Montgomery Runaways

Ynah Morayta

Seven hours before the stalking

January 13, Monday 10:30 P.M.

ONE MONTH of searching led them to the body of Rona Perey, who was found dead. However, her left hand was cut off.

They recognized her as the face of Ilaya when we were in high school. A lot like Jennifer Check, except that she doesn’t eat meat, or at least she didn’t do it in the literal sense. As soon as there was a pageant or visitors, they plastered Rona’s face all over the campus, not only on the dull painted walls of Ilaya High but also on the main gates, as wide as the politician’s tarps who diligently donates every year. She was always the girl everyone knows. Just like in young adult books, being named "Queen bee" was her top priority more than anything else in her mind.

But now, those who know her can’t quite imagine that we will still see her, as with flyers, newspapers, and the missing person section, and that’s when I learned she’d vanished from the earth, that she always wanted to be acknowledged.

The first thing she did when she came to speak with me was when she switched from lyre to flag. When she became the flag leader, we stopped talking and didn’t seem to know each other as much as we used to, but that didn’t bother me in the slightest. Aside from that, I get the vibe that she’s just hanging out with me because she has no other choice, and no one is dumb enough to give her answer keys. So naïve, I’m swayed by her lovely persona. Whenever I recall her reasons for not including me in their girl stuff with her new well-known for-nothing friends, I am horrified. I had no motive for showing up, and I had no plan of approaching her from the very start.

Because of her famous line from when she was still Mutya, “I aim to reform the world to its fullest,” everything in Montgomery is shifting and changing. However far apart we may be, we were all saddened by what had happened to her. That is an inhumane way to go.

I peered out the window again as a police mobile drove by. Because of the increased volume of their siren, they can now reach a broader audience in Montgomery, letting them know the curfew has already begun. No one else may leave the house except those who work and are home every day. Anyone who doesn’t follow orders risks being targeted by gangs or even the murderer roaming around. It doesn’t matter which one they choose. It won't go out for them, either.

For the sake of safety, there was a change for graveyard shift workers. As a side note, today is supposed to be my day off, but I’m here mopping the floor at the convenience store caused by the muddy shoes of the customers who only buy cigarettes and peeking out liquors.

It was ten-thirty when I checked the clock on the counter and realized that my colleague was still absent. He should be on duty right now, but he told me there was an emergency. I could only get three hours of sleep thanks to my next-door neighbor, but when I awoke from the loud crash they caused, I found two messages: one from my boss and the other from Joacquin, who informed me he’ll be my partner for the night.

My brow furrowed even more when I heard Joacquin’s playlist on the store speakers. Seeing my playlist was gone from the computer made me annoyed. Now I’m in a bind because of that asshole. Of course, he cannot do so. After a split second of hesitation, I clicked “confirm” and grinned to myself. I don’t know if he sensed it, but my phone rang as soon as I sat down.

“Yow!” The screams from his line and the ear-piercing volume of the music made my eyes squint.

“Are you at the club?” Is he still enjoying himself in this situation?

“Yes. Can you cover for me for a minute? I need to fetch my sis back to our house,” he explained.

“There’s no need for that. If you’re unable to go, just notify the manager as soon as possible.” He remained silent for a long moment. I threw in a quick “I’d rather work alone than partnered with you” line for his peace of mind. He chuckled a little.

Our usual conversation was interrupted when I heard the clicking sound of the glass door. Another teenager who appeared to be on his way to buy a pack of smoke gently pushed back the tightened door. Since this afternoon, how many teens have approached me to purchase cigarettes? They are not supposed to be wandering around this late!

“Are you sure? What if—”

“Yeah, goodbye!” I cut him off and hung up when I noticed the young man stealthily took chips and stuffed them straight into his jacket. I would have dashed at him, but someone grabbed his hand to keep him from doing so.

“Are you taking this?” He asked in a sarcastic tone and drew closer to him. He kept staring at the young man until he became uneasy and, perhaps, sweaty.

“What’s with you—” it surprised me when the kid hit him in the back of the head. That blow was so hard it could knock him off, but it made him only clench his fist.

“What? Do you want me to tell your granny about what you did?” At least this time, I could get closer to them.

“Excuse me, I also noticed that you got the item. I’ll contact your guardian and settle this.” Of course, I have no choice since I’ll be dead if I don’t make it to this. I’m sure he didn’t mean it, so I hope he doesn’t try it again.

“Sorry.” He bowed, his cheeks were blushing up to his ears, and then handed me the items. I'm bemused when there are two packs of salon passes he shoves out of his pocket.

“Don’t do that again.” He nodded at me and moved to the door without looking back.

When I turned to the counter, the kid was already standing in front of it. I looked at him as he put the same snack down. He just stared at me with almost no expression. This kid has a knack for making people uncomfortable.

He tapped the stainless steel counter and pouted his pale lips. “Are you hiring for part-timers?” Only now did I notice she was a girl because of her bowl cut and unique deep voice.

“Miss Morayta?” she said, waving in front of my face.

“Ah… No, as of now, we are not open for part-timers.” I looked at her again. “How do you—” she pointed to my nametag. Of course, I have a nametag. What’s wrong with me today?

She answered, “Okay, thanks.” She then put her hands inside her red hoodie jacket with a disappointed tone.

Aside from the fact that she was still wearing her high school skirt, I added, “And we can’t accept you if you’re underage.”

“I’ll be turning eighteen this week.” She pulled out a piece of paper and a ballpoint pen from her pocket and scribbled something. “Can I ask you a favor? These are my digits if you’re hiring. Thank you, Miss!” As she left the store, I nodded my head and remained silent.

I fixed my gaze on the sheet of paper in front of me. “Gabriela Mapa,” I murmured under my breath.

This brings memories of me looking for part-time jobs while still in high school. Instead of a resume, I provide a notepad with my phone number.

It startled me when the door opened again, and she peeked and muttered while signaling. “There’s something….” She gestured and pointed behind her. “Just a little!” And with that, she left.

I froze.

My hand automatically dug the compact powder out of my pocket and saw a small red dot on the back of my slacks. I peeked outside, climbed into the store’s glass door, and locked it. Now that I was alone, I needed to move as quickly as possible, so I ran to my locker, got my hoodie, and wore it around my waist. Holding the pad from my shoulder bag and bounced out the backdoor.

Some may accuse employees of being self-centered, insisting there is a restroom in the store, but there isn’t even one for the employees. Although there is one comfort room as stinky as required to be named for the public, there are few stalls because the store sits beneath the gym.

That’s when I realized this week’s cleaning will either take place on Wednesday or Friday or not at all, like last week. They're sure having a hard time hiring people or even contracting a cleaning company since most troubles occur in comfort rooms, and no one wants to get involved with it. Even if they quadruple the payment, I will still refuse to clean up this mess.

I covered my nose from the stench, entered the far stall, and did my thing quickly. I don’t know how many times I breathe inside, but I am sure it won’t be over five. I go to another building to relieve myself, but because of the strict protocol, I have no choice but to get used to the stench of this place.

Then, I almost dumped my pants when I got back to the counter.

A man in a bright yellow damped raincoat stood hunched over the doorway. His clothing obscured his face, so I could not look at it. Before I could think of anything, I opened the door. He paused for a few minutes before entering. His soaked shoes left big mud marks, but I don’t mind anymore. When he makes a suspicious move, I’ll run out, or I’ll hit him with Joacquin’s untouched book. Book spine can be a weapon, and I tried it on Joacquin last time.

“Ah…” While making a long sound, he twisted his gaze toward me. He’s creeping toward me.

“What?!” What in the world did I just say? I’m as surprised as he is, given the tone with which I said it. When he felt I was on edge, he pointed to the item in front of me. I got back to the counter after clearing my throat. While he was still stooping, I cast a glance his way. I’ll be able to respond swiftly if I’m threatened.

“Yes, sir?” I glanced at what he pointed out.

“S-strawberry flavor,” he said, still stunned. Purchasing a condom is absolutely acceptable, but his behavior makes me uncomfortable too. He swerved away from me with a glance. All I can remember are the bruises and the slit scar on the side of his lip that he had. His shattered watch on his wrist, which he kept stroking, caught my attention as well.

I took what he pointed out and processed it. He got the item and left even though I hadn’t given him the receipt and the change.

“What’s wrong with him?” Amused, I muttered under my breath.

That’s when I realized what that guy was wearing earlier seemed familiar. The thought stopped me from reaching for my mop. This is something I’ve seen before and I’m sure of it. The words "315.1 Cartell'' engraved in the watch’s center are still fresh in my mind, so to make sure, I thought of calling someone I know who is updated on trends, Joacquin, but he cut the call after three rings.

While dialing Cheri’s phone number, I glanced at the wall clock in the background. I know that she’s still awake and using the Muts app right now.

“Yes, mare? Something’s up?” She started. “Wait! Lemme on the camera.” I noticed that her voice seemed restrained, then she appeared on the screen with the beauty mask on her face.

“You know the 315.1 Cartell wristwatches?” Her eyes squinted, pouting her sensuous lips, then got up from her baby pink ruffled mattress.

“If you’re referring to Cartell, yes. Remember when I took you shopping at the Grand mall?” I nodded. She disappeared from the screen and took something from the bedside table. “Here!” She pointed at the mint green-colored box, with the C engraved on its center top, at the screen and then opened it.

“Yep, that’s that!” I confirm.

“Why? You finally have a boyfriend?” She stared at me with a cynical grin as she stressed the last phrase.

“When did we buy that again? Do you still recall the date?”

That’s when she heard what I said and stopped. “Twelve of December,” she murmured and lay down again. “Of course, that day, I met my current suitor. Oh, wait, why am I smiling?” She added, patting her cheeks.

Hold on…

To confirm my suspicions, I straight off went online and looked for articles from that day. On the morning of December 12, Rona disappeared. The last time they saw her, based on reports, was at the Garden of the Grand mall.

But I also saw her that day… back riding a motorbike, when I passed Ilaya Night Market. And if I’m not mistaken, I also saw the broken wristwatch there… and his driver was wearing it.