Chapter 3

Sometimes in life, we think we're already content—especially as we grow older and have a stable life. Often, all we wish for is to be happy. But as they say… life starts at forty.

Ever since Vangie's encounter with Bert, she couldn't get him out of her mind. She found out he was Lucia's son, which meant that even if she didn't want him delivering to her store, his mother wouldn't stop him. He had grown up in Manila and had only recently returned to Samar. She tried to ignore him whenever he delivered goods, even though he persistently tried to talk to her. His mother even asked her to just let it go and not pay him any attention.

She was convinced he was a little slow in the head.

That morning, Vangie went into the city to collect money sent by her children. The remittance center was only available there. Every month, her kids sent her an allowance, even though she constantly told them it wasn't necessary. The money she earned from her store was more than enough.

After getting the money, she went straight to the payment center to settle her bills.

Her province had become more modern. Travel to the city was easier now that tricycles were available. In the past, they only had motorcycles, which made every trip feel like a life-or-death situation—especially with the steep and bumpy roads leading into the city.

"Neng, give me half a kilo of galunggong and tilapia," she told the young fish vendor. "And please clean them for me."

"Yes, ma'am."

She nodded and turned away, smiling as she watched the vendors along the street. The market was near the port, right beside a river that connected to the Pacific, making it the ideal spot for fishermen to unload their fresh catch.

Nearby, close to the road, was a smaller market selling vegetables, fruits, and other goods.

It was noon, and the sun was scorching. She could feel sweat forming under her arms. Why did I forget my umbrella? she grumbled to herself.

"Ate, that'll be three hundred pesos."

She turned to the vendor, nodded, and took three one-hundred-peso bills from her wallet.

"Thank you," she said with a smile.

She grabbed the bag of fish and placed it in her woven bayong bag.

"Vangie?"

She froze when she heard someone call her name. Turning her head, she immediately frowned—Bert was standing there, grinning at her.

"Vangie! Fancy seeing you here," he said. "Oh, why the sour face? Be careful—you'll get wrinkles."

Her frown deepened. She rolled her eyes at him and started crossing the street. But just as she stepped forward, everything seemed to slow down. It was as if she was floating.

"Vangie!" Bert shouted. "Hey! Watch where you're going!"

The next thing she knew, he was holding her face between his hands.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"H-Huh?"

Her mouth fell open. Everything had happened so fast. In her rush to get away from him, she hadn't noticed the motorcycle speeding toward her. She tried to glance at the motorbike, but Bert pulled her face back toward him.

"Vangie?"

Her eyes widened when she realized how close their faces were—only inches apart. His deep brown eyes seemed even darker now. Their noses were almost touching, and when her gaze flickered to his lips, her heart suddenly raced.

"I-I… thank you," she stammered, quickly turning away. She clutched her chest, trying to calm herself.

What just happened?! Why is my heart beating so fast?

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.

He reached for her arm, but she pulled away as if his touch had sent a jolt of electricity through her.

"I-I'm fine," she said, bending down to pick up her bayong bag, which had fallen. Some of the fish almost spilled out, so she quickly fixed it. Just as she was about to cross the street again, Bert grabbed her bag.

"What are you doing?!" she snapped.

"I'll walk you home," he said firmly. He took her elbow and guided her across the street.

She didn't argue. She was still too shaken by what had just happened. Honestly, she had never been good at crossing streets. Even at her age, she always waited for someone else to cross with her.

Once they reached the other side, she pulled her arm away.

"Give me my bag," she demanded, holding out her hand.

Bert just shook his head. "I'll carry it."

"Give it to me!" She tried to grab it, but he lifted it out of her reach. Since she only reached his chest, she had to jump a little to try and snatch it back. "What's wrong with you?!" she snapped.

Bert just smirked and leaned down slightly, bringing his face closer to hers. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively moved her head back.

"Nope. I'm walking you home."

Vangie inhaled sharply. She could smell his minty breath—fresh, like toothpaste. But she quickly pushed the thought away and stood up straight.

She grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the far end of the market, where there were fewer people. Once they were away from the crowd, she turned to him with a deep scowl.

"Wow," Bert said in amusement. "Did you really bring me here so we could be alone?"

"You!" She pointed a finger at him. "Whatever nonsense you're up to, leave me out of it! I swear, you're raising my blood pressure!"

"Nonsense? You're the one I like."

Vangie groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. "If you don't stop this, I'm calling the police. Go find someone your age to bother!"

"Vangie, I'm not bothering you."

"Vangie?! You have no respect, do you?"

"What should I call you then?"

"Ate. Call me Ate. I'm older than you, so stop this, Bert. I don't have time for these silly games. I've been through all of this before."

"Age doesn't matter, Vangie."

She exhaled heavily. Her patience was wearing thin.

"Bert, I know all about guys like you. So stop wasting your time." She shook her head. "You won't get anything from me."

Bert's expression suddenly turned serious. He placed his hands in his pockets and looked straight at her.

"And what exactly do you think I want from you?"

Vangie froze. The truth was, she didn't know. She didn't want to assume the worst.

She cleared her throat. "Whatever it is, stop it. Now, give me my bag."

"What if I say my intentions aren't bad?"

She scoffed. "Oh, please. I know how this goes." She reached for her bag, but he quickly moved it behind him.

"You think I have bad intentions?"

"Of course! And if you're thinking of trying anything, don't even bother."

Bert looked at her with a blank expression, but his lips curved into a smirk.

"I kissed you once already, didn't I?"

She frowned. "Huh?"

"Well, I'm about to kiss you again."

"Wha—"

Before she could react, he pulled her in and captured her lips in a deep kiss.