Chapter 1

My hand shook a little as I typed on the keypad of the ATM machine. I've been unemployed for almost a month now and I couldn't just carelessly spend the rest of my savings or I'd end up in the streets, starving.

I looked at the receipt and sighed. Based on my calculations, my current balance can last for at least three more months. But am I really gonna wait til I run out of money before I work my butt off again? 

I let out another sigh, a bit harsher this time. I can't enter any medical facility anymore because I lost my license as a nurse. Maybe I can try to fit in the corporate world? I still managed to finish college and I have a decent degree. Maybe I can manage to find a job that'll suit me in that field.

The loud crashing of waves on the shore filled my ears. The tranquil atmosphere of the beach calmed me down a bit as I watch a few of our townsmen, or maybe tourists, having fun in the sea. The sky is orange and cloudless, boding the sunset in a few minutes. I would've stayed to watch the day ending over the horizon but I wouldn't want to neglect our empty dining. 

I headed towards our house, which is located a few walks behind the mini inn of the beach. I'm glad I was able to transform our small nipa house to a mini bungalow before I lost my job.

Alicia's soft laughter reached my ears as I neared our home. The kid likes hanging out in our house because we have a television, something they do not have. Both me and my mom are very fond of her. She's the middle child in their family so it was expected she'd be given less love compared to her siblings. And to appease her thirst for attention, our home is always open for her.

"I'm home!" I beamed as I step inside the house. As expected, the kid was seated on the couch while watching her favorite cartoon show. Beside her was my mother who's busy folding the dry clothes I washed this morning. She looked tired. Her day must've been exhausting in the market today since the holidays is approaching.

"I'll be making fried chicken for dinner!" I announced happily while showing the plastic bag I was carrying. I went to the market after cashing out. Alicia's eyes immediately widened, it's her favorite.

"R-really?" she looked away. "Can I have a piece?"

I walked towards the couch, laughing as I patted her gently on the head. "Of course. You can eat your dinner here."

"Jack is also cooking!" 

"Oh," my eyes darted on the kitchen entrance. Indeed, I can smell the aroma of soy sauce chicken coming from there. 

"Maybe we'll just reserve the fried chicken for tomorrow?" 

Alicia nodded before turning back to the television. I sauntered towards the kitchen and found the new member of our home cooking passionately in there. His back was facing me, and although he was wearing a shirt, the thin material was not enough to conceal the sexy cracks of his back. 

He turned to look at me and our eyes immediately met. I looked away quickly, clearing my throat as I walked towards the fridge. I put the raw chicken in there before grabbing the pitcher to drink. 

"Nina..." I heard him speak and I gulped the water in my mouth before looking back at him.

"Hmm?"

He dropped a few paper of money near the sink beside me. "I saw the electric bill this morning, I'll pay for it."

Two weeks had quickly passed by since I saw him wounded in the cove of Whale Bay. I took him home, treated his wound, and nurses him so he can heal quickly. My mother was very welcoming of him. As of now, he's recovered physically but still mentally challenged, reason why we're still keeping him here.

When he woke up from that incident, he couldn't remember anything. He doesn't remember how he got here in this province, wounded and clueless. He can't even remember his own name. We decided to give him an alternative one for the mean time, suggested by Alicia. Though, I wanted to bring him to the authority to seek for help, he begged us not to do that. He seemed very distrustful and wary of everyone. Even to me and my mother, he's a little reserved. Or maybe that's just his personality.

I accepted the money and nodded. During the dawn, he's a fisherman. At noon, he's in the wet market, helping my mom to sell vegetables and fruits. His overflowing charms and attractiveness made him a good help as a vendor. He looked like an outcast here in our place, which made him stand out easily. 

"I got hired as a helper in the inn," he announced, walking back to the stove to check the food he was cooking. 

"Do not force yourself too much, Jack. Your left arm hasn't healed fully yet."

"It's fine. I wanted to help more with the monthly bills. I can't be a burden to you and your mother especially now that you've just lost your job."

I sighed and decided to just let him be. It's not like I can tell him what to do with his life, right? Besides, he's really a great help financially to us. He's voluntarily buying groceries sometimes after selling the fishes he caught. Or sometimes, he'll take them home for lunch. He's got initiative and also excellent with household chores. Just when I thought he'll add to my problems, he actually lifted a few weights off my shoulder.

After taking a shower to freshen up, my mom called me out to eat dinner. The dining was already set, Alicia was sitting beside Jack and they were talking about the cartoon she was watching this noon. I pulled the seat beside my mother and jokingly uttered a prayer as the dinner begins.

I'm thankful that Alicia is here to bring sound to our silent home. Jack isn't much of a speaker. He's only talking whenever asked, or when there's something important to say. I like striking conversation with people but it's just really hard and awkward when it comes to him.

His presence is too much. I couldn't last to look at his eyes for more than five seconds. His glorious green eyes were enough to intimidate the hell out of me.

I cleared my throat before glancing quickly at Jack. He was eating silently, eyes on the plate while nodding his head softly at Alicia who's talking nonstop.

"Uhm...when are you starting your work in the inn?"

He looked at me. 

"Inn?" My mother asked curiously. 

"The owner offered me a job to work for them so I grabbed the opportunity. I'll be starting tomorrow." He answered politely and my mom nodded, clearly interested.

"That's nice to know," she turned to look at me. "What about you, dear? Why don't you submit a resume in the inn, too? Maybe they still have a vacant spot for you."

I frowned at my mom. Seriously? From being a nurse to a bedsheet changer in an inn? I mean, I know I shouldn't be picky with jobs these days since I do not have any choice but...

"I'll try to see if there's a vacant position for her tomorrow."

I volunteered to wash the dishes after eating. Jack walked the little kid back to their home while my mom was already getting ready to sleep. It's just eight pm, still too early to go to bed for me.

Jack hasn't come back yet. I sat on the couch where he sleeps every night and turned on the television. Our house has two rooms only so he'd have to content himself in the sofa. Though, his clothes were on the vacant cabinet in my room. 

I yawned and pressed the turn off button of the remote control. There isn't a single show that caught my interest so I'd probably just re-read the books in my room. 

I stood up and peeked outside through the small crack of our wooden door. The sultry east wind brushes on my cheek as the loud waves on the beach enveloped my ears. Jack isn't home yet. Where did he go? Alicia's home is only five houses apart from us.

I heard the bamboo settee creaked and I warily eyed our dark veranda where the antique sofa set were placed. I saw a silhouette before the veranda lightened up a bit because of a flashlight. Jack stood up from the bamboo lounge.

"What are you doing there?" I asked, a bit relieved.

"Sorry. I heard you watching television inside. I didn't want to disturb you," he answered and I almost melted. I pushed the door wider, inviting him inside.

"Please, come in. It's too cold in there. And I'm going to bed anyway 'cause nothing's interesting in the television today."

He got inside quickly, locking the door behind him. "I'll just get some clothes in your room. I'm taking a shower."

I nodded and waited for him to exit my room so I can finally get ready to sleep. Once he was done, he went straight to the bathroom without looking at me. 

I let out a shaky breathe. Who really are you, Jack?