Chapter 10 : Calling for help

In the end, I managed to arrive at the convenience store where I took the part-time job just before the rain fell. The store was empty aside from a woman behind the cashier.

"Hi, Nina. I'm sorry I'm late."

My female colleague smiled at me as she shook her head. "No, you aren't. My shift won't end for another five minutes, so sit down first. You looked exhausted."

Yeah, I was exhausted. I needed to run from school to the bus station, standing on the bus, then running again to the store. I was on the verge of collapsing when Nina handed me a bottle of water.

"Geez, you don't have to rush like that. The manager wouldn't know if you are late anyway."

I gulped a mouthful of water, feeling a little bit of energy coming back to me before answering. "I don't care about the manager. I don't want you to be late for your appointment."

Nina was a university student who worked part-time here before me. She had a passionate but caring personality. She took care of me a lot when I was new here. She was the only one whom I could consider as my friend. Of course, she didn't know anything about my background.

Nina immediately looked apologetic. "It's my fault you had to work overtime. Sorry, Eirlys! I will make it up to you somehow!"

I giggled seeing her so frantic. "It's fine. I don't have anything to do and I could use some extra money. Besides, it's been a long time since you met your mother, right? I already heard the situation from the manager."

Nina sighed helplessly. "I don't know why my mother suddenly wants to visit me. She told me so abruptly this morning and wanted me to pick her up at the train station. Seriously, she is too spontaneous."

"I could see the similarity with you, though."

"What? Are you saying I am an unreasonable person? I don't have a hobby of making a sudden appointment like that," said Nina, pretending to be angry.

"No, not that. I am saying you are as headstrong as your mother," I said while smiling amusedly, imagining how Nina and her mother were arguing.

Nina chuckled at that. "Well, I can't deny that one. We are definitely a mother and daughter on that part. Oh, eat this. My tribute for covering for me." She winked as she slid a pack of rice balls my way.

"I gratefully accept your tribute, then."

"Shoot, I need to go now. I'll see you tomorrow Eirlys!" said Nina after taking a glance at her wristwatch.

"It's raining outside, you don't have an umbrella right? Use this," I said as I pulled out a small dark blue umbrella from my bag.

"But, what about you?" Nina asked hesitantly.

"I am fine. The rain may have stopped when my shift was over. Hurry up and go! Don't make your mother wait."

"Okay then. Thanks a lot, Eirlys! I am off then, see you tomorrow!"

I watched as Nina went out of the store with her backpack. I unwrapped the rice ball in my hand and ate it silently. The rain was pouring heavier as time went by. I hoped Nina could make it to the station safely.

The rain kept pouring from afternoon until nighttime. Thanks to that, the store was relatively empty, so I could leisurely finish my homework.

The rain subsided a little at the end of my shift. I took off my work vest, then prepared to close off the store. I made sure the store door was locked and chained properly before making my way to the bus station.

At the bus station, I opened my bag to pull out my wallet but was surprised when my wallet was nowhere to be found. I searched through my pocket and bag but still couldn't find my wallet anywhere.

I am sure I still have it when I get on the bus from school. Did I leave it at the store?

I ran back to the store, only to find my wallet wasn't there either. I searched up and low, even lying down on the floor, but there was nothing. If it's not in the store, then I must've dropped it somewhere on my trip from the bus station to the store earlier.

I started to grow anxious. My bus card was in my wallet. Without it, I couldn't ride the bus to go home. I don't have any money on me either.

I glanced at the time on my phone. It's already 10 PM. It'll need at least two hours of walking from here to my house. I bit my lip as I weighed down my options.

Should I take a risk? It's going to be dark on the street, but there won't be anyone interested in assaulting a girl as plain as me, right?

I was thinking of asking the manager for permission to stay a night in the store. I didn't mind if I needed to sleep on the floor, and I had my uniform with me, so I didn't see any harm in it. However, my hope was tarnished as the manager was unreachable. I tried calling him several times, but it seemed he turned off his phone.

What to do now?

At that time, I suddenly remembered. I remembered Alex's offer to call him whenever I needed help. I felt awkward asking someone I barely know for help, but facing this situation, I didn't have a choice.

Slowly, I pressed on Alex's contact. My heart was pounding with anticipation and anxiety. I didn't know what to do if Alex didn't pick up my call or refused to help me. Of course, I'd totally understand if he refused.

The call was connected after a while, along with a warm voice. "Hello? I didn't expect you to call me Miss Williams."

I felt half of my burden lifted from my shoulder immediately. His friendly voice somehow calmed me down. "I am very sorry for calling you this late, Mr. Alex. I'm calling you because I may need your help right now."

"How can I help you, Miss Williams?"

I explained briefly to him about my situation. I tried to make it clear that I had no choice except for calling him. I didn't want him to misunderstand me, that I was doing this on purpose to get closer to him or something like that. He listened to me attentively without interrupting. After spilling out my worries, I felt a lot more relaxed.

"So that's the story. I'm very sorry for asking this from you, but if you're not busy, would you mind picking me up?"

"Miss Williams, you are too polite. Of course, I'd be glad to help you. Send me the address and I'll pick you up."

I thanked him before ending the call. I sent the address, then locked the store door again. I sat down on the little stairs in front of the store as I waited for Alex. Meanwhile, the rain started to pour heavier again.

I waited for 15 minutes before I saw the same expensive-looking black car used to lift me to the school this morning. I hesitated whether I should just run to the car with the risk of soaking the expensive car, or should I wait for Alex to approach me. Then, I saw Alex get off of the car with an umbrella in hand.

"Miss Williams! I'm sorry for making you wait. Let's go," Alex said as he wrapped his arm on my shoulder, pulling me close.

My heart leaped at the sudden contact. I have never been held by a man in such a protective manner. His hand was big and warm. Strange, I just met this person this morning, but I felt so secure just being by his side.

Like a marionette, I could only follow him listlessly. I let him lead me to the car while pulling me closer under the umbrella, to prevent me from getting wet by rain. In such a short walk, my heart was beating rapidly. I could faintly smell a fresh mint fragrance from his blazer. It was as soothing as his voice.

He opened the door for me, then pushed me gently to the passenger seat, before going around the car. He put the wet umbrella on the backseat before turning on the engine and drove off.

"Miss Williams, are you cold? If you open the dashboard, there is a blanket you can use."

I was a little bit wet and dirty after running around all day. I didn't dare to use whatever expensive blanket he talked about.

"No, I am fine. I am sorry for bothering you at this hour, Mr. Alex."

"Please, you can call me Alex comfortably. I feel like an old guy being called like that by a high school girl," he said jokingly.

"I understand, please call me Eirlys then. I just feel awkward calling you by your name while you call me so politely."

"I see. Eirlys, do you always work until this late?"

"Yes. My shift usually ended at 10 PM."

"What about homework or anything school-related? Aren't you going to have a hard time with it?"

"I usually use my break time to finish my homework, so I'm fine with it."

"You are still young, yet so hardworking. I wish my brothers could learn a thing or two from you." There was a trace of admiration in Alex's voice, which made me feel proud of myself.

"Your brothers? You have another sibling?"

Alex nodded his head. "Yes, I had 4 siblings, with me being the oldest."

"That's wonderful."

Alex laughed a little. "Do you think so? Having so many siblings in the house could be tiresome sometimes."

"But still, it's good to have family members whom you can share anything with."

Yes, having a sibling is a wonderful thing, but in my case, I was relieved I was the only child. There was no need for another child to receive the same treatment as I am. One child of misfortune was enough.

"I guess you're right. I'm happy being with my siblings too." As he said that, his expression softened and his mouth curled up happily. I can felt his adoration toward his family. "Oh yeah, next time if you encounter the same trouble, just give me a call directly. You don't have to force yourself by asking permission from your manager to spend the night in the store. How cold and dark would it be? Don't even think about walking home either. It's not safe even for a man to walk alone at night, let alone a girl like you. Don't risk it just to save your money or because you hesitate to ask for help... blah..blah..blah..."

I listened to Alex. Stunned and a little bit amused. I never thought a gentleman like him could nag so much. Just a second ago, I still felt cold, but his attentiveness warmed me up.

By the time Alex finished, I flashed him a smile. "Thank you for your concern. I'll remember it well."

He looked at me, then his face flushed with embarrassment. "So-sorry. I nag too much, am I? I didn't mean to lecture you. I'm just worried, and you look around the same age as one of my brothers, so unknowingly, my habit..."

"No, I'm very happy you are worried about me."

Alex still looked embarrassed, so he turned his head to look ahead. After that, we chatted a little about light topics such as weather and my experience with work. Not long after that, the car finally arrived in front of my house.

"Thank you for your help, Alex. Please be careful on your way home. Send my regards to Charlie," I said as I unfasten my seat belt.

"You're welcome, Eirlys. It's still raining outside, let me escort you to the door." Alex also unfasten his seat belt and turned his body, intending to take the umbrella on the backseat, but I quickly stopped him.

"No, that's not necessary. It's only a short walk. I won't be drenched that much." Alex opened his mouth to rebut me, but I didn't give him a chance as I opened the car door hastily. "Well then, goodbye Alex."

Using my bag to cover my head, I ran toward the house. I fumbled a little when trying to open the gate lock, thankfully I was not that soaked by the time I reached the door.

I turned my head and noticed Alex looking out through the opened car window at me. I waved my hand at him, and only then did he look satisfied. I watched him drove off until his car disappeared in the distance.

Smiling, I turned the doorknob and walked into the house. As I entered the house, I remembered Alex's expression when talking about his family. He must be happy to have another person waiting for him at home. I bet he'd wait for his siblings if one of them got home so late in the rain.

Thinking that, this house somehow felt colder and emptier. I closed my eyes as indescribable loneliness weighed down on me.

How I wish I had someone like that.