Kryptonite

The Other Side

James smirked as he placed a finger over the doorbell. He had a difficult time falling asleep last night due to his excitement for the day, but unlike previous instances where he was clearly sleep deprived, he seemed perfectly energetic. In fact, he was sure no one would suspect how many hours of sleep he got with how he was beaming.

It was the first time he was spending time with Nadine out of his working hours. He wasn't particularly thrilled about having to see her more than he needed to, but he was excited to bask in victory knowing that he not only finally won a major "battle", but he could get back at her after as part of his reward.

He woke up earlier that morning and wrote a list containing everything he wanted her to do for him and was highly anticipating the look on her face when he shows it to her.

James had a wide grin spread across his face when Maya opened the door.

"James? Bakit nandito ka? Isn't today your off day?" she asked.

It had slipped completely slipped his mind that the workers in the Lustre Estate had no idea that James and Nadine had plans to go out that day.

"It is," James replied. "I'm here for another reason."

"Oh, did you forget something yesterday?" 

"Well..." James began.

It was then that Nadine walked to the doorway with two large boxes barely balancing on one hand and a large, black garbage bag that seemed to drag quite roughly on the ground in the other.

"I'm here for Nadine."

Maya's eyes widened as she raised a brow in shock with what she had just heard. "Okay lang ba kayo?"

James smiled as he immediately grabbed the two boxes from Nadine and easily held them up. "Of course, tita."

Nadine turned to the side and rolled her eyes.

Maya turned to Nadine. "Nadz, where are you two going? And what are all these things for?"

Nadine gazed around the room before leaning into Maya's ear. "Sa shelter, po, tita," she whispered.

Maya looked at her with concern as she placed a hand on her face. "If your dad knew you were going back there, he wouldn't be happy," she replied back in a soft tone.

"I know," Nadine said as she nodded. "Please don't tell him."

"I won't, but make sure you get back bagong siya umuwi," Maya promised.

Nadine smiled as she placed a hand on her shoulder before walking out along with James.

"Pati sa shelter bawal ka pumunta?" James asked as he watched as Nadine dragged the bag across the pavement.

Nadine could only shrug in response. 

"Is he against donating to the less fortunate?" James questioned.

"Anong tingin mo?" Nadine sneered as she began to walk ahead.

James sighed as he caught up with her face. "I'm just asking, bawal ba magtanong?"