Chapter 2

THE loud sound of the alarm clock abruptly woke me up. Groggily, I reached out to turn it off and stretched my limbs to shake off the stiffness from sleep. I got up from the bed with messy hair, so I just combed it with my fingers. Sorry, too lazy to get a real comb.

I stood with hands on my hips, looking at my friend, who was still fast asleep with her mouth wide open. She probably didn't sleep right away, and I didn’t want to wake her because she sleeps like a log. I was surprised to see my phone outside my bag, so I grabbed it and turned it on.

I was greeted by the name of an app: Matchmaker: Dating with a Twist. I raised an eyebrow because I didn't remember downloading a dating app on my phone, and I’m not into such things.

I clicked on the application and began to explore. It didn’t have a profile picture and seemed newly created, but when I checked the message area, there was something there.

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Hi! This is my first time to try this application. It's quite good. Are you there?’

I scrolled up, but there were no other messages except from this person. Who touched my phone? Shena? But she doesn’t know my password.

A new message arrived, so I went back to the message area and saw that the mysterious person was online.

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Hey, you're online but you didn't even reply to my last messages. Are you ghosting me?’

Do I look like a ghost? Damn this person.

Instead of ignoring it, I got angrier. Who is this crazy person?

[Me]

‘Hello. Sorry but this is my first time using this app. It happened to d******d on my phone. I'm not really sure how to use this though.’

I quickly pressed the send button and bit my nail. The message was seen immediately, and I saw the typing indicator. Does this person have nothing better to do?

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Oh, are you trying to explain yourself so I'll conveniently forget what you did? You've practically flooded my messages with your nonsense.’

What the hell? Is this person crazy?

[Me]

‘Nonsense? You're the one talking nonsense here, Mr. Whoever you are, go die early!’

I even added an angry emoji to show my anger.

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Wow, that's harsh. I don't even know you and you're already wishing me dead? Real classy.’

Damn it, who is this person with such nerve?

[Me]

‘Well, excuse me, Mr. I don’t know you either, and you’re accusing me of ghosting you. Are you always this presumptuous? And besides, how did this app get on my phone when I didn’t d******d it?’

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘You expect me to believe that? If you don't want to join a dating app, then don't. But if you're going to lie, make it more believable next time.’

I frowned at what I read. Does this person think it’s easy to fool me? Are they crazy?

[Me]

‘Lying? Hey, for your information, I don't have time for this drama. If you don't believe me, that's your problem. Maybe you're a hacker.’

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Hacker? Really? What would I gain from hacking your phone? Messages with your boyfriend? Oh wait, you probably don’t have one.’

I laughed in irritation. This person is so presumptuous!

[Me]

‘Wow, you have the nerve to talk as if you know me well. You know, I don't need a boyfriend to prove myself. Unlike you, who seems bitter.’

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Bitter? Do you think it's worth being bitter over someone I don't know? You're quite funny sometimes.’

I sighed. What is this person’s problem and why are they targeting me?

[Me]

‘If you’re not bitter, then what? Why are you so quick to assume and accuse? You don’t even know me but you speak like this.’

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Simple. I'm just tired of people wasting my time. If you're not interested, then just say so. No need for drama.’

I took a deep breath to calm myself. The day had just started, and I was already facing a problem.

[Me]

‘Fine, let's get this straight. I really don’t know how this app got on my phone. So if you have nothing constructive to say, let’s end this conversation here.’

Phantompurse sent you a message

‘Fair enough. But don't be mad, okay? I didn’t intend to cause trouble. Have a nice day.’

I leaned back and sighed. It's too early for this kind of stress.

"Hey, Bella, you're awake." Shena got up too, her hair still down.

"Yeah, Shane. Early in the morning, some weirdo messaged me on an app I don’t even know how it got on my phone," I replied.

"Maybe someone just pranked you," she said while stretching. "Anyway, let's have breakfast first and plan our day."

"Sure, I'll just freshen up," I said, grabbing a towel. "And don’t d******d random stuff on my phone."

"Promise, it wasn’t me," Shena said with a mischievous smile.

I ran to the bathroom while hearing Shena's laughter behind me. If she did this, I will definitely get back at her.

I decided I would delete the app later and send some feedback. People who use that app are crazy.

Since I had a lot of free time and my class was still later in the day, I decided to take a walk in the nearby old park. Shena’s class was earlier, so I went back to the apartment early.

I was walking down the road when I saw a five-peso coin on the cement. Since it would be a waste not to pick it up, I bent down to get it, but before I could, I heard someone shout. When I looked up, a big bike was heading my way.

The person riding it was swaying and heading straight for me. We both screamed. His scream was louder.

I ducked and braced for the bike to hit me, but a few seconds passed, and nothing hit me. I looked up and saw the guy had managed to brake just in time.

“Are you crazy?!” I yelled in anger. “I almost got hit, you idiot!”

“I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to—”

“Shut up!” I snapped. “Next time, practice without people around! Annoying!”

He didn’t stop me as I walked away towards my apartment. I didn’t recognize him because he was wearing a baseball cap, and he looked rich based on his outfit.

But then I realized the resemblance to the guy from the bar last night. Damn, he’s the quiet customer! I looked back at him, and he was already riding his bike again, still swaying. He really doesn’t know how to ride a bike.

I accidentally glanced at a billboard in the distance and my eyes widened when I recognized it immediately. No wonder he looked familiar; he’s that famous playboy actor. Good thing I didn’t remember last night, because if I had told Shena I saw her crush, I might have had to take her to a mental hospital. She’s too obsessed with that playboy.

I shrugged it off and went home. I saw Nanay Nelya sitting in her favorite chair. I waved at Nanay when she saw me before heading to my apartment door.

I shook my head from exhaustion. It’s been two days since I lost my job, but it felt like I had been idle for months.

I looked at the round clock on the wall near my study area. It was already five in the afternoon, so I decided to go out and buy dinner at the nearby eatery.

My gaze landed on the mailbox in front of our gate. Perhaps another letter arrived for Nanay Nelya. She had been receiving unknown letters, but she didn’t know where they came from. Nanay doesn’t have any children and lives alone, so if she receives a letter, she assumes it’s from friends or siblings.

When I reached the mailbox, it was slightly open. I wasn’t planning to touch it, but I saw my name clearly on it. I wondered who could be sending something to me. Mama usually calls me on my cellphone to check in.

Maybe it’s a scam again? Last time, a parcel arrived with my name on it. It was COD! So I scolded the seller. They were so dumb.

I took it and read it carefully. My name was on it, but I didn’t recognize where it came from.

I turned it over and found a beautifully designed envelope with an elegant script that read "Exclusive Invitation."

“Wow, huh? Even scammers put in effort!” I praised the front design. But I frowned when I opened the letter.

“Congratulations! You're invited to be one of our matchmaking guests on October 20. See you and read below the theme of the event!”

That’s all I read. I looked at the back of the letter and saw a familiar logo. I wanted to curse when I realized what it was.

“Damn it, who signed me up for this?!” I complained, almost tearing the envelope.

Only two suspects came to mind. Shena and Janny, both with crazy minds. They probably thought they could fool me! I’m studying to be an attorney, so I need evidence to prove who signed me up!

"Ineng, what's happening?" I looked ahead. Almost everyone living in Nanay Nelya's apartment was facing me. I was startled, feeling like they were ready to rush at any moment.

"Why did you scream? Is there a kidnapper? Where?!" One of the residents shouted. They immediately started looking for the invisible kidnapper they thought was there.

"Wait, wait!" I quickly raised my hand to calm them. "There's no kidnapper! Sorry, I just got carried away."

They stopped panicking and looked at each other, seemingly embarrassed by their reaction.

"What exactly happened?" Nanay Nelya asked, approaching me with a worried look on her face. "Why did you scream?"

I showed her the letter I was holding. "I received an invitation to a matchmaking event. But I don’t know who signed me up for this. I feel like someone is playing a joke on me."

Aling Cora, one of our neighbors, laughed. "Maybe you have a secret admirer, Ineng? Love letters are out of style now, so they go through this instead."

I rolled my eyes. "I don’t think so, Tita Cora. It’s probably a prank from my friends."

"You know, Isabella," Mang Kiko, the grandfather in the apartment, said, "it might be better if you find out where it came from before getting mad."

"I agree with Mang Kiko," Tita Lorie said, putting her arm around me. "Investigate it first, maybe you’ll find a clue."

I looked at Nanay Nelya. "Nay, have you received anything like this?"

She shook her head. "None, Ineng. Just letters from old friends. But this one you have, it’s the first time I’ve seen something like that."

I sighed. "Okay, I’ll find out. Thank you all." I took a deep breath and went up to my unit, holding the invitation.

As soon as I got in, I grabbed my cellphone and called Shena.

"Hello, Bella! Why did you call?" she answered as if she knew nothing.

"What’s this nonsense again? I received an invitation to a matchmaking event. Did you sign me up for this?" I asked, suspicion clear in my voice.

She didn’t answer immediately, making me more annoyed. "Oh, you received it already, bestie. Hehehe."

"Shena," I warned.

"S-Sorry, bestie. I just wanted to add some enjoyment to your life. Like, come on! You don’t have a job and maybe this is your opportunity, hehe."

I was taken aback. "You signed me up for this? Seriously? You know I don’t have time for this. I have bills to pay and exams to study for!" I couldn’t help but raise my voice. I had no time for this. Damn it!

My best friend chuckled nervously. "Come on, just give it a chance. And besides, it’s rare in your life. Out of all the women who want to join this, you got lucky! So, go for it!"

In the end, I had no choice. If I didn’t go, someone might drag me out. Whatever!

I looked at the large mirror inside Shena’s condo. I was wearing one of her gowns. Since she’s more petite than I am, it was tight on my body. I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious as my cleavage was visible! My chest isn’t that big, but there’s still something, so it’s curving because of the gown I’m wearing.

I kept sighing because my body felt so squeezed. It was also itchy on my skin!

"Beautiful! No need to put on heavy makeup, bestie. You still look beautiful," Shena complimented me.

"Sus, you just want me to forget what you did, Shena. Not me," I insisted, and she just made a peace sign and took the curling iron to fix the curls she made on part of my hair.

This is the first time I’m wearing something like this because even at school events or parties, I don’t participate. So, I can say it’s my first time doing this, and I’m very nervous.

I moved aside the hair Shena was holding because she had been there for a while. I was getting irritated. "Enough of that. It won’t go back to being straight because you keep going back to that part!" I scolded.

"But it’s so pretty!" She protested. "Your hair is naturally straight, so it’s resisting my curls. It’s impossible for it to stay curly forever!"

"Tch, enough of that," I replied.

"Are you still mad, bestie?" She asked, pouting and resting her chin on my shoulder. "I’m really sorry. I promise, this is the last time. I’ll erase your name next time!"

"When will that next time be?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She pouted. "I don’t know, but maybe it’ll get deleted, right? Just don’t attend."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "This is the last time, and if you try again without my approval, forget you ever existed because I’ll really send you back to your mom’s womb."

"Yey!" She stood up and hugged me around the neck. It wasn’t tight, so I didn’t complain. "Thank you, bestie!"

We heard a car horn outside her condo. Her window is near the building entrance, so you can hear passing vehicles and sounds from downstairs.

Shena peeked out the window and then looked back at me.

"Bestie, your ride is here. Come on!" She gently pulled me and grabbed my purse from the chair.

"Now I’m nervous about your plan, Shena!" I said.

"Don’t be so nervous, Bestie. You can do it!" Shena said while dragging me out of the condo.

"No matter what you say, I’m still nervous, Shena," I said, my heart stopping with every step.

When we got outside, a black luxury car was parked in front. The driver got out and opened the door for me. "Good evening, Miss Isabella. I’m here to take you to the event."

Shena tapped me on the shoulder. "Go on, Bestie. Enjoy the night. Text me as soon as you get there, okay?"

I just nodded and got into the car. I sighed deeply as the door closed and the car started moving. "What have I gotten myself into?" I whispered to myself.

During the ride, I looked around the car. The interior was very elegant, like only rich people rode in it. I was surprised when the driver spoke. "Miss, we will arrive at the venue in about 15 minutes. Would you like some water or anything to make you comfortable?"

"Ah, no, I’m fine. Thank you," I replied, forcing a smile. I took a very deep breath while looking out the window.

"Lord, please don’t let me make a fool of myself there," I whispered to myself. I really hope nothing embarrassing happens when I get there. I just want to disappear from the earth.