Chapter 3: Inevitable Truth

Cassandra's POV:

It’s past eight in the evening and I can't force myself to sleep. I am feeling homesick. I miss my old bedroom. I miss my soft comfortable bed and the peaceful feeling. I miss the people I am closed with, their smiles and kindness. The hacienda was indeed my place of refuge.

Going back to reality, the house we are renting is forty-two square meters, a two-story house with two bedrooms, a typical unit.

The living room on the first floor is nice, you’ll notice a flat-screen t.v., placed at the right part, a glass table in the center, a large couch on the right and two smaller couches on the left. There is a window that overlooked the neighborhood.

The kitchen is on the left part of the house, and the stairs going up are also there. Behind it is the refrigerator, and the sink. The comfort room is in the corner.

Up here on the second floor is the bedroom. One for me and my mom. Her bedroom is much bigger compared to mine, but that's fine with me.

My current bed is small, just enough for one person, unlike my old queen size bed at the hacienda where I can stretch my legs comfortably while resting.

I know that mom feels the same way, she's just trying to look okay in front of me. Smiling but hurting deep inside. She's not used to this kind of life. Although the place is homey, the kitchen is complete with amenities, it is quite far from our former lives. Back then, the maids are serving us everything we need. Now, we have to do everything by ourselves.

Our do-it-yourself dinner earlier was epic! The rice was burnt, the meat wasn't evenly cooked, and the vegetables were overcooked. Nonetheless, we ate our dinner together and just laugh at the results of our efforts. So much for our first time.

Aside from this strange feeling of homesickness, I am disturbed by the thought that Kyle Sebastian is in love with someone else. By the way, he looked at that woman, I know that he cares for her. Those pair of hazel eyes told me so.

Those pair of expressive eyes captured my heart a long time ago. Those lips that sweetly say the words of love. Those strong arms that once hold me tightly. I even dreamt of him being the man I’d cherish forever. I thought, nothing would separate us but I am mistaken. People change, and so is our feelings.

No matter how I dreamt of us being together again, it is quite impossible nowadays. The gap between us now is too wide that no bridge could span it.

“I shouldn’t be thinking about you anymore. I have to sleep early because I will look for a job tomorrow.” I said to myself as I grab my pillow and place it on my face.

* * * * *

“I am sorry Miss, we already hired someone.”

“I am sorry, we have no vacant position right now.”

“We’ll just call you.”

I am tired of hearing those lines anymore. 

It’s Wednesday, noon and I’ve been receiving rejections from the companies I applied for. I am starting to feel hopeless. I’ve been looking for a job for two days now.

I am physically and mentally tired. My head is aching a bit because of the heat and humidity. It feels like my whole body is shaking with tiredness and maybe with hunger.

I got my wallet and looked at the bills inside. “I don’t have much time and money to waste,” I said as I placed it back in my bag.

If my calculations were correct, my money will last only for two months. The house rent is quite expensive enough to maintain, on top of that are the electricity, water, and food expenses.

The requirements and clearances for the job application also cost a lot of money. So I need to pull this off.

But I never imagined that looking for a job is this hard. I tried applying at the company of my dad’s associates before but not one of them hired me. It seems like they don’t know us anymore. 

The reality hurts, people only know us when we had everything but don’t care now that we have nothing. Now that we needed help most.

“Can I have your order now, ma’am?”

A young male waiter approaches me holding a menu. I almost forgot that I am in a restaurant, chillin’ for a moment. I ordered water earlier as thoughts and concerns overwhelmed me.

I got the menu and scan it. Looking for cheaper food.

“Yes, please. Give me this and this.” I pointed to the sauteed shrimp with rice and some veggie salad.

“Right away ma’am,” the waiter said as I give him back the menu.

Moments later, the food was served and I ate them in silence. Thinking about mom at home. If she took his lunch or not. I can't afford to go home, it’s just a waste of money and time. Besides, I don't want to see her concerned look again whenever I went home jobless. This time, I want to go home with good news.

After a satisfying meal, I felt recharged and energetic. I can feel that I can get a job this time.

I got my wallet, grab some money, and placed my bill on the table with a small tip. Just for good luck.

Before going out, I decided to go to the comfort room and fix myself. I placed light makeup on my cheeks and lipstick. I comb my loose hair. After checking myself and being satisfied with how I looked, I entered one of the cubicles.

But before I could pee, I heard someone talk outside.

“Have you seen her?”

“Who?”

“Cassandra Regaña, of course. The apple of the eye of our university way back in college.”

“Really? I hardly recognize her. I heard that she’s not a ‘Princess’ anymore. Is that true?”

“Yes. There are rumors that her father lost their richness in a gamble.”

“No way! The princess became a pauper? How ironic!” she laughs.

“Yeah, how unlucky. I also heard that she’s looking for a job to sustain their needs, she applied at the company of her father’s colleagues before but none of them hired her.”

“Is that so?”

“Uh-oh. They don’t want to associate themselves with the Regaña family anymore.”

“Poor girl. ”

They both laughed and the last thing I heard is the door closing.

I got out of the cubicle with tears in my eyes. It felt like all of my energy left me. I can hardly walk.

My whole body is shaking with rage. How dare they gossip about what happened to us?! Instead of showing some concern, they just laughed at our misfortunes.

“Me? A pauper? Huh!” I talked to myself while staring at my reflection in the mirror. I tried to laugh but tears were streaming down my face. 

The reality hurts but hearing rumors from other people, together with their violent opinions, hurts more. But I can't blame them either. What they’re saying is true.

I can’t control or stop the gossip about our family but I can still control my feelings and emotions. I’m tired of crying and dwelling on our situation.

I wiped the tears from my eyes and faked a smile. “A pauper?! Really? So what?!”

I got out of the comfort room as if nothing happened.

* * * * *

“How’s your day?” mom asked me while holding a cup of coffee. I took the cup and sip a bit.

I was sitting in a chair here on the veranda and looking at the stars. The sky is clear and not a cloud in sight. A peaceful view. It’s already nine in the evening.

She sits in front of me and gave me a concerned look.

“Mom. I’m okay. I can do this.” I assured her. But it’s more like I am convincing myself. “You’ll see before this week ends, I found myself a job.”

Mom didn’t say a word. She just looks and observes the neighborhood. 

Some people are still wide awake at this hour. Some are chatting with each other beside a small store nearby. Some just got out of work and walked on the street. A few children are playing. A typical way of living here in the City.

“I miss the fresh air and serenity of the hacienda. The people.” mom said her thoughts out loud. Her eyes are clouded with sadness and longing.

“I know. I miss them too mom.” I got up and hugged her tight. “We’ll get through this. I promise.”

* * * * * *

It’s ten minutes past ten o’clock and the sun is high and proud. I am walking on one of the busiest streets here in Palo. People rushing here and there. 

Me? I am heading my way to a Hotel, hoping that they need an accountant.

“Good morning.” I greeted the guard outside the gate. Behind him lies the beautiful and elegant four-star hotel.  

“Good morning. What can I do to help you miss?”

“I am looking for a job. By any chance, does the hotel looks for an accountant or any position therein?”

“I’m sorry miss. You're a bit late. Last week, the hotel organized a series of job openings together with the Local Government Unit. ”

“Is that so?” with a weak smile.

“Yeah. Haven't you heard? It was a big event, many job seekers like you were hired-on-the -on the spot. I also heard that even small companies and establishments participated in the event. So to be honest with you, the chance of you getting hired at this moment is very rare. Why didn’t you participate, anyway?”

“I wasn’t informed.” I just lied.

“Sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah. Better get going. Thanks for the small chat.”

“No problem. Best of luck.” the guard waves goodbye.

After hearing that news, I felt that my world went upside down. I felt weak.

“So this is the reason why I was rejected several times,” I said to myself as I sit on the shady road. Behind my back is a big tall tree.

“Why didn’t I notice it before? The clues were there. They’re just too modest to tell it straight to my face. If it wasn’t because of the guard, I would still be in the streets, looking for positions already occupied.” I can’t help but talk to myself like a crazy person.

“So the saying is quite true that when it rains, it pours. I’m doomed!” I placed my hands on my face out of despair.

* * * *

I don’t know how long I was sitting here. All I know is that I allow myself idle for hours. I’ve been looking at and observing other people while walking past me.

In exchange, they all look at me with a strange looks. As if I am a bacteria inside a microscope. Might be wondering why I chose to sit on the road. Or they might think that I am crazy.

“It’s fifteen minutes past twelve.” I looked at my wristwatch and felt my stomach ache a bit. “I must be hungry.” I stood up and decided to just go home and try again tomorrow.

I walked on the busy street slowly, thinking of many things. Until I saw a piece of paper glued to a wall. I can’t believe it! Is this a flyer?!

“HIRING!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB?

KSG RICE MILL - PALO IS LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. Accountant

2. HR Officer;

3. Receptionist;

4. IT/IMS Staff; and 

5. Purchasing Officer

If you possess the proper qualifications, please submit your curriculum vitae to KSG PALO Human Resource Management via email to ksg.hro@g***l.com or at the 10th Floor, KSB Building, Palo, Leyte

#jobhiring

#AlwaysCaringwithExcellence”

I read the flyer for the second time before the thought sunk in.

“Yes! This is it!” I exclaimed. “I knew that I won’t go home jobless.” I smiled and walk my way to the KSG building.