Meanwhile, Aster and Gwen stay inside a storage room. Aster drinks while Gwen eats the food. And she can get away with it because she doesn’t need to hit the bathroom.
Now with our bellies full, we go to the garage so the guy can inspect the car.
“The car is broken down. It’s going to take a week to get it fully repaired,” Mauricio said.
Oh, snap! Where do we stay? It’s too late to find an inn now. And we're also tired.
“Oh! Can we stay here for the night?” I asked.
“This place isn’t the most comfortable—”
“Of course, you can! Make yourselves at home,” said the owner, smiling.
“Fine, we’ll look for an inn in the morning,” the gal said.
“Alright, we’ll bill you once the repair is done.”
Gal provided her info to the owner.
Everybody but me retreats afterward.
I can’t stop looking at him for some reason. He’s tall but not 5’7 tall, but 6 feet tall! Did I mention he’s a cutie and a hottie? He has this long bob, silky hair, ripped lean packs, right eye-covering fringe. Gwen clings to my back after popping from my bag.
“He resembles my late husband. Could it be he’s reborn?” she wondered.
“Really? Or could it be he’s possessed by him like the gal with Liz,” I said.
“Hmm, I think so. I want to keep a close eye on him. You know, just in case.”
Date: June 10
Time: Late Night
It’s late at night, but I can’t sleep. Aster and the professor are sleeping in the storage room. I’m sitting on a veranda swinging bench of the front house. It’s chilly, but the air feels right. Mauricio shows up and sits next to me.
“Hey, aren’t you tired?” he asked.
“Yeah, but I can’t sleep,” I replied.
“Is it so? I can’t sleep either.”
“Your name’s Mauricio, huh? That’s unique.”
“You can call me Maury. It’s easier.”
“I’m Glendolyn, but call me Glen.”
“But Glen is a guy’s name...” he said.
Why does everybody keep saying that?
“Your grandfather is a nice man,” I said. I want to keep the conversation going.
“Yeah, I became a mechanic because of him.”
“That’s good. Where are your parents?”
“Dead from a car accident. I was only a kid.”
“Sorry to hear that. And yet you became a mechanic.”
“That’s alright. I love repairing things anyway.” Mauricio continues after a pause, “I lived with my uncle for a while. He works in real estate and makes lots of money. I hated it so when my grandpa asked for help at his shop, I jumped at the chance.”
“Seems you and I have a few things in common: close to grandparents and dislike of relatives.”
I shiver a bit. Maury pulls me closer to him.
“W-Wait! We just met...” I said with a blush. “Shouldn’t you sleep in your room?”
“What kind of a man sleeps when a woman is suffering?”
“My, you are chivalrous...” I murmured, hoping he takes it as sarcasm.
“Nope, it’s true.”
We clasp our hands. I remain asleep with my head leaning on his shoulder. He also falls asleep. Gwen appeared from behind to sleep on my lap.
Date: June 11
Time: Morning
The professor reserved us a room at a hostel nearby, so we went to check in. She had to book a private room for Aster’s sake. We will sleep in this room too, of course.
Too bad for the professor, they only accept cash. Thankfully, I have leftover money from the sold rocks to pay for a week’s stay.
The room is cleaner than I expected. Most hostel rooms I've heard are known to be dirty. I hope there are no bed bugs. And I also hope we don’t get kidnapped and killed like in that movie.
“You watch too many movies,” Aster said.
“Shut up!” I squealed with my face red.
Since it’s one room with two beds, the professor and I will sleep on one bed while Aster will sleep on the floor between us. Gwen will sleep with me, naturally.
The way things are set up is going to make it a long week.
Date: June 17
Time: Morning, Half Moon
The professor receives a call telling her the car is fixed. Thank goodness! We can finally go home (though they’re going directly to campus while I take the train.)
Maury’s grandfather calls him to his room.
“Yes, grandpa?”
“Mauricio, as you already know, I’m sick. This repair will be final as I’ve sold my business and my house to someone else. I’ll spend my final days at my friend’s rented room. You’re welcomed to join, but it’s best to live elsewhere. You can return to your uncle if you wish.”
“No, grandpa. I will not return to my uncle. Ever! You know I can’t stand him.”
“I see, then you should live with the young lady. She can cook and will make a great wife material for you someday.”
“You mean Glendolyn? I’ll consider it.”
“That’s my boy!”
We pay the repair fee with extra cash, and we set back to our home country.
Date: June 23
Time: Morning, New Moon
Man, it’s hot! Summer has finally started. I asked Gwen how she dealt with warm weather.
“The same way you did but without the electric fans,” she said.
Anyway, I hear a loud ring. I open the door, and it’s none other than Maury! He found my address because of the info we exchanged on our smartphones before leaving his house.
“Hi! Sorry for showing up but I have nowhere else to go. And I don’t know anyone here.”
“Don’t step further or I’ll call the cops!”
“Please don’t misunderstand! Oh well, I’ll live by the river then...” Dejected, he picked up his only luggage and turned away.
“Wait!” I called out. I don’t want him to live like a bum. Should I take him in? My apartment has only one bedroom. If I take him in, he’s going to have to sleep on the sofa. Maury is such a nice guy, and he doesn’t seem to have an ulterior motive, so I take him in.
“Make yourself comfortable.”
“Thank you so much!” he said, wrapping me in a bear hug. “In exchange for your hospitality, I’ll repair anything you ask. But I don't do computers. They’re not my thing.”
Gwen’s eyes sparkle from a distance. “Wow, good for you! Having a guy around will make things easier in this house. He can repair and provide protection for the two of us!”
Things are going to be livelier now.
Date: June 24
Time: Morning
I woke up to use the bathroom like always.
Then I got hit with a shocking surprise: Maury coming out of the shower!!
I shrieked before running back to my room. Maury stands there with a red look.
“What happened?” Gwen asked.
I flew into my bed and buried my face in the pillow. I'm still deep red, and my heart beats so fast. I’m so embarrassed I could die!
“Oh, Gwen! I saw him! I saw him!!”
Gwen takes a quick peek at the bathroom. She sees him standing at the sink with a towel wrapped around his privates. She tiptoes back to my room.
“I see what happened there...” she teased.
I hate to admit, but damn he has muscles.
Date: June 30
Time: Afternoon
This was a rough week. I was buying way more groceries because of him. He eats a ton! I can hardly blame him though.
I return from the supermarket. And as soon as I did, I find Maury playing with a random black cat.
Wait, I don’t remember adopting a cat. I have never been to a pet shop. Okay...
The cat turns to me with its emotionless green eyes. Its face is familiar.
“Hey, Glen! I didn’t know you have a such a lovely cat,” he said. He giggles at t
he cat’s touch.
It took me to realize the stray cat is none other than Gwen herself. I yanked her from him as I rush to my room, slamming the door shut. He remains seated with a confused look on his face.
“What the heck is this?!” I demanded.
“That’s my house cat form. I can change between this and another form at will.”
“Don’t scare me like that! You creep me out!”
“No worries. I won’t talk when he’s around... for now. But he’ll know anyway.”
Oh, brother!
Month Five - July
Date: July 8; Time: Dusk, Full Moon
Maury and I are taking a stroll through Downtown Simona. We didn’t do much except walk and talk about everyday things. I left Gwen at home so she can oversee the place.
Next, I spot a familiar car parked in front of a trendy store. “Hey, I know that car!” Maury shouted. We see someone approaching it. Oh, wait! It’s her: Professor Useless. She’s carrying two large bags filled with household goods.
I wanted to ignore, but Maury is already drifting towards her. He wants to follow up on the repair he did. She was the client, after all.
“Hi!” he shouted again, catching her off guard. She wasn’t expecting us. I get Maury is friendly but can’t he be cautious for once?
“Remember me, the owner’s grandson? I was the one who repaired your car. I want to see if your car is still working.”
“Yes,” she said, “the car is still working.”
With her silent consent, he lifts the lid up.
“Everything is okay,” he said.
“Thank you...” she muttered.
Of course, I said “hi” out of politeness. I peeked at the window and got a glimpse of a covered person sitting inside the car. Whoa there! A black mummy!
I wonder who it is. Then I realize it’s Aster, covered in full. I bang on the window hoping he takes notice which he does.
“What are you doing?!” she demanded.
Whoops! She caught me.
“Greeting. What else?” I replied. I continue banging, “Hey, Aster! It’s me, Glen! Hey!!” I turn to her with the full intention of calling her out because this isn’t right.
“So, that’s how you drag him around town? You leave him inside the car while you go shopping. That’s really cute!” I couldn’t put hands on my hips and make a hostile pose. Passive-aggressive is the way to go.
She sighed and stared at me with her bitchy face.
“What you’re making is a sheltered person! He needs to see the world. He can’t learn with just Webflix you know."
I went to the car door to let Aster out. He almost refused. “Come on. Don’t be shy. I’m here with you,” I said. Sensing my trust, he gives his hand. I know he wants this.
“Please don’t remove his cover...” she pleaded.
I wish I could, but she does have a point. Besides, we didn’t want to create panic or have the cops show up.
“Hey, Maury, remember him?”
“I don't know. We never met."
“His name is Aster, and he’s a...”
“...foreigner from another country,” gal interjected. She had to speak to prevent me from telling the truth. For Maury’s sake, I had to stay quiet.
“Hi! I’m Mauricio. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too...” Aster said.
“Wow! He speaks our language!”
“Yeah, he’s fluent,” I said.
Seeing the four of us gives me a great idea. “I propose we go out! There’s this nightclub I know of, and it’s my favorite here. Let’s go!”
The gal tried to excuse herself out, but I didn’t buy it. I know she is trying to run away with some “sorry I’m busy” excuse. The gal sighs, thinking whether to accept my invitation or not. "If you insist, then I accept your invitation," she responded after the pause.
Honestly, I didn’t want her there. But I wish Aster to go, so I had to let her come. She’ll serve as a mediator if things get out of hand.
Date: July 8
Time: Evening, Full Moon
We’re at a nightclub called Mangora, and it’s Simona City’s top hotspots. I came here a lot when the girls were still alive. The reason why this place is my favorite is due to the drinks and the private rooms. Whatever goes, stays here. The music is top notch.
So, we sit in one of the private rooms with the drinks already served at us. Though I’m enjoying a fun time, the others don’t seem to. They sit there like they’re at some funeral.
“Why you guys aren’t having fun?” I asked. I finished my Mint Dragon martini. The silence between us is painful. At least the music from the speakers keeps the awkwardness away.
“I’m not a fan of places like this...” gal said.
“Me too...” Maury added, sipping his beer.
“Isn’t the music a little too loud?” Aster asked. He’s wearing his hood thus his face exposed. There’s no danger since it’s us in the private room. Maury doesn’t seem to notice, however. This place is dark anyway.
“Nightclub music is supposed to be loud.”
Poor guy. He’s too sheltered.
“Really? I remember seeing a movie that had youth dancing to loud music in a setting like this. So, this must be what a ‘dance club’ is.”
“I want to go home,” whined the gal.
There’s no point in getting them up and dancing. The tension is too much.
Date: July 10
Time: Afternoon
I’m so pissed off! I can’t believe the weekend turned to be a waste. I’m so pissed I can’t even eat. Maury is out right now, so Gwen comes to the kitchen table to talk. “What’s the matter? I’ve noticed you’ve been upset.”
“I took them to my favorite dance club, and they sat there like zombies! They didn't even sip their drink.” I yank my can of beer and drink half of it. I was already tipsy though. “Gosh! They’re fucking boring!!”
Gwen listened and collected her thoughts. “I’m sure it was difficult, but you need to give them some time. You’ve just met, after all.”
I get what she's saying but still... And when Gwen has a point, I feel even worse. I sulk with my head down on the table, groaning with dissatisfaction.
It wasn’t like this. Back when the girlfriends were still alive, there was always a party almost every week. We had jobs, but that didn’t stop us from partying. We often got together after work and drank until closing time. It was fun all the time: a birthday, a celebration, a wedding, and even a baby shower.
Looking back, I miss them. The girls weren’t the best of people, but they always knew to have a fun time. My smartphone, once the epitome of activity, still collects dust on my nightstand.
“Gwen, I need friends who can party...”
“People have different personalities. It’s just who they are. Take it from me. I didn’t choose my friends, but I learned to accept them. We were different, yet our goals and desires to succeed and survive were the same.”
Whatever! I don’t care anymore. “Why you’re in that form? Maury isn’t here.”
“I like this form a bit. Besides, it’s a reminder to myself that I AM a cat. Therefore, I’m hardwired to think like a cat."
I huff, but then I see Gwen licking herself.
“Eww, that’s gross!”
“I’ll have you know cats have higher hygiene standards than humans! It’s a fact!”
I stare in disbelief, but she continues, “If the plagues in history are any sign, this is the proof!” She raised her paw with authority. Cats cleaner than humans?
“Since you were from there, wasn’t it smelly?”
“Yeah, especially in city slums. Bandit hideouts were notorious too. Even if the rich afforded the best bath, the truth was hygiene didn’t matter much. All we thought was food and water because we needed those to live. Things were tough.”
“Well, I’m going to take a shower,” I said as I get up from my chair. Gwen looks at me as I exit the kitchen.
<
br /> Date: July 15
Time: Afternoon
Maury and I receive an unexpected visit: it’s Aster with the professor. What is she doing here? How did she find my apartment? I mean, I’m happy to see Aster but her of all people?
“We exchanged contact info, remember?”
Whoops! I forgot about it.
“I need a favor to ask. Would you let us in?”
I thought a bit. I could just yank Aster in and slam the door on her, but that would be rude. Besides, I’m a bit curious as to know what she needs from me, so I let her in.
“Thank you,” she said, stepping further inside. I escort them to sit on the sofa.
“Would you like a drink?” I asked.
“Water, please,” she replied.
“What about you?”
“I’m good, thank you,” Aster said.
“Hey! It’s the client!” Maury shouted.
“My name is Agnes. You are Mauricio, yes?”
“Yeah, call me Maury.”
“Alright then, Mr. Maury.”
“That sounds too formal, but I’ll take it,” Maury said with a sweatdrop.
I show up to deliver the cup of water she asked. She thanked me, and I grabbed a chair from the kitchen to sit and listen. “Alright, professor, what do you want from me?”
“I’m going on vacation with my sisters to visit my parents overseas. Thus, I need someone to take care of Aster while I’m away.”
“Sure, I’ll take the chance!! How long?”
“Two weeks,” she said. “You’re not the easiest to deal with, but I entrust you with the task.” She placed the empty cup on the table. “Thank you for the water. I must leave to help my sisters with the packing. We’ll be leaving tomorrow night.”
I grunt in silence as I rolled my eyes. Aster looks at us as I escort her to the door.
“Like, okay, have fun on your trip, bye-bye!” I closed the door after she stepped out, but it was more like slamming it.
“Wasn’t that harsh?” Maury asked.
“No! No, it wasn’t!” I howled.
Maury takes a closer look at Aster’s face. He’s wearing his hood but his face exposed.
“What’s with the smoky eyes? Is that makeup?"
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