CHAPTER 1—Finding new job

FAYE

I counted the money in my wallet and saw that it was just enough for my fare today to go to different places to look for a job.

But I feel like this won’t be enough. The fare is getting really expensive.

I waved my hand because it was already so hot in the morning, and I was sweating profusely on my forehead. I exhaled loudly into the air. My head was also aching from the heat.

“You take care of Mama first, Francis, I need to find a job,” I said to my brother. I felt sorry for him because he would be going home later from school without any food.

Because I don’t have money to buy any. Most of the time, we only have soy sauce and oil for our meals, but even then, we manage to get by for a day.

The important thing here is to fill our stomachs with food, no matter what kind it is as long as there is rice.

“Okay, ate. What time should I give Mama her medicine?” he asked while letting go of his school bag, ready to leave, but saw that I was already dressed.

His round eyes were surrounded by black. He didn’t get enough sleep last night because he was taking care of Mama. My head hurt last night, and I couldn’t stay up.

“8:30 this morning, your class starts at 9:00 AM, right? And I might be late, okay? There's porridge for Mama in the kitchen. I'm sorry, that’s just for Mama. She can’t eat anything that isn’t soft anymore. Just bear with it for now, Francis. Once I get a job, I promise I’ll bring home delicious food,” I smiled and patted my brother’s head. He is the youngest; our eldest sibling has already married, and life is also hard there in Bulacan.

We actually live in Bulacan. My grandparents have a house—on my father’s side—which is where we are currently living—in San Juan City—and they said we could stay here anytime if we want to look for work here in Manila.

Our eldest sibling already has a child, a 5-year-old boy. He is currently studying pre-elementary.

As for our parents, Papa has passed away, it was 4 years ago when he died from cancer. We tried to save him, but after he underwent surgery, he left us. His body couldn’t handle it, plus Papa was already old, so probably his organs were weak, and he finally left us.

“I understand, ate. I’m not asking for more than this. But I hope, ate, even though you want to provide us a good life for Mama, please don’t neglect yourself. We love you so much,” Francis hugged me, so I kissed him on the head. I’m glad that my brother is so open-minded about these things.

Unlike me who is hot-headed, full of words, and doesn’t think properly. That’s why my life is like this; it’s my fault too. I often get into fights at work because of misunderstandings, and I, not having finished my studies, don’t know how to understand others.

But now, I promise myself it won’t happen again. I just woke up to the realization that even if I didn’t finish school, I should still be well-mannered and have good behavior. I learned that at home, and I learned it from my mom when she could still speak.

“I promise I will take care of myself. No one will hurt me anymore,” I whispered to him while looking in another direction.

What happened to me before will never happen again. I won’t let that happen again. If I need to fight, I will do it. I will use my courage.

“Come on, ate, you might not wait for a tricycle,” he gently pushed me.

I smiled to encourage him and finally left the house to head to town. I need a job to survive. I am the only one my two depend on.

I was scared when I saw a belt on the road, it was black, had a large buckle, and above all, it resembled the belt he used to hit me with back then.

I was overwhelmed and couldn't help but cry at what I saw. Suddenly, the painful memories from 3 years ago came rushing back. Almost every day, I experience the intense blows of a metal belt hitting my skin, especially on my thighs and back.

Thank God I was saved from hell.

I turned away from the black belt to avoid his gaze. I held my arm with the scar. It got hurt when he hit me. I will never forget that first time he punished me, which nearly killed me because of the pain and crying

I was already married then, he was Rome Wilson. Our life was simple, we both struggled in life because we were just staying at his Aunt Hailey's house. It was hard.

the money here is very limited and the cost of goods is very high, so our monthly income is not enough. The payment for electricity and water is also quite large.

We have been married for two years and we were boyfriend-girlfriend for one year. So we spent three years together.

He is so kind, really! He is a gentleman and you wouldn't see any signs that he is troubled even though we have so many problems as a couple. Whenever we fight, he is the one who comforts me even if I am the one at fault. During our arguments, he chooses to stay silent rather than engage with me, and whenever I have problems, he is there for me.

I am comfortable.

When the day arrived that my father got sick, my mother followed. We needed money for the operation for both of them. It would cost a million, where would I get a million? Even if we combined our salaries with Rome back then, it wouldn’t be enough. We couldn’t even manage food and basic bills. We were barely wearing new clothes and we were putting up with our torn ones.

Dad needs to undergo surgery for his kidney and intestines, while Mom has a heart condition that requires daily maintenance because if not, she will leave us early.

My mind was so blank during those moments that I committed a mistake that I regret to this day and will regret for the rest of my life.

Because of that mistake, some people lost trust in me.

Especially my love, he left my side. It is a great regret, to have let him slip away from me.

I miss Rome already...

I have been waiting for years to have a chance to see him again, but it seems that is unlikely now.

Along with my dreams now is to see him and embrace him again, above all, to get back together as a couple. My promise is that once I get out of the hellish life I had, I will find him, explain myself, kneel down, and beg him to take me back.

I have also visited their place before—Aunt Hailey's house—but I just backed out because of my shyness to face him. I know that anger has built up in his heart because of my leaving, and I hope he gives me a second chance to correct all my mistakes.

Suddenly, a piece of paper flew onto my face. I noticed it was a poster. I was about to throw it away when I noticed something…

We’re Hiring! Join our TechInnovation Department! Open position:

Information Technology Software worker

A new secretary for the company

Programmer

AI designer and Cartoon designer

I scratched my head. I am not interested in the positions. I just threw this away because they require a high level of education.

How about me, right? I admit that sometimes I can be clueless.

I didn't realize that as I was traveling, I had already arrived in Makati. The journey took 30 minutes. I still have enough money to go home.

I went to a city and was looking at the tarpaulins and banners if they were hiring.

I was just scratching my head because I couldn't find anything. I regretted throwing away the poster earlier.

"Hello, finding a job?" a woman dressed very formally approached me. She wore glasses, had her hair in a bun, and was dressed as if she worked at a big company.

She looked like she was only in her 30s.

"Yes..." my voice showed how desperately I wanted a job. You can't blame me; I really need money for my family. "Why did you ask?" Am I really that obvious in looking for a job?

Well, I was looking up here and there.

"What do you think, Arlo?" she asked her companion who was also wearing glasses. They both wore formal attire. They looked good and handsome. "We are running out of time. We only have two days given by Sir to find new applicants."

The woman was carrying a folder, and the man had a black bag that looked like a laptop bag.

"Are you a college graduate?" asked the one called Arlo.

"I'm an undergraduate; I didn't finish high school," I answered shyly and looked down.

Because of the difficulties in life, I couldn't finish my studies and just got married at a young age.

Rome and I only had a civil marriage, and until now, I still wear our wedding ring... even though we have annulled our marriage.

"Let's sit at the bench under the tree," the woman suggested and sat down first. "Sit beside me," she tapped the side of her seat.

I sat down and felt a bit awkward. She looked rich; it felt embarrassing to sit next to her.

My appearance now looks as if I live on the streets. My clothes have a tear in them. This is the only outfit that looks somewhat new.

Since we don't have money, we can't even afford to buy clothes. My hardships have doubled compared to when I was with Rome.

"Do you have any experience in working?" it seemed like Mr. Arlo was recording.

"I worked as a cashier at a supermarket for three years, then I resigned because my mom needed someone to take care of her," I explained. The woman nodded.

I was eighteen years old when I worked at Puregold as a cashier.

That’s where I also met Rome. He often came to buy things; I didn't realize that I was the reason he frequently visited Puregold. Not long after, he courted me, and since I had no experience with boyfriends, I allowed him to.

I also found him handsome back then. He was a true gentleman. He always waited for me to finish work so he could take me home.

As I recalled how we started, I instinctively gripped the end of my shirt.

'You can't cry in front of the people talking to you, Faye,' I told myself, and I gathered my courage to face both of them.

"Single or married?" she asked, and I paused slightly.

It's hard to tell those I'm applying to that I'm single. I can't accept that I'm still single until now.

I still wear my wedding ring to avoid looking single.

Some have attempted to court me, but I show them my ring and tell them that I'm married.

"Single," I finally replied, feeling a bit stuttered. "Alright. What is your name? Do you have a prepared resume?"

I looked at her because she spoke English so quickly. When she extended her hand, I stared at it. Her palm was very white and looked soft.

I need your resume for the job. You must hand us your information so that we can observe your hard copy information.

My eyes sparkled at what she said. It meant there was a chance for me to get a job. Can I shout 'YES' right now?

I gave her my resume. I pressed my lips together while staring at my resume that was now in her hands. She looked at my background, but she didn’t show any reaction. I didn’t know if she was seriously reading what was written there.

"Oh, you only have one year left to finish your SHS. Is it because of the financial problem that you weren’t able to finish it?" she asked while raising her glasses that dropped to the tip of her nose.

"Yes, but since I was in Elementary, I was always in the rank. I was usually in the top 2 and sometimes top 1!" I proudly said. She smiled in response.

"Oh really? Good to know. You should write your achievements here in your resume, but never mind, at least I learned about it from you. Nonetheless, I will explain the details about the job if the CEO accepts your requirements. She is quite selective, I hope you are one of those who will pass. You are young and beautiful," she complimented. "And you look determined and hardworking. You came all the way from San Juan just to get here to find a job."

"Thank you," I shyly said while holding my elbow. "I really just need a job even if it’s far from my home. We won’t survive if I don’t take action," I added while scratching my head.

"Your information will be reviewed for 1-2 business days. If you have any queries, this is our business contact," she handed me a card with a picture, name, email, and phone number.

Her name was Regina Manalangit, and her position listed was manager. Wow! No wonder she was so formal.

"I am just the manager of the other organization inside the company and sometimes I act as CEO when the CEO is out of the country. You might think I own this place," she explained. I only showed her a nod and a smile. "Have a good day, Ms. Faye," she mentioned my name which she seemed to have seen on my resume.

I bowed down while expressing my thanks. I pressed my palms together.

"Thank you, Lord, for finally answering my prayers!" I happily said while looking at the sky.