Chapter 14 CHAPTER 14: Knight

MAYBE this is the sign or maybe I’m just lucky enough when my friend, Jenny rang my phone. I immediately answered it.

I accept that she calls me stupid when I told her I am outside because my Auntie Amanda and her daughter throw me out even they knew that typhoon soon will come. Typhoons already came into my life. And it started when my father met Auntie Amanda.

“Why do you leave the house? That is your house and not theirs!” I can imagine now, how Jenny’s face is right now. For sure she wanted to slap me or tweaks me until all my hair loses. The other day, she just told me I should not stay in our house, leave and find another house that no one will treat me like garbage. Now, she was asking me, why the hell I left and let them do what they wanted.

“It wasn’t my intention but I don’t have any choice when Auntie Amanda and Maricar pushes me out of our house.”

I heard her sighed and blown a lungful air. “I wish I can help you right now, but my mom already arrived and she brought my grandparents. I am not sure if they are going to stay here for long. I wanted to help you and offer you our house but today is not a good idea. It was sudden, you know unexpectedly. But believe me, I am trying to help you,” she hissed over the phone.

I do understand and no need to explain every detail, I was about to say but I choose to say, “thank you. You are an awesome friend. I appreciate how you comfort me during becoming alone in these dark times of my life. I am contented that you never leave me.” I tried not to let my tears betrayed me and don’t let them fall from my eyes. They can’t help me at all.

“If only I can help you... You don’t need to wander around.” I closed my eyes firmly.

I stop walking when I reach the bus station, sit there and park my luggage and my shoulder bag.

“I can manage. Don’t worry. Take care too,” I said after ending the call.

I don’t know why I said that. I can’t even find the word ‘manage’ in my dictionary. I mean I don’t know how to start. I can’t even find an apartment right now, I have lots of debt. I agreed to pay three-fourth of the expenses for our wedding—Vincent and I’s wedding. I loan a big amount thinking that everything will become good, will do well and smooth. But it wasn’t the case when he backs out. I tried talking to some suppliers, they refuse a back out and refund. They ask me if I can sell the contract with other couples, that would be great and I can receive the money I paid for all the expenses. The same with the venue, the bridal gowns, and other materials or clothes. All was a mess.

To be honest, I wanted to die right now where I am sitting. I can’t find the courage to start. My loan will start for the payment next week and once I did not pay, the interest will increase.

How am I supposed to sell the wedding materials in less than a week?

Where can I find a buyer right now?

How am I supposed to live like this?

Where should I start?

I can’t even answer all of that questions. It is like a billion-dollar question. I felt like I am in a game show and my mind is the host who throws the question to me. As if I am in front of the viewers checking some cheats and let them coach me. But close to impossible.

Upon Keep walking, I finally dare to think where I can stay for a while. I know God will never throw me away. I just wish they will accept me.

IT WASN’T early enough to hide my things. But at least no one checks me in the hotel when they saw my ID. I immediately go to the woman’s locker area, thinking that hopefully no one can see me and catch me. Once I am caught, they will throw me away. I will become a cat again, wandering outside and looking for a house to stay.

I tried putting my luggage bag in the locker but it can’t fit. The luggage bag is too big occupying some spaces. I just put it above the locker. On the other side where there is space, I throw myself lying on the cold floor. I just took my thick jacket and put it there. I don’t have enough sleep, na’ah. I don’t have to sleep at all. I was awake since last night.

I don’t even mind changing my clothes. All I wanted is to get rest and sleep. The clothes I am wearing already dries up. I just put an extra thick shirt outside just to cover my non-er*cted n*pples.

I hope when some cleaner came in, I wish they will not bother me or throw me away. I have nothing to stay with. I felt cold, my body started to shiver. I lied down by side and hug my body. I tried closing my eyes. Hoping that once I wake up, some good news will come.

I already closed my eyes when I heard women coming in. They are so noisy. They don’t even think maybe someone is there to take a rest. I understand that they need to talk but can they talk with lower voices without even shouting?

Agh! This is terrible. My head is spinning around. My stomach grumbles. I felt like some anaconda starting to bite my large intestine. Or my small and large intestine starting to fight and eat each other. My stomach is indeed noisy. It’s something like they are so noisy than the ladies on the other side of this locker.

But I can’t help it out about being starving. I am more looking for sleep and rest than eating.

I deeply inhale and exhaled it like an explosion than just trying to make my sleep deep.

Suddenly, a man came inside the locker room as I can hear his voice. A suave baritone voice, I never heard in my life. Is he going to be my prince charming?

Close to impossible, Angela. No one likes you, you are an ugly creature. My mind kept reminding me as if it was mocking me right now.

I shake my hand as a no. My mind is right. This is impossible. I’m not attractive at all. I make my hair always in a clean bun, I didn’t use makeup all the time. I look pale, close to a ghost. Or I saw a ghost that is why I am pale.

I am not used to wearing makeup' because my mom always telling me that true beauty is a woman who maintains her original nature by not wearing makeup all the time. She always reminds me that we can use makeup as long as we need to attend some important occasions. But on my part, I don’t have to, a slight glide is enough. I am not a party-goer either. Anti-socialize is the perfect description for an introvert like me.

I can hear the footsteps until I arise from sleeping to check who is there.

“Why are you lying here?”

I hug both of my knees when I finally sit. “W-Who are you? What are you doing in a woman’s locker?”

“Here... Take this.” The man gives me food. A burger still wrapped on its cover. By the smell, I wanted to jump off and snatch the burger. Eat like a tiger longing for food.

But I did not do any of my thoughts. I just keep my eyes staring on that shone couple of his eyes. I am sure, I saw him before.

“Come. I will assist you. We’ll go to the hospital to check your body temperature.” His adam’s apple moved as he said those words. He even raises his hands and his palm touches my forehead to check my temperature.

Why did I feel how soft his hand is? Am I starting to get perv*rt because of his simple gestures? Maybe it is really nice under his care. It might be nice if I am wrapped between his arms. I might die at any moment with his sweet move.

“I am your knight-and-shining-armor prince charming. I will take care of you and send you to the hospital.”

Hospital?

What does he mean?