“I’ll hold your shoulders. Let’s stand up and move there,” I simply nodded and felt a pair of hands assisting me and leading me to the nearest stool I hadn’t even noticed earlier.

After I landed on the stool, I heard his slightly panicked voice. “I’m so sorry. Are you having a hard time breathing? The hospital is just around the corner. Let’s go there.” 

Before I could even muster the energy to answer, I heard familiar voices nearing us. “Lhia? What happened to you?”

“Are you with her?” The crutched man stood up and faced my friends.

I slightly glanced up when I felt a hand on my back. It’s Anne. Her hand gently rubs my back. I think she also noticed the half-zip zipper of the dress since I felt her zipping it up. And it really soothes the back pain I’m feeling. My other arm is still pressed on my painful chest.

“Yes, we are. Who are you?” I sensed some changes in the usual friendly tone of Jade.

“I’m sorry. I pushed the door of the fitting room since it was slightly open but I didn’t notice that she was standing on the door frame. It hit her on the back. And I think the impact pushed her forward as well, hitting the door frame.” 

“What?” I see how Shei quickly sits beside me.  “Lhia, which part hurts?”

“Back and chest.” I shortly said.

“I have my car with me. Let’s go to the nearest hospital. If you’re wary about your safety, I can show you my ID. I’ll show it to the staff as well so they’ll know me.” When he mentioned the word staff, that’s the only time I realized that the store staff crowded us already. 

After everyone agreed to take me to the hospital and talk to the staff. We all started walking to the exit of the store. 

I stop when I notice my reflection on the store's glass wall. “Why?” Jade asks. 

“I forgot my things…”

“It’s here,” Shei said, shaking my bag in her hand. “Your uniform is inside.” 

“...and I haven’t changed back yet. I’ll have to pay for the dress first.” Before I grabbed my wallet from my bag and made a turn to the cashier, we heard the man speak.

“It’s paid. All the dresses. Let’s go.” He opened the door for us and motioned us using his head to step out. All we could do was glance at one another and walk out of the door.

“We’ll pay for the dress later,” I said as we headed toward his caramel-colored car.

Shei volunteered to sit in the passenger seat. While Anne, Jade, and I sit in the back seat. I’m sandwiched between the two. 

After leaving the store’s parking space, the man started to talk. “You don’t need to pay for the dresses. It’s the payment for the inconvenience that I caused to the store. And don’t worry, I’ll cover everything in the hospital.”

To be honest, I haven’t thought about the hospital fees. Well, since he’s the one who insisted on going there, I already assumed that he would pay for everything.

There are really nearby private hospitals near the store. So, it only took us five minutes to reach the hospital. 

I’m not really sure if what I’m feeling is considered an emergency, but they all brought me to the emergency room. Due to our number, only the man and Jade were with me inside. Anne and Shei volunteered to wait outside, in the lobby.

I thought it would be just a simple check-up but he literally asked the doctors to do a thorough check-up. It took us hours to finish everything including the results. Luckily, it wasn’t serious. The pain was mainly due to the shock of impact but no broken bones-–I doubt it would have—or whatsoever.

After buying the prescription medicine. We all readied to head home. 

“Thank you…for everything,” I said. Literally.

“No. No need to thank me. I really apologize for what happened.” 

“It was an accident. An honest mistake. And you really took responsibility for it.” I answered back, hoping I wouldn’t hear another apology. 

“Then, where would you like me to drop you off?” As he mentioned that, we four automatically look at one another.

I’m grateful for what he did, but I think it’s too much to tell him where to drop us off. Since, basically, he’s still a stranger.

“It’s okay. We can manage from here.” It was Shei who spoke for the four of us.

“Are you sure? It’s getting dark.” He’s right but all the more it would be better not to take up his offer.

“It’s fine. My brother will also pick us up.” I said. I almost curse when I remember about my brother.

‘Shit! The helmet!’ with all that happened earlier, I think I left it in the store!

“Then-–” before he could even speak, his phone rang. Making him excuse himself to take the call. He moved a few steps away from us. 

We took that chance to have a small and quick meeting. 

“Guys, never agreed to the offer. It’s getting dark but we’re near the central, we can still make it safely in the jeepney terminal.” Jade quickly said.

“Yes, it’s enough that he drives us here.” Anne agreed.

“Let’s just excuse ourselves after his call. I need to rush. It’s almost rush hour.” Shei said while glancing at her wrist watch.

I feel guilty for dragging them here and making them stay for a long time. “Sorry.”

“Don’t!” they all said in unison.

“Also, Lhia, we got free dresses. There’s nothing to worry about.” Shei even wink while showing off the pale pink paper bag that she’s holding.

“Oh, right. My things.” I grabbed my bag from her which she slowly passed on me.

“Can you carry it?” she asked worriedly.

“Yes,” I answered after putting it on my left shoulder. “By the way, guys…” I glance if the man is still talking over his phone. “...my brother can’t really pick us up. That’s just an excuse. He’s on a motorbike.”

“We know.” Well, they surely know since I was holding a helmet the whole day.

‘Shit! The helmet!’ 

“The helmet—” before I could finish my sentence. The man faced us, tapping a button on his phone screen before putting it in his pocket. 

“Sorry. I can’t drop you all after all. Is it okay to leave you guys here? I have some sort of emergency.” He said rushly.

We all nodded, thanked him, and urged him to go. But before really leaving, he gave me a calling card. “Please contact me if you’re still in pain after resting. I’ll cover the hospital charges.” 

I just nodded my head and he briskly walked towards his car.

“I know he’s something, but, wow, calling card?” Jade blurted out. 

I quickly shook my head to stop myself from talking more about the topic, “Let’s talk more about this next time. It’s getting darker and I have a problem.” 

“What problem?” Anne asked.

“I left my brother’s helmet in the store. He’ll nag at me.” After I said that, we just took a tricycle and quickly went back to the store. 

They welcomed us with questions which I answered briefly. Thankfully, I got my brother’s helmet back without a problem. After I felt relieved getting the helmet back, I messaged my brother that we were about to go home. I also mentioned the place where I’ll be waiting. 

We left the store right away after. Shei parted ways with us since she was heading in a different direction, same goes for Anne. It’s me and Jade who are left in the waiting shed near the jeepney terminal.

“Aren’t you going?” I asked as she sat comfortably beside me.

“My father will pick me up here. I’ll stay with you until he arrives. How are you feeling”

“Better. My back pain is bearable. It’s the chest pain that’s really uncomfortable.” 

I looked at Jade when she remained silent after listening to me. “What?” She’s going to make a hole in my face with the way she’s staring.

“You’re going to ride the motorcycle wearing that?” 

I looked down on my clothes. I opened my mouth in surprise. I definitely forgot I’m wearing the dress from the store! 

I should have changed into my uniform when we returned to the store earlier. It completely slipped my mind! 

I bit my lower lip, knowing kuya Travis, I know he will raise a brow when he sees me. He’ll definitely ask me a bunch of questions as well! I honestly don't want to mention anything about what happened earlier. 

“I think there’s a public bathroom somewhere near here. Are you comfortable changing there?” Jade asked as she scanned the nearby bathroom.

“Yes! I must change before my brother arrives!” I immediately followed her to search for the nearest bathroom. 

Sadly, it’s no use. 

As we heard a honk in front of us, we both looked at the man who stopped his motorbike in front of us. It’s kuya Travis! What timing! 

I can’t see his face due to his dark visor covering his face. But with the way he puts down his motorbike stand, and the way he marches to our location, I can already tell the earful that I’ll get.

He removes his helmet when he reaches our place. He took a quick glance at Jade. “Hello po.” Jade greeted him. She even added ‘po’ to make it formal. My brother simply just nodded at her before focusing on me.

“What are you wearing?” he asked.

“Well…” I don’t know where to start. I definitely don’t want to tell him what happened earlier! “My shirt was a mess after we ate. I had no choice but to change into this.” 

Lies. Lies. White lies!

“Where did you even get that dress?”

“This is the dress we bought for the club.” He knows about it since I needed my parents permission for it. It wasn’t a simple bar experience. We will also have a girls night out. We rented an air bnb, we will stay there before and after going to the bar.

He sighs, “Let’s talk at home.” He looks at Jade again. “Are you waiting for someone?” 

“Yes, my father will be here any minute.”

“Okay.” My brother starts removing his black jacket. He throws it at me. Not a hard throw. I’ll get mad if it is. “We’ll leave once your father is here.” 

I slowly glanced at Jade and her eyes met mine. We didn’t argue with my brother. 

I look at the jacket on my lap. Should I wear it? Or should I use it to cover the hem of my dress? I was in that dilemma when I heard Jade speak.

“He’s here.” She stood up and pointed to the direction of her father. I politely nodded my head at him and nodded back. I honestly wanted to greet him but given the situation, I think best not.

Jade bid goodbye to us before going to where her father is. I also stood up from my seat. 

“Why are you not wearing it yet?” kuya Travis asked while looking at the jacket I’m still holding.

“I’m not sure whether I should wear it or tie it around my waist.” 

“Tie it around your waist. How will you ride the motorbike wearing a dress?” He has a point but I honestly want to roll my eyes because of the tone of his voice.

I do as he said. I tie the sleeves of his jacket around my waist. The knot in front of me, and the body of the jacket is on my buttocks.

I heard a clicking of tongue from my brother, “Not like that.” He twists the know. From being in front of me, it went on my back. The body of the jacket is now covering me in front.

“It’s not like you can ride the usual way wearing that. Sit like a princess.” He starts walking towards where his motorbike is, and I have no choice but to just follow.

I do what he says. I sit like a princess. But this position is so uncomfortable. I started feeling the pain in my back and chest again. 

“Kuya, I think I’ll just commute.” I don’t think I can endure the pain for a twenty-minute ride like this. Plus, I can’t hold onto anything. It’s hard to grasp the usual handle I hold onto. And I can’t really just touch my brother. We might end up brawling.

“Wearing that?” Even though I can’t see his face due to his helmet, I’m pretty sure he’s raising a brow on me.

“It’s uncomfortable.There’s nowhere to hold on.” I said irritatingly. 

“Just hold on to me!” I pout angrily. Ugh! Whatever! I’ll endure the pain! 

In the middle of the uncomfortable ride, the motorbike stops in front of the stop light when the red light flashes. I heave a sigh of temporary relief. These small stops are the only time I can slightly breathe properly. Although the pain is starting to get intense due to the uncomfortable sitting position.

My eyes wandered around and it landed on the car right next to us. I stared blankly at it. For some reason it looks familiar?

I was taken back to reality when the motorbike started moving again. This is the first time I wish my brother will drive faster.