Gun 01

Elaine

“Leave my apartment! You’re all useless, just a burden! Pay the rent instead of just hanging around!” Sir Pedro yelled, the veins of his neck were almost visible from anger when he shouted at me and my dad. The truth was, we didn’t have enough money for rent because my dad only worked as a tricycle driver after losing his job.

He often told me life was easier when he worked for the Montemayor family, but unfortunately, they were replaced by workers from France, which led to my dad falling into debt. I never met my mom; all I have left of her was a photo on our wall. Dad once told me she left me a necklace that I had kept and treasured.

“Sir Pedro, please give us another chance. I’m begging you,” I said, almost on my knees, trying to convince him not to throw us out. I haven’t found a part-time job yet, and my dad’s earnings were barely enough for us. Luckily, I had a scholarship at school, but in exchange, I had to study hard and participate in extracurricular activities that I almost became a nerd, focusing so much on my studies, believing it was the only way to escape poverty.

I chose to study Education because I loved teaching what I knew and seeing the smiles on kids’ faces. I wanted to be the one to teach my future children.

"Goodness, kid. I’ve been giving you extensions, but you still say the same thing. I’m not even making any money off you. I’ve got my own family to support. So get out!" Sir Pedro snapped and fanned himself.

“Someone’s interested in this unit, so go and leave already! Looks like we will have new tenants moving in!" he added, quickly heading toward a man walking our way.

What else could I do? Sir Pedro had no intention of giving us another chance. This was our fourth move, and I hoped someone would still take us in.

“Wait, Elaine!” the man called out. To my shock, it was Kaizer, my crush.

“Kaizer . . . what are you doing here?” I asked and grabbed the suitcase that Sir Pedro threw at us earlier.

“Good day, uncle!”  Kaizer greeted my dad who only glared at him, making me chuckle. My dad, of course, had never liked Kaizer.

“Why are your things outside?” Kaizer asked.

Just as I was about to answer, Sir Pedro approached and grabbed Kaizer’s arm like a leech.

“I kicked them out so you can rent this place, handsome. So, are you gonna take it?” Sir Pedro asked. He pulled a lollipop from his pocket and ate it, which made me cringe.

What was that?

“I’m not renting. Just let them back into the apartment,” Kaizer said, brushing off Sir Pedro’s grip as though he was disgusted. 

I laughed.

“What’s so funny? And they don’t even have money, so they’re free to go!" Sir Pedro shouted as he waved his fan toward us.

I have class in a few hours and I needed to settle this fast.

“What did you say? She’is my girlfriend. If you want to keep your business, let them back in. And don’t worry about the rent. I’ll pay you," Kaizer said. II was stunned. What? Did he call me his girlfriend?

I couldn’t help but smile at his words, but then my dad elbowed me hard; his look telling me he was annoyed.

“Elaine, behave. Kaizer meant a female friend, okay? Don’t get carried away,” Dad muttered, making me blush.

Okay, self, stop assuming.

“Don’t try to scare me, boy. My friends are wealthier than you, and you won’t get this apartment. You could’ve been handsome if you weren’t so arrogant. Too bad about the discount!” Sir Pedro shouted.

Kaizer pulled something from his pocket.

It was a thick stack of bills with a note saying ₱100,000. I was shocked.

“Kaizer, you really don’t need to do that!” I exclaimed.

But he just smiled and said, “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll find a better apartment for my girlfriend.”

As we were about to leave, Sir Pedro stopped us.

“Wait. I’ll give them the biggest room here," he said, slowly letting us back through the gate.

I wanted to complain, but before I could, Sir Pedro shouted.

"Bonjing, Patrick, carry these two suitcases!" he yelled and two guys came out of their apartment, yawning and staring at us. Sir Pedro hit them on the head with his fan and hurried them to take the suitcases we were holding.

Kaizer approached my dad and whispered, “What’s up, uncle? Did my handsome points go up?”

Dad just sighed and ignored Kaizer. It was clear he really didn’t like him.

"Kaizer, thanks again. I’ll find a job so I can pay you back," I said, shyly lowering my head.

Dad had already gone inside, leaving Kaizer and I outside.

“What’s up? I helped you because I’m your boyfriend, and it should be only me. If anyone else tries, I’ll charge them ten times the interest. I’ll add more interest, so it has to be me, okay?” Kaizer said, leaving me confused.

“But you’re the only boy friend I have. I have Elena, but Elena’s a different story,” I replied, noticing Kaizer tapping his forehead.

“Yeah, Ely. I know,” he said softly.

When I checked my watch, I quickly told my dad I was heading to school.

"I’ll drop you off," Kaizer said. I was about to protest, but he pulled me toward his car before I could.

"Kaizer, I’m so sorry. You’ve done so much for me today, and I’ve really disturbed you," I said once we were in the car.

Kaizer and I first met at a bar. It was my first time there. Venice treated us, and I was surprised when someone pulled me in and kissed me. I slapped him hard, but Kaizer just said, "Don’t you want me?" which made me go crazy with anger. Over time, we became close, and he apologized for what had happened. He said it was a dare from his friends.

"Don’t worry about it. It’s fine, especially if it’s you," Kaizer said as he put my seatbelt on.

I couldn’t help but glance at his face because we were so close. He suddenly looked at me and winked.

My heart almost exploded from the rapid pounding.

Just a crush, okay? It shouldn't go further than that.

He started driving, but his eyes kept drifting to me.

"Yeah, if we crash, you won’t be able to look away," I muttered and he laughed.

"Chill, miss. You’re too beautiful; I can’t help but look," Kaizer said, making me blush, so I turned to look out the window.

Ugh.

When we reached the campus, Kaizer opened the car door for me first.

"Bye. Thanks again, Kaizer!" I said, but he blew me a flying kiss before I could walk away.

He was such a flirt.

Venice and Elena were already waiting for me when I entered our room.

"Here she is, Rapunzel," Elena teased as she curled the tip of my hair.

"So, what happened? We saw you outside when he blew you a flying kiss. Admit it, you were melting!" Venice said, poking my side.

I sighed. I had no choice but to tell them.

"I was just with Kaizer because Sir Pedro kicked us out again," I started, dropping my bag on my chair as they followed me around like crazy.

"And like a knight in shining armor, Kaizer saved us from Sir Pedro. And he said I was his girlfriend," I continued, embarrassed, covering my face. Both girls squealed and laughed.

We caught the attention of our classmates who were busy with their work. "Quiet down," I said, but it just made them laugh harder.

"Come on, be real. You should go for Kaizer. He’s so into you," Venice spoke, nudging me. She always liked to tease me.

"No way. He’s just being nice, so when he says girlfriend, it just means that I’m his female friend," I replied. I didn’t want to assume too much. I didn’t want to get hurt in the end.

"Yeah, right. Go ahead, stay clueless," Elena teased.

We all headed home together since we lived along the same route. They insisted on staying over since Kaizer—who they claimed was my boyfriend—had apparently gotten us a big apartment. I was about to protest, but if I didn’t agree, they’d say I liked Kaizer, so I had no choice but to agree.

"Go get your clothes first, then come back to our house," I said and they both nodded. Actually, I planned to stop by a restaurant to replace Janna who couldn’t make it.

The extra income would really help us pay off what we owed Kaizer.

"Alright, I’ll go ahead," I said, but Venice pointed at a Land Cruiser before we could leave.

"Look, a handsome guy is standing outside, but he looks like he’s in trouble," Venice said, and we all laughed. They were right. The car seemed to have broken down.

"He’s handsome. He must be the driver. There’s probably someone inside. Let’s wave at him," Venice said playfully. We all waved. I even made a heart gesture, but I was not sure if it was the right thing to do. We stopped when the guy got into the car, and we decided to go our separate ways.

"Alright, you know what waitresses do. Take the order and bring it to us, okay?" one of the chefs said, and I nodded.

I overheard them laughing as I left the cooking area.

"Such a granny," they whispered, but I just smiled. I was used to it. People often teased me for dressing old-fashioned, but at least Venice, Elena, and Kaizer didn’t say anything like that, even though it was true.

I had to stop expecting Kaizer to like me, especially if we would based on my looks. I was already at a disadvantage with all the beautiful women around him.

"Waiter!" called out a woman in a tight red bodycon dress. I quickly went over and wiped the tears from my eyes.

I needed to focus on my work, not on the other things.

"What would you like to order, ma’am?" I asked as she dramatically flipped through the menu.

"Steak. How about you, baby?" she asked the man with her, staring at me.

Was there something on my face? This guy looked like a Greek God, and his blue eyes were mesmerizing.

"Baby?" she repeated as we both waited for his answer. We were both shocked when he didn’t order from the menu.

"I’ll order you," he replied, and I froze.

What? What’s happening? I don’t even know him.