CHAPTER 5

SAMSARA's

I immediately sent a friend request to Skyler Han, and he accepted it right away. I've been hesitating to message him, though. It feels a bit embarrassing.

Skyler comes across as very professional, even on social media. In his pictures, he is always with other wealthy people. They only wear suits or polo shirts. I haven't seen a single picture where they are not dressed up or presentable.

When it comes to Lemery, she looks so different now. She is fair skinned and looks smooth, and she even straightened her once curly hair. It makes me a bit sad because I used to think her curly hair was beautiful.

To stop myself from overthinking, I finally typed a message to Skyler.

Samsara Sakura:

Good day. You may not know me, but I'm sure your wife, Lemery, does. I am her friend from the province. I just wanted to ask how is she doing. If it's okay, I would like to get her personal account as well. Thank you, Mr. Skyler.

As soon as I hit send, I felt a wave of embarrassment. And when I saw that it had been delivered, I almost wished the ground would swallow me whole.

What was I thinking?

Unable to sit still while waiting for his reply, I distracted myself by trying to find a job on F******k.

But everything seems like a scam. I tried this before, but it's so hard to find a legitimate job. If they don't require experience, you have to put up money before you can start earning.

I can't afford to risk the little money I have left. And time is running out because Tonton needs to make a down payment for his school. I have less than a week and a half for ir.

How am I supposed to come up with ten thousand pesos in such a short time?

A little later, my phone rang. I was so nervous that I almost punched the air. Slowly, I turned over my phone. It was just a text from my brother, Tonton.

Tonton: Ate, how are you? I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to remind you about the down payment for my tuition. I'm the only one who hasn't paid yet, so I can't join our group chat.

I didn't know how to respond to Tonton. I really have no money right now except for the two hundred pesos in cash and a few thousand left in my bank account, which I've been saving as an emergency fund.

I can't spend that money.

Even though I didn't have an answer, I knew I had to give Tonton an update.

Samsara: Hey Tonton, I'm doing okay. How about you? I'm sorry, but I haven't received my salary yet. Don't worry, next week we'll be able to pay. Please be patient with me.

Tonton replied quickly.

Tonton: We're doing okay too, ate. Thank you, I will count on that. Have you eaten?

Samsara: Yes, I have. I just came from outside and had a meal with some friends. Once things get better, I'll try to bring you all to Manila so you can see what the buildings here look like.

Tonton: Wow, really, ate? Thank you. We’ve also eaten. Thanks for everything, ate. I have to go now, I’m heading to work now.

I suddenly started crying. It's heartbreaking that I have to lie just to make everything seem okay. I know Tonton well. If he finds out that I'm struggling here in Manila, he'll quit school. And I don't want that to happen.

I don't mind not finishing school, as long as my siblings do.

Samsara: Take care, Tonton. Let me know if you need anything else at home. Your ate loves you very much.

When Tonton didn't reply anymore, I got up and took a walk to collect myself. I don't know where I'll get the money or what kind of prayer I need to say to solve all this.

I'm also embarrassed to approach Sean. He has his own problems, and I don't want to take advantage of his kindess.

A little later, my phone dings .

Skyler Han replied to your message. You are now connected.

I suddenly felt a chill. I was so nervous I felt like throwing up.

LANDON's

The couple in front of me is now acting chaotic. Skyler's typing on his phone while Lemery's directing him on what to say.

Even with that strategy, they’re still arguing about what should be said.

"No, don't tell her that we were made possible because of Miss Night!" Lemery shouted.

Skyler disagreed, "Isn't that what she’s after? Miss Avon has probably already approached her. I'm sure she reached out because she’s curious."

Lemery slightly pushed me, "Are you not listening to everything I'm saying? I already told you Miss Avon approached her. My gosh." Then she rolled her eyes.

They continued fighting, while I just stared. I didn’t know what to say.

When it comes to talking about love life, I get tongue tied and don't know what to do.

If this were a simple flirtation, I’d know exactly what to say, but this is different. I accepted the offer because it feels like I'm running out of time. Also, because Pops has been harassing me by setting me up on blind dates with girls I have no interest in.

The only reason I agree to his blind dates is because usually, they end up in my flat, in bed. And that’s the fun part.

I keep telling Dad that I'm on a quest to find a wife. But he says he doesn’t believe me because I always end up sleeping with the women I meet.

"You? What do you think?" I snapped back to consciousness when I heard Skyler's voice. They were both looking at me, waiting for my answer.

All I could say was, "What?"

Lemery took a deep breath and made sure I heard her exhale. "You're no help. This is your love life!" She rolled her eyes at me.

In my defense, "What am I supposed to say? The question isn't even related to Miss Night. It's about you, Lemery."

Then a moment of silence was broken when Skyler gently turned to his wife.

"Baby..." He began. "Landon's right. She's really asking about you. Maybe we need to do this slowly first before bringing up Miss Night. So she doesn't get overwhelmed. You know, it's tricky." Then he gave Lemery an assuring smile.

Lemery shrugged her shoulders and took the phone from her husband. She started typing while saying the words out loud.

"Good day, Samsara. This is Skyler Han. And yes, I do know Lemery, who happens to be my wife. She is now Lemery Han. She is fine, safe, and sound with me. May I ask the purpose of you asking for her contact number?"

Before she hit send, I objected, "Why would you need to ask for the purpose? Just give her the contact!"

I'm frustrated. This is slowing things down, and I thought we needed to be straightforward about it.

"You moron. To get confirmation. Shut up, Landon. You don’t know how to talk formally. Ugh!" She snapped at me.

Skyler suddenly laughed. "Just imagine if her friend is as snappy as she is."

You too, Skyler.

His phone dinged again.

Lemery read the reply out loud. "I have to ask her about something. It needs to be private. Please, I really need her number. I'm kind of running out of time."

Running out of time? For what?

Lemery sighed. Her shoulders slumped, and she looked sad. Maybe she sensed the burden Samsara was carrying. After all, they were good friends before.

"This must be about her family." She said softly.

I asked, "What about it?"

"Their life’s pretty hard, Landon. Worse than what I went through with my family. I already escaped that. But all these years that I’ve been enjoying a good life, she’s still there."

I don't know why I feel this way. I’m not usually this sympathetic. But maybe it’s because I saw what Lemery’s life was like before she got together with Skyler.

It was difficult. And Lemery is saying that Samsara's life is harder than hers? I can't even imagine. I'm not sure I want to imagine it.

I let out a deep breath.

"Give it to her, Lemery."