Chapter 7: Sunday Blues

Mass online – check. Call parents – check. Talk to sister – ongoing.

“Are you being honest with us?  Does your female cook really stay there with you?” my sister asked.

“I don’t why it is a priority to you. Just make sure to check on Mom and Dad while I am away but I’ll be home soon,” I told her.

“C’mon, tell me because I have a strong suspicion you’re alone in that place with your boss,” she said.

“You’re free to think of whatever you want. You’re the one who put me here in the first place.  You played like a fairy godmother finding me a job and now you’re suspicious and worried as hell,” I told her.

“I was just after your future and I still am,” she continued.

“Alright. Oh, call time is over. Need to do other things.  Bye,” I ended the call.

I thought I missed that thing with my sister but no.  Somehow I’m glad that I’m away from her.  This place is perfect except for my situation with Quim who I should always remember as my boss and never my friend.

Just the same, it wears me down to receive nothing from him last night saying the usual message that he’d close the big house at 9PM.  I don’t feel like sending him my temperature this morning as it might irritate him more to know I’m still alive or maybe I want him to worry a little and see me personally. I don’t know.  It’s evident that I’m tiptoeing in this place. I’m the beggar who can’t be choosy. Well, I actually don’t have any other choices.

I quickly sneaked into the big house just to check if it was open.  Of course, I have to always make sure he’s okay and he’s alive and I’m not the only human living in the compound.

I went back to the guesthouse and started singing to my heart’s content.  It’s actually more of shouting now.  I think I’m desperate to be heard. 

After a few minutes, it worked. 

“Umm..are you talking to him right now?” the first thing that came out of Quim’s mouth when I opened the door.

“Him? Who? Bobby?  No.  It’s Sunday,” I answered. 

I wanted to give him a long answer by telling all the reasons why Bobby or anyone in the office won’t call me today. Besides, I was singing.  How could I be talking to Bobby while singing?

“He’s not picking up. I thought he’s talking to you,” he said.

“Maybe he is still sleeping.  I will let him know if he calls,” I said.

“Anyway, I cleaned the pool earlier today.  You can use it too,” he said.

“Oh, thanks but I’m not into swimming but I can go there for a walk maybe on one of these days while I’m still here,” I said. 

He nodded. It’s a natural filler that works for him all the time.

“Does my singing bother you?  I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it when I sing,” I told him.

“Alright, I’ll go ahead,” he said instead of answering my question.

I took it as a sign that I can continue singing out loud in the guesthouse.

“Quim, wait. Do you have any tasks that you want me to start on immediately?”

Thankfully, he turned around.

“I have but you can start working on it tomorrow. For now, just do whatever it is that you always do,” he said.

I’ve been here for only three days and besides singing, cooking is the only thing I’ve been doing.  This is the problem with him – he can’t verbalize that he needs something from someone.  He relies on Bobby and Leila to do the talking and requesting for him.

I did not go the kitchen when I sneaked in earlier so it’s only now that I saw that the food I prepared last night are still there waiting for him.  I feel really bad.  These are delicious food.  Many will be glad to even have a bit of any of these and he left them here.

“What are you cooking today?” he asked.  I knew he’d show up anytime.

“I’m just reheating the food I left here for you,” I said.

“Are they still good?” he asked. He stopped for a minute and looked at me.

I figured it’s because I’m wearing one of the new shirts I got from the package that his mother sent to him.

“They’re not spoiled yet.  I can still eat them.  There are people out there starving and would love taking these,” I said.

I heard him sigh.  He must have felt my disappointment for not eating the food and taking them for granted.

“I cooked a fresh batch for you.  Here,” I told him.

He got the tray and placed the plate of freshly cooked bacon and spam and his drinks on it.  He went back to his office.  He said “okay”, which I translate to “thank you”.

My throat hurts from singing and I kind of memorize the corners of the guesthouse so I figured it’s best to spend the afternoon by the pool later today.

“I’ll go to the pool this afternoon.  I’ll have some snacks,” I said.

“Sure,” he said without looking at me.

“My gosh, this guy is really something.  I wonder if all genius people are like him,” I told myself.

I packed some snacks and sandwiches to eat while I entertain myself sitting by the pool.  It’s refreshing to see the surrounding looking so clean and the air is so fresh. Humans are main pollutants of the earth. It’s doesn’t sound nice but keeping us inside our houses does good for the environment.

I soak my legs into the warm water of the pool and it feels good. I stay in that position for a good number of minutes until I feel like I want to cry. I swing my legs to disturb the water and cause some ripples. 

“I don’t want to be here,” I said to myself but I guess I said it a little louder this time.

“Are you okay? Why are you not swimming?” Quim asked, which really startled me again this time.

I’m beginning to think that he’s spying on me.  He’s like a shadow that follows me wherever I go and I guess he has 1% dark motive for asking me why I am not swimming.  What I have in my closet wouldn’t even pass for a housedress, what more to be worn for swimming.

“I’m okay.  I’m actually enjoying a conversation with myself,” I said a little sarcastically.

Of course, he didn’t answer.  It’s really difficult to have a conversation with this guy who talks more to his computer than with humans. 

“I prepared some snacks,” I said.

He got some chips that surprised me.  Is he staying here too?

It’s going to be obvious if I suddenly pack up and leave him here so I decided to start and lead the conversation.

“My family always takes vacation every summer either here or abroad if we have extra money or there’s a good deal,” I started to say. 

I thought it’s best to say some facts than ask question to start the conversation with him.  This way, whether he answers or not, I can still continue talking.

“My Mom used to be our main cook but she transferred that task to my sister two years ago.  My sister is not good at cooking so we ended up ordering food in the last two years.”

“My assignment has always been sandwiches and snacks and Dad loves everything I prepare.”

“I’ve been looking forward to that this year. Now that I have a job, I can contribute to our expenses.  Perhaps, we can go somewhere more grand.”

“It’s always best to hang out with family no matter how annoying some of them could be,” I said.  It’s the last I said because I no longer have anything else to say and he’s still not saying even a word.

I drink water as a break.  My mouth turned dry after talking non-stop.

“Was it your sister who sent your resume to our recruitment staff?” he asked after a few minutes.  He must’ve digested first everything I said but it really surprised me that he knew that specific detail about my sister meddling with my application to his company.

“Yes, she did,” I answered.

“I hope she’s not sorry for sending it and for you being hired in my company,” he said.

I don’t know if I should yes but it’s not good to say.  I realized this guy is a conversation killer.  He answers or says something and that’s the end of the talk.

“Ah, forget about what I said.  It’s nonsense,” he said. He must’ve guessed it like the other day when he said something about his job while our topic was supposed to be about food.

“My sister always checks on me here.  She’s a little worried but I said there’s no reason for that,” I said.

He just nodded.  Perhaps, nodding is better than saying something.

“Your cooking isn’t bad,” he said. He already complimented my cooking twice already.

“Thank you.  I told Bobby I’d cook for him one day,” I said naturally.

He looked at me.

“I hope Bobby could join us here too,” I said.

He looked at me again. “Bobby?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered with a bit of hesitation.  I am not quite sure if it’s wrong to mention his name.

“But why should he join us here? He has a house and he’s lucky to be in his own home during this time,” he asked.

I couldn’t think of a better reason.  I didn’t even know there had to be reason.  I thought they’re friends and it’s natural for them to see each other.

“He’s even luckier that…,” he said but did not continue. “Anyway, I’ll get one of these.  You know the drill – I’ll close the house at 9PM,” he said instead before grabbing one of the sandwiches I prepared. 

“Is there anything you want for dinner but of course only breakfast menu?” I asked like a true servant.

He shook his head.  “Tomorrow, please come to my office.  We already need to work,” he said and that a little warmer version of him turned cold once again.