It's Saturday today, and I just finished a book signing at which many readers attended. Since there are other authors there besides me, almost all readers of different stories have contacted us just to meet their favorite authors.
As I try to carry the gifts that my readers have given me, I find it difficult. Because I was being chased on time and I woke up later, it is already misting, and I earlier forgot to bring an umbrella. Fortunately, someone was kind enough to help me carry my belongings.
I only took a public vehicle because no taxi passed by the location where the event was being held. I don't want to go down and ride because I have things with me. I didn't get out of the bus when I got on it because I was afraid the rain would catch up with me. It's pretty bad that the weather looks like any time it's going to rain.
I went down to the alley where Mang Kanor's shop was located. Despite the fact that it was only five o'clock in the afternoon, the heavy downpour made the area somewhat dark. I remember that it was announced earlier that there was a low pressure here in our area. I also neglected to remind my dad to pick me up because I was in a rush.
Because there weren't many people around and none of the bystanders who used to consume alcohol in Mang Kanor's shop, the store closed early as well. I stepped aside to the side of the store to take shelter and organize my belongings. I will only walk a little because I am close to our home. Suddenly, four men and two women fled the scene as arrangements were being made. But I ignored them because I was busy arranging things.
I don't give a damn about them because they're unimportant.
"It appears that the wind is picking up speed. Maybe later it will pour a lot more. One of them said, "Let's go before we get stuck here and the rain gets worse," and he ran off without looking back, leaving his companions.
Another person yelled, "Asshole, he already left us."
"Okay, you follow along with me." I looked at the one who spoke because his voice was familiar to me. I was sure I was right when I looked at him. The one who held my sister. Due to him, my father was disappointed in me, I appeared to be a liar in his eyes, and even Janel preached at me. And now that "animal" is here, can I be with it?
Oh, what a bad day.
Let's leave, bro, before it starts to pour too much. As soon as the idiot nodded, his final companion bolted.
He was about to run when the rain suddenly fell along with the strong wind. The two women next to me shouted and then pushed to the side so they wouldn't get wet. On the other hand, I moved a little bit more to prevent myself and the items I was carrying from getting wet. There was some thunder and lightning as well, which was followed by a stronger wind. I don't mind thunder and lightning, so when the wind suddenly picks up, I get a little spooked.
The idiot exclaimed, "Sh*t!" and then turned to face the side while covering his body to avoid getting wet in the rain. He seized the tile company's tarpaulin as soon as he saw it and quickly blocked the rest of us.
Because there are women present, he pretended to be a gentleman. Silly.’
I want to chastise him for what he did in the hopes that he will destroy the borrowed tarp. However, I decided against it because, first, I don't own this store and, second, I don't give a damn about him or this establishment. I don't care if the tarp is shattered, I don't own it. It doesn't matter if he arrives and destroys everything he sees.
The downpour intensified, accompanied by stronger lightning, and the wind intensified. The man even blocked the tarpaulin in front of him. Because he is catching all the rain while my two girls are on the left, I am here behind him and am therefore protected from getting wet.
In case the rain doesn't stop, dad will be stopping by soon since it's already past five o'clock. I'll just wait for him so I can go home with him.
"Aren't you, Mia Romero?" I was surprised when a woman suddenly asked. They both grinned at the same time as I responded with a nod. Then I noticed that the person who asked me was wearing a t-shirt with my logo on the left chest. Perhaps they were coming from the book signing and, like me, they didn't take a taxi because they didn't want to keep going down.
If it's okay, Mia, would you please sign our book? she asked her friend in a timid manner.
“Yeah, sure,"
"We came from your event but we couldn't reach the book signing because of the crowd. Another person pleaded, "We were one of those who weren't allowed to go on stage because it's too crowded.
We actually did follow you, I tell you the truth. I'm sorry, Mia. If we overnight developed a desperate stalker attitude. Simply because we are returning to Manila, we just need your signature on our book.
It's ok, just hand me your books and I'll sign them.
The two were delighted and immediately handed the book to me. They brought with them three books each. These are the books I released last year and this year. Fortunately, it was obvious because Mang Kanor had left the light on in his store and even turned on the light pole.
When I got the books in my hands, I turned around to find a place to put them. Behind me is Mang Kanor's small table. I put it on to sign after confirming that it wasn't wet when I held it. Each book has my signature and dedication. Let's just say that I concurred because I felt bad for them. Even if I'm having a hard time in my position, I'm fine. I know a reader’s effort to just see the author they admire. Even though I am a successful writer, there is no denying that I still admire a writer who has inspired me to this day. In addition, I would do anything to get an autograph from my favorite author, just like the readers in front of me today.
I told them it was finished and reached for the final book.
"Thank you, Mia." Both of them are happy.
"You're really nice and kindhearted." One of them handed me a paper bag.
"What is this?"
"That's for you."
"It's okay, don't bother." I refused what they offered because they might just be ashamed of the favor I did for them.
We just had enough time to give it to you earlier, Mia, but it's really for you. Please accept it. I simply grinned, took the bag she was holding, and gave them my gratitude. Eventually, the rain subsided a bit. Even the thunder and lightning have disappeared, making it no longer necessary. I thought it was my dad when a car blew our horn suddenly, but it wasn't.
"Do you want us to drop you off at home? We offer that as a service. One questioned me.
"Oh no need, my house is right there, not far away." I pointed to the alley into our street. I continued, "My dad will then arrive here later from work."
"Are you sure?" I was questioned by the other one.
"Yes, and thanks for the help, I'm fine." I raise the paper bag they provided me with. "Be careful!" I added, grinning.
They waved back and I replied, "All right, we'll be ahead of you, you too, be careful." Until their car is a long way away, I didn't realize I was left with this moron.