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Misty’s eyebrow rose as she watched people pass by her. Arms crossed on her chest, thinking where the hell can she get money to change this Mickey Mouse pullover and denim overalls into something fashionable for her taste. She leaned her back on a mall’s staircase, sighing and almost stomping her feet in disgust.

'Shitty childish fashion sense, Aimee! When will that kid ever change? Why don’t they wear something pretty? Tacky outfits everywhere—oh gosh, my eyes are gonna burn! This is making me stressed! No way, I’m gonna get wrinkles! This is all your fault, Aimee!' She ranted in her mind.

Among her siblings, she believes she’s the prettiest and sexiest, with a great fashion sense, that she can flaunt in every outfit no matter how much she disrelishes them. Well, she’s still thankful she’s back in the outside world. After doing her makeover, she’ll make sure she’s not gonna miss the chance to party! This is an opportunity to celebrate, get dressed to kill and be with boys! 

Remember what William W. Purkey had said, “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on earth.” Such a quote has become Misty’s life motto which she applies whenever and wherever she goes. She chuckled at the thought.

Misty’s jaw fell on the floor, slowly fanning herself when she finally found her target.

If she’s not mistaken, that man walking pass by her is a Korean; his outfits scream the usual Korean street style fashion only quite altered to suit the Philippine weather. He’s hot but not Misty’s type and that doesn’t matter for now, what matters are the bills inside his pocket. 

After fixing her hair in front of a wall mirror nearby, she began marching towards the man. It’s a good thing she washed the remaining flour Aimee bathed herself with when she baked, she couldn’t handle the embarrassment of looking untidy in front of many people.

The Korean was scrolling through his phone as he walked, his right hand inside his jeans’ pocket. Misty smiled. Target is too preoccupied, this mission is expected to be a success, she knew he wouldn’t suspect her; she’s a pretty—and sneaky!—thief.

She intentionally knocked against him. 

“O-Oh!” she shrieked and pretended to fall. The man’s reflexes were fast; he was able to catch her and helped her stand. “I-I’m sorry! I wasn’t feeling well, my head’s spinning around.” Misty massaged her head, blinking weakly. She even intentionally slipped her foot as if she was dizzy and the kind Korean held her carefully as she acted regaining her balance.

The man smiled at her and was instantly captured by her beauty. 

“It’s fine.” His face then showed a concerned look. “How are you feeling? D-Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”

At that moment, Misty had the shock of her life. 

Damn, he knows English! Should I abort the mission? No! I already did plan A and B, it’s time for plan C—the escape!

Misty smiled, squinting her eyes as she took a step back. “No, thanks! I’m fine! Take care!” she waved at him and marched as fast as she could to exit the scene. The Korean tried to call her but she only walked as if the floor was sea and she’s chased by huge waves.

“Gosh! The dude speaks English, I thought he wouldn’t understand me! I should’ve thought about that though! Anyway, mission success.” Her lips curved into a mischievous grin and opened the man’s wallet. As expected, he got some hard cash here. Another good thing is these are Philippine Pesos, what would she do with these if these are Korean Won? 

Misty considers herself a sneaky swindler. Thanks to her knack in acting, she was never caught and will never be. Who may have thought Ameira’s pretty face would be useful in this job? She does this because of Ameira’s fault, the girl’s a cheapskate. Imagine working different jobs and you’re still broke. 'But she managed to get Aimee a whole cake shop. Is this favoritism?' She thought. And there’s no way Misty would use Ameira’s savings, she won’t risk getting her head ripped off her neck, because the girl would surely turn into a bull in a China shop. With this, Misty knows she needs to work her ass off to feed her luxuries, be pretty and go to parties. She wouldn’t just let herself sulk into Ameira’s boring life with an excess baggage of life issues.

'Damn memories! Damn past!'

She’ll let the rest of her siblings handle their issues. Tonight, it’s party time.

“Oh my! Beautiful Misty! Dear, it’s been long since the last time you were here, how have you been! I’ve got lots of great finds for you!” She was welcomed by a chubby, bald man in a yellow checkered and glittered top. The purple scarf around his neck swayed as he cat-walked towards her and then kissed both sides of her cheek. The owner of the famous Bri’s Salon and Boutique. 

“Good, Bruno! I want you to make me unrecognizable. Much gorgeous than what I am now,” she said, chin up, proud and fierce. 

“Dear, it's Brianna. Bri-ya-na, Brianna!” Brianna heartily said, posing in front of her like it’s the Vogue magazine.

Ameira will kill her once she knows she got into trouble again. So, she decided to disguise herself and be a little unrecognizable for tonight. No matter how much she gets in trouble, no one would recognize her anyway. One point for Misty! 

“Well, well, well, leave it to me!” Brianna let Misty sit down as they began with her hair and makeup.

A few hours had passed, and a staff member turned Misty’s chair around for her to face the gigantic wall mirror. She stood up and opened her eyes dramatically.

“Gorgeous, gorgeous! You’re perfect!” Brianna smiled widely while clapping.

A black leather corset midi dress hugged her figure, emphasizing its hourglass shape. She pairs it with a huge black coat for now. She wore a pair of black stilettos, a layered choker on her neck and a pair of silver earrings. She couldn’t almost recognize herself, thanks to the bangs that hid her forehead and her straight black hair that hung by her shoulder, a darker turn from her naturally brown hair.

Misty’s lip curved in a smile.

“Make more money and don’t forget me,” Brianna whispered, and Misty handed a bunch of bills still with a smile. 

“I will never forget that.” She winked and left. “Thanks, Bruno!” she added, waving her hand at them.

IT’S ALMOST 10 PM, Aleja exited the bathroom and was just changing his clothes when Kendrick knocked on the door. 

“Coming,” Aleja responded as he wore his white shirt, paired with his usual jeans.

The door opened and Kendrick, in a brown shirt and jeans, entered. Aleja held a chuckle when he saw Kendrick’s broad smile. 

“Tada!” Kendrick showed him his palms with a pile of money. He laughed hysterically while Aleja shook his head with a small smile. 

“That’s why you’re my friend,” Aleja commented. 

“And that’s what friends are for.” Kendrick shrugged and winked before they both laughed.

With the way they joke around, laugh, and even plan to bond at a club, they don’t seem to be ex-convicts. They were deprived of living the way that they wanted to be, for fifteen years. It’s a long tale, a day is not enough for someone to tell, but tonight will be different from any other. The past will be forgotten for tonight; it’s time to live again.

“Where did you get the money? It's surprising to know that someone lent you some,” Aleja smirked when he thought of the most possible answer to his own question. 

Kendrick cackled. “Bro! Don’t you know how awesome I am? Anyway, I told him you’ll pay for it,” he wiggled his eyebrows.

Aleja pushed Kendrick out of the room and the latter began to rush downstairs, he then followed, taking a glance at the blanket of stars above. Cold wind ruffled his hair as he stepped down the staircase. The two live on an abandoned building’s rooftop while Kendrick’s parents, sister and her child live downstairs. The kid was already asleep when they met her mother, she says she was so full, she slept on the ragged couch. Tears brimmed her eyes as she thanked Aleja once again, for letting the kid celebrate her birthday, together with Aleja.

The place on the rooftop is so small that Kendrick sleeps in the common room not far from the kitchen. The first time Kendrick told him about the place, he was rather grateful and neither did it cross his mind to feel any disappointment. He even told him, there’s no way for him to survive in the streets of Manila if he did not meet Kendrick. He would surely be a hopeless lad with no home. 

Kendrick has been his best buddy for the past five years. The two met in prison and Kendrick was charged with homicide after killing the man who raped his sister. He was to be released years earlier than Aleja when it was proved that his sister was raped. But he did not leave and stayed with Aleja until it was his time of release. Aleja couldn’t thank him more. He thought he would never trust someone again, but Kendrick had a head as hard as brick, he was so persistent and bubbly until Aleja began breaking a part of his wall, heart beginning to soften. He found someone true to him when everyone around him, even his family, lies.

Before they left, Kendrick’s parents were already asleep in their rooms he couldn’t bid bye for tonight. Although Kendrick’s younger sister is casual with him, the parents were giving him cold treatment. But it's fine, he thought, he had no plans of staying here for long either.

“When are you going to begin with your plans?” Kendrick asked, now sitting inside a taxi he rented.

Aleja’s jaw clenched. “I still have a few things to do before we take action. We will bring them down one by one until the only person left is that motherfucking murderer who killed my dad.”

Before his mind would reminisce about the day of his father’s death, Kendrick cleared his throat. Aleja’s dark aura, piercing eyes, and tightened fists are signs of nearing danger, Kendrick knew him very well already and he wouldn’t like his friend to go clubbing with a bad mood.

Despite Kendrick trying to lift the mood, Aleja kept staring outside of the window. He had gone quiet again, only God knows whatever is running on his mind. Kendrick wanted to call him by his name but he’s afraid he might end up like those inmates who almost lost their lives after Aleja twisted their heads off during the Cage War.

One thing that separates the City Jail from the public is its Cage War. It comprises of a huge ring where inmates battle to decide who’s stronger. Everyone inside the City Jail never refused and even cheered during fights. Some ended up with broken bones and bruises, many died. The government never halted the Cage War operations, for most officials earn from it as well. In fact, they were the ones who ran it. It serves as an opportunity for the inmates to prove their strength and politicians would watch and pick winners to work for them as hitmen. Every time they accomplish a task, they are given something in exchange: money or freedom, the inmate’s choice. 

The two were physically strong and wise enough they were able to survive until their release. It did not only contribute to Aleja’s early release, the two also earned money as successful hitmen.

Aleja used the money to secretly invest in his deceased father’s company, now managed by his stepmother and half-brother. And time will come, he will be able to use this in destroying them.

“Bro, I’m just here, okay? We’re all together in this battle, you are not alone,” with all his gathered strength, Kendrick finally spoke.

Aleja turned his head towards him and smiled. No words can really explain how thankful he is for having Kendrick by his side. 

Kendrick drove the taxi and Aleja’s eyes were glued outside the window once again.

'This won’t last long. After this fight is over—after making them suffer—I will finally be free,' he thought.