Dali-dali akong bumaba ng jeepney nang sa wakas ay huminto ito. Agad namang sumalubong ang malamig na hangin sa unang hakbang ko palang. A shiver ran down my spine. The sun was already high, the time being 10AM in the morning, one would expect such, but the cold wind was still equally evident, its breeze a stark contrast to the warm rays.

Inilabas ko ang phone mula sa bulsa at muling chineck and oras. 9:58. Sakto, after five minutes makakarating na ako bookshop. Sa Abanao square lang naman siya kaya malapit lang mula dito sa paradahan namin ng Jeep.

Busy streets immediately filled my perception as I walked, gaze forward as I made my way through the crowd of people in the pathways. Mabuti nalang at umaga ang schedule ko ng interview. At least makaka-join parin ako sa Worship Practice and Soaking mamaya.

I took in a breath and took a step up the overpass, gaze watching downwards as I scaled higher into it. I couldn't help but notice the increase of green and red colored decors all around the city. A nostalgic feeling filled my being, pasko na nga. I smiled as I got to see the tall blue building not so far away, its wide expanse visible from where I stood. Pagkababa ko ng overpass, naglakad na akong patungo dito at pumasok, passing through the glass doors as I walked in.

Nasa second floor ang Book Café na 'yon as far as I remember. Dali-dali akong sumampa sa Escalator at makalipas ang ilang segundo'y narating na ang second floor. With a few turns, I finally came to see the shop, the words S H E K I N A H Book Shop and Café written on a large signage above the glass entrance.

Huminga ako ng malalim at muling naglakad, my gaze probing the place as soon as I got in. Immediately, a breath of awe escaped my lungs, eyes fascinated as I scattered my gaze around the vibrantly decorated place. Grabe, is there any place more elegant? Except for some brightly-colored books, there was this dominance of the colors beige, white and crème in the room. Towards the right were the wide array of book shelves, and towards a glass door to the left was the Café. I've only come here once with Leah bago ako muntikang mapauwi, but the beauty of it never fails to amaze me.

It took only a few seconds for my ignorant stares to prosper before the Cashier from the counter began to notice.

"Hello!" She called out, "How can I help you, Ma'am?"

Ngumiti ako lumapit sa counter, "Uhm, I'm here for an Interview po. Ma'am Vina called no'ng Thursday,"

"Oh!" The lady nodded in percipience, "So ikaw pala 'yon! Naku, tama nga ang sinabi ni Sir, ang ganda mo, Ading,"

"Ah-" I forced a smile, wonder taking over my thoughts, "Sir?"

Umiling siya at ngumiti, "Nevermind, dear. Halika na, I'll lead you to the office." Lumingon siya at tinawag ang isa namang dalaga na nag-aayos sa shelf, "Freya, pabantay muna ng counter?"

The other lady winked and smiled, sticking her thumb up in assent. Ibinalik naman ng babae saakin ang tingin at muling ngumiti. "Let's go?"

Tumango ako, "S-sige po,"

"Nga pala, Ading, my name's Rita, ako ang full-time cashier dito," Pagpapakilala niya, "'Yong babae kanina ay si Freya, she's a graduating college student do'n sa UC, irregular nga lang kaya naisipang mag part time. Siya ang sa mornings dahil wala siyang klase ng AM."

I could only nod as I listened to her speak. Maturity emanated from her countenance, but the cheerfulness that went with it balanced it beautifully. Una palang nakaka-komportable na siyang kasama.

"May mga kasama po ba akong aplikante, Ma'am?"

Tumango siya, "Ay, oo. Pero since rinefer ka ni Sir I think you have a big chance of getting the job."

My brows furrowed in wonder, "Sino pong Sir, Ma'am?"

She waved her hand dismissively, "You know him at school. And hey, Ate nalang ha? No need to call me Ma'am."

She stretched her hand towards the crisp white door, "Dito ang office ni Ma'am Vina," She knocked for about three times, and a voice from the other side was heard. With this, she opened the door, revealing a woman upon a table, her blonde hair in perfect compliment to her blue eyes. For a moment I was struck speechless. Woah, how beautiful!

"Hello there!" I saw her beckon me forward. Nginitian naman ako ni Ate Rita at naglakad nang paalis. "You're Grace, right? Come on in, dear."

With a smile I took a step in, slightly bowing as I kept my gaze towards her. "G-good Morning po, Ma'am,"

"Yes, good morning, Grace." She replied, "So how are you?"

"Ah, I'm doing well Ma'am," I took in a breath, "A-and you po?"

"Blessed as always, dear." Her smile widened. Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti sa nakikita ko. Never had I seen in personal a woman so beautiful, and so radiant. "Paano, are you ready?"

I nodded, "Yes Ma'am, I am."

"Okay then." She took a breath and pulled a folder from her drawer. "So first things first, you know that this business is Christian - owned, yes?"

"Opo,"

"Mm, alright. So, just for clarity's sake since this is a principle that I strongly hold on to, my brother already told me things about you, but I want to hear them for myself. You're a Christian, right?"

"Yes Ma'am, I am." Once again, curiosity was ignited within me. Sino ba itong Sir, at Brother na tinutukoy nila?

Nagpatuloy si Ma'am sa pagtatanong at makalipas ang trenta minuto, ngumiti ito at ibinaba na rin ang folder na hawak niya. "Great! This has been a wonderful conversation, Grace." She spoke with a smile. "And since I don't want to prolong your agony of waiting, let me just say it upfront now, welcome to the Shekinah family!"

May malawak na ngiting namuo sa mga labi ko. "T-thank you, Ma'am!"

"Yes, you're welcome." She nodded, "So regarding your schedule, first and foremost, you don't have to worry about Sundays okay? It's an automatic day-off for this business. For your work hours, on the other hand, I'm going to require you to be on duty for six hours each weekday, from 4PM to 10PM, and on Saturdays, from 9AM-3PM. Any concerns?"

I lowered my head in thought, "Uhm, it's okay if you won't allow me this Ma'am, but I'm just wondering if I can compress my hours during Fridays? We have this Campus Ministry activity at school at that day so..."

"Ah yes, I was told about that indeed. Well, that's okay as long as you come here before 6PM still. Bahala na kayo ni Rita about that, you two talk about it."

"Okay po, noted Ma'am,"

"Now for your pay, we pay our part timers here 60 pesos per hour, so if you compute that, by each month you will receive at least 8,600 Pesos."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang marinig ang sambit niya. For other people it may sound small, but for me it was more than enough. Considering that I get to fulfill my Ministry responsibilities while still being able to earn an income is more - more than I have ever imagined. Slowly a wide smile made its way to my lips.

"Maraming salamat po, Ma'am!"

I saw her smile and took a paper bag from the floor, "Here's your uniform. Now, I'm very particular with dress code so be sure to always be in this uniform okay? It's only a blouse and a shop-personalized apron. Black pants or skirt is to be paired with it, got it?"

I nodded and took the bag, "Opo. Noted po, Ma'am."

"Now, you start this Monday."

Once more I responded in assent, barely able to hide the joy and excitement from my voice as I spoke. Makalipas ang ilan pang minuto, lumabas na rim ako ng shop, a wide smile still upon my face as I thought. Lord, truly, You are more than enough for me...

Mabilis akong bumaba ng hagdan, eyes glancing at my phone in check of the time. 3:10 na, at kailangan ko nang pumuntang town para sa duty ko.

A hand caught me off-guard as its warmth overwhelmed my wrist. Lumingon ako. "Oh, bakit Gabriel?" I asked with a smile.

He took a step forward, "Balita ko kay Rhoe may trabaho ka na daw?"

I grinned, "Oo! Praise God!" Sagot ko. I saw him smile, nodding as he did so. Ngayon ko lang nahalata, pero ang ganda pala talaga ng ngiti niya. It made even his eyes dance. How can a man be so ... Agad kong ibinaba ang tingin. Goodness Grace, 'yang mata mo!

"Praise God indeed." He echoed, "So hanggang anong oras duty mo?"

"Hangang 10PM."

Nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya, "10PM?"

Tumango ako, "Bakit?"

"Anglate naman," Ibinaba niya ang tingin na tila ba nagiisip.

"Wala eh, 9:30 ang closing ng shop, at kailangan kong kumpletohin ang six hours ko."

Bumuntong-hininga siya, "Saan ka ulit magwowork?"

"Shekinah Glory Book Café,"

"'Yong sa Abanao?"

"Yup,"

"Sige." Huminga siya ng malalim, "See you later, then."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, "Ha? Anong 'see you later'?"

"Delikado sa gabi. I'll come pick you up,"

"Uh," I respired in disbelief, my hands upon my forehead as I gazed up at him, "Naku, Gabriel! Hindi na kailangan. Mamamasahe ka pa talaga pupuntang town ng ganong oras? Hay, ayoko namang maka-abala."

Umiling siya at inilapat ang kamay sa braso ko, "Bakit naman ako mamamasahe," A playful smile adorned his face, "Kung may motor naman."