Chapter I

What a waste.

A splotch of ice cream fell on the pavement before I could even take the last bite of the treat. Thankfully, my shoe wasn’t smeared with it. Oh man, should’ve unloaded the heavier boxes first. Nan’s going to kill me.

Opening the trunk, I saw the boxes left and brought it inside the house without literally losing an arm. My grandma and I just moved back here again at Greenwood after eleven years – quite long huh. Everything was almost perfect during the ride earlier except that we ran out of gas in the middle of the road – so I waved some passing cars and get a hitch. Look, it is three hours back from Oceano so it would’ve suck if we were left there waiting.

Anyway. I put the last box with a heavy breath and a lot of sweat. Careful not to break anything – It is in my knowledge that Nan brought a bunch of crockeries inside. Like she needs them – it’s for decorative function only. It’s a Wednesday and I had some stuff to sort out: even considering to renovate my old room. Grazing an old picture frame on a dusty old desk, it feels as if time-travelling back to that memory. With a heavy sigh, I put it down, trying not to remember. It was all in the past now.

My wallpapers are still as cringe as ever. Why did a five year old girl had to go through the “all pink phase” though? Seriously? It’s an eye sore. It definitely needs a makeover.

Where’s my bag? – Oh here it is. I took my journal and all sorts of journaling stuff on my bed. Utilizing my new adhesive tape, I stick the cut out characters from Mary’s burger sheet cover and two punk rock stickers with “bonkers” written on it. I used a black Sharpie to draw some cute diamonds and circles on the side of the page. Determined to make a neat calligraphy – I titled the top page “Summer Bucket list.”

I thought deeply as I comfortably rested on my stomach with a palm on my chin. This should be highly purposeful. I mean – I know that this is sort of a vacation for me and Nan but I can’t help but be anxious. Nan’s not getting any younger. She needs someone helping her get extra cash – especially that now I’m in junior year. We keep on struggling with finances; making ends meet and paying all debts accounted. With her bad knees and her constant running for customers back at the restaurant - it just breaks my heart. A rest is what she definitely needs – and this is what she is going to do here.

So, first on the list is a part-time job. What’s next? Oh I remember. I need to sign up for a volunteer program too. That way I can put it on my report paper; help me narrow down some career interest, meet new people, and experience new skills. It is an advantage blah blah blah – I know, I know. But, my introverted side couldn’t help but hide from a cave. That sure is a hell of socializing and empty small talks to strangers. Can’t wait to roll my eyes. Priorities Feln. Priorities.

“Feleni, come down here for a second dear!” Quickly, I emerged from my room and headed downstairs. Nan, in her blue overalls, is determined to start her in-depth cleaning of the house. A bucket in her right hand and a mop on the left, “Nan are you going to war?” I stifled a giggle. So much for a vacation.

“Come on dear, we have some serious business here. Can’t wait to scrub those muck on my kitchen floor.” She continues her mumbling while handing me a pair of rubber gloves and an apron. Just so you know, Nan is a complete neat freak. She wants everything squeaky clean and shiny from top to bottom, left to right. Now, you might think it is over the cherry but we’re Asians. Most of my race are just fretful with dust and disorganized fridge.

I, myself, like to stack everything in rows – highly organized. I believe that it was my honored principle to uphold; Nan taught me that. As for bookshelves, nothing must be out of place. And because I am an avid fan of the color wheel, my books have to be in THE color code – many of the nerds I know doesn’t agree with this. They say it is sacrilege. But, I really don’t care. There’s this one time from seventh grade, when my seatmate came to first period late, she put all her books on the same side as mine. Because our desks are next to each other, some of her books crossed the line. I mean it wasn’t a big deal - yeah sure – for her that is! Not me. I nudged her books back to her and she shouted at me saying I’m rude. I wasn’t. My things were organized as it is and no one should break its balance. Another example is in ninth grade at the Science lab, when I was arranging the flasks in neat columns after class because Teach asked me to, a guy named Jeffrey and the other goofs he call ‘friends’ – came inside for a hide and seek. Jeff here – stupidly shoved the table where I put those fragile things and two of them were broken: shattered into pieces. I screamed and nagged saying that I was almost done with it and that they are all retarded goats. The day after that, I cried at the principal’s office thinking Nan will pay for the damages. Fortunately, I was only told not to do the chore again and make a brief report for the inventory. News quickly spread like virus and everyone in school called me “Freak Feleni” which was so annoying.

As I was cleaning my own room, I huffed on the window pane and draw a heart then wipe it after. The slight moist was gone. I glimpsed at the person whose window is right across mine. We could easily see each other’s reflection.

Being another weird creature of the universe, I waved at the neighbor in a hoodie. He’s in his side view looking much preoccupied with a book in hand – wearing headphones. Ooh… looks like an emo. I see he doesn’t notice me at all. So, what I did was get a piece of paper, folded it, and made a paper plane. I’m just curious with Mr. Neighbor that’s all.

I aimed the plane like a dart. A swish – and it took a swirl on the air heading towards the opposite window. Like a kid, I anticipated that it would land inside of his room and declare my victory. Unfortunately, it didn’t. It was stuck on the ledge. What a bummer – Oh well.

“Take on me” was playing on the radio. I turned the volume up and get back to vacuum the floor while doing the head bang, shaking my bum, lip syncing.

A morning after, I was determined to make my job hunt. I asked Nan if the newspapers were delivered. She points here mouth to the one on the couch. I grabbed it and sit there cross-legged. Nan emerged from the side and gave me some coffee. My hands are quick enough and turned to the next page. That was close.

“Dear, I didn’t know you’re good at reading upside down.” I realized I was holding the paper wrong. That just leaves me to say ‘oh’. She gets back inside the kitchen and I could breathe again. My eyes immediately skimmed the sections. The list goes on with contacts on the side. I’m afraid Nan would find out so I ran back to my room upstairs. Honestly, I’m very confused where to start with my plan. With a red pen in hand, I circled the jobs available. Oh! I forgot to mention, I never had a cellphone. Yeah. Never used one – ever. I was used to using my grandma’s telephone. Just punch the numbers and hit the call button. A straightforward method. If you have anything to say, you just ring it. A bit old fashioned but hey – It is 2005 and not everyone keeps up with the trend. The problem is, I can’t go downstairs punching this numbers – I’d be found out. She would never let me do part-time. She would only talk me out of it and do what she always does – enduring everything on her own.

You see, the thing with having no cellular phone is that nobody contacts you. And on this age of growing technology, everyone – I meant EVERYONE – has to have that modern socializing devices for efficient communication. Yet, here I am still living the cave life. A single phone call even terrifies me. Not that I have some call pal or anything – I just don’t have someone to talk to. As a matter of fact, I never had friends. Well, maybe there was – but that was eleven years ago, that time I was just five. I can’t even remember my friend’s face. This bracelet – for me, was the only reminder of that time I had someone to confide in before tragic accident.

I nudged the blue knitted bracelet with a jaded lock on my wrist. It looked worn out and old – barely faded. Honestly, this was fixed for the nth time – it keeps on either teared or the lock keeps on falling. During eighth grade, I even bought lunch for my classmate on recess just to fix the bracelet with some few adjustments. So much for the melancholic reverie, how will I apply for a job when I’m way too chicken to even strike a conversation? That too is another problem. The idea makes my shoulders heavy. Again, I remind myself – this is for Nan, this is for everything I owed from her sacrifices.

Before I even cower, I practiced what I had to say – Good day, I’m Feln. I’m here to apply for an open position here at your store. Take a step forward. Take a step back. I’ve done this over and over for two minutes but I still can’t muster the courage to go inside. Eating omelet and sandwich earlier was never enough to make my stomach comfortable: I felt all tied up in knots, so much, that I almost forgot to fill the resume I printed back at the computer lab at school. Because, I was busy fixing my hair and finding a skirt. It was just the jitters. I lied heading out at the stationary pub nearby just to convince Nan with my secret venture. Well – am not really – I might head out there after.

The thing is, I was nervous. I never thought applying for a job would be easy. Interacting with another human being is hard enough what more if I answer questions for a college application someday. Reminder – this is just a test ground before getting into the tough stuff in life. But, my friend, my social skills ability just can’t get any progress even after going through the phase of puberty.

Okay - quit overthinking. Just do it. I stepped right in – commencing my job hunting journey.

I went to store A, then moved to store B, C, D, E, F, and G. All of them declined my application because of my inexperience to the positions they offer. The list – all marked X red in the crumpled newspaper. Of course I can handle bartending, sewing, fixing car parts, and baking. I know I can learn this stuff, I just need some research and and practice. Okay – maybe it wasn’t matching my skills. But come on, I might be good at something from either of those. Hmm. Or maybe not.

My legs ached hopping from establishment to establishment – But then, something catch my eye. Finally! I found one that doesn’t need any extraordinary professional qualifications. I think the requirement is just to breathe and interacting with somebody isn’t necessary. That’s right. All I have to do is clean the pool – an indoor pool to be exact in a holiday resort near Lake Revel. I found the pink poster at a bulletin near the post office. They offer quite the adequate salary for the hourly work. This is it! I’ll be able to have that part time I needed.

With haste, I zip-open my bag and searched my journal. I put on the red check to my bucket list. I rode my bicycle, heading to the address – exhilarated with my discovery.

I was on my way on Hill Avenue when suddenly someone shouted “Get out of the road! Get out!” Panicked, I hit on the brakes so hard I catapulted down to the pavement in a crash, messing my ankle. A red Corolla is heading towards me in screeching tires and I thought, this might be the end – I’m going to die. I couldn’t move and - couldn’t even stand.

I closed my eyes when suddenly, a strong hand held me; one arm on my back the other under my legs then carried me out of the cold pavement in seconds. Everything is in a buzz. People were out of their houses shouting for help, someone dialed 911, another calling an ambulance. My eyes darted on the vehicle – It was in a collision with the big oak tree. The front of the car is totally wrecked. The driver must’ve been badly hurt from the accident.

“Are you okay?” I faced my savior. His eyebrows knitted in the shape of concern. He has ravishing looks. Thick brown hair in heavy curls; deep set eyes, and full sultry lips. But those eyes- especially those lovely hazelnut eyes drawing me into mystery and awe. Get back to your senses. “I’m alright,” I said in a shaky voice.

“Can you please get me down?”

“Sure.” He did as I say. I tried standing up only to gasp from the excruciating pain in my left ankle. He was sensible enough to see my immediate reaction and carry me again in his arms. “You had a sprain. I’ll get you to the hospital.”

Sometime passed, an ambulance wailed nearing our spot. Rescuers came and immediately took action to the driver. I was still in shock. It happened so fast. I can’t help but think that it was supposed to be me in that stretcher if I have not been saved by the handsome stranger. I would’ve ended up just like them – just like mom and dad.

With Bright Tomorrows, end of Chapter One.