17. Single. An ultimately unmotivated artist whose works shall always be in the darkest pits of the unkown. Oh, did I mention I'm tall?
Eternal shade from the everlasting light
I slowly woke from the light tapping of the rain on my shanty roof. It pitter-pattered on my window signalling that the day ahead might not be so jolly. But I just dismissed it. After all, I do have important things to accomplish today! Quickly, I strode up my creaky wooden stairway to my room just atop the stairs, to grab my trusty list, checking all that was needed and important. Clumsy as I am, I fell twice on my ed just trying to pull my pants up. Shirt, check. Pants, check. Shoes, check. Wallet and phone, duh. Sayonara house!
As I stepped out of my safehaven, I noticed that the dark rainy clouds was slowly giving way to the warm sunlight. Umbrella? Un-check.
I was still not accustomed to being in public, being house arrest and all. I quickly grew conscious and threw my gaze away from everyone who passed by, feeling their leering ride up my spine. Through, the first street, the market, then the crossroads. I always felt like a bad-ass crossing that crossroad.I finally reached the sakayan. Man! I am not used to being outdoors anymore, I thought to myself as I gasped for air. The heat’s not doing me any good either. I was almost immobile during the two weeks I spent at home. And now I know how bad it was for me.
Five jeeps and two buses later. I finally rode on what seemingly safe jeepney. The seats were almost full but I managed to squeeze my size to the front. I didn’t recognize any sinister faces in jeep with me, though I can’t be too sure. As I was again awe-struck by the outside world, two men rode on. The only seats that weren’t taken was one beside me, and the one in front of it. They quickly sat and comfied themselves. I didn’t think much about them until one of them talked a bit loudly to his partner who was beside me even though it was clearly much more spacious on the seat he was sitting on. At first I didn’t mind it, but then, I noticed. Half his bag was on my lap. A sudden jolt coursed through my spine, quickly alerting me of someone endangering me or my possessions.
For a minute I couldn’t move I could almost feel his hand feeling my pocket for my phone and change purse. Then a swift memory passed through my mind: my wallet nothing’s on that left side pocket. I sighed so joyfully but secretly as I peeped back at the opportunists. They seem a bit upset as to only managing a feel of my handy dandy notebook. Though I was out of trouble, I still kept watch as they were not getting off just yet. The jeep shook as the driver audibly hit the brakes.
Two were dropped off, two more went in. Who went in was an old lady, your average grandma, complete with the shade/glasses and umbrella. And another lady, who seemed to be her daughter. The were so welcoming to the newcomers, so welcoming that it made me feel even more uncomfortable. They looked like hungry wolves luring clueless sheep. I tried to dismiss the fact that they were pick pocketing, because I didn’t want to be part of any of it. As the old lady was picking out coins from her purse, one of the men suddenly pointed out that a coin fell. I tried being calm and collected but I could not help being all suspicious. I carefully stared at their movements as they were “helping” the old woman. Unfortunately the old woman was holding her purse with both her hands as she was pulling out the exact amount. The guy in front of her then picked it up nonchalantly then gave her the piso. Then while later, the old lady finally hands out the coins for the ride. Surprisingly there was another piso where the guy found the first one. Coincidence? I think not. The surprising thing was, the lady already closed her purse. I was sure nothing fell. Defenses activate once more. He held out and took it, then asked the old lady if it was hers. Unsurprisingly he asked me too. I just turned my head from side to side. Since then, they were quiet.
Moments went by and I could already see the gargantuan SM North Edsa. I looked back again, checking the baddies if they were up to no good again. What caught my eye was the guy in front of me, cluelessly tapping away on his phone. Unbeknownst to him, the guy beside him was already checking it out. “New target received” I thought, as I watched the guy trying to make a move. The jeep was now so close to Trinoma, a corner away. I bobbed my head and saw him jerk his hand back, obviously tinkering with the clueless guy’s pocket. Then fear struck quickly struck me like lightning. I was foiling their pick-pocketing plans from the beginning! Our eyes crossed just for an instant, me sensing irritation on their part.
Finally, Trinoma. I quickly joined the others who were getting off, while protecting my pockets on the way down. As my foot set down on the moist pavement. I uttered myself a small prayer of thanks to the Lord.
