"Big sister, I'm hungry..." Maymay said while sobbing. She sat on the floor while holding her aching stomach. I approached her gently and bent my knees in front of her to make eye contact.
"Uhmm... Maymay, wait a minute. I'm waiting for your Auntie Bel's reply," I explained to her. I turned my attention back to my phone and fiddled with it.
To Bel:
Bel, can you lend me ten dollars? We just wanted to buy something to eat for tonight. I ran out of money.
Sent!
This was the third time I texted Bel, but there was no reply.
What happened to that woman?
I stood up and went back to the kitchen. I massage my temple out of frustration.
My boss didn't give me my salary from the club for this month. This was how they work. They treated me like that. Just one complaint, someone will point a gun at your forehead and you will receive all kinds of insults but—I worked for that money. I worked for it but they didn't give it fully.
"Big sister..." Maymay called while crying at the salas.
"Maymay, can you please stop! Your voice is annoying!" Kokoy shouted. He was lying on the mat.
I immediately left the kitchen and approached Kokoy.
"Kokoy, don't shout at your little sister," I reprimanded him.
"She's noisy!" he irritatingly answered while covering his face with a pillow.
At that moment, I sighed. Even if he acted like that, I know he was hungry too. He just vented through annoyance and anger. We haven't had food since lunch and now... it was already dark.
"Big sister, I'm really hungry..." Maymay cried again. Her tears flowed from her eyes which she immediately wiped away with her small hands.
Honestly, I wanted to cry too. I was hungry too but I could endure it, but them? I felt sorry. I felt sorry for the kind of lifestyle we had. They had a prostitute sister. Because of my profession, I knew they got bullied in school. Fortunately, they didn't think about leaving someone like me.
I gently approached Maymay.
"Sssssh... Stay here. Big sister is going outside to get some food, huh? Just wait for me." I smiled at her and wiped the tears streaming down her face.
"Really?" she surprisingly asked.
"Of course, little sis. So, stay here, huh? Don't leave the house. I'll be right back," I answered gently and kissed her on the forehead.
"Kokoy! Watch your sister! I'll just go outside," I requested. I took a jacket from the cabinet and wore it.
Kokoy nodded in response.
After seeing it, I quickly left the house.
* * * *
"Hello?" I called in front of the store. I rubbed my two palms because of the embarrassment and awkwardness I felt.
"Hello?"
"Wait!!!" I was startled and shut my mouth after hearing a person inside the store. I patiently waited and puffed out an air that came from my chest—just to take off the nervousness I felt.
"Oh? What brings you here, Angge?" The owner of the store addressed me by my nickname.
"Uhmm... Can you kindly lend me—"
"Oh my gosh! I don't have sales today! It's already late night, Angge. Not tonight!" She pushed me away from her store.
"Please... Please... Lend me some food. I promise I'll pay you once I receive my salary from the club. My siblings are really hungry—just only for my siblings—”
She cut me off by raising her right hand. I didn't finish what I was supposed to say.
"Oh my gosh, Angge! Do you know how much your debt is to my store?" she exclaimed and raised her drawn eyebrow. I looked at my feet out of embarrassment.
"Please... Lend us some food. I'll pay all my debts soon. I will pay in installments," I whispered but I know she heard it because she sighed and stared at me intently.
"Fine! What are you going to owe? F*ck this life!" she irritatingly said while saying those words. I smiled upon hearing it and took a deep breath.
"One can of sardines, one kilo of rice, one garlic and msg," I replied. The old lady quickly complied.
"Here!" A large bag containing food was handed to me.
"Thank you very much!" I said happily to the old lady.
"Don't say thank you! That's a debt! You should pay for it!" she shouted in front of me.
"Yes, I'll pay for it," I answered right away and smiled. Even if she was shouting at me, it was okay. The important thing was we already had food tonight.
"Go ahead! Go away!" she waved her hands and massaged her temple as if her head was aching.
Now, I was relieved to be back at home.
* * * *
Kokoy opened the door for me when I came home.
"Wow! Big sister!" Maymay shouted happily and hugged my right thigh.
"Wait, Maymay... I am going to cook our food first," she immediately removed her grip on me and nodded with a smile.
I walked to the kitchen hurriedly.
"Bel?" I was surprised to see her when I reached the kitchen.
"Hey, Angela. I'm sorry. I read your text message late. By the way, take this," she handed me a paper. Money to be exact.
"No, no, no, no... We have food already. I've found a way," I smiled and put down the food I owed to the store.
"Come on, Angela!" she ranted and stomped her feet on the floor. I looked at her in surprise.
"How about breakfast for tomorrow? So, take this! Don't hesitate to ask for help, okay?" she insisted and pulled me closer to her. She forcibly put the money into my pocket.
At what she did, I breathed deeply.
"Thank you, Bel," I said and my eyes started to become teary. Bel pulled me closer to her and hugged me.
"Oh! First things first! Where did you come from? Is it a debt to the store again?" she asked as she helped me to cook.
"Yeah..." I shortly answered.
"Angela! Before I forgot!" she said sharply as if she suddenly remembered something.
"Some men came here earlier in the house. Three men in a black suit are looking for you," she said after she sprinkled the msg on the stewed sardines.
"Me? They are looking for me? What time?" I asked in surprise and leaned against the wall.
"It's been a while. When you came, they just left a couple of minutes ago. Seriously, friend, they're scary so when they asked me if you live here, I lied. I said that Angela didn't exist here. At first, it seemed like they weren't convinced and their gaze wandered inside your house."
I fell into silence at what she said.
Me? They were looking for me? Who was the one who would do such an effort to find a prostitute like me?
I couldn't help but feel nervous and at the same time scared.
"Uhmm... Bel, why didn't you tell them I live here?" I asked in curiosity and started to put the dishes on the table.
"Of course! I'll hide you! What if those are syndicate groups? Or another prostitution? Or maybe your big-time demon clients who are looking for you? Most likely, I will hide you. It's enough to entertain one club," she explained.
After hearing it, I shrugged my shoulders and shook away the thoughts inside my head.
I just called my siblings to eat dinner.
Almost a week ago was the last time I saw Clark here at the entertainment club. After that, he never showed up again. For those weeks, I couldn't believe myself to be getting excited. I was looking forward to the night. Just in case he came back. I sighed as I watched the reflection of my face in front of the vanity mirror. "Angela!" Our manager called. I looked in his direction. "Someone bought you today! Your sales are really great!" he exclaimed excitedly and caressed my hair. I smiled at him a little. "Go to the VIP. Enjoy..." There was an obscenity in his tone at the last word. I just shook my head before I excitedly went to the VIP room. Is that him? I hope so... I almost stumbled while heading to the said place. I wouldn't mind the height of my heels and the possibility of tripping over. I was excited to see him again. When I was at the front door, I immediately opened it and took a step forward. After a few minutes of scanning the place, the smile I wore on my face was
Overcrowded places, tight roads, and dirty surroundings came across as I was driving towards Angela's place. The people kept on staring at my car as I made my way. It was visible to their eyes the curiosity and wonder as to who was the driver of the expensive car. I stopped the car when I reached Angela's house. I found a little house made up of some hollow blocks and woods. It looks unfinished. It looked like I am already here. I immediately grab the brown envelope that John handed last yesterday and scanned the papers. After I saw the records of Angela printed on the paper, I was now one hundred percent sure that this is the house where she lives. I quickly removed my seatbelt and got out of the car. "Psst!" The drunk neighbors whistled at me. "Let's get drunk, sir. Give us money!" The drunk man greeted me in not a nice way. I ignored each one of them and just kept on walking. I had no business with them and I didn't like to waste my time. "Where's the doorbell?" I asked as I
Angela's POV "Big sister!!!" Maymay greeted me excitedly when I entered the house. I gladly hugged her tightly. After a second, she let go of the hug and helped me with the bags of food that I was carrying. "Where's your brother Kokoy?" I asked and roamed my eyes around. "Brother is in his room, sleeping," she politely replied. From what I heard, I nodded and we walked together toward the kitchen. She placed the bags on the kitchen table and excitedly picked up the cooking utensils that were going to be used. I also started to take care of the ingredients. "Big sister, someone came here lately. He's looking for you," Maymay said while she was busy with what she was doing. "Who is it? But hey... Remember what I've been always reminding you and your brother, huh? Don't talk to someone you don't know. Maymay, it's dangerous," there was a melody of concern in my voice as I sliced the vegetables. "But big sister... He knows you well and he said you also know him—" I rose my right
Clark’s POV "H-hi..." she stammered while looking at my face. Looked like she was surprised by my sudden appearance, right here in front of her after seven years ago without seeing each other. "C-Come—come in..." she added and shyly bowed as I entered their humble home. "Sir Clark!!!" Maymay suddenly showed up like a mushroom and jumped up to hug my waist. I laughed a little and smiled while looking at her innocent face. I glanced in Angela's direction who was now confused by the scene. "Sir Clark..." Kokoy called me from the kitchen and greeted me. I just nodded and smiled back in response. After a minute, Maymay finally let go of the hug and play her toys on the salas. "How?" my gaze shifted to Angela. "I came here yesterday," I explained and smiled sweetly at her. She was surprised by what I said. "Since when you came back?" she asked in confusion while her forehead furrowed. "It's not important anyway. What matter is now," I answered and smiled for the nth time. "You woul
"Take care of yourself, huh? Be careful there.""Of course Angela, I'll be careful as you wish.""Uhmm...""Hey? Are you crying? What's the matter?""No! I'm not crying. It's just... I'm just going to miss you.""Aw... How sweet of you, Angela. Come here, I will hug you.""Wait, Angela! Before I forgot! Here, take this. Promise me you'll always wear it.""A ring?""Yep!""I bring a gift to you too.""A picture of you?""Yes. So you won't be able to forget me.""Haha! Of course! I'll never forget you.""Uhmmm... Clark?""Yes, Angela?""Hey, Clark sweetie! Come on! We're leaving!""Come on, spill it! Mom's calling me.""What are we?""Haha! Of course, we are---""Clark!!! How many times do I have to call your name for you to come over?! We're late for the flight!""Mom's getting angry. I gotta go Angela.""Uhmm... All right. Be careful there, huh? Take care of yourself, always.""I will. Come here, I'll kiss your forehead. Mwah! There you go..." (Giggled)"You're making me miss you even
Clark's POV"I'm happy to see you again, Angela," I uttered lovingly and held her right hand. I placed it on the top of my chest where she could freely feel my heart beating with love and joy.I'm longing for this moment to happen. I am happy that I'm already here in our homeland. I am ready now. I know. "You don't have any idea how much I miss you... I am always thinking of you every single day." I added and smiled at her sweetly. Being there in the States without a glimpse of her is freaking difficult. There is always sadness here inside my chest. I always look up at the sky. Watching the moon, hoping she's looking at the moon too. And waiting for the stars to fall to make a wish to fast forward the time. When it comes to her, my heart really softens. Fortunately, Angela and I were having a moment alone this time because her best friend was outside of the house. Talking to someone over the phone. I don't know what's up with her best friend. It seems she's jealous. But why? We w
“I'm prosti-" Ting! Her words were cut off when my phone rang. Indicating I received a message. We both shifted our gaze to the table where the phone would be found. I chose to ignore the text message and didn't bother to check it. I looked back at the woman I love and put a smile on my face. "What is it again, Angela?" I asked and tuck her some baby hair at the back of her right ear. She breathes deeply and slowly releases it. Looks like she's nervous. After that, she spoke. "I am a pros-" Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! The text message's tone alert ruined our conversation for the second time around. I gasped, shut my eyes, and later sighed in annoyance. "Uhmm... Check your phone, Clark. It seems important," she uttered and caressed my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at her deeply. I don't want to ruin our moment but my phone keeps on ringing with a message tone alert. The hell? She just caressed my cheek then after a second, I sigh for the nth time and nodded as I
Shall I kiss her? I could feel her heart beating so fast, so am I. I was also deaf and felt numb because of my abnormal heartbeat. We were only a few inches apart when I stopped when someone suddenly sneezed behind me. "Hachoo!" she exaggeratedly sneezed and afterwards cleared her throat. Angela blushingly took a step back away from me and pinned her hair behind her ear because of the thought we were almost caught kissing. I shifted my gaze at my back just to see the one who interrupted our moment. And here was the culprit. None other than Bel. "Uhmm, Clark. Maybe, you should go home. I bet your mom is looking for you right now. I'll take you to your car," Angela said hurriedly and pulled me out of the kitchen. I looked again at Bel who was now just staring at me. There was no emotion drawn on her face. "Maymay! Kokoy! Say goodbye to Sir Clark,” Angela called her siblings. Maymay ran in my direction and hugged me tight. "Goodbye, Sir Clark. Please, come back here again soon,” M