9 The Mysterious Gifts

I am still overwhelmed with what's happening with me. It seems surreal and I am not used to it. I asked Mr. Smith to give me some time to think about his offer and I will get back to him as soon as possible.

I didn't tell anyone about the offer. I have to think first whether I am ready to level up my responsibilities. I don't have the confidence to handle a team. Anyway, I'll think about it deeply.

I was busy thinking about what Mr. Smith said when my phone beeped. Someone sent a message.

"Hi. This is Gino. Sorry for the late message. I hope you still remember me." End of message.

The message made me smile. I don't know why. Maybe it's because it's not common for me to receive messages from other people, especially from a man. I cannot deny that I kind of like it but at the same time, it is also making me feel hesitant. What if he is like Lance? What if he leaves me later, leaving me heartbroken again?

I stopped myself thinking more. I am becoming negative again. I got my phone back and started replying.

"Of course, I remember you. Nice to meet you again, Gino. How are you?”

I put the phone back in my bag and started concentrating on my work. The time passed by so fast that I didn't realize it was almost 5 pm. I started finalizing my work and prepared my things. I remember I didn't check my phone for a long time.

There are now 5 messages and one missed call. I checked the messages first since I know they all came from Gino and I was right.

"I was busy last night but I really intended to send you a message. I was worried you would think that I was just playing with you." Message 1

"Are you busy? You don't need to reply if you are. I am just happy to be connecting with you. How are you anyway?" Message 2

"In my case, I just woke up, still sleepy but I need to start my day. Did you have lunch? Don't skip meals." Message 3

"I know what you are thinking. I am still talkative even in messages, right? Sorry. I am just happy." Message 4

"I think you are busy now. I will wait for your reply. Have a good day." Message 5

He is right. He's still talkative even in messages. But I have to admit I kind of like it. It makes me smile knowing that someone wants to know how I am and whether I ate something or not. I decided to send him a message tonight.

I checked the call history. It was Lance. I am sure he just wanted to apologize and maybe clear things up but that is not my priority for now. I am happy with what's happening in my career and my life, I won't dwell in the past.

I put my phone back in my bag and started fixing my stuff. After 30 minutes, I left the company to go home.

It was a different feeling. I am tired from work, but for some reason, I feel at peace and satisfied. I prepared dinner and took a shower after. Then I turned my TV on, starting to go back to my old routine when my phone rang.

"Hello." The other line. It is Gino. "Am I disturbing you?"

"Not at all. I am just about to have dinner while watching a movie."

"Oh, sorry. Wrong timing then. I arrived my workplace, so I decided to check on you. I'm starting to feel upset because you didn't reply to my messages. Do I seem so insistent?"

I totally forgot about it. "Sorry about that. Actually, I planned to reply tonight. I read them quite late and I thought you were busy." I made an excuse.

"It's okay. You accepted my call, so I feel better now. You can eat then. Can I call you after? Or maybe tomorrow? We can grab a bite maybe or go to a cafe tomorrow after your work and before my work. If it's fine with you." He is still talkative.

"Maybe it's better for you to call tomorrow. Then we can also talk about it, okay? I'm not sure what time I will be done eating and I also want to focus watching the drama. Sorry." I explained.

"It's okay. No problem at all. I should have sent you a message first. Enjoy your meal then and I hope to see you tomorrow."

"Thanks, and let's see. Bye." And the call ended.

A few minutes later, my doorbell rang. I wonder who it is? I am not expecting any visitor, and I never had any visitor in the past except Lance. Can it be him? I went to the door and peeped the hole to check who is outside. It is a delivery man. But I didn't order anything. Curious, I opened the door.

"Good evening Ma'am. You have seafood pasta delivery. Can you please sign here?" The delivery man said.

"There must be a mistake. I didn't order anything. And are you sure this is the right address?"

"This is unit 405, Mount Crest Apartment, right? And you are Miss Jessica Myers?"

"Yes, that is right.”

“Then this is for you ma'am. It's already paid by the person who ordered."

"May I know who ordered it?"

"I'm sorry ma'am but I don't know the details. Sign here please."

After signing the document, he left. I opened the box and it is seafood pasta with garlic bread on the side. It is topped with shrimps and seashells with some cucumber. It looks delicious. But who sent it to me?

I was just looking at the food in front of me for I don't know how long. I cannot really think who sent me this one. Can it be Lance? Actually, it should only be him, no one knows where I live. Do I have a stalker now? That would be creepy. But whoever it is, I am a bit thankful but also a bit scared. He or she could have delivered it himself or herself. And how did that person know that I like seafood pasta? Ah! I think it is Annie. It must be a prank or something. But it is not April Fool's Day. I am not even sure whether I would eat it or not. But it is a waste. I decided to give it a try and bite some. It is good, it would be better if it is warm. And as I continue eating, I realized how good it is. I'll just think whoever gives it later, I need to enjoy this dish.

I tried to get the mystery out of my head. After eating, I started watching again, but I didn't watch for a long time since it is already getting late. I need to go to work tomorrow. And it is Friday. I am looking forward to spending the weekend at home.

Next day, I got up as usual. Of course, earlier than the real usual since I needed to put make up and choose a good match of clothes and shoes. I decided to wear jeans today with a blouse that matches the color of my makeup and flat shoes.

I arrived at the office the usual time. I was surprised when I reached my desk. Many people were flocking around. They seem amused about something.

"Good morning. What's happening?" I asked.

"Good morning." One of my coworkers smiling meaningfully. Everyone was smiling.

When I saw what they were looking at, I was surprised. There is a basket of roses on my desk. On the side of the basket, there is a note. "Hope it makes you smile today." End of note.

This is the third time I received a gift from an anonymous giver. It gives me a bit of excitement and happiness but at the same time I also feel scared. How could this person know what I want? I like receiving flowers especially roses, I also like plants on my desk, and I like seafood pasta. And I can't remember I told this to anyone. Not even to my family nor my close friends.

"Is there something you are not telling me?" Annie asked. "This is the second day you received a present."

I didn't tell her that it is actually my third time receiving a present.

"Do you know who brought it here?" I asked.

I already asked the maintenance, they said it was delivered here. The delivery person just said it is for you so they brought it to you table."

I forced a smile, so she won't get worried. "It looks nice. I just hope I know who gave it so I can thank him or her personally."

"Just enjoy the presents. That person whom I am sure is a man will definitely show himself up soon. Don't worry, okay?" Annie trying to make me feel better. I guess she can sense that I feel confused.

"Yeah. I'm sure I will meet that person soon. It looks lovely."

"They are lovely. I hope my boyfriend would do the same thing too.

"I'm sure he will. Do you want me to tell him?" I tried to change the subject.

"He is not that romantic. I envy you. You don't need to tell him. He will just say it is a waste of money. He'd better buy me food instead of flowers." She looks upset.

"Haha! I will buy flowers for you next time."

"Hmp! I don't feel good today. I hate him." And she left for her desk.

Who are you? Why don't you just give the gifts to me in person? Maybe I will appreciate it better. I am talking to myself. I'm sure I cannot concentrate working the whole day thinking about the gifts. It is not amusing anymore.

I was thinking deeply when Mr. Smith called me. I went to his office directly. I need distractions. I need to keep myself busy with anything. I should stop thinking about anything for now except work.

When I reached his office, he seemed serious again but looks kinder than before. I was waiting for him to say something like last time. I decided not to say anything and continue waiting.

"Have you thought about my offer." He finally said.

"Can I get back to you on that one on Monday sir? I still need to think it through."

"Okay. Consider it a big step in your career. You can gain more experiences with that."

"Yes, sir."

"Check this document. It is the proposal of another company regarding the machinery we can use for our firm. Study it and tell me your opinion. After that, make a report."

"Yes, sir." Then I left his office.

I immersed myself working the whole day. I didn't want to be bothered by anything. I can think about the presents later.

The time passed by so fast. I had late lunch and had a coffee break and then now it's time to go home. I decided to bring the basket of roses home. I hope I don't get anything unusual tonight or this weekend. I want to spend my weekend in peace.

When I reached my place, everything seemed to be normal. I arrived home without getting anything in the mail. I had my dinner, and everything went smooth. I decided to leave an entry today in my diary. I usually put it in the drawer in my bedside drawer. I am sure I put the diary in here since I always put it here. But I can't find it anywhere. At first, I just thought I misplaced it, but I have been looking for it for an hour now. Where's my diary?