Chapter 1: A Messed Up Day

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will," Pastor Solomon's voice resonated through the church. After a moment of reflective silence, he led the congregation in a heartfelt prayer. "Dear God, creator of heaven and earth, we thank you for your endless mercy. Amen."

The congregation responded in unison, "Amen," and the service concluded with a feeling of spiritual fulfillment.

As they exited the church, Samuel's mother expressed her admiration for the sermon. "What a blessed day, Samuel! Pastor Solomon's words went straight to the heart, don't you think?"

Samuel nodded, still pondering the sermon's message. "Yeah, it was powerful."

His mother checked her watch. "I need to stay for a meeting with the Ladies Department. Could you go ahead and clean the house? Your Aunt Lin is visiting, and she hasn't been around in so long."

"Alright, Mom. But can I have some money for a taxi?" Samuel asked.

His mother laughed. "Our house is just down the street. You can walk, Samuel."

Embarrassed, Samuel smiled. "Right, I forgot."

They continued walking, engaging in light-hearted banter. "So, why do you need money? Is there a special girl you're buying a gift for?" his mother teased.

Samuel blushed slightly. "No, Mom! I just wanted the new 'Twisted Link' book by Harveybakes."

Understanding dawned on his mother's face. "Ah, I see. Here, take this," she said, handing him money.

Samuel looked at the amount, his eyes widening. "This is a lot, Mom. It's too much for just a book."

She smiled knowingly. "That's your allowance for the week, Samuel."

His expression fell. "For the whole week? But this won't last..."

His mother patted his shoulder. "You'll manage. It's part of learning budgeting."

As they parted ways, Samuel pocketed the money with a mix of gratitude and concern. "Thanks, Mom. See you later."

Walking away from the church, he thought to himself, "A thousand pesos for a week... and half already for the book. How will this last?"

As Samuel walked away from the church, lost in his thoughts about budgeting his week's allowance, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Hey Bro!! Samuel, is that you??" the voice exclaimed.

Samuel turned around and saw a face he hadn't seen in a while. "Heyy Kaleb, is that you? Man, you've changed! If it weren't for that mole on your chin, I wouldn't have recognized you!" Samuel laughed.

Kaleb grinned, "You always had a way with words, Samuel. Same old Raisin chin Kaleb here. You're still going to church, huh? You look the same but taller and more handsome, I must say. Bet you're making it rain panties now, eh?" He winked playfully.

Samuel rolled his eyes. "Pffft, Bro, you think my Mom would let me have a girlfriend? If she found out, she'd probably kick me out!"

Kaleb laughed heartily. "Mrs. Luz hasn't changed a bit, has she? But come on, you're old enough now. How old are you, anyway?"

"I'm 20, Kaleb."

"Twenty and still under your mom's wing? Man, that's... something," Kaleb teased, trying to stifle his laughter.

Samuel sighed. "Yeah, I know. But since Dad passed, Mom's had it tough. I'm all she's got."

Kaleb's expression softened. "Fair enough, man. My bad for the joke."

Samuel shrugged it off. "It's fine. But, hey, why did you stop coming to church?"

Kaleb looked away for a moment. "Ah, lots of reasons, Samuel. It's just not for me, you know? I'm happy with life as it is."

Samuel nodded, understanding. "Yeah, okay. I get it."

Kaleb's eyes lit up. "Hey, why don't you come hang out at my place later? Just like old times?"

Samuel hesitated. "I'd love to, but Aunt Lin is visiting us, and Mom asked me to clean the house. You know how she is."

"Ah, that's too bad, man. But hey, you're always welcome at Tiki Cove. Next time, okay?"

"Definitely, next time. Thanks, Kaleb. See you around," Samuel said, waving goodbye as he continued on his way, reflecting on the unexpected encounter with his old friend.

As Samuel left Kaleb and began walking back home, he was lost in his thoughts when suddenly, a voice in the distance sang, "Bad blood...."

*Crash*

Samuel staggered and almost fell. "Ouch! Did a car hit me?" He quickly got to his feet, feeling dizzy, but as his vision cleared, he noticed someone lying on the ground nearby.

His concern rose, and he rushed over to the fallen person. "Oh God, what do I do? Should I call an ambulance?" He was in a state of panic.

Approaching the individual, who was now stirring, Samuel stammered, "Ughh, what should I do? Hello, mister, are you alright?"

The person groaned but soon regained consciousness. "Hey, you idiot! Watch where you're walking. You nearly killed me! And I'm not a mister, duhhhh," she snapped, plucking her bubblegum from her lips and placing it on her wound.

Samuel's face twisted in a mix of shock and disgust at the sight of the bubblegum being used as a makeshift bandage.

"Hey, mister, what's with that face? Is it your first time seeing this?" she retorted. "I do it every time with my wounds. Do you have a problem with that? Now, pay me. It was your fault."

"What? I should pay you? You're the one who bumped into me!" Samuel protested. "You were skating without paying attention, and you had those headphones on. Didn't you hear anything? I was peacefully walking, and then you ran into me. Now, you're making it sound like it's my fault, and my whole budget for the week is gone. What a day..."

The girl smirked. "Ah, so you have money, huh? You mentioned your budget. Now give it to me, or I'll shout here and say someone harassed me. Don't you think they'll believe me?"

"Fine, fine," Samuel grumbled, reluctantly handing over 300 pesos.

The girl scoffed, "Nah," and swiftly grabbed his entire wallet before darting off. "So long, idiot!"

Samuel was left in shock. "Wait, is that stealing?" He shouted after her, "Hey, gorilla, give me back my money!"