C2 Promise

“ Why are you ashamed that they know you are a very poor man? “ Janna said smiled absolutely insulting her boyfriend.

He doesn’t know the exact reason why Janna is acting like this at the moment.

“ At least sometimes I’m not ashamed that I’m a poor man. Because this is only me Janna. I’m a poorest guy. He is discriminated. His humane was very low.“ his voice obviously want to cry even he’s a tough man. The words he has received from his girl friend - Janna is truly unacceptable as supposed to be it is the one should lifting him up not to down his personality at all times.

He thought that his girl friend was satisfied in all his effort but everything was useless and not valued for Janna. That is the realization in his mind.

They didn’t talk until reached each home. His anxieties did not escape to his mother who has getting home from the market.

“ Son please what happened? “ for the first time he was no longer stopped to embrace his mother. His face is full of worries. He hugged tightly.

“ Ma! Am I so small and rubbish to be despised by someone I love so much. “ he is very weak at the moment. He was cried in the shoulder of his mother.

“ Son just always remember life is like a wheel sometimes on the bottom and sometimes on the top. There is no permanent in this world as everything is subject to change anytime so! please my son don’t lose hope because I believe that your time will come. I am really sorry son to all your sacrifices in supporting our family. You did a priceless role. For me you are the best son in the world that’s why I had strong faith enough that you will be rewarded in time. Most especially always keep on praying Above as that is the best weapon. “ his mother is crying at the moment while expressing advise to him.

Andrew felt he is not alone because of the presence of his mother.

“ Thank you so much Ma. “ his heart and mind was enlightens.

He did not dwell in the pain brought of negative angles instead look it in the positive bright.

“ Andrew! Andrew “ one of his colleague called him on a hurry.

“ Why? “ he replied while carrying bags cement in the head top.

“ You might want to bet Loteng. Your 100 peso bill could win a big amount Php 10,000. Just give two digits combination Andrew “

Andrew dug his pocket hoping his palm could feel something there. Got it! Luckily! There is only 100 pesos remaining from it. Supposed to be this is his fare budget but he wanted to gamble just let it be no matter what will be.

He will use his feet to walk taking home. He had already handed the money to the bettor after giving two digits combination.

“ It will draw tonight. Thank you Andrew and good luck. “

“ Thank you Brad. “ he took a deep breath after looking a man keeping away from them. The thirty bags of cement is enough to get tired for a day.

At around 7:30 in the evening when he received a text message.

“ Brad Andrew huge congratulations. Treat us tomorrow milk tea please hahaha🤣

This is the exact text message on the screen of his cellphone. Honestly, his heart beat get so fast while replying.

“ Why brad? “ he replied

After a few seconds, just received a response the same.

“ Huhhh…brad let’s celebrate you won. “ he didn’t response yet as it is not sinking in his mind. He read the message several times until he convinced himself that he won.

“ Yahoo! Yipeeee! I wonnn…” Andrew is jumping because of his overjoy at the moment. That is the scene when his mother came.

“ That’s my son happy! “

“ Ma! Cant believe with this “ Andrew come closer to his mother and showed the text message.

“ Ohhh…my…yessss…you won son “ the face of his mother was full of joy while staring at him.

“ Thanks God for the blessings “ he was hugged tightly to his mother.

On the next day he was received the cash money as his prize. He gave a milk tea treat to his co-workers during break time.

“ Ma! Keep this “ his mother is cooking pork adobo for their dinner tonight when he went to the kitchen.

“ Son! No need please keep it to your savings better. “ mother refused might be thinking his plan to continue his study.

“ No! Ma…I’m alright “ actually he gave 4000 pesos to his mother. He is very happy at the moment that even in a simple way could give a reason to smile.

But one of the most thing that makes him happy. He can’t wait for tomorrow.

It was a rainy Saturday night. He borrowed the umbrella of his mother and ride on a tricycle going to the place answered to his prayer.

After almost 20 minutes. Finally, he got it.

“ Knock! Knock “ Andrew says loudly but nobody went out. He tried to push the door luckily it was opened so he got inside.

Janna is standing while talking with someone over the phone. This is the exact moment when he came to the house. That’s why he calls it busy the line.

“ Hi Love “ he greeted with full of enthusiasm. Janna could not speak immediately after seeing Andrew.

“ Are you alright love? You look so agitated. Is there any problem? “ Andrew’s voice is full of concern.

“ Noth…ing lo…vee Andrew “ briefly answered.

“ Love won’t you even offer me coffee or change my wet T-shirt? “ Andrew jokingly said.

If he had not the one who kissed first on its cheek would not move from the stand. Janna seem very deep of thinking.

“ What are you doing here Andrew? “ Janna asked in a strange way.

“ Love ! what kind of question that? You didn’t miss me? Coz I really missing you my love ! “ Andrew said while put his arms in the back of Janna. But to his surprise.

“ Andrew don’t touch me. “ voice irritation could not hide in the voice of Janna

“ Love! Why? If this is still about what had happened to the mall? No worries! It was answered prayer love! Here it is! “ He said then run quickly outside to get the white paper bag. He hide it somewhere along the corner in the path way outside.

He wanted to surprise his girlfriend. That is his biggest purpose. He is expecting that over joy and excitement would see on Janna’s face but seemingly wasn’t. But he is very patient when it comes to girlfriend so he didn’t waste the chance to share the good luck happened to his life.

“ Love! Did you know that I won really thanks God that’s why I bought this for you. This is what you want right color red? I’m sorry if I waited too long for luck. Can you imagine how God is great to grant my heart desire to buy this bag for your happiness. My 100 peso bill became 10,000 instantly. Glory to God! “

After all what he said this is all that can be heard from the girl friend.

“ That’s all you’re happy? “ Janna can’t hide sarcastic voice

“ Why love? Aren’t you happy? This is for you love. Why you don’t seem happy love? “

“ I don’t need anymore that bag. “ a boasting voice of Janna

Andrew is wondering with the wordings of his girlfriend.

“ Huhhh…why love? “ draw excessive concern on the face of Andrew

“ Just simply I have it already Andrew! “

“ What? Love? I don’t really understand. Who bought it for you? “

“ It is none of your business Andrew! You don’t even have to know, what’s important is I have it already. I am very grateful and thankful that there is someone could satisfy my wants right away not like you who just only relying on a luck! You’re so nothing Andrew! “

“ Love! perhaps with my respect as I am your boyfriend. I have a privilege to know who gave that thing to my girlfriend if you won’t mind. “ Andrew said in a calm voice still.

“ No! Andrew let me tell you this thing. I’m so fed up with you Andrew! From now on we are gone, let’s have free parted ways. “ Janna in a very bold statement.

“ Love why? We know it’s difficult but let’s just focus on the goal and one day we will wonder with the amazing fruit of our hardship. Even I am too small trash in your eyes now but you know I’m trying everything because I always care for you. I love you so much Janna. You are one of my inspiration to pursue all my dreams in life so I can give you a better life and better future someday. I always believe that nothing is impossible to the person who keeps trying. Believe me my love please just give me time to prove you that I can.

“ Ohh…come on Andrew…what the height of the urine of your dreams? “ Janna laughed says sarcastically.

At that moment Andrew felt hot liquid dripping from the eye. Yes! No doubts! He is crying because of the extreme pain felt those times.

“ Look at yourself Andrew! You’re nothing…You will always be nothing! “ Janna even checked his wearing white wet T-shirt with slightly holes and torn in the sleeve portion. In that way Andrew felt more too much self pity.

This is how he insulted by the woman he loves very much who does not know how to appreciate things. Janna didn’t think nor have importance that instead buying his own new T-shirt through the money won, he prefers luxury even more because he wants girlfriend makes happier ever. But this will be the reward despite his efforts.

“ Please love do not throw away a trash because it is trash in your sight. Sometimes in our lives we need to keep the trash to be our forever partner in achieving success together. “ Andre is still crying while speaking.

“ Do not call me “ love “ anymore just find a new one you love that kind in a bin like you that is low and trash. “

What he was up against a wet chick defeated? He sat down on the floor seemingly begging to Janna but all of these was becoming useless.

“ Get up Andrew! Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Bring the bag as I don’t want to be indebted to you. Better sell it so you could buy at least one sack of rice and a kilos of fishy fish you lift for your family survival. Keep it that bag for your dead-hunger family.“

There was only one thing on Andrew’s mind in those moments.

Words is enough.

Contempt is enough.

Love is enough.

Love is over from the cup he has.

Instead start loving yourself.

He was feeling weak but he proved that he was a sports man.

“ Thank you Janna. I wish you find your true happiness in life. “ he forced to have a smile even it’s bitter one.

Andrew took the bag and left Janna’s house.

He found himself in the corner of the Pacific Ocean. The surroundings are dark. But is there anything darker than he feels in those moments.

“ Andrew it’s just only a girl that’s really how life is, sometimes you’re thrown away to learn and discover something higher for yourself. “ convincing himself, he stares at the purchased bag while laughing, crying and screaming. Nobody could heard him in the corner where he is. He don’t want to go home unless his self was firmly fixed.

Since then he has been forced to forget everything. The energetic Andrew is still the same while talking with the friends, vendors in the market. He is the kind of man knows a certain kind of limitations when it comes to his personal life. Always set aside and nobody could notice that he has going through with his personal life.

“ Hi Miss Magda good morning. Please can I have one bowl of delicious porridge with pork chicharon, fried crispy pata, egg toppings. “ he had just finished lifting tons of fish after almost eight hours of bone stretching. Not bad! He earned for today amounting to one thousand eight hundred pesos.

“ Sure my dear avid customer handsome Andrew. “ Miss Magda happily served him as per his request additional one scoop of fried crispy pata…

“ Hmmm…yummy…thanks Miss Magda. “ took the hot bowl of porridge. He gave also 50 pesos as his payment. He poured it with his favorite seasonings to make it even more flavorful. The chili oil, black pepper, fish sauce, lemon or calamansi. Mixed and stirred it very well.

He sneezes and sweats because of the taste of what he eats. Obviously, it is very delicious that’s why Miss Magda has many customers everyday. Actually, this Miss Magda's porridge store is his favorite place after hauling fish.

“ Miss Magda do you have college student daughter right? Andrew asked to Miss Magda.

“ Yes! Andrew! Why? “

“ Miss Magda I will offer branded bag might be you like it for your daughter as I really need money. “ This is the exact moment when Gel came to the store to buy porridge as well. She heard everything about the topic of Miss Magda and Andrew.

“ Miss Magda please give me one bowl of super yummy porridge “ Gel is looking to Andrew and tap its to shoulder.

“ Luhhhh…Andrew how are you? “

“ I am fine “ thrifty answered

“ Andrew what is the brand and how much is the cost? Miss Magda asked Andrew about the selling bag.

“ Miss Magda it’s Nine West amounting to Php 5,500. “ he saw that Miss Magda’s face got wondered and shocked to the price of the bag.

“ It’s a big amount my dear. I like it for my daughter but currently I don’t have a big amount. Just wait then why are you selling that bag? “ Miss Magda seemingly curious.

While Gel is quite listening in the conversations.

Andrew took a deep breath.

“ It’s a very long story Miss Magda better not to talk about it. “

Gel is becoming curious to know the reason behind. Why does Andrew selling a nine west branded bag? Why does Andrew bought this bag? She felt mercy and concern to Andrew. She don’t know exactly the reason but she needs to investigate.

She took almost one hour of waiting. Finally, she saw Andrew walking alone passing it’s way. She needs to pretend to catch the right timing for her plan.

“ Andrew are you going home already? “

“ Gel it’s you again. “ Andrew smiled to her so she got a hint.

“ Yeaahhh! It’s me again! I’m following you hahaha🤣…joking. Smile 100% not 50% Andrew, your face is like an ugly monkey. Life should be happy always. ” Gel is really such a cowboy and jolly girl. She is the type of girl that when you be with her you would able to forget all the problems even just temporarily. Andrew will admit this is really a big thing for him most especially at this moment.

“ Gel thank you so much for everything most especially for being there. You’re such a blessing as a friend. “ Andrew looked to the eyes of Gel.

Gel got awkward to Andrew that’s why she turned to the look on the other side.

“ Can we more than friends Andrew? “ her mind said and got smiled silently.

“ Yes! of course Andrew what are friends are for? “ Gel tap his shoulder.

“ Anyway, if you won’t mind why do you have that bag? Did you buy for whom? “ finally Gel raised a strength question.

At the moment, Andrew didn’t feel any doubts to Gel. Deep breathing first then starts talking.

“ That bag is for Janna. “ Andrew says in a cold voice.

Gel has stopped for a few moments as she has several instincts troubleshooting in her mind. She is really wondering.

“ Alright! then why do you sell? Why don’t you give it to her? “

“ I tried so many times Gel. Does she not know how much I desire to make her happy? I had a luck to win the raffle. She is my first priority to buy that bag even my T-shirt was so obsolete has full of torn, I don’t care all I care is just to make her happy. But look what she did to me. I’m just only a waste thrown because I am nothing. I will always be nothing. She is ruthless with my feelings as she didn’t gave me any chance to prove that I can change her life in the future through my own perseverance instead she judged me. But she is right may be who am I? I’m just only a trash construction worker carrying fishy fish as survival kit for my dead-hunger family. “ He didn’t accept those words. He is a very tough man but truly hook in his heart.

Gel didn’t realize that her eyes starts releasing fresh fluid because of her deepest sympathy. She was really carried away with the pain. She is speechless at the moment but for the first time she hugged Andrew tightly.

She knew that Andrew really needs a friend like her to lean on. This is not really easy situation as she knew how much Andrew loves Janna.

“ What the thickness of the woman's face that? “ Gel admitted that she is annoyed with Janna because of what Andrew was done.

“ I do not have your position to feel how much pain you have right now. I'm also a woman but honestly I never thought that she can do that to the man who really loves her. Perhaps, she has own reason but one thing rest assured she did a huge mistake to lose you Andrew. Mark my word, time will come she will realize everything but nothing can do is to embrace regrets. I can see that you will become successful more than you had imagined. I will wait for that day to happen for you Andrew.“ Gel has wide smile threw him. Very inspiring advise that he received.