Today is Saturday and I just finished a book signing where there are a lot of readers came. I'm not the only author there so almost all readers of various stories have reached out before just to see their favorite writers.

Carrying the gifts given to me by my readers I don’t quite figure out how to carry them. It's already misting and I forgot to bring an umbrella earlier because I was chased on time and I woke up late. Fortunately, someone was kind enough to help me carry my belongings.

I only took a public vehicle because no taxi passed by the location where the event was being held. I don't want to go down and ride because I have things with me. So when I got on the bus, I did not get out of and the rain might catch up with me. It's pretty bad that the weather looks like any time it's going to rain.

I went down to the alley where Mang Kanor's shop was located. It was a bit dark around because of the heavy downpour even though it was only five o'clock in the afternoon. I remember that it was announced earlier that there was a low pressure here in our area. Because I am in hurry, I also forgot to tell my dad to pick me up.

Mang Kanor store is also closed early, probably because there weren't too many people around and there were no more bystanders who used to drink in his shop. I stepped aside to the side of the store to take shelter and organize my belongings. I will only walk a little because I am close to our home. While arranging, suddenly four men took refuge followed by two women. But I ignored them because I was busy arranging things.

They are not important so I don't care about them.

“It looks like the wind is getting stronger. Maybe later it will pour a lot more. Let's go before we get stuck here and the rain gets heavier,” said one and ran ahead while leaving his comrades.

“Asshole, he already left us,” another one complained.

"All right, you follow too." I looked at the one who spoke because his voice was familiar to me. When I looked at him I was not mistaken.

The one who held my sister and because of him dad disappointed on me, I looked like a liar in the eyes of dad and even Janel preached me. And now I can be here with this ‘animal’?

‘What an unlucky day.’

"'Bro, let's go before it pours out too much." The dumbass nodded so his last companion ran away.

He was about to run when the rain suddenly fell along with the strong wind. The two women next to me shouted and then pushed to the side so they wouldn't get wet. I, on the other hand, moved a little more so I cannot get wet myself and also the things I was carrying. There was also some lightning and thunder followed by a stronger wind. I'm not afraid of thunder and lightning so I am chill when the wind suddenly gets stronger.

"Sh*t!" said the dumbass and covered his body tightly so that he would not get wet by the rain and then looked to the side. When he saw a tarpaulin of a tile company he quickly grabbed it and blocked us all.

‘Pretended to be a gentleman because there are women here. Silly.’

I want to rebuke him for what he did and maybe he will break the tarpaulin that is not his. But I thought not to because first, I don't own this store, and second, I don't care about him and this store. I don't care if the tarp is shattered, I don't own it. Even if he destroys everything when he sees here I don’t care.

The downpour intensified, accompanied by stronger lightning, and the wind intensified. The man even blocked the tarpaulin in front of him. I'm here behind him so I can't get wet because he's catching all the rain while my two girls are on the left side.

It's already over five o'clock and soon dad will be passing by here in case the rain doesn't stop. I'll just wait for him so I can go home with him.

"Aren't you, Mia Romero?" I was surprised when a woman suddenly asked. I nodded in response and suddenly they were both happy. Then I noticed that the person who asked me was wearing a t-shirt with my logo on the left chest. Maybe they came from the book signing and same me they didn't take a taxi and didn't want to go down and down.

"Mia, can you sign our book, if it's ok?" shy question of her companion.

“Yeah, sure,"

"We came from your event but we couldn't reach the book signing because of the crowd. We were one of those who were not allowed to go on stage because it's too crowded,” another pleaded.

“The truth is, we really followed you. I'm sorry, Mia. If we suddenly became desperate stalkers. We just want you to sign our book because we are coming back to Manila.”

"It's okay, hand me your books and I will sign,"

The two were delighted and immediately handed the book to me. They brought with them three books each. These are the books I released last year and this year. Fortunately, it was clear because Mang Kanor did not turn off the light of his store and even the light pole was on.

When I got the books in my hands, I turned around to find a place to put them. Behind me is Mang Kanor's small table. When I hold it 'it wasn't wet so I put it on to sign. I sign and put dedicate each book. Let’s just say I felt sorry for them so I agreed. Even if I'm having a hard time in my position, I'm fine. I know a reader’s effort to just see the author they admire. Even though I am a successful writer, there is no denying that I still admire a writer who has inspired me to this day. And like the readers in front of me today I am also ready to take anything just to get an autograph with my favorite writer.

"Done," I said and reached for the last book to them.

"Thank you, Mia." Both of them are happy.

"You're really nice and kindhearted." One of them handed me a paper bag.

"What is this?"

"That's for you."

"It's okay, don't bother." I refused what they offered because they might just be ashamed of the favor I did for them.

“It's really for you, Mia, we just have time to give it to you earlier. Please take it." I just smiled and took a bag in her hand and thanked them. Eventually, the rain subsided a bit. It is no longer vital and even the thunder and lightning are gone. Suddenly, a car came and blew our horn as I thought it is my dad but it wasn't.

"That's our service, do you want us to drop you?" The one asked me.

"Oh no need, my house is near, right there." I pointed to the alley into our street. "Then later my dad will come here from work," I added.

"Are you sure?" The one asked.

"Yes, and I'm fine, thank you for this." I lift the paper bag they gave me. "Be careful!" I said smiling.

"All right, we'll be ahead of you, you too, be careful," I answered them with a smile and they waved at me. Until their car is far away only to realize that I was left with this dumbass.