a good look at her, soaked in the fact that she was indeed truly in front of him and this washed away all the pain and despair he had in the month they were apart.
Although it was only a month compared to the 5 years, Luka never felt any happier to see her but he had to control himself.
He knew Yana wasn't fond of seeing him again but this was ok. No matter how much she ran, he would always chase after her. Luka stepped closer to Yana until their bodies touched, then he matched her height and with the sweetest voice he said, "Miss Yana, please take care of me from now on."