2

I quickly grabbed my phone from my pocket and called my best friend. She answered almost immediately, but instead of a greeting, I heard her yell, "Damn it! Didn’t I tell you to put that there? Are you stupid or what?!" I chuckled upon hearing her roaring voice.

"Hey, Kei," I said.

"Huh? Who the hell is c—" I bet she checked her phone screen to see who was calling. "Omg! Omg! Addi! I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I answered your call! How are you, my pretty best friend?"

I laughed before responding, "I’m good. I got another job, thanks to you," I said. "Tita told me to call you—why, what do you need?"

"Oh yes! Right, do you want to go on a vacation with me?" she invited, catching me off guard. "Come on, Addi. It’s been years since we last went on vacation." Here we go again; she’s always urging me to take a break. "We can even go to a private island! That would be fun!"

"Your invitation is really tempting, Kei," I heard her sigh. "But you know how heavy my responsibilities are right now, right? I can’t just leave and enjoy myself while they’re left behind."

"I understand, I’m sorry. My invitation was selfish," I could really hear the sadness in her voice, but there’s nothing I can do because it’s just not possible. "Just remember, if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask me."

"I’m sorry too. I know you just want to take me on a vacation. I know you’re always there to help me," I sighed. "I promise to pay you back," I sincerely replied.

"Ewww! The drama, Addi! Yuck!" I laughed out loud at her response.

"Whatever, but hey, I might ask you for a job favor again, I’m sorry."

"Duh! I told you, I can even give you a job! I can even triple your salary, so you don’t have to stress every day about whatever side gigs you’re getting into."

"Of course, but that wouldn’t be fair to others who also want that job." I can’t accept money if I earned it that way.

"What the heck? Unfair, Addi? Are you actually hearing yourself right now? You graduated with the highest honors back in college. What’s wrong if I raise your salary? People like you aren’t found every day. You’re rare, one of a kind. I’m a businesswoman too, Addi. I’m hiring you because you have potential, not just because you’re my friend. You’re a gem, and I found you."

"I know," even though I wasn’t expecting her to think that way about me, I was still surprised by what she said. "And thank you. Expect me one of these days, I’ll drop by," I said, and I heard her giggle.

"You can drop by every day!" she said, making me laugh again.

I bid my goodbye before ending our call. I went to the mall and bought some fruits at the supermarket. My siblings both love fruits, so I won’t have a hard time—our supply of fruits in Mama’s room ran out a few days ago.

I waited for my turn at the cashier. After paying for my groceries, I made my way out of the mall. I sighed, trying to release my overwhelming emotions. How long will this go on? I’m tired.

Even though I was exhausted, I forced myself to feel better. I’m going to see my family, and they can’t see me like this. They draw their strength from me, so I can’t let myself be sad or defeated.

I was about to leave the mall when I passed by a boutique. This boutique used to be where I bought my stuff. I couldn’t take my eyes off the dress displayed in the center of the boutique. I wanted to touch it, but I was afraid I might ruin it, and in my current state, I couldn’t pay for it if I did.

"Addi?" I looked up when I saw a familiar face. Purple hair, purple eyelashes, purple lipstick, purple eyeshadow, purple neck chains, purple dress, purple denim blazer, purple five-inch stilettos, and not to mention her purple branded purse, with her gold loops and five shining bracelets. "OMG! I knew it! I knew it was you!"

I smiled slightly. "Violet," I greeted her.

"I did not expect to see you here!" My smile turned into a grimace. She hasn’t changed.

"Yeah, me neither," I replied shortly.

"Oh, how did you get in here?" I looked up because of what she said. "I mean, don’t get me wrong, okay?" she paused as if realizing something. "Oh! Are you with Keith? I mean, between you two, she’s the only one who can afford to come here and buy stuff from here. This mall doesn’t have cheap items that you can actually," she looked at me from head to toe with a fake smile plastered on her lips, "purchase."

I gave her my most casual smile, ignoring the words she just stabbed into my heart. "Yeah, as you can see," I lifted the paper bag I was holding, which contained the fruits I bought at the mall. "I can actually buy stuff for myself. I mean, I used my talent and skills in singing to earn money and make a living, without using my body as leverage. I mean, don’t get me wrong, okay? It’s just that, I didn’t know your sugar daddies have no taste in choosing who to pamper."

I really wanted to pull out my phone and take a picture of her. I could see how her face turned red, and the invisible smoke came out of her nose and ears. My best friend, Kei, hates her so much. I mean, I don’t have to explain it myself; she just has to talk and prove that she is, indeed, a bitch and a sugar baby.

I mean, there’s nothing wrong with that, but you could just shut up about it. You don’t need to brag to everyone that you’re being used by several old men at the same time. That’s not something you should be proud of—your body in exchange for money.

Jeez.

I hate seeing her purple hair.