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Chapter 2: Hoodie Man

Fiona's POV

The next morning I woke up early. My day off was over yesterday so I should work now, especially since I'm alone. Less expenses, less income because I no longer have a partner to work with. I cleaned Madam Marie's pigsty — she was kind and my mother. I have been with him since childhood. And he helped me survive — which is 200 pesos I get. Honestly, 200 pesos is merely enough. Only electricity and education are gone. But I need to be patient, and besides, I am used to this world ... I belong here.

After bathing in and putting on my only sensible dress; a black V neck shirt and a fitted jeans, I went to Madam Marie's house.

As I was walking, Samuel— a gay make-up artist— approached me, "Fiona."

I stopped walking and sighed, “Hi, Sammy.” I said and forced a smile.

"I hope you thought about my offer to you last week." He said

I stared at her. I remembered how she approached me last week and offer me this --- I think a stupid offer. "I --- I ---" I can't. I don't want to. I won't.

“Please, Fion. You know you are one of the best here e. There’s a big possibility that we’ll win that beauty pageant. Please, give it a chance. "He pleaded and applied his two hands. Yes. He offered me to join a beauty pageant which will be held in the city. Stupid, right?

"P-But ---"

“Fiona, please ... I'll take care of everything. Just say yes. "

It's funny to think that he's like my lover forcing me to answer. But just like what I believe, no one can force someone's feeling. They don't have the right. It is not good ... She can't force me.

"I'm sorry." I just said and left. I even heard his swearing and his complaint. Tss. People.

I eventually reached Madam Marie's house and went straight to the back of their house. I even greeted their gardener, Mang Gilbert, and took the hose and broom tingting.

“Okay! Ready to go! "I whispered to myself and started to clean up.

----

I was in the middle of cleaning when Madam suddenly came and looked at me.

“Madam, do you need anything? It's over. "I said

He shook his head and came a little closer to me.

"Fiona ..."

I stopped cleaning and addressed him, "Po?"

He first took a deep breath. I can conclude that it's a bad news ... and I'm starting to hate it.

"It's important." By the way she acts, I seem to know what she's going to say.

"You won't be able to work here again."

I gasped and shook.

"Why?" I asked. "Did something happen?"

He shook his head. “I have sold my pigs. It has a different owner. Sorry, sister. I need money."

I stared at him. I don’t know how many minutes I stared at him. I turned and looked up to hold back my tears. T-This ... This is ...

“I’m so sorry, sister. But I can talk to the new owner and ask her if you can stay here. "

I turned to him. “N-No ... No, it's okay. How many of you have helped me. I ... I can manage myself. "I said. I can't deny that Madam Marie is a good woman. She has helped me a lot, and I don't want to depend on her. She doesn't even like me. The thickness of my face when I still rely on him for my stay here at work.

“I'm just looking for a new job. Thank you all, Madam Marie. "I added

“You are really young. I said, just call me mama. "

"I-It's embarrassing, M-Madam."

“No. I consider you my child. I was with you when you grew up, when you were a teenager. So it also hurts for me to fire you. I'm really sorry, son. "He apologized.

I hold back my tears. It feels so good hearing her call me ‘son’. I couldn't stand it anymore and hugged him. "Thank you."

He forced a smile and nodded. Then it said goodbye ...

... I thought, just leave in front of me. But it turned out wrong ... She left the country. She left me. I lost another important woman.

------

My day is so boring. I don’t have a job and I don’t have a roommate either. The other day I had a power outage. Six days have also passed when I lost my job and Mada ---- mama left. I sighed. I no longer have money, I really need to find a job soon.

"I hope you thought about my offer to you last week."

I suddenly remembered Sam's offer. There's no harm if I try, right?

But ... I don’t know anything about fashion.

But Sam said she'll take care of me. I'm sure it includes helping me wear heels and be fashionable.

B-But ... Many will see me. Many will know me. And I hate attentions.

I was suddenly back in the present with a sudden knock. I looked out the window and at my watch.

“It’s almost 11 pm. Who's going to come with me here? "I whispered to myself.

Without thinking of any danger, I went out of the room and opened the front door ...

"Who are you !?"

---------

I was like a zombie walking towards Sam’s house. I barely slept last night. I mean ... I slept but I am drained. I feel like I’m so tired and can’t sleep. My mind keeps on wondering and wandering.

"Hi, Fions."

I just kept walking and I no longer noticed the people around me.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Fiona"

"Fiona!"

"Oh, alien!" I turned to Alvin. "H-Huh?"

“You’re spacing out. Are you okay? "The tone of his voice was tinged with concern.

“H-Huh? Yes. O-It's okay. It's just a lack of sleep. "

“Are you sure? You look pale. "He asked me worriedly.

I forced a smile and nodded.

“Yes. All right, I'll be the first. See you around! "I raised my voice and quickly left.

Damn it. I still can't forget what happened last night.

· Flashback ·

I opened the front door ...

"Who are you !?" I shouted when I saw the man on his knees. He was all black so he looked creepy. I also couldn't see his face because he was bent over. The nervousness crawled all over my system.

"I-I was just going to ask for p-food ... I'm traveling and my belongings were stolen, so I don't have anything to eat."

Suddenly my heart softened and I apologized to him for shouting at him. That's right, I'm too judgmental. I let him in and took the bread that was supposed to be for tomorrow, and since I had no juice or other drink I just gave him water.

"I'm sorry, I don't have any other food." I said and laid the food on the table.

He just nodded and said “Thank you.” Surprisingly he just always bowed.

"Where are you going?" I asked politely and carefully.

He didn't answer for a few seconds at first. "In a faraway place." Was his simple answer.

I wanted to ask a question in case I just kept my mouth shut. Maybe you're too personal.

“Just wait. I'll take that jug of water to the kitchen first. "I said and stood up but he stopped me.

“Be careful. You are our hope. "He said to my surprise.

"H-Huh?"

He just shook his head and let go of the arm. I stared at his hood. I just shrugged and went to the kitchen. I picked up the pitcher and was about to return to the living room when a hoodie man suddenly appeared in front of me.

“Wop! A-Ah? "

"Reste en sécurité, déesse." He whispered and I lost consciousness.

· END OF FLASHBACK ·

"Fiona, there's a truck!"

I’m back in the present because of Alvin’s screaming. I looked to my side. Oh fvck ...

It was as if my world suddenly stopped because of the truck approaching in my direction. I was in the middle of the road. Pakshet.

"FIONA!"

I just felt myself rolling over as I hugged one arm. My vision went round and round, as darkness gradually covered my entire system. But before I completely lost consciousness I heard that voice ...

"reste en sécurité, déesse."

To be continued...