Chapter 1

Maddie stepped out of her apartment, joining the flow of pedestrians along Kalayaan Avenue. The street thrummed with the energy of weekday traffic, a mix of office workers and the occasional tourist, though discerning their purpose in Makati was a guessing game. Maddie had no particular destination in mind, only a vague yearning for a place that felt…right. A place that might, in some inexplicable way, call her to stay.

"Have you heard the latest gossip?" one woman asked, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.

"Oh, do tell," her companion replied, a hint of eager anticipation in her tone.

"I heard someone in HR is having an… intimate affair with the office scanner."

"You're kidding!"

"I'm serious! I didn't believe it at first, but I saw them myself, during work hours, getting far too cozy."

"Now, that's a story begging to be posted online," the second woman declared, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

The two women, clad in the crisp uniforms of the National Bank, emerged from their office building, their voices trailing behind them as they descended the steps, punctuated by giggles.

Maddie watched them, her gaze lingering for a moment as she observed their animated conversation. Then, with a blank expression, she turned and resumed her walk, the murmur of their voices fading into the city's ambient noise.

"Good times," she murmured, the phrase laced with a subtle hint of irony.

"A what, exactly?" Kris asked, her brow furrowed in a delicate frown.

"Oh, now you're acting like I just pulled out a dime bag or a picture of me in the bathtub," Scott retorted, a hint of playful annoyance in his voice.

"Wait, what? Why?" Kris stammered, her words coming in clipped bursts. "Why me?"

"You thought I was up to something shady, didn't you? Wrong," Scott scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I chose you because I trust you, plain and simple." His tone shifted, becoming serious.

"That still doesn't answer my question," Kris replied, unsatisfied.

Scott sighed, a theatrical gesture, and crossed his arms. "I'd never thought you'd be more concerned about buying feminine essentials than playing detective about who they're for."

"I know who it is," Kris countered, a spark of confidence in her eyes.

"Oh yeah? Enlighten me," Scott challenged, his curiosity piqued.

"Rachel Perez. Young, tan, beautiful. Always has a perfect blowout. You know, the singer who occasionally performs here?" Kris stated, her voice steady.

"Ha!" Scott laughed, throwing his head back in amusement. "Wrong."

Kris stared, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. She'd been so sure. Seeing their closeness, she'd assumed... She remained silent, processing the unexpected answer.

"Giving up already?" Scott teased, clearly enjoying her bewilderment.

"She's not the mother? I thought you two were close," Kris clarified, a touch of incredulity in her voice.

"We're close, but not that close," Scott winked, his tone suggestive. Kris recoiled slightly, a mixture of surprise and mild disgust on her face.

"Scott, we need you at the counter. A customer has questions about the new menu," a male employee announced, stepping into the kitchen.

Scott glanced over his shoulder, acknowledging the interruption with a nod. He turned back to Kris, his expression a mix of apology and urgency.

"You'll find out who it is soon enough. But for now, I'm serious. I need you to grab those pregnancy... things. Whatever women call them these days."

"They're called pregnancy tests," Kris corrected dryly.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just go and come back with them, capiche?" Scott waved her off, turning and disappearing through the kitchen door.

Kris watched him go, her arms crossed, a thoughtful frown creasing her forehead. She was left pondering the unexpected request and the mystery surrounding it.

"Who could it possibly be?" she murmured to herself, the question hanging in the air.

Maddie walked on, a quiet hum filling the space around her. A minute stretched into two, and she found herself drifting, her gaze flitting across the urban landscape without truly registering anything. Her mind was a hazy landscape of vague desires: a place to simply be, a refuge from the day's clamor. Somewhere quiet, somewhere comfortable, somewhere that wasn’t her apartment.

She drifted past a string of convenience stores, their bright, garish lights momentarily catching her attention, then fading into the background. Shops with window displays she didn’t bother to decipher, restaurants with the enticing aroma of food she wasn’t hungry for, all blurred into a backdrop of the city’s constant, low-level thrum. She was on a quest for something undefined, a sanctuary she couldn’t quite picture, a moment of peace in the midst of the city's relentless energy.

Relief washed over Kris as she stepped out of the club, the thumping bass fading into a dull echo behind her. She turned left, the familiar route to the neighborhood pharmacy stretching out before her. Before setting off, she pulled out her earbuds, tucking them into place, and retrieved her phone. A familiar melody filled her ears, a carefully curated song from her playlist, a soundtrack to her thoughts. With the music as her companion, she began to walk, her steps rhythmic and purposeful, her mind following the path she’d set.

Maddie walked for a minute, as she swing her arms off lazily while she looked for a better place or spot, she's now at the Poblacion area. As she gained notice of the area, it was more clear that this place is more people and the bars and clubs are hooking in for the night just by simply looking at the colorful red/green/blue and orange lights from each one of them. While some bars/clubs are hidden, they were still some who are noticeable just by looking at the name and the colorful and welcoming signs of the designs.

Maddie didn't stop walking but her eyes wander through the place, she crossed every street and along with her are other passerbys as well who were busy with their own days and lives or simply living life on their own terms.

Kris walked with music in her two ears, as she may looked nonchalant but she was simply rocking it on in the inside. Kris attention were more on the music rather than her reality on hand. Totally distracted from what's going on in her surroundings.

The long walk had eased some of Kris’s anxiety, but her hands still trembled slightly as she approached the pharmacy. She double-checked the sign, then the glass door, before finally stepping inside. The air was thick with the cloying sweetness of artificial fragrances, battling a losing war against the sterile, medicinal scent. Kris wrinkled her nose. The counter was deserted, so she took the opportunity to approach.

“Uh, hi,” she began, her voice a little too loud in the quiet space. “Do you have pregnancy tests?”

The woman behind the counter looked up, her expression shifting from neutral to a forced, almost clinical friendliness. “Yes, we do. Is your husband with you?” she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

“He’s at home, watching the game,” Kris replied dryly, a playful edge to her voice, though she wondered why it mattered. She suppressed a sigh.

“Right, I’ll get that for you,” the woman said, nodding and disappearing into the back room.

Kris waited, her gaze drifting around the pharmacy, searching for anything to distract her. Her posture was stiff, her face carefully blank.

“Here you are,” the woman said, returning with a small box. “Now, make sure you haven’t had any liquids for a while, and use it first thing in the morning. That’s when the hCG levels are easiest to detect.” She handed Kris the test.

“Thanks. How much is it?”

“53 pesos.”

Kris pulled out her wallet, paid, and accepted the small plastic bag with a casual nod. She turned to leave, her mind already racing.

Just a few blocks away, Maddie paused outside another pharmacy. She wasn’t sure what she needed, but something drew her inside. The same heavy, floral scent assaulted her senses as she wandered towards the refrigerated drinks. A wall of glass doors revealed an array of colorful bottles and cans.

“Ice tea or green tea?” she murmured to herself, debating. She grabbed the handle, pulled open the door, and reached for an ice tea. As she turned, she collided with someone, the bottle nearly slipping from her grasp.

“Oww!” she exclaimed, blinking in surprise.

Her eyes met those of a young woman, tall and slender, with striking silver hair and warm, brown skin. The woman’s expression was momentarily startled, then slightly apologetic.

Kris and Maddie held each other’s gaze, a strange, electric tension crackling between them. The air seemed to thicken, the moment stretching out, charged with an unspoken energy.

“Oh, uh, I’m sorry,” Maddie stammered, breaking the silence.

“No, it’s alright,” Kris replied, her smile awkward as she instinctively smoothed her hands down her back.

Maddie nodded, a faint flush rising in her cheeks, and excused herself, heading towards the counter, the ice tea bottle clutched tightly in her hands. Kris watched her go, her gaze lingering on Maddie’s retreating figure. An unfamiliar urge stirred within her, a sudden, inexplicable desire to follow.

“What am I feeling?” Kris whispered to herself, frozen in place. She was shaken, almost speechless. It was more than just a passing glance, more than a simple collision. It was a jolt, a spark, a genuine, undeniable attraction. She was star-struck.

Maddie paid for her drink, the cashier efficiently packing it into a plastic bag. As she took the bag, she felt a prickle of awareness, a sense of being watched. Turning, she saw the woman from the earlier collision, browsing the chocolate bars with an air of studied distraction. However, Maddie noticed the quick, furtive glances that flickered in her direction. A small, almost involuntary smile touched Maddie's lips before she turned and headed for the exit.

Kris, sensing Maddie’s departure, abandoned her pretense of interest in the chocolate selection. Without hesitation, she followed, the small plastic bag containing the pregnancy test clutched in her hand.

Stepping outside, Kris scanned the street, her eyes quickly finding Maddie’s retreating back as she crossed the road. Kris waited a beat, then followed, crossing at the same intersection, careful to maintain a discreet distance.

Maddie continued her casual stroll, turning left at the next street. Kris mirrored her movements, keeping a safe, unobtrusive space between them. A subtle tension began to weave its way into the air, an unspoken anticipation hanging between them.

Kris’s mind was a blank slate, her focus entirely on the woman ahead. She had abandoned all thought of consequences, driven by an inexplicable impulse. Maddie turned right onto a narrower side street, and Kris followed. But as she stepped onto the path, she was suddenly engulfed by a wave of pedestrians, a sudden surge of people moving in the opposite direction.

A frustrated sigh escaped Kris’s lips as she lost sight of Maddie in the crowd. She paused, scanning the street, but Maddie was gone. Disappointment settled over her as she stepped to the side, conceding defeat.

"Fuck." Kris muttered as she lost the sight of the woman.

Kris returned to the jazz club, a wave of disappointment washing over her. She’d given up on finding the woman, and the feeling of unfinished business gnawed at her. Entering, she caught Scott’s eye; he was perched on a chair near the counter, chatting with Monica.

“Scott,” Kris called, raising the plastic bag.

Scott turned, exchanging a quick glance with Monica, then hopped off the chair. “Did you get it?”

“Yeah, and that means you owe me,” Kris said pointedly.

“Right, I’ll just add it to your pay for the day,” Scott replied, taking the bag.

“Also, I think I deserve to know who it’s for,” Kris added dryly.

“And why’s that?” Scott asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I literally just bought you the test,” Kris retorted, annoyed.

“So?” Scott shot back.

Kris stared, her patience wearing thin.

“Joke,” Scott said, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Well, where to begin…”

“Kris.” Monica’s voice cut through the air, low and deliberate. She’d approached them, her gaze steady. “Scott and I have something to tell you.”

Scott turned to Monica, placing a hand on her shoulder. They both looked at Kris, their expressions a mix of anticipation and something Kris couldn’t quite decipher. Monica looked slightly nervous, while Scott wore an air of smug assurance.

Kris looked from one to the other, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. “Are you quitting?” she asked Monica.

Monica chuckled, shaking her head. “No, Kris. Scott and I are expecting a baby.” Her voice was soft, filled with a hopeful lilt.

“Best day of my life,” Scott added, a small smile playing on his lips.

Kris’s neutral expression shifted to one of surprise. She stared at them, taken aback. “How?” she blurted out.

“Kris, seriously? You want to know how?” Monica asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“No, it’s not that,” Kris stammered, searching for the right words.

“It was a magical moment—.”

“Scott, shut up,” Kris interrupted. “What I meant was, I thought you weren’t attracted to men?” she asked Monica, her confusion deepening.

“Oh, right. I forgot to tell you I’m bisexual,” Monica said, understanding dawning on her face.

“And… why Scott?” Kris asked, turning to him.

“Excuse me?” Scott retorted, feigning offense. “Hey, I may not be the most awesome person on the planet, but I can make a good dad. That’s why I’m the manager here.”

“Yeah, you were chosen to be the manager because the previous one was your cousin,” Kris corrected, her tone laced with sarcasm.

“Hey, I’ve done a good job here, and it’s not just because we’re related—.”

“Stop it, you two,” Monica interjected, her voice firm. She turned to Kris, her expression softening. “Kris, I’m going to resign. I need to focus on the baby. But Scott will still be here, and I really want you to be there when the baby is born.”

“Wait, so the pregnancy test is useless then, since you already know?” Kris asked, her annoyance returning.

“Pregnancy test?” Monica repeated, confused.

“Yeah, he asked me to buy one,” Kris explained.

“Oh, yeah, about that,” Scott stammered. “I thought, when you said yesterday you weren’t sure… you were pregnant.”

“Hey, who’s that for, huh?” Monica asked, her eyes narrowing.

“What? No one. I swear I bought it—.”

“Scott Anderson, tell me right now.”

“I wouldn’t tell you anything because there’s nothing to tell.”

Kris rolled her eyes, turning away from their bickering. She exited the club, heading to the back of the building. Pulling a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from her pocket, she lit one, the smoke curling into the night air.

Leaning against the wall, she looked up at the sky, the image of the woman from the pharmacy flashing through her mind.

“Who is she?” she murmured to herself. “Damn, I should have asked her name.”

Maddie returned home, the click of the front door echoing in the quiet apartment. She placed the ice tea on the table and hurried upstairs, collapsing onto her bed.

"She's so handsome.." she murmured, a silly grin spreading across her face. She rolled onto her side, hugging a pillow close. The image of the woman from the pharmacy filled her mind.

“I should have asked her name… but I don’t think I could have,” she admitted to the ceiling. “Will I ever see her again?”

She’d never seen a woman quite so striking. Maddie had always been open to relationships with any gender, a fact that had never been a source of conflict for her. Though her past relationships had primarily been with men, she’d never had a romantic connection with a woman, only friendships.

“Wait, should I go out again? Maybe I’ll see her,” she mused, then immediately countered, “No, no, you’re being too obvious, Maddie. Don’t.”

A mental tug-of-war ensued. “But I’m not tired,” she reasoned. “I think I’ll give it a go.” With renewed determination, she threw the pillow aside and swung her legs off the bed. She grabbed her bag from the nearby table and headed downstairs, exiting the apartment with a newfound purpose.

Maddie left her apartment, retracing her steps from earlier. She walked with a newfound urgency, crossing streets with a brisk pace, her hopeful expression a stark contrast to her earlier aimlessness. She passed by the same stores and restaurants, but her mind was elsewhere, focused solely on the woman she’d encountered.

“She might be close by,” Maddie murmured to herself. “Judging by her clothes, she could work in a restaurant or something.”

She continued her search, her pace quickening. After a minute and a half of determined walking, she found herself in the heart of the club and bar district. Maddie scanned the area, her eyes searching for a familiar face, convinced the woman might be nearby.

Meanwhile, Kris extinguished her cigarette, crushing it beneath her heel. She straightened up, composing herself, and stepped out from the shadows of the building’s rear. She followed the path towards the light, her gaze drifting across the street. Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat. She spotted someone familiar, someone who made her breath catch in her throat.