CHAPTER 1
1604 Words
A loud bang on the roof jolted me awake.
My eyes flew open, my heart pounding as I forced myself to sit up and listen. The room was still dark, the faint gray light of dawn barely seeping through the cracks in the wall. It was only five in the morning. I had slept for barely two hours after working late into the night.
"Xheree! Wake up!"
Mrs. Chan's sharp voice pierced the silence outside my door.
My chest tightened. I hesitated, staring at the peeling wood of the door. If I opened it, she would ask for the rent again and I had nothing to give.
"Xheree, open the door!" she shouted, louder this time.
I swallowed my fear and forced myself to stand. My feet felt heavy as I walked toward the door. Slowly, I opened it.
Mrs. Chan stood there, her face twisted with anger, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
"Good morning, Mrs. Chan," I greeted softly, forcing a polite smile.
Her eyes narrowed. "What's good about this morning? It will only be good if you pay the rent."
My fingers tightened against the doorframe. "I don't have any money yet… maybe I can pay next week."
Her expression hardened. "You've said that a hundred times! If you don't pay next week, I will throw all your belongings out!"
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
The door creaked softly as I closed it. A long, shaky breath escaped my lips.
If I didn't pay, Xeldon and I would end up sleeping on the street.
I returned to the thin mattress on the floor and lay down, staring at the ceiling. I still had a few hours before I needed to wake up again.
"Sister…"
I turned my head.
Xeldon stood beside me, his small figure barely steady, his eyes heavy with sleep and worry. He was only thirteen, but hardship had already taught him how to carry burdens meant for adults.
I sat up quickly. "Why are you awake?"
He rubbed his eyes. "I heard Mrs. Chan shouting."
I forced a gentle smile. "Don't worry about her. Go back to sleep."
He hesitated. "Sister… when are we going to pay the rent?"
The question pierced my chest.
Maybe next week, I wanted to say again. Maybe when I find more work. Maybe when life becomes kinder.
"Maybe next week," I answered quietly.
He nodded, though the worry in his eyes remained.
A moment later, he spoke again. "Sister… I still have to pay a school contribution. I'm the only one who hasn't paid yet."
I swallowed. "How much?"
"Two hundred pesos."
My heart sank. That was the last of what I had.
Still, I stood and walked to the cabinet. I took my worn wallet and opened it. The bills inside looked painfully few. Slowly, I pulled out two hundred pesos and handed it to him.
"You can pay it later at school," I said.
His face lit up, and he smiled—a smile that made every sacrifice worth it.
"Thank you, Sister."
I watched him carefully fold the money, as if it were something precious.
I was only fifteen when we became orphans.
Our Aunt Nette took us in, becoming the mother we had lost. Because of her, I was able to finish high school. But when she passed away, everything fell on my shoulders.
College became a dream I could no longer afford.
I worked at a small burger house during the day. At night, I stood on street corners, selling cigarettes and candy to strangers. Every peso I earned went to food, rent, and my brother's education.
I told myself it was enough.
But it never was.
Later that morning, Xeldon sat in front of me, eating the bread I had bought. Five small pieces.
I held a cup of coffee in my hands, letting its warmth fool my empty stomach.
"Why aren't you eating, Sister?" he asked.
I smiled. "I'm still full. Eat it all."
It was a lie.
He looked at me carefully. "Are you sure?"
I nodded, forcing my lips to stay curved. I would rather endure hunger than see him go without.
"Eat it all so you won't be hungry at school," I whispered.
He hesitated, then spoke with quiet determination.
"I promise, Sister… when I finish school, you won't have to work anymore. I'll buy you a big house. One with a swimming pool."
My vision blurred.
I turned away quickly so he wouldn't see my tears.
"That's right," I said softly. "Study hard."
After walking him to school, I made my way to Mrs. Tan's small store. Each step felt heavier than the last.
I had nothing left.
Still, I forced myself to ask.
"Mrs. Tan… can I borrow some rice and canned goods? I'll pay you when I have money."
She looked at me with sympathy but also firmness.
"Xheree, I'm sorry. You already owe me a lot. I can't lend you anything anymore."
Her words were gentle, but they crushed me all the same.
I nodded slowly. "I understand. Thank you."
I turned and walked away, my chest tight, my hands empty.
What would I feed my brother when he came home?
I went to my friend Lyka’s house. She had been my high school friend and neighbor, and somehow, she had always been my refuge whenever life felt heavy.
“Xheree, come inside,” her mom called.
“Thank you. Where’s Lyka?” I asked.
“She’s in her room. Just go on,” her mother replied with a warm smile.
I nodded and headed to her room. Lyka sat in front of her laptop, engrossed in a video call. I waited quietly, not wanting to interrupt. Soon, her mother appeared with a small tray of snacks, knowing I hadn’t been eating properly lately.
“Xheree, did you see the person I was talking to?” Lyka asked, closing her laptop.
She handed me bread and a soft drink. “Here.”
“Thanks,” I said, smiling.
She returned the smile. “You’re welcome. I know you don’t eat much. So… what do you think of the older man?”
“Older man?” I asked, confused. “Is he your relative?”
Lyka shook her head, a mischievous smile on her lips. “No. He’s my boyfriend.”
I blinked. “Isn’t he… old?” I had assumed he was her uncle or something he looked about sixty.
“Yes,” she admitted, “but he’s rich. He sends me money even when I don’t ask for it.” She tapped my shoulder lightly. “If you want to escape poverty, Xheree, find a rich man who can give you a better life.”
I frowned. “Isn’t that… wrong?”
“Wrong?” she laughed softly. “It’s practical. Love an older, rich man. Don’t waste your time on someone handsome who can’t provide.”
Her words made me pause. Why chase someone handsome if he couldn’t give me a secure life?
“How do I even start?” I asked quietly.
“I’ll make you an account on TheBachelor.com. Many foreigners are looking for Filipino women there,” she said confidently.
I nodded as she quickly created the account.
“What should I post first?” she asked, her fingers poised above the keyboard.
“Post: ‘Wanted: A Billionaire Boyfriend,’” I suggested.
“I’ve already done it. Let’s wait and see if anyone responds,” she said with a sly grin.
I was about to thank her when she asked, “When do you start work?”
“This afternoon. Do you know anyone looking for a laundrywoman? I only need laundry. I don’t even have money for food,” I admitted.
Lyka stood up and took her purse from the cabinet. She handed me a thousand pesos. “Pay me back when you can.”
“I owe you so much,” I said, hesitant.
“Don’t be shy. Just take it,” she said firmly.
I accepted the money, grateful beyond words.
“Xheree!” Lyka suddenly called, even though I was standing right beside her.
“What?”
“Someone replied to your post. He even sent a personal message.” She checked the account, noticing it was a brand-new profile. “Do you want him? He’s from Manila. No photo yet, though.”
I thought for a moment, then nodded. “Tell him… if he’s willing to pay my fifteen-thousand-peso rent debt, I’ll accept him as my boyfriend.”
Within seconds, the message notification popped up.
“He’s willing to pay your debt,” Lyka said, smiling triumphantly.
“What do I say?” I asked, panic rising.
“Meet him in person. That way, you won’t waste time if he’s not actually rich,” she advised.
“Okay… you handle the reply,” I said, unsure but trusting her.
“Done. He’s willing to meet you tomorrow. Be ready,” she said.
I nodded, my heart pounding with nervous determination. I had to do this for my brother.
After leaving Lyka’s house, I stopped by the grocery store to buy rice, canned goods, and coffee, essentials for Xeldon and me. He was surprised when he saw how much I had managed to bring home.
I arrived at work around five in the afternoon. My pay was low because I only worked four hours, so at night I sold cigarettes, chicharrón, coffee, and balut. Every day was a grind, but I did it to support Xeldon and myself. And now… tomorrow, everything might change.
- Writer
