Hearts Unmasked And Unbound

Chapter 2

Here I am now, on a tricycle I'm riding, thinking about what would be my next step after getting down here.

Everything just happened too fast.... All I could remember is a mysterious car pick me up and throw me here.

I'm not stupid, I know my parents would track my phone down if I won't get rid of it. But now that I think about it... I was kind of stupid!

'Cause how the hell did I not think about the importance of communication?

Phones are, after all, a primary tool for connecting with others, and now that I don't have it, I don't know how to call Leo.

I don't even know where to go. I don't know what to do. I'm fucking indecisive!

I just asked the driver to drop me to the nearest restaurant. Gutom na gutom na ako. I was supposed to go to tagaytay .
'cause that's the only place I'm familiar with, but unfortunately, He said that it was too far, and I had to ride a bus to go there. I'm thankful I didn't. Hindi pa ako handa.

"Dong, Nandito na tayo. " Said the driver.

Panic engulf me as I quickly searched through my wallet. Oh shit. I don't have Philippines currency!

Reluctantly, I offered my card to the tricycle driver, instead of getting the card he looked at me, extremely offended. "Dong, nang iinsulto kaba? Tricycle 'to! Anong gagawin ko sa card mo?!" the tricycle driver snapped, anger was evident in his tone and expression.

I was immediately eaten with embarrassment. "I-im sorry." I tried to apologize.

"Badtrip naman 'to! Nag tatrabaho ako nang matino dito eh! kung wala kang pera sana di ka sumakay! kainis naman!" He hissed, frustratingly.

Damn it, now, I am entirely stupid. People were starting to stare at us, and this situation was getting riskier by the minute. There was a chance someone na would recognize me. Ang tanga ko kasi. There's no one to blame but me.

"I'm really sorry sir," I apologetically muttered.

"Sa susunod wag kang sasakay kung wala ka namang pera!"

"What's the conclusion here?" Suddenly, a voice spoke up, breaking the tension and a beautiful woman in her mid-30s appeared.

"Eh ito kasing batang 'to, binigyan ba naman ako ng card para pambayad! nakaka insulto!" The driver hissed.

The woman clicked her tongue. "Here.. keep the change." She said as she handed a violet bill on the tricycle driver.

She then turned her gaze to me. "Are you new here?" She questioned.

"No, ma'am. I was here when I was thirteen. Kababalik ko lang." I responded with a respectful smile.

She smiled gently. "Where do you stay then? I can drop you off there."

I didn't answer her. I remained quiet and awkward, hopping she would get the hint.

Her lips parted, she then took something from her wallet. It was a two blue bill equivalent of two thousand pesos.

"This is the only cash I have here." she said a bit disappointed.

She looked at her watch and click her tongue. "Unfortunately, I have to go.." she handed me the cash. "I hope that can help. Good luck on your journey here, hijo."

I let out a heavy, exasperated exhale. Am I even going to survive alone here?

After I had finished eating, I decided to do my second plan: finding an apartment. I know this is gonna be hard as fuck given the fact that I couldn't used my phone.