Escape Gone Wrong

Foreign

I rose from my deep slumber when I heard the screeching sound from the speaker. I look outside. There, green surroundings and buildings beneath this plane. I can't help but excite. This is my first time traveling alone. Not that I traveled before.

I did not bring any of my things nor I bought some clothes from my country. Just amount of money, cold cash to be exact. No credit cards or debit cards, I might get wired.

My only plan is to escape from that world. And I did!

I clicked my neck a little. Ugh! Stiff neck! I massage it then held a yellow car―which is a cab, to the nearest mall.

"Pasaan po tayo ma'am?" Asked the driver.

My mind got stuck up! Cmon! I thought we learned this language a little?

"Where ma'am? Hotel or--

"Bring me to the nearest mall, I need to buy my things." Good thing he knows the universal language. Ugh, how I hate myself for forgetting this language!

"Tourist ka siguro ma'am? From what country?"

He kept on glancing from the mirror in front of him. Is this their attitude?

"Sorry for asking too many questions. We're stuck in the traffic. Baka kasi maboboringan ka." He said half smiling.

He seems apologetic. I just nodded.

Eh? I'm such a snob right now.

I glance at my wristwatch, it's past 5 in the afternoon and here I am in the middle of the traffic. Wait, 5 pm? How many hours did I fell asleep? I don't want to think. It might damage my brain cells. All I can remember is that I arrive with two different planes just to get here.

I'm hungry.

After almost an hour, we reached to the nearest mall. Finally!

"How much?" I fished the wallet that Louis had given me in my black JanSport backpack. Yes, I use this stuff now and I find it convenient, anyway. Well, this is what he also bought for me.

"150 pesos ma'am." Another thing I admire with Louis was that he's always ahead of everything. I just found out that he also converted my money into Philippine Peso.

I give him 200 since it is the smallest amount I found. I was about to go out but I remind myself to wait for the change which he gladly gives to me.

I need to save money or else I'll end up a beggar. I laugh at my thought. It's kinda funny to me. I won't let that happen. I need to be responsible for my expenses. Sigh.

My eyes glittered when I notice the place.

There were Christmas decorations all over the place! Even the sales ladies wear a santa hat! They also played random Christmas songs! This country is unfamiliar with where I came from.

I can see faux snowflakes! I didn't know that fake snowflakes would turn out this beautiful! It is better than the real snow at home!

"Tara na biliisss! Maabutan pa natin!"

"Kyaahhh!!"

I frowned when they didn't even notice that they bumped someone. They seem preoccupied with something.

Just then I heard loud cheers from the crowd.

I turned to that area, and I stopped at my trance when I saw people flocked in! What's going on here?

Why is the crowd gone wild?

"Please welcome, JADINE!"

Right after the announcer said that the crowd shrieked and shouted from the top of their lungs! They all seem giddy. I may sound exaggerated but I can feel the mall shaking. God! What is happening?

I did not bother to come closer. There's no point at all. With all those people and me? Nah. I better shop for my things.

I have a strong appetite, so even if I haven't eaten for two to three meals, I'm still living. I don't starve easily.

For almost two hours of shopping, I'm finally done! Thank God!

Left with 2 groceries and 5 paper bags for my clothes. Ugh, was this too much or should I shop for more? I pondered for a while.

Never mind, I need to fill my tummy. It's getting lighter and lighter each hour. Being sick is the last thing I want right now. If possible, I'd rather not have it.

I was struggling a bit carrying them when I felt a strong and rough hand grab my groceries on my grip. It left me dumbfounded at first until I realized what happened.

Did someone stole my things?!

I look up to see the straight face of the man. He was about two steps away from me when I grab his arm, forcefully, making him face me. He's a tall guy and bulky, but that didn't stop me to be pissed. So what if he's handsome as a Greek God? Screw his face! I'm pissed!

"And what do you think you're doing?" I asked, sternly.

His expression didn't change, even for a little. Tough guy, huh?

"I call it lifting a hand." He has this bored tone as well.

"I don't need a lift. Give them back to me!"

How I hated this scenario since then. It feels like I'm a sort of physically challenge person! I understand their concerns before. Of course, that's their job but now is different. This guy isn't one of my bodyguards nor servants. He doesn't even know me. He's not part of my world.

He didn't say a word instead he continued walking! The nerve of this guy!

"Hey!" I grab him again but this time, I could feel his masculine physique when he did not stop. It made me move along with him! What the?

"Could you please stop clinging?

I immediately remove my hands on his well-toned arm.

"You know you're cute unless you won't cling. It's annoying."

"Same as you, only that you're not cute. Now, would you mind returning those things to the rightful owner?"

I said emphasizing the things I possessed.

"Only if we'll reach my condo." He said without looking at me.

It stunned me. What the fvck?! Who is this guy―ah no, what kind of man he is?!

"Oh, my God! Is this how you treat tourists?!"

How come I've gone to the wrong place?! I've researched this place, and I thought people here were hospitable? Or does this mean being hospitable is to invite you over their condo?!

"Nah. We're even, I'm also a tourist here."

I keep on following him and I don't know what's in me! Maybe my feet got a brain. This is insane!

"C'mon, I know you would benefit this too. Don't play hard to get. You'll like it, I'm sure of that." I thought he was grinning from ear to ear but his expression tells otherwise. He even gave me this kind of look that it forced him! Hah!

I thought I was the one being forced here?!

"I may be foreign but you can't just order me to tag along with you! What do you think of me?!"

I came from a well, decent, and respected clan! And he'll think of me like some―I hate the word but―a whore?!

"Mister whoever you are, you got the wrong girl!"

I shouted in front of his face as I snatch my things and kick his balls. Hah! Serves you right!