1

"Lily, close after ten minutes," said boss M.

"Okay man," I answered.

I laughed when I saw him wince. It's really stupid. So there is no joy.

I continued to work until we closed. I went to the staff room to tidy up and get my things.

When I left, I went to boss M's office again to say goodbye. I knocked three more times before opening the door.

I didn't go in because I just wanted to say goodbye.

"I'm leaving," I said.

"Alright be careful," he answered while focusing on the computer screen. He was still looking down while scrolling the mouse.

"Hey, I don't love you, don't worry."

Because of what I said, he immediately looked at me and glared at me.

"Go home."

"Alright man. Just shoot it. When you wake up tomorrow it won't be there," I said laughing and closed the door.

When I came out, I saw Cali waiting for me. We will go home together today because they want to sleep over. Then I also want to tell Cali what happened in my studies.

We took a jeep and in a few hours we were at the opposite side of the apartment. One of the things I liked about this apartment is that it is on the highway and still close to my work. So it's easy to get in and go home.

"Too bad I didn't bring wine," Cali said while we were eating dinner.

I scooped some rice before answering him. "Hey Cali, that's bad. You're so broken, aren't you?"

"Yes. You are pure alcohol," agreed Wella.

"After just five shots, you're already upset," I repeated.

Then we laughed.

"No! That depends on the alcohol I'm drinking. I'm strong with c2Gin. Then we're drinking beer?! Besides, I'm not broke! I don't have any money and I'll still be broke? You're crazy! I'm not broke broken!" Cali said.

"Why are you yelling?! You're still drunk bro!" I said.

"We're both broke!" Wella.

And speaking of...

"Do you know of any part time?" I will ask.

"Huh why? Have you stayed at the ramen house?" Wella asked.

"No," I answered.

"Why do you still need part time? How are you studying?" Cali asked.

Wella and I looked at each other before I answered.

"I've dropped..." I said softly and bowed slightly.

I even played with the food in front of me.

"Huh?! Sem Iris is about to end and you still dropped?"

When I told them that I was going to school again, Cali was very happy. He was not able to continue his studies because of the hardships of life. He was in his third year of college when he stopped studying. And prefer to help the family by working early.

So now I understand his reaction. In the few years we have been friends, we are treated like brothers. Especially Cali, because she is the oldest of us. She is like a third mother to me.

I explained to them what happened. And they immediately understood.

"That's fine. I'll just go back next school year. So for now, I want to get a job and save money. I want part time to supplement that as well," I said. "Do you know anything?"

"I will ask my boss tomorrow if they will accept a maid," said Cali. I nodded.

"I want you to be admitted to Tita again because you know that we haven't heard from Mama for five months. Then the rent payment is always delayed."

"Well don't bring that to aunt Injang. You'll just run out of plates," Cali said laughing.

"Then you're going to let him in with your boss?"

"What I'm going to say is to feed the dog."

"Hey you're too bad for me! I'm used to housework! Can I live for almost two years alone if I don't?" I said in shock.

Sometimes our friends are really our number one supporters. But usually, they are our number one bashers.

"Why don't you try your job fair at the mall tomorrow. I heard from the people I rode in the jeep with," Wella said as she washed the dishes.

Cali and I were in the living room, waiting for him to finish so we could sleep in my room.

They must be in the other room. Because that's where they sleep when they're here. But Cali said it's not a sleepover when we don't share the room.

"Okay then. What are the requirements?" I will ask. I'm going tomorrow, it's totally my day-off.

"Hmm, that's what I don't know. Try stalking the Mall's F******k page. Maybe the information for tomorrow's job fair is posted there."

I took my cellphone that was on my mini center table in the living room. I searched the name of the mall.

Resumes, valid IDs, and other important documents are needed tomorrow

"Or just take the money that my mom gives to my aunt," he suggested.

I immediately shook my head. "I do not want."

"Alright....but if there's really nothing....come to us. Don't be selfish. Learn to share."

I nodded and secretly smiled. Even though my life is difficult, I am still thankful because they are there.

After Wella washed up, they decided to let us watch a romantic movie they saw on F******k. I made our snacks while they were looking for our audience.

Before we went to sleep, they helped me organize the things I would need for tomorrow.

The next day I woke up early. The two people next to me were still asleep so I slowly got up. I first went to the bathroom to wash up.

After I went to the kitchen to cook our breakfast. I just cooked simple fried rice, hotdog, and eggs. Then I also made coffee for the three of us.

Right after I served, they left the room.

"Good morning!"

"The smell of that fried rice!"

The three of us sat down at the table. After that, I left them there to take a shower and get ready.

I was wearing only black slacks on my chin and an olive green long sleeve polo. I also brought a black blazer in case non-formal attire is not allowed. Mine is only semi-formal. Then I also put on my black converse. I don't have any other shoes but those and a pair of white sneakers.

"That's nice," Cali said as I left the room.

I flipped my hair and posed in front of them. "Is it alright? Can I replace Gigi Hadid?"

"You know you're going to be late, go find a job," Wella said, pushing me away.

"Oh he's fine, I know that's where everything starts. You'll be a maid first and then in the future... a millionaire!" I said.

"Then you went from cashier to Victoria's Secret Angel? You're free to dream," said Cali.

"Tse!"

"But seriously, I hope you can find a job there so you can go to school again."

"Yes mom C," I answered Cali.

"Life is colorful~" Wella continued to sing.

"To the knorr given vegetables!"

"Hey kids, you can't memorize the lyrics! You're fake watchers!"

I got off the jeep when I was in front of the mall.

I took the elevator up to the third floor. The job fair will be held there. When I arrived, I immediately saw the number of people.

The guard gave me a piece of paper and I filled it out. Then he gave me a card number. I'm at 0810 in the pick.

So it's really good that I had breakfast. Because I'm going to be hungry here.

"Number 0756!"

"Number 0757!"

"Number 0758!"

Earlier at 11:45 they gave out free sandwiches and water. It's a good thing, because there might be many fainting here due to the combined heat and hunger.

Even if the entire mall is on AC, it's inevitable that you'll get hot. Especially since you are in a crowded area.

I took my handkerchief and wiped sweat. I also looked at my cell phone camera to check my appearance. The light make-up I put on earlier is a bit messy.

So I retouched slightly. It's embarrassing to face it later looking sweaty. Maybe later the requirement includes the appearance of your face.

If you are stingy...charing. My poverty exists again.

Then I took a black hairclip and put it on my hair. Even though my hair is not that long I still get hot.

I even turned the folder I was holding into a fan to dry my sweat. For fresh looking and presentable later.

I'm still pretty close.

"Number 0805!"

"It's 0806!"

I'm finally close. I took my cellphone out of my bag again when I felt it vibrate.

I also saw the time and it was three o'clock in the afternoon. I was here at nine o'clock yesterday.

I have a text from Wella.

Wella:

Mars, let's go together if you're still here at the mall, I'll be here to buy materials for the project

3:14pm

Me: I'm

still in line huh but I'm almost

3:15pm

Wella:

Go ahead and text me when you're done, we'll wait beybeh

3:15pm

I was about to reply to Wella but I heard my number.

"Number 0810!"

I stood up and went to the front. There were three tables there and the one who called me was the one in the middle table.

I sat on the chair and handed the folder I was holding to the woman.

She opened it and I watched how the woman checked the contents of my papers.

"Hmm, so you don't have any experience other than being a cashier. You're only a high school graduate. But maybe you know how to do housework?"

"Yes, I know how to wash, wash and cook."

"What can you cook?"

Dead.

"Hotdog, egg, fried rice—"

"So basically you only know how to cook breakfast? What about soupy meals? Do you know how?"

"Yes."

"Oh, okay, what can you cook with the soup? Tinola? Porridge?"

"Uh...instant noodles," I said and bowed.

"How's the job search going?" Wella asked me while waiting for our order at Mcdo.

"Hug please," I said.

"Okay later at home."

When our order arrived, we immediately ate and went home.

I fell asleep early due to exhaustion. Sister Mary and I will meet again tomorrow. He will explain something to me about the job he is offering me.

To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to accept his offer and meet him tomorrow. But when he said the amount of the salary, I lost my doubts and agreed to meet him tomorrow.

I didn't even tell my friends, because I wasn't sure that I would really be blessed with a job when I met sister Mary.

That same night I prayed that I would have a job tomorrow. So that I can continue my studies.

The next day I woke up late. So I quickly took a shower and got dressed. While tying my shoes, my cellphone vibrated.

Sister Mary texted and said she was close to our meeting place. I replied that I might be five minutes late. Then I easily arranged myself to leave.

***

When I arrived at our meeting place, I saw sister Mary already sitting there. I approached and pulled the chair in front of him.

"Sorry, I woke up late," I apologized.

"No, it's okay. So, let's order first?"

I ordered the cheapest breakfast meal here. Then sister Mary ordered a three-course breakfast meal.

"Okay so let's start. First I want to ask if you are really determined to find a job," he asked.

I nodded twice. "I'm very determined. And I really need a job right now. I want to continue my studies."

I saw the smile on sister Mary's lips. Compared to yesterday, I feel more comfortable with him today. He is wearing different clothes now. Yesterday he was wearing an all-black outfit and even his fan was black. Now she is wearing a white top and pastel pink slacks on her chin.

"Like I said yesterday, you will invest a lot here. Maybe after two or three years of working, you can continue your studies."

When he said that, I became even more intrigued as to what my job would be. But because of the salary, an idea came to my mind.

"H-Maybe it's not about selling the body, is it?"

I was surprised because of sister Mary's sudden laughter. A few of our fellow customers looked at our table.

"No of course not, hija! You're awesome, it's a decent job and you get a decent salary too."

"I'm sorry. Something just came to my mind. I'm also a little nervous," I said shyly.

"Hija, you have nothing to fear and worry about. You are safe here," he said. "The salary is big because it's full time work. Can't you leave a job if you're hired by us?"

I immediately thought of Ramen House.

"Uh, I have one job at a ramen house. But my contract there isn't over yet," I said.

Sister Mary couldn't answer right away because our order arrived. After I landed, I immediately drank the iced coffee I ordered.

I was so nervous that I drank some more coffee. Lord...

"How about that? We need a full time worker here. Just leave that and come to me. I'm sure you'll earn double or triple with me," said sister Mary and take a bite of rice.

Even though my salary at the ramen house is not high, this is still the reason why I was able to survive alone. And then I still need to talk to Boss M.

"Alright, I've only been at my job for over a month. Can you wait for more than a month? I promise after my contract expires I will come in right away. I will not renew. As long as I am sure of your big salary."

"Oh okay, hija. Just call me right away, okay? Then we'll meet again and I'll tell you what kind of job it is."

***

Tomorrow is my last day here at the ramen house. Time is really fast now. And I still haven't been able to tell boss M about my plan.

I know he expected me to renew my contract. I tried to tell him several times because he is always in a bad mood. Then sometimes it doesn't come in. So I can't tell him.

But today I found him in a good mood on my last day. So now I will tell him before we close.

Time flies too fast. Five minutes before closing, I thought of going to see boss M. There were only a few customers.

Old habit, I knocked before entering. I caught him facing his computer screen again and holding a calculator.

He didn't look at me so I sat in the front seat.

"Brother..."

"What? Is it okay outside? Get close then."

"There are a few more customers. After them we will close."

"Why are you here? Help them there," he finally turned to me.

"I have something to say.

"Yes, I know. I will print tomorrow for your renewal."

I swallowed before speaking. "Brother Mark, boss M or sir Mark. I want to say that I am very thankful to you, because of your acceptance and help. But for now....I'm not going to sign the contract, sorry," then I bent down and played with my finger.

"Lily....I also want to thank you for being such a wonderful and good employee. If I were only your teacher, your report card would be A+. I can still recall your first day here. You were so young and immature back then. Then half of your salary goes to things that break or get damaged in the kitchen. And I want you to know that you are not allowed to leave. It's not possible, you have to renew the contract tomorrow. Because your salary is not enough for all the damage you did before. You'll pay for it, Lily."

That's when I looked up at him. "Po?! What you are deducting from my salary is not enough? What if I report you to the DOLE?!"

Then he laughed. My boss is really crazy.

"Just kidding! You're high-blooded! And I'll be honest with you. What you've said right now was quite disappointing. But I cannot force you to work for us forever," he laughed softly. "So I want you to know that it's okay for you to go. And if you want to work here again, please do so. Because I would gladly accept you. Your new boss is lucky."

My eyes watered because of what he said. Just kidding, we only worked together for a few years....he has this much attachment and trust in me.

Brother Mark is a good person, even if sometimes he is grumpy and strict

. "Thank you very much. I will definitely come back here. Not as a worker, but as a customer. Maybe I will buy your ramen house," I said.

"Just don't come back. Yes, that's right, don't."

We talked again, boss M talked. Before we closed the ramen house. After that, I went home.

When I arrived at the apartment, I told Wella and Cali. Their feedback was good and they also supported me in my plan.

That same night, I texted sister Mary to meet tomorrow before I went to work. He immediately agreed and gave us an address where we could meet.

***

I'm already in front of the apartment, waiting for the jeep. Going to our meeting place with sister Mary.

A black SUV parked in front of me, instead of a jeep.

I stepped back when I saw it come down.

Mama and I immediately met our eyes. I can see the sadness in his eyes. I looked away and looked for a jeep coming.

"Son."

My chest started to tighten when I heard that voice.

I felt him walk closer to me so I immediately walked away.

"Iris son!

I didn't pay attention to that, I just continued walking. I didn't even realize that I was crying.

While walking, I was also wiping the tears that were falling.

"Son! Iris child!"

"Iris! Don't be rude and talk to your mom!"

Ha.

I stopped walking because my ears felt like they were ringing when I heard that voice.

I faced them with tears in my eyes. Mama did the same thing and took careHenry.

"What did you say? Rude?" I said almost sarcastically. "I'm still the rude one? But as far as I know....that's you, isn't it? So why are you throwing the words you deserve?"

"Iris! "Don't talk to your uncle Henry like that," said Mama.

Oh, isn't it? There he is again.

That's why I don't want to face him and talk to him. He won't listen to me and defend Henry.

Because of t As far as Henry is concerned, I'm always wrong. I'm always bad. I'm always at fault. I'm the rude son

. me. I've been telling you that over and over again. Please, just listen to me," I said while looking directly into Mama's eyes. "I told you to show me when you are ready to listen and believe me."

I was just dumbfounded inside. of the coffee shop where sister Mary and I were going to meet. I only realized when my cellphone vibrated because of the call.

Sister Mary calling...

"Hello?"

"Hija! I'm sorry I'm a little late. I'm still taking care of something, but it's almost finished. Can I just wait? Doncha wuri, I'll come."

"It's fine. I'm still not at the meeting place. Take your time," I lied because I've been waiting for him here for five minutes. I had

already ordered for us. But I didn't serve it yet and said I'll just serve it when sister Mary is here.

"Thatwhat? Oh come on, don't forget the requirement I'm sending, right?"

"Yes, it's already in my bag."

"Oh he's alright, hija. Sey you leytir," he answered before hanging up.

I got up to go to the rest room. I need to get ready because I feel like my face still has traces of what happened earlier.

I went to the rest room and washed my hands before washing up. . Then I put a little foundation on my face to cover my paleness. I

also applied lip tint and combed my hair.

back to my table and just looked outside.

inside me seems to miss this scenario in my life.' When I go to coffee shops after school or to do a review. Sometimes when I'm waiting for my driver. I

stopped looking back when someone sat in front of me.

"Sorry hija, I was also taking care of a client because there was still traffic! Just when will the traffic be smooth here in the Philippines? Anyway, let's start."

Before I gave him my folder, the waiters served what I ordered. Two slices of cake, an iced coffee, a macchiato because that's what sister Mary ordered from our first meeting and a pasta.

"Oh!already ordered," he said.

"Yes, I'll make it up to you,"

"You're so thoughtful hija. Thank you."

I just smiled at him.

"So these are the requirements you told me to bring," I handed him the folder I brought to the job fair.

He took it and read it carefully. I, on the other hand, drank I iced my coffee.

Then he returned the other papers and separated one.

"I'm sorry hija, I sent a lot but all I need is your birth certificate."

"Po? Why is it just like that? Don't you need a resume and—"

"The only important thing is the birth certificate. Because this is what our editors do."

"Editors? What will you imitate?"

"Shoot. Okay so first, let's talk about where you will work. So for sure you know HBLE? That big entertainment company here in our country?"

"Yes," I answered.

Don't tell me that's where I work?!

"Yes hija, you will work there," said sister Mary as if she read my mind. "

Ah, is it a janitress? That's okay with me. But what does the salary for a janitress look like?" I asked.

Sister Mary laughed at what I said.

"Silly, you're not going to be a janitress."

"So what?"

"Before we jump the conversation there. I haven't formally introduced myself to you yet. Marybeth Soriano is my name. I am 32 years old, married and I have a daughter. I work in a recruiting agency. We help people to get a job from local jobs to international jobs," he said at length. "And now, we are looking for people who need works ages from 23-35 years old."

"23 to 35 po? How about that, I'm only 19."

"I know hija. That's why we have editors in our company. We'll just fake your birth year and your relationship status..."

"Come on, isn't that illegal? Besides, I might end up in jail?" I asked a little nervously.

"No no hija, besides that's all the gossip about yourself." Something is

whispering in my mind to back off. Because I might get hurt here. I want more graduate.

"Wouldn't that also harm me?"

sister Mary took a drink from her macchiato before answering me.

"Yes hija this is safe and legal. The company will answer if there is a problem. 'Do not worry. And I understand your reaction. The reaction was the same when my client was going to work with you earlier. And guess what? She still accepted the job. Because she wants to provide her brother's needs."

'It's like your studies, Lily Iris. You won't be harmed,' I said to myself.

"Are you sure it's safe? I just want to be able to study."

"You're one hundred percent safe here hija," he said with a smile and took a bite of a slice of cake.

"That's the change in my relationship status. What do you mean?"

"Actually, we have two problems that need to be processed and trained for one week so that you are fit to work. Yes, just one week is that easy. The first one is your age. You should be at least 22 or 23 years old before you get the job. The next one is your relationship status which I've already mentioned."

"Yes. What is this for," I said, unable to wait.

"Because...." he came to the table and motioned for me to come. "Only few people know this. Before you work at HBLE...you should be married or at least had a kid or children."

Mary's words literally made my mouth

n't know there was such a policy at HBLE. Besides security of their company, which is very strict, it's the same with working there.

Sister Mary and I arranged a seat. I drank and drank more because of what I found out.

"So...I'm going to pretend to have a wife and a child ?"

"You can choose which one you prefer. Either you're married or you have a child."

I thought. If I pretend to have a child, what if they look for my child? Our pictures? Who can I borrow a child from?

"Just get married. But what if they look for wedding pictures? Who is my husband? What is his job?"

"Hija.... I already said we have editors for that. And the company will be responsible for this. So I want to know is are you willing to take this job?"

Sister Mary and I looked at each other. Her eyes are also very beautiful. I also saw beautiful eyes. I can't remember her face anymore. Those eyes are hers.'s all I remembered.

Crescent-shaped eyes.

"But Sister Mary, you still didn't tell me what my job would be. How can I answer that?"

Sister Mary laughed. It was so fun. She probably didn't have a problem thinking about it. She was probably just thinking about what gold ring would fit her thumb finger.

"Yes, by the way. Basically your job here is a production staff of HBLE. And their prod team is divided into five or ten teams. But the most important is the technical prod, cameraman and script writers prod, planners and the one who creates schedule for their concerts and any other events to attend, music and dance prod, stylists, and their make-up artist prod. You see, it's just like school clubs that you join."

"In the prod teams, where can I get into that?"

"In HBLE you can be transferred to different prods every three months. That's because, they want all the employees to explore and experience each work on the prod team. So now you are qualified for the planners and scheduler prod team. And then after three months, you can be assigned to another prod team. That's why we also provide one week training because of that. Sometimes the management chooses where they will transfer you. But sometimes, they let the employee choose," sister Mary explained.

Because of that, I was even more intrigued to try working with sister Mary.

"Okay. I agree," I said.

"Really? Are you sure about that?"

I nodded. "Yes. But once I get hurt or something I don't like....I'll leave right away."

"Hmm okay sure, so let's discuss more. It's like you know everything and you can be reassured."

"Sure," I replied.

"Next is, their employees also have privileged or benefits. Aside from the high salary, the company also offers free mini apartments. It is the employees' choice if they stay in using the company's free mini apartment or go home to their respective homes. Mostly their stay in workers are those who already have children."

"There are many benefits of working at HBLE. Their CEO must be very rich," I said laughing in amazement.

"What do you expect? Two of their group artists are famous and three are soloists. Everyone was nominated and won national and international awards."

It's great. HBLE is really a very big company. Can I afford

to work there? I nodded. I've made up my mind. I'll accept it.

"Alright. Please do what needs to be changed or added."

"Okay then. It's a closed deal. After this, I will work on your papers. Then you'll have your training. The training will also discuss the other things you need to know," said sister Mary.

"Okay. Just call or text. I'll wait for that."

"Yes hija, and I almost forgot to mention this. Why is HBLE still looking for workers when they already have a lot of employees there?"

Yes, no? What is going on and why are they still looking.

"We heard that HBLE is going to launch a survival talent show so they are looking for workers. And I guess you will be assigned there before their main company. It'll launch to the public on September 9 and the show will start on September 17."

Sister Mary and I talked to finalize everything. But I'm still a little nervous that I don't know. But sister Mary gave a great assuranceI

'm afraid of is what if they catch me or find out that everything about me is fake?

's a big company, I'm sure I'll be in jail right away.

How is my education going?

Sister Mary and I stood up and shook hands.

"Thankyou for accepting this job offer. Thank you for the trust on me and on our agency. We promised to give you a pleasant and comfortable job," he said, waking up.

"Thank you too. Maybe when I have saved up, I can get you back too. Thank you very much."

"You don't have to but thank you. I hope this job will help you to finish your education. I'm sorry for pulling you then."

I laughed.

"No, that's not the case, maybe if you didn't pull me I wouldn't be able to find a job that would help me go back to school."

The response was just a smile with sister Mary. Then we walked out of the coffee shop.

"Thank you very much," I finally said.

I turned around and was ready to walk away when he called me again.

"Miss Lily Iris," he called.

turnedme again. "Po?"

"Happy birthday," then he turned his back on me and walked away.

I just watched sister Mary's back as she was walking away from me. Then she took a deep breath.

my birthday.

Maybe that's why she came in the apartment. To congratulate me. It

's my birthday but the gift to me was too bad just this morning.

* * *

I quickly got ready in the staff room because I was late. I didn't have a ride earlier.

I was in the middle of punching the order of a student when the telephone rang.

I looked at it and saw that boss M was no longer there. Where is he? that?

Later I will say that when he leaves his table, he should put a staff there.

"157 pesos," I said to the student.

He reached 200 pesos and was immediately repaid because no one answered the telephone.

I put the sign "Next Counter Please" and went to the noisy telephone.

But before I could answer that, the call died.

Then immediately it rang.

"Moshi-moshi! Jutsiken Ramen House! Good afternoon, Ma'am/Sir, what's your order?"

"Is this Lily?"

Huh? Who is this?

"Yes, speaking. Do I know who this is?"

"Really? Do you still work there? Because every time I order for delivery, you're not the one who answers the call and delivers."

He is in tears. Who is this?

Is this my stalker? Charing.

"Yes sir, I'm still working here. I'm not the one assigned for deliveries. Again, who is this? Are you ordering?" I will ask.

"Ah, that's right. But why did you answer and deliver last time?"

What a skin it is.

I took a deep breath. Patience Lily, that's a customer. Customer's always right, right?

But that's a lot to say. Only order should be said but what nonsense is being said.

"Excuse me sir ha—"

"Why would you excuse yourself, eh I am not blocking your way?"

Well, still philosophizing. I suddenly remembered our customer's attitude.

The one with beautiful eyes, but attitude and feeling close!