Chapter 21: The Stranger

It's been almost a month since Cody visited Honey. They had communication because Honey asked if she could talk to Doc Manley. When Cody returned to the Philippines, he immediately told his uncle, Manley what had happened and as a gift he made a way for the two to speak.

The outcome was contrary to Honey's expectations. She was happy to shut down that chapter of her life as well.

After Honey closed the laptop, she lay down. It's early morning. It was Nanay Lin's birthday and she asked for a video call that she gave. She sent a few bucks at least to have a small feast. She also spoke to Boyong who boasts of his high grades. She was so happy to hear from it that he was happy to be back in school. He was running for top 1 even that makes her even more excited.

The conversation lasted about two hours, especially with Tita Karie and Sandy are with Nanay Lin. Percy also added to the video call, so they were really rumble.

She slept peacefully even in time.

Jessie is busy arranging the decorations on the second floor because a company at Fionna & Goons is holding a seminar. It was late at night and the employees were arriving at seven o'clock in the seminar. Like her, her co-workers are also restless in the pursuit of decorations, and food.

After they have settled down, the waitresses and waiters who have been assigned. Up to utilities.

They met in employees room with Honey who was also very tired. They had a night shift last night and they had not been able to recover from sleep this morning. It's for the people will be shifting to tonight's seminar is strong and unobtrusive. They approved it because they are off the next day. And finally, Honey was with them too.

They were going out when someone was blocking their path. Compared to Jessie, Honey was in shock because after their shift, it even made a two-hour video call last night.

"I told you, I owe you." Honey seems to have raised her eyes because she heard 'I owe you'. She felt like she heard that somewhere.

"Jess, you know him?" She tucked the arm into the coat, especially the winter has started. The breeze is in the air.

Isn't she too cold?

"No."

"Maybe you lend out?"

"Of course, not!"

"Then, who are you, mister?" She was overwhelmed by the drowsiness and her head ached.

"Sir, I hope you don't mind. We need to go home." Jessie has already supported her friend because compared to her, it's obvious that she's tired.

The stranger in front of them was worried about wearing a knee-length brown coat. There is a gray scarf and plus it's more wrapped than them. "Is she drunk?"

"No. Overworked."

"I have my car. I can send you home–"

"I don't trust you, so excuse me." Jessie slowly led Honey to the side of the road to wait for a taxi.

"I know, but I already went to her house. I just didn't take too long, 'cause she keeps on punching me." The stranger explained that Jessie seemed to remember when Honey came home wet in the rain.

"You sent her home?"

"Yes." And it says the address that Jessie's eyes have widened.

That's because she asked her to buy a medicine. Despite the conscience, she still doesn't trust him. But her friend needed to rest, who seemed to be asleep while leaning at her. She could feel the weight of it.

"Fine. Send us home."

The man smiled and for the second time, he picked up Honey again and put her in the back seat. Jessie also liked to stay with a friend. He had no care if the man thought he was being made their driver.

And it looks like he's ignoring it too.

A few days later, Honey didn't know why Jessie was always following everything she was going to. If there is a place she's going to, she should know. What time she's going home, or what time to leave. As well as the plate number of the taxi, and whatever else she has already been irritated.

"Jessie!" Honey yelled upon realizing it's Jessie who has been following her since she got off the bus stop. She looked at the watch and was more upset at the sight. "What are you doing?!"

Jessie arranged the glass and coat that he often saw in detective movies. Even the hat didn't match its outfit. Why, it's a baseball cap! "Ahm. Wandering the town?" Honey was just so tired to scratch her forehead even though it was not itchy.

Jessie's always been worried about her. But she didn't said to anyone, or anything.

She would just go grocery shopping especially since they didn't have work. She e didn't invite her friend because Jessie said she was going to her father but wasn't.

"Please! Don't get mad!" Jessie begged.

"If you tell me what's bothering you, I swear! I won't get mad. Just. Tell. Me. Now."

Jessie bit her lips because she had no choice. She didn't want to hide it anymore, maybe what else would happen and she wasn't ready for anything. "I'm afraid someone might stalk and bother you." She bowed her head in shame. But it disappeared with a sudden laugh.

"Stalker? My God, Jess! No one will going to stalk me. Now, go to your Dad and don't worry about me. I'll update you from time to time."

"You sure? But–"

"No buts, my friend." Honey smiled at Jessie to show that everything was fine.

"Fine. You promised to update me–"

"I already did."

After a relentless promise, she was able to get rid of it. It's Jessie's Dad's birthday and she doesn't want her to miss a special day for her Dad, to be with them of course.

She went to the grocery store and bought the food that could take in the storage. There are times when they need to save money, especially her, sending money the family she left in the Philippines.

Honey had just come out of the grocery store when a figure of a man in front of him appears. She apologizes and change her direction but that was just how he annoys her when he was stopped again. At her height, she can't look at it because of the grocery items she could almost kiss. How could there be those still in her arms.

"Let me help you." And all of a sudden, he picked up the big items in the paper bag she was holding.

"Such a busybody!" He almost dropped the ones above.

"What?" This is a funny response to what she said.

"You're a busybody!" Honey screamed here thinking he didn't understand of what she had said.

"I'm not a busybody, Miss. Just a gentleman." At the same time he was so upset that he was even more shocked.

"That ... do you understand me?!"

"Yup. You are obviously Pinoy." And he even laughed as if she were a joke!

"How–"

"Hep! I just want to pay off my debt, okay?"

"Debt?" Honey was confused because she only saw it for the first time today.

"At the bookstore, remember?" And what had happened came back to her.

But, it seems like something is wrong ...

"Shouldn't I be in debt?"

The stranger smiled, "Nope. I was so occupied with the job that I forgot to apologize. You got sick of it. So, if I ask you to eat outside, can you give me a chance?"

"I'm afraid someone might stalk and bother you."

She remembered what Jessie had said. "Are you stalking me?" Her eyebrows arched at the highest she could reach.

"Maybe? But I swear! I just want to pay it back."

Honey thought.

Now she knows a Filipino other than Percy's friend who is miles away in her place. It is good that she can approach someone in a time of doubt.

"It could be. When is it?" Honey had already walked to the main entrance.

"Whenever are you available?"

"Ahmm, around six at night I was out. At nine o'clock in the morning I got to work."

"Then call. Only at night after your work."

"Are you fetching me up?"

"Yes. I can wait."

"I haven't even said where, 'I can wait for you!'"

"Actually, I know."

"Really?"

Yes. Then, tomorrow. I'll get you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"All right. Let's just talk about Philippines tomorrow." He immediately stopped the first taxi he saw. He talked about it for a moment and negotiating, she entered the back seat. The stranger man followed with what he stole not long ago.

"All right, thank you."

"No problem. I'm Silvester."

"Honey. I mean, that's my name." And here she goes again explaining her name.

"I know. Take care."

"Same!"

Honey waved again as the taxi rode away.

Sil looks a kind man, right? Let's be close. It's crazy with pure English.

--

"Why you're smile doesn't seem fading away, Kuya?"

Percy started who is in Singapore, to his brother, Silvester. He called to ask about their parents' death anniversary. It looks like about their set up when they get home.

"I met a Filipina here. It's just fun."

"Really My, Kuya. If she's your type, move your way it immediately. There are many British out there to be your rival!" And his smile has become a laugh. It is obvious that he is teasing him.

"Let's take it slowly, Percy. Don't push things early. It could be in vain."

"All right. So, accordingly. Tita's bothering me on what our set up! Maybe you have a suggestion there?"

"You can do it as usual. Let's pray then, just order for a small feast."

"Isn't it expensive to order?"

"Percival, it would be more expensive if we were to get a helper to help Tita in cooking. That a pay too."

"You're right."

"If possible, you talk to Tita about something else."

"No problem. All right, Kuya. Next time and I still have lots to do."

"Take care, Percy."

"Same goes, Kuya." They smiled at each other before ending the call.

Silvester looked at the watch and to his surprised it was near midnight. He immediately dressed and slid into Fionna & Goons.

--

"Are you sure 'bout this?"

"Yes, Jessie. Don't worry. I'll. Update. You. From. Time. To. Time."

"Literally?"

"Jessie?"

"Alright!"

Jessie didn't want to leave Honey and she probably had a hidden agenda. So she promised Jessie to text from time to time. From where they're going and time to come and leave. It does not seem to prevent it from being suspicious even when he's Honey's is a countryman.

Not long after Jessie's departure Silvester arrived. S

He's dressed so well from the hair that although slightly porous has added to its beauty. It also wears a black coat that slides to its knees.

She wasn't sure if the man was wearing a suit or just a t-shirt.

She was embarrassed by the sweater and pants. She looks like there's just something to buy.

"So, let's go?"

"Yes."

They rode in his car. She texted to Jessie the plate number of Silvester's car and restaurant they were going to. She smiled to see where they had parked.

A Filipino restaurant.

"Wow. There's something like this here?" She roam her eyes to the entrance until they got into it.

"I just saw it recently. Do you like it?"

"Yes! Oh my! I'm looking for a close one in our place but none! It's was here!"

Silvester smiled because when he asked his friends, they told him that it was a turned off. It should be at an expensive restaurant. It was really good that he asked his brother and said she could appreciate the Philippines.

They ordered first while Honey was looking for a place to sit. There are so many people in the restaurant and really not just Filipinos, there's different races, too.

When he arrives, the waiter followed with the meals. They thanked them before leaving.

"Thanks for the treat." Honey began as they waited for the halu-halo that they'd order.

Silvester wiped his mouth first before answering the Honey's question. "No. Thanks for accepting my invitation."

"All right. I just want to ask. Do you have a relative named Percival Montenegro?" Silvester mentioned Montenegro his surname.

"Yeah. He's my younger brother. Wait - are you Honey who is his twin?"

"Are you siblings? Really? He doesn't says anything."

"Yes. Let's call him." He took the cellphone in the pocket of the pants and dialed.

"But seriously! He never mentioned you!"

"I guess, he's just preoccupied. That's how he is. Oh, he answered right away." He showed the video call.

"Why Kuya? Emergency?" This is Percy's voice.

"Hey Percival!" She screamed at him but it was enough and not so strong.

Silvester handed him the cellphone. "Go ahead. Talk to him."

"Honey?"

"Probably. Or maybe you have another Honey in Singapore? Oh, Percival! I should meet her!" Percy laughed very loud.

"You are Kuya's date, huh?"

"It's not a date! Paying off his debt!"

"Come on, honey! Get him. So, we become a legally siblings!"

"I think that's enough." Silvester stole the cellphone and said going to the toilet.

Honey just shrugged. Probably embarrassed.

Percy laughed at the look of his older brother. He knows the strength of his brother when he likes the woman. Afraid to be embarrassed in front of her.

"Percy! What is that?" Here it is.

"Kuya, that girl is special to me. Just like you. If you like her, and she allows you, go. Just don't hurt her. She's my girl best friend and as well as my sister."

"I know, but should I be embarrassed?"

"What? Nothing like that! Promise! We are so comfortable that no one is embarrassed. Just being honest."

"Nevermind! All right, bye!"

"Bye!"

Silvester returned and they continued eating when the order arrived, but it was a bit embarrassing. Honey thought he doesn't to look at her again. But when he got off the car, he asked for her number.

"Can we start over again? I mean, erased what Percy's have said."

"That's all right."

Silvester smiled. "Nice. All right, good night. It's too late."

"Yeah. Good night. Take care."

Silvester refrained from kissing her because of his brother's stories. She's somewhat an old fashioned woman.

A few days passed and their meeting was repeated. Silvester showed his motive and intentions to Honey. He took Jessie's blessings too, to show that he was serious and honest in his desire.

Until their going out were getting twice, thrice and so on, that Honey never did.

--

With heavy rains, Jenny hurriedly stopped the tricycle. "Here is the fee!" She yelled because they were struggling to keep up with the sound of the rain. She also in a hurry opening the umbrella before getting off the tricycle.

She stopped at the gate where she was now standing. It was years since she set foot here and lived. Now, she is here again at the request of the old woman to attend her birthday.

Jenny did not even bother to knock, nor did she open, no one will hear he because the rain. She went straight in and there knocked on the door in the living room.

She didn't expect the one who opened it, "Percy ..." When did she last sae him?

"Jenny, come in." And then he opened the door for her to enter. "Tita is in the kitchen. You can go there."

She was about to answer when he turned away suddenly and she was left standing.

So she let the noise of the heavy rain blow away the words she wanted to say, How are you? I missed you.

"Ah, all right. I'm fine." She said. She left the wet umbrella outside before finally going to where the old woman was. She could see it has finished cooking.

"Jenny!" She immediately wiped her wet hand and then embraced her. "How are you? Good thing you came."

She smiled at her with a hug. "Actually, My mom is asking me take care of here in Manila, so why not do it first so I can stay here? Hehe! How about you? How are you?"

"Here, getting old! Hahaha! Alright, you sit down and I'll prepare the dishes again. Percy! Sandy!" She decided to sit in the opposite chair next to her.

Not for long, as the old woman was serving, Percy and Sandy came. She wanted to avoided him because it was really awkward. But it would be ugly if he didn't even greet them.

To be safe, she smiled at them. But Percy's gaze was just passing through. Apparently, everything is coming back. The pain, it's really not disappearing.

"Tita Jenny?"

It's my fault. Blaming herself.

"Hey, Tita!"

"S-Sandy!"

"Nice, I thought you didn't remember me!"

"No, no."

"How are you Tita?"

"All right. You?"

"I'm fine. I thought you were with Tita Honey."

"Ahm, she's busy." She lied.

"I know, but! Next week is my birthday, Tita. She promised me that—"

" Sandy! Sit down here!" They were both surprised at Percy's sudden shouting. The child could do nothing but obey her uncle.

Jenny observed them. Tita Karie, although she aged today, she looks healthier than before. Her white hair was also growing that was few before. Sandy, on the other hand, is a big kid compared to the little girl who was very naughty. She became stylish and less naughty. Before she's tiny, she became a bit chubby.

And Percy,

The old hair that was always trimmed, became long over the shoulder. It is also more obvious that its body has grown, perhaps in the gym.

Why am I still wondering? Years passed, and many things happened.

Is he still seeing Honey?

What are you doing, Jenny! Yes, she even promised Sandy, right?

Then, they probably in a relationship. Or, maybe, they're married.

Her reminiscing stopped when her cellphone in the bag rang.

It was just an alarm clock.

"Hija, what are your concerns when you leave?" Tita Karie asked after she had put her plate of adobo chicken with potatoes.

"Thank you. Ahm, I'm working in our province. Though occasionally, I went out to my mother carinderia and vegetable stand."

"Well done and you able to make it real."

"Yes." She secretly looking at Percy to see if he is interested in her stories. But no.

"Are you going home soon?"

"Yes. There's still work tomorrow."

"Is that so? I thought you were here to stay. Then, let's eat."

She tried to calm down because she could no longer understand herself. She wants to cry!

The duration that happened, like, 5 years ago? She still feels bitter! Maybe because she still hopes to have more chance for both of them.

It seem it can't be?

But, maybe Honey is not here because they have no contact at all?

I hope so.

Because there's still a chance.

Because Honey is the only one could possibly replace Percy's heart.