I was busy cleaning the unit when a ring distracted me from dusting off the television screen.

"Hello, Eli?" It was a woman's voice who sounds familiar but I cannot remember when I last heard it.

"Who's this?" I asked, my phone in between my left shoulder and ear. I began finding my headset inside my tote bag and I groaned inwardly when I couldn't search it. I tossed the pillows on the couch and stomped my feet in frustration.

"I hate you. Really." She said in tone of disappointment.

Frowning, I put her off for a while and connected the cord of my earphones and placed it behind my shorts' pockets, "I don't have time for games. I'm too busy here—."

"This is your cousin, Shelley! For Pete's sake, you have forgotten all about me!–", she shrieked and I have to remove my earphone for a moment or my eardrums will suffer.

"—Shelley!" I hollered back and she stopped. "Stop it, will you! I was just kidding! Can't believe you fell for it! Ha-ha!" I laughed and adjusted the face mask I was wearing.

I moved to the cd rack and dusted it off too.

"Where the hell are you? I'm in the area and I heard you have some kid living with you?" She asked and my eyes widened in shock.

Glancing at the wall clock, it's freaking 12:00! Emmy's dismissal was an hour ago!

"Oh, shit! Call me again later! I have to run!" I said and dropped everything I was holding.

Frantic, I searched for my sling bag, checked my wallet and slid my phone inside. I practically ran to the stairs and panted when I reached the ground floor.

As I waited for the jeepney to transport me to Emmy's school, I felt someone tapped me on my waist.
I ignored it as there were a lot of people waiting for their rides. But, someone tugged my shirt harder and I gasped when I saw who was behind me.

It was Emmy and Ylona!

Emmy was munching on cotton candy while Ylona was beside her and eating her favorite snack, Jolly Hotdog.

"My goodness! I'm so sorry, dear Emmy!" I apologized and kneeled down to level with her and hugged her.

"Can't breathe, Auntie Eli." She complained and I pulled back with a smile. "It's alright. I know you're busy cleaning our house. It's fine." She gave me a toothy smile and I sighed in relief.

I raised my eyes to meet Ylona and she winked at me, mayo and ketchup, were evident on her face. I cringe.

"Why do you eat so grossly like that?" I frowned at her and she just giggled. "Thanks for picking up Emmy. I really, really owe you a lot."

"No worries. Was around the area and I saw her waiting by the front gate with her teacher. Good thing she knew me or they won't let me have her." She explained and ruffled Emmy's hair.

"Come inside. I'll cook us lunch." I said and she followed. Emmy held my hand as we went to the elevator to our unit.

Before we even reached the elevator, I heard someone from the reception said, "I am looking for someone who looks like an otter with slanted eyes and chubby cheeks who goes by the name Elisse Ann Alvaro. Is she here?"

My brows furrowed and I started to think as we went inside the tiny space.

"That's your name, right Auntie?" Emmy asked and I nodded.

Just before the elevator closed, a hand stopped it from doing so.

"Oh my gosh! Cuz!" It was none other than Shelley Brooks, my annoying cousin. She hugged me as soon as we saw each other.

I stared at her luggage and raised an eyebrow at her when we pulled out from the embrace.

"What's going on, Shell?" I asked.

"Oh, these? Guess what! I'm staying in your unit!" She announced excitedly.

"Nice meeting you, Shell. I'm Ylona, Eli's friend." I almost forgot about them.

"And, I'm Emblem. You can call me Emmy!" She chirped and grinned at her. "Aunt Eli is my guardian. Nice meeting you, Aunt Shell!"

Oh my goodness!

As far as I know, I am not an orphanage to take anyone in. But what is happening now, really?