"FRANCO, can I talk to you?" Mico asked as he saw his friend alone in the living room, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone.
Franco immediately turned off his phone and placed it on the center table, adjusting his seat.
"Oh, you're still awake, Mico. I thought you were already asleep."
"I'm not sleepy yet, I guess I'm just not used to sleeping in a different house."
"Don't worry, it's just temporary. You'll get used to it."
"What about the goods that Ate Claire and I left behind? If I guard them tomorrow, Mom might scold me."
"You don't need to go to the market tomorrow. I already took care of your goods earlier, so your mom won't bother you. We'll just give them away to our neighbors."
"That's a waste then."
"I already paid for them, Mico, so don't worry."
"I didn't know you were rich, Franco."
"I'm not rich, it's just that my parents are wealthy, and I saved up."
"Well, you're lucky to be able to save. Meanwhile, I'm struggling because no matter what I do, I still can't save."
"You'll be able to save too, I'll help you. Just don't give your toxic mom a chance to take advantage of you."
"You'll help? How? Isn't that illegal?"
"We've been friends for so long, and I've never done anything illegal."
"By the way, what if she finds out that I'm staying with you? You might get involved too."
"I'll take care of you. You worry too much."
"I have one more question."
"What is it?"
"Are you courting my sister?"
"Not yet."
"Not yet?"
"If the right time comes or if there's an opportunity for me to court your sister, I'll do it."
"I knew it, you like my sister."
"Why, would you be mad?"
"Not really, but there's a big age gap between you."
"It's not about age, it's about the love in the heart."
"I don't know, I haven't experienced that yet. Besides, I don't trust women anymore because of Mom."
"Not all women are like your mom. Some are like your hardworking, patient, and brave sister."
"Ate Claire is also loving."
"I hope one day she'll be able to love me too."
"Oh, you still have a hugot, huh."
The next morning, Claire arrived at the bus terminal in Cubao. She looked around to find the woman she had a video call with yesterday.
"Claire Joy Roxas?" the woman approached her. "I'm Ivy, the one you talked to on the phone yesterday. Just call me Ate Ivy. Let's go so you can rest too."
"Where will I stay, Ate Ivy?"
"At the apartment I'm renting. Don't worry, the rent is cheap. We'll split the cost so you won't be burdened, especially since you're just starting your job."
"Thank you so much."
"Oh, it's nothing. Luckily, my boss hasn't found anyone else yet. The job there is easy, and I know you can handle it."
They had a two-hour journey before reaching Ivy's rented apartment in Quezon City. The traffic was so slow that they both got hungry.
"Let's just forgive our breakfast, I still have a week before I get paid, so let's save for now."
"That's okay, Ate Ivy, I'm used to it."
"You can rest there. I'll cook our breakfast. You can also sleep if you want, I'll introduce you to Boss this afternoon."
Ivy's rented house was in good condition. There were only a few belongings because the space wasn't spacious. It even had its own bathroom.
From the window, Claire could see Ivy's laundry hanging. It was noisy outside the apartment, so she tried to peek. She saw a group of elderly people gathering and they seemed happy.
She suddenly remembered the market she left behind.
"I wonder how they're doing," she wondered to herself.
Her phone, the one with a keypad, rang. She smiled when she saw the registered name, it was Franco calling.
"Hello Claire, how are you there?" Franco asked on the other line.
"I'm fine, Franco. Oh, you called."
"I just miss you."
"You're such a kid, saying all sorts of things. How's Mico?"
"I'm not a kid anymore, but you can still call me baby," Franco said, laughing.
"Franco, is that you, Ate Claire?" Mico's voice came from the other line. "How are you there, Ate?"
"I'm fine. Ate Ivy is kind, I'm staying with her now."
"That's good to hear, can I also come there, Ate?"
"I'll talk to Ate Ivy about it. But not now, it's embarrassing. Didn't Mom look for you?"
"I don't think she noticed yet. You know how it is, Ate, she only looks for you when she needs money."
"Okay, Mico. Keep me updated on what's happening there, alright? I have to go, Ate Ivy is calling me."
"Take care there, Ate Claire."
Claire was immediately accepted at Ivy's workplace. She only needed five days of training before becoming a regular employee. Their boss was very pleased with her because not only did she learn quickly, but she was also trustworthy when it came to money. Her boss proved that when he once tested her.
Her relationship with Ivy was also good. They agreed on sharing the expenses for the apartment they were staying in.
According to Mico, their mother only looked for them in the beginning. She caused a scene at the market when she couldn't find them, and their elderly friends also refused to tell her where the siblings were. They also heard that Mildred had already moved in with her boyfriend.
Franco talked to their teachers and classmates, asking them not to reveal Mico's whereabouts. Luckily, they believed him when they heard Mico's story about what his mother was doing. The teachers also felt sorry for him, so they helped him with his studies.
The days passed quickly, and Claire learned that Dexter already had a girlfriend, and they were planning to get married soon. It pained Claire a bit to hear the news because she had grown somewhat close to her suitor.
"Why do you seem affected by Dexter's upcoming wedding, even though I'm here?" Franco teased when he saw Claire's reaction to the news.
"Not too much."
"Have you fallen for Dexter too?"
"You can't blame me, he's handsome."
"Even if he's handsome, if he's a cheater, he's useless!" Franco said, annoyed.
"A cheater? What do you mean?"
"Check your messenger. I sent you a voice record."
Claire immediately followed Franco's advice. She listened to the voice record. It was Dexter's voice, talking to another girl, and he mentioned that his pursuit of Claire was just a bet.
"Good thing I didn't accept him yet," Claire said with a hint of regret.
Let it go, just be happy for them. Focus on your dreams, I'm always here to support you, even if we're far apart.
Months quickly passed by. Mico and Franco also finished Grade 10. As promised by Claire, she took Mico to where she currently lives so he can continue his studies there.
Mico learned a lot from Franco, which he applied in Manila and became a great help to his sister and Ivy. Mico also became resourceful, selling various items while studying in senior high school to help ease Claire's expenses.
However, as the days went by, their communication with Franco disappeared. His phone number couldn't be reached, and his social media accounts couldn't be found.