CHAPTER 1
What was that?
I double blinked as the hairs on my skin stood up as that elevator closed slowly. Those dark narrow eyes looked over as if he was going to eat me alive. I quickly turned my head away, sweeping off the mixed dust and leaves—pushing them over the edge of the dust pan.
That's…kinda scary.
I gulped and collected more leaves that fell from the trees near the sidewalk, letting out a breath.
At least the woman beside him was pretty though. Very pretty.
My lips slowly curved into a grin. The way her eyes hovered to mine, shining brightly like those pearls on her neck. I let out a sigh and leaned on a tree with the broom in my hand, reminiscing the scene of those lashes slightly fluttering away.
She's gorgeous. As hell.
I might draw her later.
But really though, are rich people really that rude and….bastard-y?
Is that even a word anyway—
Ayayay, I'm your little butterfly. Ayayay~
Thoughts faded when my phone rang that annoying tone. I picked it up from my pocket, seeing Mama calling. I quickly accepted the call. "Hi, ma! How are you!"
"Jay, dear, how are you?" Mama's warm smile never failed to comfort me. She always wore those tainted dusters, prioritizing comfort over luxury.
Through the screen I can see behind mama… the unpainted walls and the posters of Bright Vachirawit plastered at every corner. My brother laying on the floor while hearing the faint episode of something from his phone very close to his face—
"Just love her! Can't you understand that we're both men? I'm just your frickin escort!"
"I don't care, Andres! You have stolen this part of me, not just my eggpla—"
I laughed loudly, watching my brother behind mama as his toes stretched against the wall. I flinched when mama got a sandal and threw it over near him. "Lucas, lower the volume! Por favor, your brother is calling!"
He looked over to the screen and waved then, coldly got out of the room. I sighed, "Ma, is Lucas still mad at me?"
"Ahh, don't worry about him, dear…eh…anyway how's your work there?" Mama's eyes lit up as she shifted the topic, smiling softly to ease the tension. I gave her a reassuring grin. "Of course it's going awesome, Ma! I told you that I'm gonna make it big!" I exclaimed, but there's a sensation lingering in my throat.
"That's good to hear…are you sure you're doing alright?" Mama stared at me, her round eyes sparkling with evident worry.
"I'm fine, Ma."
"But what are you wearing? I thought you're working in an advertising company?" She asked, making me scratch the back of my head.
"Why are you wearing that green vest? Are you working as a street sweeper?" I quickly reversed the camera, accidentally facing it to the building in front of me.
Right, I forgot to take it off before answering the call. Damn it.
"Huh? This….this is where I work haha!"
It's an obvious lie.
"The vest is just a fashion trend here, Ma. People here are like models, you know! A unique kind of clothing haha…" I laughed at all the lies I spitted out.
I bit my lip. Sorry, Ma.
"Jay, is that really true? Be honest with—" Mama suddenly stopped her words and turned around as the door opened. "You're calling that bastard who ran away from home again?! How can you be so…"
Beep. The call ended and my hand dropped all the courage I've been holding in.
I took a deep breath, taking in the people who were walking on the streets. I gulped as a I felt a slight clog on my throat, staring at the glass building once more.
People in black suits bowed to each other, smiling. Some of them were immersed in conversations, laughing with their hands covering their mouths. After that, they would pass by each other and those cheery grins quickly dropped into a serious frown. Their feet hovered quickly, getting out of the building and some going in.
I smirked as I witnessed the scene and remembered the guy who bumped into me earlier.
How he apologized then stared at me with that piercing eyes. As if he's ridiculing every fiber of my being.
Like, what's wrong with being a streetsweeper? It's still a decent job!
Haa. These two-faced people. I shook my head.
Is this really how people in the corporate world behave?
Wait no…is this how rich people act?
My stomach grumbled loudly, my hands quickly covered my abdomen. "Haa, lucky folks. I wonder what their lives are like when they're literally dangling with all the thousands worth of jewelry and luxury branded clothes." I looked at the ground and kicked a small rock.
At least they got food on their plates all the time even when they're half-assed and lacked real manners.
Suddenly, my eyes widened and it hit me like a truck.
EXACTLY. WHAT IF I APPLIED THERE?
^~^
"Hi, Madame Beautiful." I greeted as soon as I pushed the door open and the wooden chime clanged. I took in the sight of her gray strands and that colorful makeup. "See, going for a different look today, eh?" I complimented the lady.
The familiar mannequins stood confidently, even there's scribbles of pen markers on them. Some have a fisherman hat on their faceless heads. The others wore bikinis and some even wore gray suits. Different clothes were hung on dusty ropes, displayed on the side.
"Ahh, my pretty boy, it's been weeks! How are you?" She stood up from her chair, walking over to me.
Suits, shirts, swimwear, shoes—you name it!
In this place, fashion is at its peak. But the best part? It doesn't even cost hundreds!
It might be small and kinda unknown, but for me, it's the best thrift shop in Est Balcotahe.
"Imwah! Mwah!" Her exaggerated pecks on my cheek made me grin. I bit my lip, fighting back a laugh. "The apartment you mentioned, did you seal the deal?" Madame looked me in the eyes.
"Do you have a place to stay now?"
She's like my second mother in this place, someone who provided me a space to stay over in my first weeks after I left home.
"Well…" I avoided her gaze as well as the question. "I've been doing fine, Madamme." I smiled and huffed slightly, hiding my panting breaths from walking.
She raised an eyebrow "Only fine and not….extravagant?" I pouted and shifted the topic. "Well…I haven't had enough money to pay rent anyway…" I shrugged and walked over to the mannequins.
"Wait, so where do you live now? Don't tell me, you're homele—"
"I'm currently staying at the restaurant I'm working at." I cut her immediately and my fingers traced the satin fabric on the figure, feeling it on my skin.
"Classy. Are these new seasons?" I asked and her hand laid on my shoulder. "Yes, dear. Wanna try them on?" my gaze stayed on the dark suit, looking at the buttons stitched neatly on its side.
"Are these thrift?" I exclaimed.
"Well, this IS a thrift shop after all." She chuckled and patted my shoulder. "If it suits you, I'll make the price lower." My brows went up and I turned to her.
"You're the best, Madame!" My arms automatically wrapped around her and wiggled. "Alright, alright! Now try it on before I change my mind."
And then the black coat ended up in my arms for two dollars only.
I wrapped it around my arm as my lips formed into a grin—satisfied with the fruit of my labor. My feet hovered out of the thrift shop and my stomach rumbled.
I paused and my head threw back in a sigh.
Haa. So much for that sweeping outside that darn building I earned twenty bucks….so minus two dollars that's….twenty-eight…
And still my tummy is empty.
My feet walked on the cemented sidewalks of Est Balcotahe, maple-colored leaves falling over me as if I'm in some kind of Korean drama.
Mmm…where to eat?
I looked around and saw pastries, seafood, Italian cuisines. My feet continued, passing by the many restaurants that I can't even afford to dine at.
Are there even fast food chains in this area—
My feet paused and I gulped at this one store.
I saw empty canvases, paintbrushes, and stencils behind the glass. My eyes lingered more as my stomach began to rumble.
It isn't food, but it made me realize my hunger.
Little did I know, my feet brought me in and I took every inch of this art supply store. My breath hitched as my fingers trailed on the shelves that carried different sizes of white squared canvases.
I used to carry this too—
"Hi, sir! What size do you need for your masterpiece?" I turned my head to the bearded man wearing an apron. His clothes have paint droplets on them.
"Ah…no I'm just checking…" I gave him a polite smile and he nodded slightly. He walked over to the counter. Turning to the shelf, I saw slightly different colors of canvas. There's also a beige toned one.
I gulped as I felt someone still staring at me.
The man with the apron had his eyes lingered longer.
Until they hovered at me up and down as if he's judging my entire being. My jaw clenched and I reached to see a small framed canvas, turning it around to check the price.
What? Does he think I can't buy this tiny piece of…
I gasped silently.
10 bucks? That's a meal for…an entire day for me!
My arm slowly put it back on the shelf, but my fingers can't seem to let go. I bit my lip and closed my eyes, letting out a sigh. I touched the paper, it was slightly rough but not too smooth either.
My throat bobbed up and down as I tightly held the canvas.
Damn it.
Without a warning, my arms took the small canvas. Tucking it between my armpit and made a run.
Huff. Haa.
He's right, I can't afford it.
I panted as my feet dashed as fast as they could out of the art shop, hearing following loud footsteps echoing across the streets of Est Balcotahe.
But I can't let it go either.
"Come back here, you theif!" I hear the stomping echoing faster, getting closer and closer. "Pay for that canvas, ya stinky young man!" My chest felt heavier as my legs ran as fast as they could.
Shit.
My brows furrowed as footsteps became louder and clearer. I ran as fast as my legs could, hugging the canvas and the black coat swinging on the other hand. I turned to my back and saw the vendor along with two policemen chasing me.
"Hold it right there!" One screamed behind me.
Ma, I'm really sorry. I didn't want this either.
I went to the small corner near the famous building I've been sweeping near earlier, not many can fit this tiny space.
Haa. Haa.
I covered my mouth while my chest was heaving up and down, catching my breath.
"Where did the boy go?!"
"That guy with the lousy green vest, right?"
"I think he went this way."
I hear footsteps getting farther and farther away. My chest heaved faster as I peeped through the small space.
Quickly, I took off the green vest and threw the black coat over my shoulders. I wore it instead so I'm unrecognizable. My fingers combed my hair to the other side, styling it differently.
Damn it, for the first time in my life. I stole something.
I dropped the green vest on the ground and walked out of the corner, looking left and right. People walking and minding their own business.
Space cleared—
"Have you seen this man with the…" My eyes widened as I saw the three men talking with a girl at a bakery shop 5 feet away. I caught my breath and went quickly to wherever I could hide.
Then I found my feet, echoing against these oddly familiar floors. My shoes clacked as I looked around.
I bit my lip.
People with formal suits and briefcases walked in and out, some were talking to each other and some hovered fast. But they were all not minding me…as if I'm invisible?
I turned my head to the sliding glass doors where the security guard was sitting on his small pedestal looking area. He was busy checking a thick notebook. I sighed and walked over to the bathroom, eyes still scanning the area if it's cleared.
I paused as I took in the sight of the comfort room.
The halls were wide, filled with mirrors and all the areas were closed. The walls were designed in fancy white lines creating a minimalist aesthetic. I looked in the mirror to check my appearance.
My brows shot up.
Slicked back hair from sweat that matched the silky black coat with tailored buttons on the side.
Damn, is this really me? I gulped and walked out of the comfort room quickly hovering in case I get caught by—
"Argh!" My shoulder bumped into someone else's. A man with glasses hugging a folder looked at me in surprise. The sweat on his forehead was evident. "I'm sorry." I bowed, immediately and walked past them but I felt a hand tapping my shoulder.
"Are you the last applicant who's with Mr. Bourgeois?" His timid voice asked, making me pause. I gulped and my hands slightly twitched. "U-uh…yeah? Why?" Jaw clenched as I realized my absent-minded reply.
"The interview for internship is almost ending! The manager has been waiting since Mr. Bourgeois personally requested for you." He screamed-whispered in slight panic. The earlier chaos along with my unfulfilled dreams drifted over me.
I gulped as the worried voice of mama in the back of my mind.
My fist clenched and that's when I remembered the canvas in my hand.
Those eyes. Those bright sparkly eyes that I met in this building. Heels clacking away elegantly.
What if I get to prove myself this time?
Breath hitched and my chest heaved slightly. Will there be food in my stomach regularly is I get in?
What if I get the life I want like these people wearing suits?
With a strained voice, I took a breath and answered. "Ah yes, yes. I heard that from Mr…..uh too. May I ask where the application room is held?" I smiled politely, masking every guilt in the back of my mind.
The man walked before me and I followed as my eyes scanned everything. We entered this small gate-like entry and he tapped his ID on it, opening the iron-looking rod that blocked us.
I walked quickly and avoided the rod to get in, slightly bumping his back. "Ah, my apologies." I gave him a grin and we continued at the transparent room where a long table and seats at the sides were standing.
My heart quickened. Gather yourself, Jay.
"Sit here and wait for the person who's going to interview, alright? They said the manager's away." I nodded and the man with glasses left me in the room with glass walls.
Since the room is transparent, the other meeting rooms are visible. People are in their own white cubicles. Some were taking calls and some were speaking in front of a whiteboard with people in blazers and ties, watching intently.
I quickly covered my mouth and stomped my feet. Fuck, this is unbelievable.
The door opened and I immediately straightened my posture, tugging my coat slightly to fix it. People came into the room and they sat as they talked.
"Damn, can't you believe the manager is so hot? Like, what the frick!" A woman in a floral dress exclaimed with her hands fanning everywhere. "Mr. Metawin is sooo gorgeous."
"Jessica, keep it down! By the way did you see how he put his hand in his pocket while walking?" The two women squealed.
The one wearing pants and a blue blazer sighed. "I wish he was the one who interviewed me."
"But it's kinda impossible right cause he's the…" She whispered close to her ear.
"Me too, Ms. Clara was intimidating when she asked me questions." My throat bobbed up and down at the thought of that 'intimidating' woman.
Is…Clara the name of that woman I met at the entrance earlier this morning?
Cleek!~ The door opened again and the man with glasses stepped in, calling me.
"Mr. Metawin is waiting for you at his office."
I stood up and gathered all the courage in my body, along with all the canvas in hand. I sighed and closed my eyes.
You can do it, Jay. Your dad is much scarier than Ms. Clara.
The women whispered again to each other. "The executive manager interviewing him? He must have connections maybe."
Wait…
My brows furrowed. So that person is going to interview me? And…an executive manager?
Not…Ms. Clara?
Huh?
I was so lost in thought that I realized that my shoes stepped on white chiseled floors—different from the earlier rooms.
The beige walls stood proudly, closed with a glass wall behind the chair of the person sitting in front of me. Black tie with that well-waxed hair, a few strands hanging on his forehead. His hands were flipping through some files.
Men with black shirts were beside the room.
I flinched when he suddenly crumpled a printed document with typings filling the paper. "Jason, tell the executive section to write this whole thing over." His jaw clenched and he crumpled it more, then threw it in the trashcan beside the desk.
"Ye…yes, Sir. Understood." The man with the glasses bowed, looking at the ground.
The man sitting by the desk stilled, facing me.
He leaned forward once, arms resting on the table. My eyes went to the silver-colored name stand beside the desk.
'CEO, Cole Williams '
My eyes widened when I met his eyes.
Those dark orbs pierced onto mine.
I gulped and my legs began to shake. My grip tightened around the canvas I held.
The man I met outside this building. And somehow… the room felt smaller than it had a moment ago.
To be continued...