Chapter 8 Escalator Incident

I walked with my head lowered, feeling embarrassed by their stares. Why were they looking at me?

I overheard their whispers.

"Who is she? She's beautiful."

"Wow, even with those clothes, she still looks amazing."

"I've never seen her before. Is she new in town?"

"I think so... I might start coming to church every Sunday just to see her..."

My mouth hung open. Did I hear them correctly? I thought they were discussing how cheap my clothes looked.

Finally, we found some seats. The Mass was about to begin, but Miss Linda managed to whisper to me.

"Aw, Lyka... Did you hear the gossip when we were walking earlier?" she asked. I nodded, wondering what she was getting at.

"I felt embarrassed too, Lyka. But trust me, they were talking about how beautiful you are, not your clothes," Miss Linda explained happily. It felt like talking to a mother.

"And I understand how you feel right now. You know, I used to be quite fashionable when I was young," she boasted. I wanted to laugh at her remark, but we were inside the church, so I held it in.

Miss Linda was such a sweetheart.

We stopped talking when the priest began preaching.

"Let me remind you, all the challenges you face in life have a purpose and an endgame," the priest said, catching my attention.

Lately, I had been feeling low and disgusted with myself because of what Kiro had done to me. However, I realized that we were both victims in this situation.

Kiro didn't choose to have his current condition. From the stories I heard from Miss Linda and Madam, he used to be kind and carefree. I hoped to see that side of Kiro again, once he is cured.

As for me, I was a victim of a victim. It sounded strange, but that's how I labeled it in my mind. I knew that what happened between us had a purpose and would ultimately lead to an end.

I continued to listen to the speaker at the front, contemplating the priest's words.

"Whatever you're going through right now, whether it's easy or difficult, you need to be thankful," the speaker continued. I glanced at Miss Linda, feeling grateful to have her in my life. She was one of the people I met during my suffering who would be a part of my life, I hoped.

"Problems are actually opportunities," he went on. "Every problem opens a door of opportunity. In the midst of your struggles, you may meet people who will become significant in your life."

I smiled, finding comfort in these words. This was exactly what I needed to hear. I was so thankful that Miss Linda had invited me to church today. I needed to hear His words.

After the Mass, we went to a convenience store to grab a bite to eat. Yes, a convenience store. We couldn't afford to eat at restaurants or fast food chains, but it would still be a memorable day for me. It was actually my first time entering a convenience store.

"Seven Velleven convenience store?" I asked.

"Yes, Lyka. It's a place for people who are always on the go. I'll find us something to eat," she replied, about to walk away. But I stopped her and pulled out some money from my wallet, handing it to her.

"Miss, please take this," I insisted.

She shrugged, and I sighed. Here we go again.

"Keep that, Lyka. It's all on me, okay? Consider it my welcome present for the new housekeeper of Gustavo's mansion," she said persuasively.

I sighed again, reluctantly accepting her generosity, and let go of her hand.

She walked over to the shelves filled with various food items, leaving me to wait. As I looked around the store, my eyes landed on a group of female students. They were chatting and laughing, each holding some makeup items. They were still in their school uniforms.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I observed how they applied makeup. I had never had the chance to put makeup on my face since it was too expensive.

They seemed to notice me looking at them, and all of them turned to look back. Feeling embarrassed, I was about to lower my head, but one of them spoke up.

"Hey there, Miss! You're beautiful... What brand of makeup are you wearing today?" one of the girls asked, complimenting me.

I felt a light-hearted atmosphere after her compliment. I thanked her and replied, "Oh! I'm only wearing powder."

Some of them seemed shocked, while others were about to laugh. I wondered what was with their reaction. I was just telling the truth!

"Wait, so you're not wearing any makeup right now? Wow! Then you must be seeing a dermatologist. You have beautiful and healthy skin!" one of the girls exclaimed.

I didn't expect them to know so much about skincare at their age.

"Thank you, but I don't use makeup. It's expensive, and I don't have the money to buy those things," I explained. They seemed like they wanted to ask more questions, but Miss Linda came and sat in front of me, blocking their view.

"Lyka, let's eat... You've found some friends to talk to?" Miss Linda said, looking at the group of girls and greeting them with a 'hi'.

"Well, they're still kids. Anyway, let's eat now, and we can shop for your phone later," Miss Linda suggested, and I got excited hearing that.

"Thank you so much, Miss!" I smiled at her, but my smile faded when I looked at the amount of food she had. It was too much!

"Ahm miss.... These are too much. I really should pay you. I feel bad," I said.

She laughed at my words. "Again, Lyka, this is my gift to you, okay? I like your attitude and characteristics, kid," she reassured me and started preparing our food.

After we finished eating, we boarded a bus that would take us to the mall. I was astonished when we arrived. This would be my first time entering a mall, and I couldn't describe how I was feeling.

"Let's go, Lyka?" she asked.

I nodded and held onto her arm. I was amazed by the level of air conditioning in the mall, and the air smelled good too. I looked around and saw a sea of people, which was to be expected in a mall.

Since I didn't know the stores and shortcuts in the mall, I followed Miss Linda closely. She stepped onto a moving staircase. What did people call it again?

I felt really nervous and made a sudden move, but it was too late-I lost my balance. I was about to hit the floor when suddenly, an arm slipped around my waist, saving me from the fall. When I looked, it was no surprise that a man had come to my rescue, given his strong arm. We stayed in that position until the stairs stopped moving, and we found ourselves on the next floor.

I couldn't help but gaze at the man who helped me. He had a strong, masculine scent, and watching his Adam's apple move as he spoke was oddly satisfying. "Um, miss? Are you alright?" Even his voice had a deep, masculine tone.

"Oh, um, yes, yes... I'm okay!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with relief.

He smiled and nodded. "Good to hear."

"Thank you, Mister! I thought she was going to fall flat on the floor!" Miss Linda chimed in, reminding me of the earlier incident where I lost my balance, and this man saved me.

"T-thank you! Thank you,Sir!" I stammered, feeling embarrassed and lowering my head.

"No problem at all. Don't call me 'sir'; my name's Kurt. And you?" he asked, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Lyka."