MFL Presents: Stranded On You - Chapter 7
1393 Words
"Sir, this can't be," the cashier says.
"I know this is crazy but I don't have anything as of now. I don't even know my name but I'm sure I have money. Otherwise why would I come here? See, obviously I'm not from this country. I'll promise you to pay as soon as I regain my memory," Liam is having a hard time settling his bill.
"Are you sure, you're not trying to evade?"
"Why would I do that? Besides, the doctor himself gave the findings that I have temporary amnesia," he has a point.
"But I can't decide on this. It's beyond my job description. Would you like to talk to the hospital manager instead?"
"That would be great," he sees hope.
Then Liam goes the office of the manager. He tries everything to convince the manager that he will pay the bill as soon as he regain his memory. He even shows the doctor's findings on him. But then again, just like that of those bank credits, he needs to provide assurance. Something more like guarantor.
"Oh wait. The one who brought me here on that day of my accident, she said we met before. Maybe she can help me," out of desperation he says.
"Do you know her name?" the manager asks.
"Like I said, I lost my memory but I'm sure you have records, sir."
"Okay. I'll call the admin. Just a moment."
Then the manager calls the admin to confirm the records. They talk for a couple of minutes.
"Mister, they found your record. And that Ms Angie filled it out..."
"Sorry, what's her name again?" he butts in.
"Angie."
"Right, Angie," he repeats while nodding his head trying to memorize that name.
"But the thing is, she also included that she has nothing to do with you and that she won't take responsible for your bill," the manager continues.
"I know. What I'm trying to say is that if we had met before maybe she can help me recover my memory. Then I can pay you."
"What if you will not regain your memory sooner, what you'll gonna do?"
"Well if that's the case, I can still be able to pay once I can get back to my hotel. I may have an amnesia but I'm sure I have money in there."
"Alright, alright. Fill this out. We will sue you if you won't keep your promise." Then the manager hands him the paper for promissory note and some documents for his release.
"Sir, can I have the address of Ms Angie?
"We can't give personal information."
"I know but please I just want to thank her for saving my life. I haven't thank her yet. I don't want to become ungrateful. I mean I owe her my life," he may have an amnesia but his nature of being a good convincer is still working perfectly. He has this charm that an individual can't refuse.
"Okay. I'll let that excuse as an exception."
"Thank you."
Meanwhile, Angie is preparing all she needs for the renovation. Although she can't do heavy works, but at least she can organize some things from the lodging house to her house. She hires men to those things and she does the organizing to minimize the cost. She already ordered materials needed for the renovation and by three days it'll be shipped from Dumaguete. She prefers buying in the city because it's cheaper than on this island. Plus they offer free delivery so she grabbed it.
The honks outside her house interrupts her work. She slowly walks towards the window to look who's coming. She's surprise to see a patrol car in front of her house. So she grabs her crutch head outside the house.
When the officer sees her slowly comiing out from the house, the officer also get out from the patrol car.
"Maayong buntag, sir. Unsa may ato? she asks.
(Good morning, officer. What can I do for you?" she asks.)
"Morning. Naa'y makig-istorya nimo."
(Morning. Someone wants to talk to you.")
"Kinsa?"she looks puzzled.
("Who? " she looks puzzled.)
So the officer is signaling someone to get out from the patrol car. And when then man comes out, to her surprise, she drops her crutch on the ground unknowingly.
"Gaunsa man ning taw-hana diri?" she asks the officer.
("What is this man doing here?" she asks the officer.)
"Gusto daw kang pasalamatan. Nitawag ni siya ganina sa ospital, nihangyo kung puwede daw siya ihatod diri."
("He just want to thank you. I received his call from the hospital earlier and asked if I can drive him going here.")
"G-good morning," Liam awkwardly greet her with a shy smile, yet still manages to wave slightly.
Angie is not in mood to greet back.
"What are you doing here?" she says crabbily.
"I-I just want to say thanks," he stutters.
"Welcome," she says without feeling and then turn around making her way going back to the house.
Liam picks up her crutch and run towards her to give it to her.
"Your crutch," he says handing it to her but she doesn't want to take it and just continue walking.
"Guys, I'll leave you two talking. I'll go ahead. Bye," the officer bid goodbye and goes back to patrol then he leaves.
"Wait, Angie please hear me out," he grabs my her shoulder but what makes her stop is that she hears her name.
"How did you know my name? I didn't tell you my name," she says trying to let go.
"In the hospital. I know we started badly and I'm really sorry for that. But you're the only person I know who can help me right now. I have nothing, not even wallet or cellphone. I just left a promissory note in the hospital."
"What, do you want me pay your bills after the trouble you caused? You're unbelievable!" she snorts.
"No, it's not like that. I have nowhere else to go. Please help me, I cannot stay in any of those inn out there because I can't find my wallet. I don't have I.D nor cellphone. And if the police can find wallet or cellphone, for sure there must be relevant information in there about my identity. And if they can find my identity sooner, I'll repay you and the hospital."
"Why don't you ask the police for help? Who knows you're a criminal hiding in our country?"
"I may not remember anything but I'm pretty sure I am not a criminal. The police will help me search every hotel in this island for my bookings. And as soon as they find out, I'll return to my hotel regardless if I recover my memory or not."
"Still, I don't want to." Then she attempts to continue walking but Liam is so desperate and block her way.
"Angie please. I have nowhere else to go, I haven't eat yet. You're the one I know whom I had connection with before the accident," he begs. Since he sounds so pure and innocent, her conscience doesn't let her become heartless. She doesn't like to see a foreigner wandering out there or begging on the street just because he can't simply recall his identity.
"What's the catch? Of course you will not stay here for free, not to mention I'm badly needing money to save this place. And thanks to you, because of this sprain I might not be able to pay the debt."
"I'm so sorry for everything. I promise to help you anything. House hold chores, maintenance etc. All I need is a place to stay and food to eat," he practically says. Well it looks like he's really sorry though.
"You promise to do anything?" she wants to be sure of his conviction.
"I promise," he even raises his hand.
Angie projects an evil smile.
"Fine. But once you complain, I'll kick you out."
"Deal. I'm not gonna be here for long because the police are starting to look for hotel."
"Alright. First thing first, I'll call you 'White Potato' from now on," she teases him.
"What! Can't you give me a decent name?" he tries to object.
"Are you complaining?"
"No, not at all," he has no choice at all.
"Good. Now give me that crutch. We have so much to do inside."
- Writer
