Between Three Hearts

4

My heart raced as I sprinted to work, the threat of a docked paycheck nipping at my heels. By some stroke of luck, I clocked in just as the clock struck eight.

Ms. Ivy's voice, amplified by her trusty megaphone, boomed right on cue. "Everyone here?"

We all played a game of human bingo, eyeing each other up. As the newbie, alongside Candy, I felt like a fish out of water in this sea of familiarity. Still, I played along, scanning the crowd.

A kind-faced older gent piped up, "All present, Ms. Ivy."

"Alright, bus time," she barked.

We shuffled towards our chariot, parked in front of City Hall. Candy had mentioned something about a far-flung barangay and those pinpacks we'd assembled yesterday.

Spotting Candy, I quickened my pace, but suddenly hit the brakes. My eyes locked onto a familiar figure.

"Ethan?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

What in the world?

He was boarding the bus too. No Elise in sight.

I couldn't help but smirk.

Jackpot.

I was about to make my move when a voice stopped me cold.

"Hey! Gorgeous!" It was Noah, of all people.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted, eyes wide as saucers.

"Charity work, duh!" He flashed his 'Volunteer' ID, grinning like the Cheshire cat.

I stood there, gobsmacked. Just when I thought I'd hit the Ethan lottery, Noah shows up? Here? Now?

"Come on, bus waits for no one!" He tugged at my arm, dragging me along.

I was certain Noah would be a thorn in my side all day, and my mood soured at the thought.

But seeing Ethan on the bus perked me right back up, and I hustled towards him.

His surprise was evident as I approached, flashing him my sweetest smile. But just as I was about to claim my spot next to him, Noah swooped in and stole the seat.

I gasped, my frustration bubbling over like a pot left too long on the stove.

"Noah!" I hissed, gripping his hand. I was ready to haul him up when—

"Hazel!" A voice pierced through the noise. Candy. There she stood, beaming, beckoning me over. I returned the smile, my gaze ping-ponging between her and the guys.

"Go on, ditch us," Noah quipped, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Your friend’s waiting."

"Nice try," I mumbled under my breath.

"She's still there," he retorted, nodding towards Candy with a sly smirk.

I glanced at Candy, her warmth radiating as always.

I decided to play it cool with Noah for now, but I'd set him straight later. This game was far from over.

Our trip was long, the destination remote, and the roads a mess. But the views? Breathtaking. The air was fresh, the green landscape calming, even the streams had a hint of emerald.

And Candy? She was a talker. She filled the quiet with tales of her life, family, and everything in between. Her company was easy, comforting.

"We're here, guys!" Ms. Ivy's voice snapped me back to reality.

I looked out, confused by the wilderness. I turned to Ms. Ivy, seeking answers.

"The bus can't go further. We'll walk from here. Locals will help with the goods on their bikes," she explained.

As we got off, I let Candy lead, hanging back to catch Ethan. I hoped the ride back would have a little progress on our not-so-good relationship. Fingers crossed.

"What's the deal, Noah?" I asked as he sauntered over, smirking. I pushed his hand away, annoyed.

"Cut it, Noah. Stop seeking attention. I'm not amused," I snapped.

"What? Me?" He laughed. "I'm not the one seeking attention. You should be glad I even notice you among my many fans." His nerve left me speechless.

"Listen, I'm not interested. Save it for someone else," I said as Ethan stepped off. I quickly moved closer.

"Hey, Ethan," I said sweetly. As usual, he ignored me. I followed anyway.

I glanced back, catching Noah still trailing me. I shot him a "back off" look, but he didn't budge. Sighing, I turned my attention back to Ethan.

"Didn't know you were into volunteering," I chirped, though Ethan kept ignoring me. "I'm big on charity work myself." Total lie. First time volunteering, actually.

Ethan continued to pay me no mind, but I kept talking, despite feeling like a fool.

Meanwhile, Noah was up to his tricks – sneakily slipping his arms under my shoulder, messing with my hair. It was driving me nuts, totally distracting me from Ethan.

After some time and a few miles under our feet, at last, our journey found its end.

The place took my breath away, so much so that I momentarily forgot Ethan. The sights around me were a whirlwind of activity - children playing joyously, mothers busily washing clothes while chattering away, and men who seemed to be enjoying an early drink.

Life here was different, that much was clear. I found myself wondering, what was their source of income? Did they solely depend on the government and the goodwill of others?

Ms. Ivy's voice cut through. "Let's take a breather. We'll start distribution once the Mayor arrives." I grinned inwardly - more Ethan time!

But where was he?

Noah's cheeky wink distracted me briefly, but I brushed it off. I had a mission - find Ethan. I scanned the area, but he was MIA. Was he avoiding me?

In the midst of my search, suddenly, a heated argument caught my ear.

"Don't act all high and mighty. You're just poor and dependent on our charity," a woman's voice rang out. I turned to find a volunteer, identifiable by her ID, in a heated exchange with a local resident.

"All this fuss over a trinket? It's worthless!" the volunteer scoffed.

The young girl's voice quivered, "It's not about the value, ma'am. It's special because it's from my dad. He worked hard for it, even if it's not expensive." Tears welled up as she clutched the watch tightly.

"Trash is trash," the woman sneered, snatching the watch and crushing it underfoot, deaf to the girl's sobs.

Some might say there's a line you don't cross. I've been called a troublemaker, but here's the thing - I've never picked on the weak. I prefer to face off with those who've wronged me. As I watched the scene unfold, something inside me ignited. And just like that, I jumped in.

"Hold up!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the tension. All eyes turned to me, two pairs boring into my soul. "Aren't you two the same age?" I asked, letting my words hang in the air. "And yet, here you are, behaving like a petulant child!"

The volunteer's eyes narrowed, sizing me up. "This isn't your business," she snapped.

I c****d an eyebrow. "I wouldn't butt in if you weren't being a jerk. Do you always bully those who can't fight back?" I shot back, my disgust clear as day.

Her glare intensified. "Who do you think you are, judging me?" she snarled, rage bubbling beneath her words. "Do you even know who I am?" She gestured at herself, daring me to recognize her.

"Honestly," I replied with a cool smile, my gaze steady, "I couldn't care less who you are."

Caught off guard, she stormed towards me, fury in her eyes. The shove came out of nowhere, knocking me off balance. I threw out a hand to break my fall.

The sting of embarrassment was nothing compared to the fire that blazed in my eyes as I got up, fueled by a fierce determination. I wasn't about to be pushed around or dismissed. The old saying echoed in my mind: "an eye for an eye".

"Who do you think you are?" I fired back, my voice dripping with anger. I shoved her right back, giving as good as I got.

But life's no scripted drama. An unexpected player entered the scene - Ethan.

"HAZEL!" His shout ripped through the air, raw and furious, his face a storm of anger