Chapter 5

Arya’s POV

"Oh, Arya, come and join me for breakfast."

I met Aunt Cora entering the kitchen when I was about to leave the kitchen. I just came here for a drink for a while because I was really tired walking from the plantation of flowers up to here. It's not that far so I chose to just walk.

Another is that I was able to exercise more than when I called Manong Luisito to pick me up using his tricycle. The tricycle was  provided by Senyor Alejandro, the Father of Senyorito Keeion, to be used by those who work here to deliver the crops and used by people if ever if they are in hurry and also for them not to get tired walking. There are seven tricycles the Hacienda owned just to provide a free ride.

That is how Senyor Alejandro values ​​the people who work here. He provides all the necessary equipment to make the job easier. Not only that, Senyor also built a three-story building house for the servants and their families.  That apartment is all free! It was just a house he gave to the workers. Even electricity and water are no longer a problem because Senyor already provided it. That is why the people who serve the Ruiz family are very grateful. Their hard work and loyalty are the only things they can repay to Senyor Alejandro's kindness.

I smiled when Aunt Cora pulled my hand and I was able to follow her to the long table. The food they cooked was ready there. I suddenly felt hungry when I saw a chicken adobo on the dining table. That’s my favorite dish!

"I cooked your favorite food so come with us for breakfast," said Aunt Cora after she took a jug of water from the big refrigerator. She then took the tray of glass and then laid it on the table.

Aunt smiled and turned to me. She seemed to be reading my mind. She already knew I couldn't resist her. When did I refuse to eat while she cooks my favorite food?

"All right," I said as if I was forced to but deep inside, her offer made me smile and I appreciate it. I can't wait to taste what Aunt cooked for me. "You really know how to get me to join the table."

“Of course, I know you very well since you're still a child. Your only weakness is chicken adobo.” She laughed and glared at me. "I immediately remembered when you and Keeion were kids, I cooked your favorite foods after I scolded you so that you two didn't feel bad or be mad at me," she added.

I smiled because I remembered my childhood again. I can say that my childhood was happy with Keeion, we grew up in the Hacienda at the same time and Aunt Cora was our second Mother.

Until now we are 24 years old, our relationship with Aunt Cora has not changed. She are the only one we run to whenever there is a problem.

"Sit there and I will call Luisito and Maria first to join us," said Manang Cora.

I just nodded. There is a door in the kitchen to the coconut plantation located at the back of the mansion. Next to that is the vast land where various types of vegetables are grown. The house of horses and other animals in the Hacienda are also nearby.

The Hacienda is rich in vegetables, fruits, flowers and animals that are usually sold in the market.

Casa Hacienda de Ruizita is one of the suppliers of vegetables and fruits in Manila. The same goes for the flowers that we deliver to the big flower shops in various places here in the Philippines. We gained income every week.

The Hacienda where I live and at the same time, where I'm working is very rich. That’s why I’m so thankful and at the same time, I’m lucky. I was lucky because the Ruiz family adopted me. I didn’t experience the hardship that my real family goes through. My life is luxurious because they give me almost everything I want.

I'm still blessed with my real family for giving permission to Senyor to adopt me. Even if they left me on the vacant lot, Senyor Alejandro helped me. He didn't let me die in that vacant lot. He insisted that I stay in their mansion. He treated me like his own child.

But despite my gratitude for what my parents did, I couldn’t help but feel resentment towards them. The pain is even heavier by the fact that they haven’t appreciated me since childhood.

"Oh, Arya, why do you look like that?" I came back to my senses when I heard Aunt's voice. They have returned to the kitchen. She is accompanied by Uncle Luisito who is our avid driver here at the Hacienda and Maria who is assigned to the coconut plantation. "Wait, are you crying, huh?" Aunt added when she approached me.

I immediately raised my eyes to bring back the tears that were forming in my eyes earlier. I took a deep breath. "N-No, Aunt, I just remembered the sad ending of the movie that I watched last night. I just can't move on with it." I excused myself.

I know Aunt was not satisfied with what I said. She knew me and she knew that it's just an excuse. 

After we prayed, led by Uncle Luisito, we ate immediately. Aunt Cora and her other helpers in the kitchen are good when it comes to cooking. I feel like I'm eating in one of the expensive restaurants with very well-known chefs.

I will forget the word ‘diet’ again.

"Roberto, when are you going to Manila to deliver the coconuts you harvested?" Aunt Cora asked in the middle of our meal.

Brother Roberto finished what he was eating before answering Aunt. “The next day, Aunt. We are still waiting to harvest the other vegetables tomorrow so that the next day we can go to Manila for a one -time trip.”

Aunt nodded. "Will you go to Manila too, Arya?" Aunt Cora asked me.

“Yes, Aunt. Senyor has already told me to accompany them to Manila the next day. ”

We continued eating.

It's not new to Aunt that I go with them every time I deliver the harvested vegetables, fruits and flowers to Manila because that's really my job. I transact with the owners of the business we deliver to. I also handle the papers and I will also be responsible for charging the fees for the distribution of our product.

"In that case, I'll take care of Ellie while you're in Manila."

I smiled. "There's no need, Aunt, because Senyorito will come home tomorrow."

Everyone's eyes widened at what I announced. The fear of them is obvious.

They're all afraid of Senyorito Keeion. Senyorito is very serious when it comes to work. He is rude and hot-tempered to everyone. Unlike his Father who is kind and understanding. He's the opposite of Senyor Alejandro

Senyorito Keeion often yells at the workers whenever they are caught not focusing on their work. He was strict to the point that he didn’t want anything to go wrong with every move of the people who served here. He makes sure everyone is working and not wasting time.

Everything is under his control.

No one would dare disobey him except Ellie.

Senyorito has already met his counterpart.

I am really impressed with the woman's courage that she confidently contradicts our Senyorito. She did not know that the man she was answering in the negative way was the one that everyone here at the Hacienda feared.

Surely Ellie would be frightened of Keeion if she saw him pissed off.

When everyone had finished eating, they went back to their work. They probably also announced to their other workmates that Senyorito Keeion would come home tomorrow to get ready. Senyorito travels around the Hacienda to monitor the workers. 

Senyor tells him not to interfere in the operation of the Hacienda, but he refuses. He wanted to still be monitored every move of the Hacienda. So I did not fail to report to him.

I know that the whole Hacienda is important to Senyorito Keeion because there are many happy memories here. He didn’t want to neglect the place where he grew up.

I understand him because I also love the Hacienda, I will not neglect it, too. I will dedicate my whole life here. I will serve the Ruiz family for as long as I live. I will give my allegiance to Senyor Alejandro who took care of me.

By monitoring the Hacienda, I can make up for everything they helped.

They treated me like a real family so I would also reciprocate the kindness they showed me.

"It looks like Senyorito Keeion will come home more often," Aunt Cora said while putting away the utensils we used for food.

I looked at her and our eyes met. Aunt smiled at us at the same time because we seem to be thinking only one thing now. We immediately understood each other with just one look at each other.

There is only one possible reason why Senyorito Keeion will come home more often.

"Aunt, I'll just follow that," I said as Aunt Cora was about to take the two used glasses but I volunteered to help her.

“No. I will take care of it.” Aunt took back the glass I was holding. She picked up two glasses. "All right, Arya, go upstairs and maybe Ellie will be awake."

“But Aunt-”

"No, it's okay. We can handle this."

I didn't refuse anymore because the maids had already arrived and they were the ones who helped Aunt Cora. They immediately took the glass from Aunt Cora. They did not allow Aunt to help with the kitchen work because that was the order of Senyor and Senyorito, not to tire Aunt at work. They want her to rest because of old age as well but sometimes, she is really stubborn. We can’t stop her from what she wants to do, from the household chores she wants to help.

I went upstairs because I was confident that Aunt had an assistant in the kitchen.

When I was on the second floor of the mansion, I immediately went to Ellie's room. I opened it and found two nurses and Ellie asleep.

"She's sleeping, Miss," they told me.

I only nodded.

She seems to be getting more sleepy. I often catch her asleep. Perhaps that was one of the side effects of the drug she was taking.

I went straight to the single sofa and immediately took my cell phone out of my pocket when I felt it vibrate.

I read on the screen the name of the caller. I answered that person immediately.

"Hello?" I started.

"How is she?" Asked the person on the other line.

I already know who he refers to. “She is asleep now. Doc said earlier, her condition is improving. Her recovery is fast,” I announced.

I heard his sigh as if the thorn had been removed from her throat. “Good. Please tell her to get well soon because I can't wait for her to pay back what she owes me. ”

I gave an annoying smile even though he doesn't see me now.

"That's all?" I asked sarcastically. "I don't believe that's the only reason why you called suddenly," I added.

I have a strong feeling that his thick eyebrows have met. “Arya, I don’t have time to be annoyed by you. I know where it’s going, I’ll hang up the phone now. ”

I just can't speak and I'm just giggling now. Senyorito Keeion ended our call.