3 The man at the dark narrow alley

Under the scorching sun, I was busy giving out flyers to people walking down the streets. It's one of my part time jobs. I still don't have a regular one and my cousin was away for a month. Her job had been piled up so naturally she doesn't have enough time to help me out.

Kia was worried about me, she was doing her usual routine, nagging at me while she got in her car. I told her that I can manage while she's away, seriously I'm not a kid anymore.

I started looking for jobs and eventually I found some. I worked part time at fast foods, cafés, giving out flyers and babysitting. I even attended a prenatal care program to ensure that I can provide their child's need efficiently.

It's not that tough, I had taken care kids way back home, so I'm somewhat used to it. They are a bit fussy and naughty but it's bearable compared to being unemployed and a burden to my cousin. They cry, eat, poop and nap that's their usual routine. A little patience and understanding wouldn't hurt besides they are too adorable.

After a long time, I finally finished giving out the flyers. It was exhausting. I went back to the Barbeque Restaurant that I'm working and got my payment for today. The auntie owner was very kind and she invited me for lunch. A few seconds of chatting after meal I bid her goodbye. My next stop will be at Sweet Nothings, the café I was working at, my shift will be ending at six pm.

As my shift ended I decided to drop by at the market and buy something for dinner. I bought meat, vegetables and fruits. I was planning to commute since It was quite near to my apartment.

Then when I passed by the dark narrow alley located near my apartment, I heard a loud thud followed by a painful whimper. I know curiosity kills but I can't help it, maybe someone is injured and I just can't ignore that.

So I walk inside, it was damped and dirty with unpleasant smell.

As I walked closer, I can hear a sniffing sound. Slowly reaching my destination, my hands gripping the grocery bag tight as if my life depends on it. If it's a dangerous person then I'm defending my life with a couple of apples, a stalk of celery and a kilo of meat. Oh great!

This is totally crazy. I'm too nervous and my thoughts are wandering. I didn't even realized that I'm already here.

Then finally realizing what's going on, I saw a person cramped up at the corner. His face buried down and hugging his knees while his whole body was shivering. It was too cold out here.

Sensing that someone is approaching, the man suddenly moved and because of it I was startled, panicking I grabbed something from my grocery not knowing what it is. "D-don't move! I-I got a celery..." I look at my hands and realized how dumb I am. Yeah right Oli, he'll probably die out of over nutrition if you whacked him with that. Mocking myself of how my stupidity got the best in me sometimes.

Then after throwing sarcasms to myself. I finally look at Mr. Stranger who was staring at my face with a confused look.

Oh god! I was stunned, I blinked my eyes a couple of times even asking myself if this is a dream. The man looked so handsome. Is he even a human?

I started to question myself if I was just being delusional. I almost slapped myself with the celery but because I'm crazy, I really slapped myself with it.

Still dazed, I suddenly hear him laugh.

"hahaha" then he smiled at me. I was KOed.

I've never seen someone laugh so pretty.

My heart started to beat wildly. I look at him and saw his clothes a little tattered, his arms are bruised and he has a cut at the left side of his lower lip, poor thing.

I tried to talk to him, asking if he wants to go to the hospital but he didn't answer, instead he just look at me with his teary eyes. He started to sniff and pout. Awww! I mentally slapped myself, control yourself Olivia! But how could a grown up man looks so adorably cute. I know I'm hopeless.

I took a closer look at him but he flinched, he looks so scared. I'm starting to wonder if he is a beggar but my gut feeling is telling me that he's not. He resembled a scared and lost child. Is he mentally unstable?

Although he resembled a beggar, his great looks was undeniable. He has a tall stature based on those long legs that was curled up. I have this feeling that he's not someone ordinary. There is also something off the way he behaves himself.

Who really is this man?