Purchased a Grave, Good for Two

Chapter 02 - John is a poor man

The day almost ended with only five to ten customers who came to buy and just bought the daily newspaper worth of 20 pesos.

"Come again George!" Marites called to the old man who had just come off from work to get some newspaper.

"Think we should just agree on the compensation offered by that company." Marites soon sighed seeing their cash drawer empty.

John already started to pack things as the sun had slowly settled on the west, "I thought you already agreed?"

"Grandma would kill me in my dreams if I did," Marites answered, "This business is a legacy!" she screamed with dramatic hands.

"By the way, I cannot go with you tonight, I need to check on my babe in his apartment, he's not checking his phone." She said as he rummaged on her bag to get her lipstick on, "Just don't drink too much and once you felt like you're already drunk, just call me."

"I won't get drunk, I'll just get a beer and waste time, no need to worry," he said but he heard the woman snort as he smacked her lips with the new layer of lipstick.

"I really don't know why you need to be celebratory in this gloomy date, like...are you an idiot or something?!"

John just smiled but didn't reply. After the sun had settled on the distant mountains in the west, the street lights lit up as the noise from the street lowered down. Their area was around the center avenue and every corner was lit up with enough light to avoid any illegal activities and scandalous scene during night time

"I'll go ahead. Be sure not to get drunk!" she exclaimed as she turned her back and chased for the empty tricycle that was about to pass by. John was left alone and was the one to close the store, he closed all lights and pulled the roll-up, securing everything before leaving. When he was about to cross the street, he noticed a black BMW car parked at the side. He looked at the boutique store beside them but it was already closed, he frowned, there was no one around them that could own such an expensive thing.

But realizing that there may be someone inside, John immediately turned his back and went on his way. He passed another street before arriving at the bustling night market where several food stalls settled to accommodate customers who were working night shifts and for the colorum drivers who could only drive at night. John proceed to the corner most stall where he often stay to and upon seeing him again, the old lady stiffened.

John smiled, "I want to take one serving of ramen and one beer." He said. The old lady along with his only daughter stared at each other. The old lady silently nudged her daughter to go and take his order.

John was about to settle on the well-lighted table when the old lady approached him, "Um, Mister? We have a reservation from the customers earlier to save this place, can you please transfer to that space?" she then pointed at the small table on a corner.

John found the reasoning acceptable and gladly nodded, "Will do, Auntie."

The old lady forced a smile and have him sat on the creaking chair with an old, wooden table. John was already a regular customer since Marites introduced him to this place but it didn't enter his mind if the old lady and his daughter just deliberately didn't want to ask his name or they were just forgetful because of his plain appearance.

His order finally arrived. Hot ramen with rich spices and his cold beer, "Thank you." He said.

The old lady stood there for a while before speaking, "Mister?"

John was about to dig in on his ramen when he heard the old lady, "Yes?" he asked.

"We will have a lot of," she paused then exhaled as she courageously said, "We have a lot of male customers later and...me and my daughter is worried if you get drunk again later and..." she didn't finished her words assuming that John understood what she meant.