CHAP 4

Amira's Point Of View

"Wake up, sleepy head." I uttered then kissed Nala on her forehead.

Six years, it's been six years since 'that thing' happened to me. I have to admit, I still haven't forgotten the bad things that he did to me. I thought that I wouldn't want Nala to live, but when I gave birth to her, everything changed. When I heard her cry and held her, it seemed that all my anger, problems and fears disappeared.

I smiled when I saw her slowly open her eyes. "Good Morning, Mom," she greeted while smiling then sat on the bed and hugged me tightly.

I also hugged Nala back then invited her to come to our small kitchen to eat.

"I'm sorry, baby. This are the only foods that Mom can give you for your breakfast," I said with a forced smile regarding to the egg and hotdog on the dining table.

My employee took all my savings away and ran with tons of money last month. I tried to look for him but no matter what I did I couldn't find him. Right now, I work as a Janitress in a company so that I can earn money and buy all our daily expenses.

"Mom, I'm done!" Nala said while smiling after brushing her teeth.

I took Nala's bag then we left the house together. When we got to her school, I immediately let her run to Eryl.  Eryl is Nala's teacher, she's my trustworthy friend. When I have work, I just pick her up at Eryl's house after my duty.

"Take care, baby, okay? Mom's just going to work for a while, is that okay Naomi Latasha?" I asked her.

"Yes, Mama! Don't worry about me," she uttered while smiling.

I left her with Eryl and immediately went to work. When I arrived, I greeted Kuya Pedro—one of the guards at the company—before rushing into the elevator.

"Do you know the gossip? Many people say that he's kind and handsome unlike his father who is very strict and rude!" An employee here at the company said.

We are currently here in the elevator. Even if I don't't want to listen to what they are talking about, I can't. Because the space is small and we are in the cubicle—one of the elevators.

"Oh! Is that so? When is he coming here in the Philippines? I'm excited to see him!!" Another employee said which is obviously thrilled.

I just braced myself by pretending to check my nails. Just as I looked back at the elevator door, it already opened causing me to exit.

Even though I'm a bit intrigued about what they were talking about, I didn't even bother to think. I have too many problems to think about anything else.

"Amira!"

I stopped walking when I suddenly heard Kieth's voice. Kieth is one of my closest friend here in our department. He is one of my good and understanding friends.

"Hey, Kieth! Are you on your vacant?" I asked when he finally got closer to me.

He nodded then heaved a deep breath that made me feel discombobulate with his action, "Is there a problem?" I asked.

"I will be the department head of our department," he uttered and for the second time around, he exhaled deeply.

I furrowed my brow causing his face expression to change. "Oh? Shouldn't you be happy? Kieth, your salary will increase and you will be the one to guide us!!" I spoke happily causing him to smile.

"I won't be able to be with you often when I get promoted," he said while pouting causing me to smile and pat him on the shoulder.

Kieth is a sweet and thoughtful friend. Even though I often feel irritated at his teasing, I haven't lost my respect for him on how he values Nala and me. Ever since I started working at this company, he has become one of my friends that I can say that I'm willing to trust with.

"What are you doing, Kieth? Accept the opportunity that is being given to you. I know that you know within yourself that you want to accept it so that you can help your Grandparents further. Accept that not just for for yourself, but also for the people who believe and love you," I uttered that made him smile.

Well, here's one of the things I liked about Kieth as a friend; he listens especially because he knows that what is being said to him of a person has a reason. He seems to be weighing his own opinion against other people's opinions. Which is really good.

"Thank you, Amira." He said while smiling.

I patted him on his shoulder again and goodbye to him with a smile, "I'll go first. You know, back to reality." I laughed then waved at him and went straight to my designated area to start working.

I wore in my uniform and started to organize the trolley that I would use for cleaning. I am the one who's assigned to the hallway of the 24th floor. This floor is as wide as any other floos. It's tiring, yes. But I have a child that needs to be raised, supported and taken care of so I am ready to be tired as long as I can provide all the needs of my daughter.

I didn't even bother arresting or even jailing my worker who stole my money because I knew there was bad karma that would hold him accountable.

Bad karma. I once again remembered the person who caused my trauma until now. Whenever there is a white or maybe a black van that I  acrossed with, my knees are shaking with fear because if the thinking that they might kidnap me and torture me again; especially hurt me again physically. But despite that, I didn't report him to the police. Other than that I know no one will believe me and I also have no evidence to show.

I am still thankful for what happened because I was given a good gift despite the hardships I experienced at the hands of that man. He gave me my daughter, Naomi Latasha. She is my life and has been my inspiration to continue and keep on going. Maybe without her I don't know how to start again. That I don't think I would still be here in this world if she didn't come into my life.

to be continued...