Destiny

"...and I will buy all of that. The biko (rice cakes), even the drinks. But, tell me your real name, okay? Not a made-up one."

​"Raquel Atienza is my real name, sir. I can even show you my birth certificate."

​Dodgie laughed at this. "Okay, I believe you."

​Dodgie whistled to his workers who were resting. He gave all of Raquel’s goods to them for their afternoon snack. They were all delighted and rowdy with joy.

​"You are so kind, sir," Raquel said. She couldn't hide her admiration for the young man who, to her, seemed extraordinary. He was very handsome—looking like a celebrity. He looked wealthy. And above all, he was incredibly kind.

​"Where do you live?"

​"I’m just renting, sir. It’s not too far from here. But please, don't try to go there because it’s a squatter’s area."

​"Do you know that you don't look like you’re poor? To be honest, that job doesn't suit you. Why don't you apply for another job?"

​Raquel only responded with a smile to every question from Dodgie.

​"I didn't finish school, sir! That’s why I can't get a job. It’s better that I’m a vendor; I don't have a boss. If I work as a maid, I might just be maltreated. Besides, I don't have any relatives nearby."

​"Why? Where is your family?"

​Raquel fell silent. Dodgie immediately noticed that her expression had turned somber.

​"I suppose I should start packing my things now..." Shortly after, she said this upon seeing that the basket and the pail were empty. Based on her tone, it seemed she also wanted to collect the payment.

​Dodgie reached for his wallet in his back pocket...

...and took out some money. "How much do I owe you?"

​Raquel took a pen and paper from her small pocket and calculated. "Three hundred seventy-five pesos in total, sir!"

​Dodgie handed her a one-thousand-peso bill.

​"Oh no, I don't have change. My total goods only amount to five hundred pesos." The girl looked around. "Wait a moment, I’ll go get some change."

​"Never mind. Keep the change."

​"You are so very kind, Mister—?"

​"Just call me Dodgie. And don't call me 'sir' anymore, if possible. After all, our ages aren't that far apart. I know it’s a crime to ask a woman’s age, but... how old are you, Raquel?"

​"Twenty-five."

​"See? I’m only twenty-eight. But you look younger than twenty-five, don't you?"

​It was noticeable how Raquel’s cheeks flushed. She was truly beautiful when she blushed. It seemed that, for the first time, Dodgie was genuinely challenged by a simple and ordinary woman.

​"I’m about to melt because of all the compliments you’re throwing at me, Mister Dodgie!" Raquel said, looking down.

​"Mister Dodgie again? Can you just call me by my name? Let’s not be formal!"

​"Oh, alright! But I won't accept this payment if you don't change it! Please don't take pity on me too much! I’m already lowly, and you’re making me feel even lowlier! Just because I’m poor, don't think I’ll easily pounce on money!"

​"Hey, I didn't mean anything by that! I just want...

"...to help you!"

​"You already helped me by buying all my goods! But, if you pay me way too much, I’ll feel insulted. So please, if you have smaller bills, just pay the exact amount!"

​Dodgie clicked his tongue. Then he shook his head, feeling helpless. But he couldn't deny that he was deeply impressed by Raquel. Was this the first time he had met a woman who wasn't blinded by money?

​He gave Raquel four hundred-peso bills. "Surely now, you have nothing to say."

​Raquel smiled broadly. And she didn't forget to give him back twenty-five pesos in change. "Thank you very much, Dodgie. God bless you."

​Dodgie was dazed by the beauty of Raquel’s smile. Before he could fully recover, she was already far away from him. He failed to ask when and where they could meet again.

​"WHAT WAS THAT commotion with the workers earlier? I heard you gave them a treat?" Darwin asked Dodgie as they got into the car, heading back to Manila.

​"Ah, that? That was nothing! Why? I always feed our workers whenever I want to give them a bonus! Didn't you see? Last week we only visited here once, but the improvement was huge! They’re almost finished with the work!"

​"Really? Was that a treat for the people? Or a treat for that beautiful vendor?"

​Darwin knit his brow as he turned to him. Dodgie couldn't control his laughter.

​"Buddy, even that kid, you didn't spare?"

​"Buddy, she’s not a kid! She just looks like one..."

"...but she’s already twenty-five? And you can't underestimate her because she’s beautiful, buddy! Especially up close!"

​"Oh, so what’s your plan? Are you going back for her?"

​"That’s the problem! She said she just rents a house in a squatter’s area! But I didn't get to ask where exactly! It would be lucky if she’s always there selling her goods!"

​"If you’re really interested, then watch over her! Go to the site every day. Maybe you’ll get lucky!"

​"You’re making me sound desperate just for a vendor!"

​"Well, that’s a waste, right? She’s a 'stomach-filler' too!"

​"You’re terrible, Darwin Flores!"

​They both laughed.

​"But kidding aside, buddy... I feel sorry for Raquel. Later on, Dodgie’s tone became serious.

​"Why don't you help her? Send her to school! Heavens, how much is that compared to what you spend every time you go out with a woman?"

​"The thing is, she doesn't want to accept help! Earlier, I just gave her a tip, and she insisted on returning it to me!"

​"If that’s the case, give her a job! When she works hard for it, for sure she won't refuse!"

​"Hmm, good idea! Why didn't I think of that earlier?"

​"Then, when she falls for you, that’s when you strike!" Darwin said, followed by a loud laugh.

​"Crazy! I don't know, okay? But with someone like Raquel, I think I’d feel guilty doing anything indecent! She’s so pure... like a virtuous virgin."

"Whoa, Dodgie, maybe you’re feeling something else now! Maybe you’re actually falling in love for real?"

​"Me? We aren't the type to fall in love easily! The woman who can capture our hearts doesn't even exist yet!"

​"What if it’s that vendor?"

​"Buddy, she still has a lot to prove to me! Wait, why are we only talking about me? What about you! When are you going to bring Angie out?"

​Darwin smiled and shrugged. "You know I don't mess with our clients. It’s risky. I might get into trouble and we might lose a supplier."

​Angie was their regular supplier of imported condiments and wine. She was a divorcee of a foreigner and was openly showing interest in Darwin.

​She was older than him; she was in her early thirties but still sexy. And very beautiful.

​"The bad thing is if she molests you! She’s the one approaching you. Now, if she wants something to happen between you, she shouldn't expect a commitment! It’s fine if the two of you just have a taste of each other!"

​"You’re full of nonsense!"

​They were back on the expressway. And they passed a large billboard of Erika Enriquez.

​Darwin looked up. "If there’s someone I want to 'taste,' it’s her!"

​"Ha! Why would you make it hard for yourself! Go and look for her! If you really want her, you can easily find her. She’s a public figure; she’s easy to reach!"

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