The Distance Between Us: (Love Duology #2) ✔️

SPECIAL CHAPTER SNEAK PEEK

"KENDRICK, ANAK, can you pick up our new maid? Wala si Mang Tope ngayon, day off." That was how Mommy greeted me when I came downstairs, her eyes glued to the laptop as she sipped her coffee.

It was just the two of us in the kitchen. I approached her, planting a kiss on her temple. "You're hiring someone new?" I asked, settling into the chair beside her.

"Yes, for you."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "Why on me?"

She closed her laptop and glanced at me seriously. "Because Manang Doris can't keep up with both you and Maeve, and there's still all the housework to take care of."

I didn't respond. Just then, Manang Doris came in and placed a cup of coffee in front of me.

"Thank you, Manang."

Mom was about to go upstairs when she turned her gaze at me again. "Anyway, anak, don't worry about the maid... she's familiar with Manang," she said before leaving.

I sighed. As if I could do anything if I complained.

After work, I went home to pick up Manang. It was getting late, but we had to check out what Mommy was talking about. Even though I was exhausted and sleepy, I tried my best to ignore it.

I felt drained, like everyday.

When we got to the location, I wasn't expected for how far out it was. The houses were cramped together, making the whole neighborhood feel tight and stifling. It wasn't the kind of place I usually found myself in, but it didn't matter. This was my mom's request, and I was just following orders.

Manang got out first, and I followed.

"Ate, may pogi kasi sa labas, dali na," I overheard a voice call out from inside the house.

I frowned. Was she talking about me? Maybe.

I heard Manang call out to the people inside, and in the pitch-blackness, I followed her through the gate without anyone noticing. The area was poorly lit, and the last thing I wanted was to stumble in the dark or worse, have someone jump out at me from the shadows.

I muttered under my breath, "Where did Manang go?" and found myself growing increasingly frustrated.

Minutes passed. Suddenly, someone bumped into me. I frowned as the person sniffed me. What the hell?

Before I could even react, the person shoved me back with surprising strength, her hand so strong that I was pushed back a little.

"S-Sino ka?" a woman's voice asked.

I couldn't help but scoff. Did she really just sniff me and then ask who I was?

To get back at her, I moved closer, not expecting her to be so clumsy. She stumbled, and I quickly reached out to steady her, my hand landing on her back. In that moment, our faces and bodies pressed together. Taking advantage of the situation, I leaned in closer to her ear, causing her to gasp.

"After smelling me, you'll ask who I am?" I asked teasingly.

She didn't answer right away. I was about to help her stand up when, suddenly, she pushed me away. What the hell was her problem?

She straightened herself up. A light from somewhere suddenly illuminated my face, and I saw the way she looked at me.

She didn't immediately respond, her breath catching. I was about to pull away and help her up, but she pushed me away forcefully, almost aggressively.

She stood up straight, and just then, a light flicked on somewhere nearby, illuminating my face. That's when I saw her properly. My breath caught in my throat.