Ch. 34 - A welcoming surprise.

The rain is slowly starting to stop. Tiny rain water droplets are falling from the leaves of the trees above. There was almost no drop of rain straight from the sky, and birds can already be seen flying around. I arrive at a small apartment building that seems expensive, it looks clean and well maintained as if its just newly built. I saw a lady waiting by the porch, but to be sure. I decided to check the address and the picture of the map I took on my phone to see if this is the place. I won't be exactly sure if this is the place if I dont ask, so I approach the lady by the porch. As I got closer she just stood there and stares at me blankly. I actually felt nervous, I dont think she would initiate a conversation so I try to speak up.

"Excuse me, do you have an available room to lease?"

She looks at me dead in the eye, she looks so stern and serious.

"Are you the one from Shizuka?"

She said in a straightforward manner.

"Yes, I am--"

"Follow me, you'll have to make applications inside."

She went inside without letting me finish my question, I followed her inside but I was very cautious of where I walk since my clothes are kinda dripping and I dont wanna slip on the floor. She told me to sat down as she takes some papers and applications for renting a room. I was afraid how much this is going to cost me, so I try to ask how much it would cost me first before I sign it.

"Excuse me, Ms. landlady. How much will this cost me?"

I never felt so embarrassed and helpless before, I didn't know what to expect as an answer. She must be laughing at me in her head right now.

"Im not the landlady, im just the manager of this place."

"Oh, I see."

"Well the police officer who called was a friend of mine and he told me everything and how he found you. And its not that expensive dont worry."

She said.

But she didn't exactly tell me how much it actually cost, so I am terrified to know the full amount once I sign in this paper. My hands are trembling as I am holding onto the pen, she is just staring at me. Waiting for me to make a decision, the room feels so intense and intimidating. I fear she might get annoyed if this takes too long and I am nervous that she might yell at me. She doesn't look friendly at all. I just decided to go with it, whatever happens to me next, all I could do is hope for good results. After that intense moment, she took me to my room and I sat down in the corner. Quietly examining the place, looking at the almost dry walls, feeling the dust on my feet on the rough, unattended floor. Looking at the window I saw a good view of the sky above, the glass is dripping with rain droplets. It was dark and cold, the sky is still grey and it seems the weather hasn't calm down at all. I curled myself into a ball, to warm myself but to no avail. I grab my bag check what's left. Even though it wasn't really expensive. It still took more than half of all my money, endlessly looking into the ceiling. Thoughts rush into my head, what am I going to eat? Where do I take a shower? Do I have any medicine? Where do I start from?

I feel paralyzed and numb. Unable to do anything, stress, tired and hopelessly frustrated in my lonely dark room. I thought everything would go well, I expected things to be more easy since I planned this a long time ago. But things escalated and get out of hand quickly, I started to contemplate on the decisions I made and feel regret. But then I remember how I was badly treated in my aunt's home, how underappreciated and how I was a punching bag for the entire household. Remember the sour and harsh criticisms I receive for the smallest detail, on how there's always something wrong with what I do. How unfair it was with the amount of double standard pressured upon me. I felt sorrow and immeasurably sadness, but holding on to my own pride and dreams. I was able to prevent the feeling of desperation and turn my sadness to anger. Hatred for failing and getting dragged into the mud makes me feel motivated and fired up to get up and do something instead of feeling sorry for myself for the rest of the day. Even though I have doubts about myself, I have to survive and prove to myself that im a survivor.

Firstly, I need to regain my strength and secure my health. There was a sink in my room, I went to check if there's water. I grab myself a towel and wash my head with just water, I need to drenched all the rain water on my head with tap water before it dries, otherwise I will definitely get sick.

I went outside with the umbrella the police officer gave to me and I searched for a grocery to get sustenance and find a job. Finding a job is my top priority. Despite the bad weather, the amount of bad luck I had and this being the worse situation I am in, where I feel hopeless and scared. Despite having no one to turn to, I raise my chest up high and urge myself to overcome all of this.

...

Several days has passed. My new life living alone is slowly but surely getting better. I found a part time job at a fast food restaurant, I was able to at least provide myself with everyday essential needs. Even though im not exactly comfortable sleeping on a towel and only eating canned goods if not instant noodles. I slowly get used to it and at least I was able to maintain living alone this long. This is not my first time working part time, when I graduated Highschool I didn't go to college and immediately start working to help my aunt with the expenses, my cousins are still in Highschool and we dont have that much money. And I could use the experience as well, looking at myself now it definitely paid off.

Its only has been a month and im getting used to this already. I work at the cash register today is one of those days where you just feel a little bit bored of your work but also motivated as its only been a week since you got paid with your first salary. It feels good earning money, you feel like you can try everything you want as you finally have freedom to choose. But at the same time you are also responsible for paying the bills and taking care of yourself. I decided to pay all my bills first to define how happy I can be.

I go on with my normal day at work, smiling and politely asking the customers what they want to order. And then a young woman wearing a blouse and denim shorts enters the store, I look at her and greeted her as she approach the counter. She look at me in the eyes and her face looks like she'd seen a ghost. Her face was completely pale and her mouth was slightly open, I asked her but she remain silent. The situation felt awkward and intimidating, but as I stare at her, she looks quite familiar. I didn't realize who she was until she spoke and recognize her voice.

"Akagi? Mako-chi is that you?!"

"Misaki?"

Suddenly I felt a strong feeling of joy, as I once again saw my childhood friend, Misaki. Hearing her voice brings back memories and seeing her again after many years separation and hardship makes my heart leap. Smiles spread across our faces and our cheeks in red.

"Mako-chi! Its been so long, where have you been?"

She asked all confuse but I can sense excitement on her voice.

I scratched the back of my head and I lost my thoughts as I dont exactly know how to explain what happened to me for the past 12 years.

"Well, I dont even know where to start explaining this...but you see after my moth-."

"Mako-chi, I know about what your mother did but im asking what happened to know!"

She was shaking in excitement as she holds my hand. We didn't notice but we were being obnoxious and the line wasn't moving at all and its getting longer as Misaki and I exchanged words of endearment.

My manager peaked at the corner and I felt him staring at me.

"Listen, lets talk later, okay?"

"What why? I have so many questions! Is it not the time?"

"Misaki, im working right now! My manager is watching us!"

"Oh I see...*Giggles*...Alright, just take my order, I will give you something.."

I asked her about her order to make it seem like im actually doing my job even though I couldn't process everything that is happening to me as I was so preoccupied looking at her with my cheeks in pain from smiling so much.

"Here, meet me later!"

She gave me a note written with the information of when and where we would meet. She then left the counter and sat on the table. I process her order to the kitchen and I continue to tend on the other customers. I couldn't concentrate for a while as she just sat there and glares at me. I dont know how but after all these years she still recognizes me, I've never been this happy for a long time.