TRIAD TIES: Me and Mr. Grumpy

CHAPTER 1

-KAZIA's POV-

"I love you, Jelad, my loves!" I let out a high-pitched squeal. I was filled with excitement as I watched the show on TV titled 'THE BADBOYS' starring my idol, Hesu.

While watching the show, I envisioned myself in the role of Hesu, caught in a captivating scenario where four attractive men vied for my affection. The idea of being cherished by wealthy men and witnessing their competition for my attention seemed incredibly appealing. I wished that my own love story turns out to be just like Hesu's.

I hugged myself and exclaimed, "I wish I could be like you, Hesu! Ayiee!"

I was filled with envy because the truth was, until now, no one had mustered the courage to court me, even though my mother said I was beautiful. I hadn't experienced being courted by a man yet. Even at the age of twenty-two, I hadn't had a boyfriend. I hadn't experienced the thrill of being wooed with chocolates or flowers, so I had no choice but to settle for the excitement I felt while watching dramas and movies on TV.

Jelad, the male lead, stole a kiss from Hesu in the show I was watching, causing me to squeal again, even louder this time. The old wooden chair I was sitting on almost collapsed from all my excitement.

"Hey, Kazia! What time is it? You're still sitting there daydreaming! You think you're rich or something!" My cousin Sheray interrupted my moment of excitement as she shouted at me and pushed my head.

She had just arrived from work, where I also worked as a service crew.

"Ouch!" I complained, holding my head and glaring at her.

With an annoyed expression, Sheray walked towards our old TV and turned it off. Then she crossed her arms and looked at me with a stern gaze. "Don't you have work to go to? Why are you still here?"

I messed up my hair. Sheray Masantana was my cousin on my father's side, and we lived together in a small room. We came to Manila from the province to try our luck after graduating from senior high.

We thought life would be easy here in Metro Manila, that we would become rich right away. Our plan was to work while studying in college. But our assumption turned out to be a big mistake because we ended up working in a small restaurant, and our salary barely covered our daily expenses.

Reality versus expectation. They were completely different. It turned out that thinking that stepping foot in Metro Manila would instantly improve our lives was a big mistake.

The truth was, it was difficult to find a good job here. It was like shooting for the moon to try to make it in the vast city. Only a few were lucky enough to be blessed with opportunities.

"Just a little longer. Let me finish watching this," I complained to my cousin. "Turn it on again."

Sheray raised an eyebrow at me. This was how she always treated me, always angry. She acted like a mother. "Do you want Jovie to scold you again? You're always late. She might report you to Miss Chamie. Aren't you afraid you might lose your job."

My snout grew longer. Despite feeling bad, I stood up anyway. "Okay, I'm going to work now."

"Well, it's only fair. Who would suffer if you lose your job? It would be me, right?" Sheray reasoned.

I sighed and grabbed my backpack. I already had packed fried eggs and rice for dinner. I put on my gray jacket.

The night was cold, especially in the early morning, so I needed something to keep me warm. I'm on the night shift today, while Sheray works in the morning.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you tomorrow what happened to Hesu," Sheray said with a mischievous smile. From being a mother, she transformed into a playful sister.

I sighed. I was used to her changing moods anyway.

"I love you, cousin."

"Heh!" I pretended to be annoyed. "I'm leaving. Take care here. Lock the doors," I reminded her before waving goodbye.

I left the house with energy, even though I felt bad for not being able to finish watching the show I was looking forward to in the evening.

I walked with a smile on my face. Even though life is difficult, I still try to stay positive. They say life becomes even harder when you're feeling down, so I just smile and brush off the problems and pain.

"Are you going to work now, Kazia? Take care, okay?" one of the bystanders who were drinking wine called out to me.

I smiled confidently as I passed by them. It's important to always be friendly and happy.

"Kazia, do you want to order panty and bra? The payment is next week," Cara, whom I bumped into, offered. She had a large blue plastic bag with her.

I cringed. It was already late at night, but she's still selling. She must be working too hard.

Well, I guess anyone in her situation would have to work twice as hard. After all, I'm the godmother of her sixth child, and that's not even the youngest. I know it well.

"Here. I already got size 32 for you," Cara offered enthusiastically.

Automatically, I crossed my arms over my chest and glanced around. I was embarrassed that my chest was only size 32. I'm afraid someone might say I don't need to wear a bra since I'm flat chested. Ugh!

"Isn't size 32 your size? Here it is."

"Yes, but you don't need to repeat it." I quickly took it. I stuffed it into my bag while glaring at Cara.

"What's the problem?" Cara asked, laughing.

"Nothing," I replied dismissively. She really laughed at me. I almost flicked her forehead. "Okay, go ahead and sell more panties and bras. I'll make the payment tomorrow."

"Oh, you said it. I actually have plenty today. I sold ten pairs of panties."

"That's good to hear." I gave her a genuine smile. "Alright, I'll head off now, Cara." I bid her farewell, or else our conversation would go on forever. And I'll definitely be late for work.

I walked aimlessly once again. My surroundings were truly different. It's not surprising though because we all come from different races or origins. There are Visayans, Ilocanos, Muslims, and various others. I'm just grateful that these people, including my cousin, are kind and good to us.

"Ma'am, can you help me?" As I was walking, a fat man caught my attention. He was reaching out to the window of a house and seemed to be struggling.

Since I am naturally helpful, I approached him. "What is it, Sir?"

"I accidentally locked the door of our house and I didn't bring the key. My cellphone is in there. I tried to reach it, but my arms are too big. Can you help me, if it's okay with you?"

"Oh, yes, of course. Step aside. I'll reach it," I agreed.

"Thank you." The man moved aside, filled with joy.

With my slim and long arms, I easily retrieved the cellphone without any difficulty. I handed it to the man with a smile.

"Thank you, Ma'am. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome."

"Okay, I'll go now. Thanks again."

"Take care."

We waved goodbye to each other as we walked in different directions. However, to my surprise, I heard a woman's scream coming from that house. I hadn't gone far, so I could still hear the woman's frantic voice.

"Thief! Someone stole my cellphone! There's a thief!" the woman shouted as she came out of the house.

I was stunned. Soon enough, my eyes widened when I realized that it was actually a house full of women where I took the cellphone. It only came to my mind now. Oh no!

I got scared when more people gathered around.

"Did you see the thief?! Did anyone see?" the woman continued to shout.

I was biting my finger, on the verge of tears. In my thoughts, I said, "Oh no, I helped the thief steal. I'm such a stupid."

"Did you see?" the woman asked the crowd. Then her gaze turned towards me. "You? Did you see who got my phone?" she asked me.

I should have answered with two big letters 'O,' but I got scared, so I held myself back. "N-no, Ma'am. I didn't notice anything," I lied.

The woman looked at me with disdain before shifting her gaze to someone else. I took advantage of that moment. I quickly ran, not towards my workplace, but in the direction the thief had gone. I was going to chase that i***t. How dare he use me! I'll skin him alive!

Unfortunately, I couldn't see him anywhere. I looked for him everywhere, but I got only exhausted.

"Where are you f*cking demon?!!" I exclaimed while catching my breath. I wiped my sweaty forehead with one hand while the other rested on my waist. I feel like I just ran ten thousand meters in track and field.

I shook my head. That jerl is really smart. But it's okay because I recognized his face. I'll remember that i***t's face so that when our paths cross again, I'll report him to the police. I'll make sure he will rot in jail.

"Whoa! I'm late!" I exclaimed as I started running again, remembering that I had a job to go to. But I stopped again when I saw another man, dressed as a woman, suddenly fainting on the side of the road.

"Oh my!" I ran towards him. I think he's a gay.

"H-Help..." said the old man. It seems like he can't breathe properly because he's holding his chest.

"What's happening to you?" I immediately felt sorry for him.

"Help... please help me," he struggled to speak again. His hand reached out to me.

"O-Okay. Hang on. I will take you to the hospital." I should have help the old man, but then I suddenly remembered the man who deceived me. I hesitated and doubted. Could I be deceived again?

No!

I abruptly let go of the old man and stood up straight. "Oh, dear old man, I'm sorry but you can't fool me anymore. Someone like you already used me earlier, and I won't fall for it again."

After saying all that, the old man, with thick makeup on his face, remained silent. He finally lay down on the street.

I gasped and chuckled. "Wow, your acting deserves an award, old man. But sorry, you can't fool me anymore."

However, the old man remained motionless on the pavement.

I became puzzled. "O-Old man? Hello?"

The old man still didn't move.

"Old man, that's not a good joke. You might end up for real." I tapped him with my foot. And I started to panic when he still didn't respond. "Sir? Old man?"

When the old man didn't show any signs of movement, I became hysterical. "Hey, old man! What happened to you?! Wake up! Wake up! I thought you were just pretending! Oh, my God!"

"Help! Please help us!" I shouted for help, shaking the old man's shoulders, but he still didn't budge no matter how hard I tried.