I need to ran an errand after work.. At four pm I went out of my workplace and headed for the mall.. I rode a jeepney thinking that riding the train will be an inconvenience, climbing the stairs and squeezing with people trying to fit in and with the pungent, sweaty smell around, I’d rather not take the risk. The same me who is so lazy to bring any umbrella, aside from the extra weight, I also hate hanging my hand to carry one. So there, I was welcomed by the downpour. As I stepped off, I still need to walk some blocks to reach the mall, I welcomed the rain on my clothes drenched to my body. Supposedly I should be worried getting sick after the whole day of talking and walking. Yet those thoughts seemed not that active at the moment because I am fascinated with the raindrops. Trying to fill in the experience with the characters I have read a few hours back in the office, wherein they are actually trying to enjoy the rain them on top of the wheels.
Feeling so inappropriately dressed with my soaked dress and hair, I headed to the department store to look for a decent dress, so I ventured there and it’s my first time to purchase one, and wear it at once. Thankfully, despite my situation with people looking curiously at me, I saw the right fit and changed, then rummaged through my bag for my little money I have and pay to the cashier. I don’t have much time to wander around so I texted the person I am supposed to meet only to find out that he is still not around and he asked me to go to his condo unit to pick up the equipment. I am really clueless on where to go, so I asked some people on how to get to his place (because he doesn’t even know how), and Manila is not a safe place, so I trusted this cab driver as long as he’s going to keep me safe.. so I was able to see this new side of Manila with KTVs and I had an idea of visiting the place with some place.. if ever I will have a spare time.. I was able to get the equipment. The next dilemma is how am I going to reach home?
I saw the long lines of people who are the ‘aspirants’ to be a passenger and I just rolled my eyes and felt exasperated. I wouldn’t really attempt to ride the train again, the weather’s not accommodating and taxis seem so elusive. Thankfully I saw an FX that’s headed for Cubao, and it had good seats so I went there fast. I visited the National Bookstore there, I am really fascinated with books, so I went to this section and browse some, trying to restrain myself from buying and convincing myself that I just need some time to entertain my eyes though I feel like am drooling for the books.. So many of them yet so little money to buy and little time to read. I got the time of arranging the misplaced books accordingly, how I want to work there voluntarily.. upon doing that a man on the same shelf seems disoriented.. he looks ragged, faded jeans, fitting gray shirt, disheveled brown-ish hair, more like an artist to me, cause he doesn’t actually care on how he look, he has the same description of the man in the story I’ve read this afternoon.. (enough staring, I went back to what I am doing) and he’s looking on the books that I had arrange picking up some to check the synopsis at the back of the book.. while I am hoping that he’ll return it properly.. am busily placing John Greene’s works on their right places when someone tapped me from behind. And it’s him!
“hey, can I ask some help here?” he said.
DO I look like a staff here? Anyway, I turned and answered, “for what?” looking confused.
“I was wondering which book of Dan Brown’s would you recommend for me to read, if you don’t mind?”
Me thinking, good thing I was able to read four of Dan Brown’s works: Angels & Demons, Da Vinci Code, the Lost Symbol and Inferno.
So I told him.. “if you are not so sensitive with religion you may try either Angels & Demons or Da Vinci Code. They are pretty interesting and very informative..” I suggested with a smile. How I wish we could exchange our views after you’ve read that.
“Uhmm, thanks! I think am going to purchase these two," picking up the books I suggested from the shelf. "I am trying to read some different genre..” he said matter-of-factly and looking relieved.
Oh now you’re making a conversation. But I need to end this now. I got nothing to share further. So I replied, “Good for you then, enjoy reading!” I went out of the bookstore hurriedly without looking back and feel myself blushing, and thankfully I was able to find an available taxi.
I reached home just right and handed the equipment to the owner. I showered and prepared for a good night sleep. Trying to set aside my work commitments and bundles of work.
I think, I got a good reason to have a good sleep though. I hope he would enjoy it. :D
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