Callisto, like every employee during their first day at work, had a lot of things to learn.
"Your total is PHP213.00."
"A five hundred peso bill, huh. Just do what I told you, Callisto."
"Yes. 500... enter... here's your change. Thank you so much! Please come again!"
But unlike most employees during their first day at work...
"Hello, sir. How may I help you?"
"Sorry, but my eyes are no longer the same as they used to back in the day. Can I ask you to look at the price tag of this milk carton for me?"
"Of course! Let's see... It's a 200ml sterilized milk that costs thirty pesos."
"I see. I'll buy it."
"All right. Is there anything else you'd like to check out?"
"No, that's it, young miss."
"Got it. Let's head to the counter so I can process your purchase."
...She was a quick learner. A very quick one.
"If you buy two 1.5 liter cola, you will get one 1.5 liter cola for free."
"That's a real tempting promo you got there, lady."
Time had passed since Callisto started her shift. It was finally time for her and Hinata to take a break. Francis returned to the eatery, which was being handled by Hinata alone until now, while Lewis took over the main area's cashier for Callisto.
"Go take your time, both of you," Said Lewis as he and Francis walked past the young lady and young fellow.
"Thank you," Callisto said in reply.
Callisto and Hinata entered the lounging area in the dressing room.
"Go seat wherever you like, Callisto," Said Hinata as he took one chair and sat on it.
"Yes."
Following her response to the young man, the young lady occupied one of the empty seats on the rectangular table across Hinata. Then, Callisto took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the boy.
"Thank you for helping me out a lot, Hinata."
A kind smile played on the young man's lips. "I'm glad I could help. By the way, you're really impressive. You learned so fast. It took me a while before I got the hang of it."
Flattered by the young man's compliment, Callisto's cat ears wagged vigorously, expressing her gratitude once more.
"Oh, and thank you," Callisto said for the third time. "For agreeing to help me with studying for the EPT."
A sheepish chuckle escaped Hinata's lips, waving his hands as he replied; "No need to thank me for that. I brought my books with me today so we can use that as learning materials once our shift is over."
"That's great! I'm really looking forward to studying now."
A pleased expression contort Callisto's features at the young man's words.
No words could describe how thankful she was for the young man's kindness and willingness to give her a helping hand. But also, she was thankful for Elesis, who made it possible.
*
*
*
While Callisto was in Selly's office for a job interview, Elesis was simply eyeing the products on the shelves, the edible ones, when her crimson marbles took notice of Hinata standing in the counter.
Almost immediately her brows shot up upon getting struck by a rather great idea. She moved towards the counter.
"Excuse me," she said in a slightly raised tone, making sure her voice was heard by the young man. "You're Hinata Sarino, right?"
A startled expression was plastered on Hinata's face. It was quickly contorted with a friendly smile upon hearing the red head's claim.
"Ah, yes, I'm Hinata Sarino," He replied, only addressing the fact the red head mentioned his full name. "If you know me, that means you're a student in Silangan High, too."
"Yeah," Elesis said with a nod. "I am Elesis Fredream. I'm sorry about coming up to you so abruptly, but could you help me with something?"
"Of course," He replied, the same way Hinata would respond to any customer in the store who asked for his help. "I'll help you as best I can."
"Thanks. Actually, I want you to help someone. A friend of mine."
Elesis turned to her surroundings, her eyes seemingly on a search for someone.
"She's probably talking to your employer for a part-time job right now..."
Hinata's brows went up slightly at the red head's words. He had already figured out who Elesis was referring to.
"Was it the one named Callisto Mandjet?"
Elesis pointed a finger at the young man. "Yes, it's Callisto. You see, she needs to study for the EPT that's happening a week before the next school year starts."
The young man gave the red head a confused look. "EPT? Isn't that something that only happens in november?"
"Yeah, well, she's a special case, apparently," Elesis answered, shrugging at him. "I said I'd help her study and let her borrow my books, but I figured someone who is actually smart might help her a lot more than me."
A flattered smile played on the young man's lips, running a hand through his hair.
"You flatter me. But, okay. I'll try to help as much as I can."
Elesis' expression brightened, relief washed over her as Hinata agreed with her request.
"Thank you! I'm sure Callisto will be thrilled."
*
*
*
Hinata looked at the clock on the wall.
"It's time," he said, looking back at the young lady. "Are you ready, Callisto?"
Callisto lifted herself off the chair. "Yes. I'm well-rested."
"Hey," the tone in Hinata's voice changed all the sudden, a mix of understanding and concern. "We've all heard about your situation from Boss Selly."
"Huh? Oh..."
"I understand you want to do well with work and I can see that, but it would be meaningless if you push yourself too hard and fall ill once again."
Callisto forced a smile, understanding the concern in the young man's words. "You're right. I'll try not to push myself too hard."
Yesterday, after the interview, Selly talked to the morning shift about Callisto.
"That sums up everything about our new employee's case."
"I see," Francis' expression hardened as he looked down, his chin inbetween his fingers as if he was thinking really hard. "Having to go through an illness that forces you to stay in bed for years must have been really rough."
Lewis could only agree to his coworker, his expression far from his usual bright vibe. "But she was able to overcome it, so good for her. Now, I can't wait to meet our new co-worker!"
Selly vaguely explained how Callisto had been bedridden for years due to an illness and it was only recently that she was able to overcome it.
It was fortunate for Callisto and Selly that the others didn't seem to mind just how vague the boss explained the young lady's situation to them, although if they did, Callisto already gave Selly the narrative Raymond created to cover up Callisto's case.
*
*
*
Callisto let Hinata take the lead out of the lounge area. As her eyes remained fixed at the young man's back, her expression creased cheerlessly.
From her limited conversation with him to his willingness to agree with Elesis to help Callisto study for the EPT. There was no doubt in the young lady's heart that Hinata was indeed a kind person.
That was why there was a feeling of guilt and pain in knowing that Callisto had to lie to such a kind guy.
Callisto couldn't help but wonder if the day where she wouldn't have to lie and hide the truth from someone would come one day.