CHAPTER 1—Finding new job

FAYE

I tallied the coins in my purse and found that the amount for today’s journey to seek opportunities in various places barely covers the cost.

Yet, it seems inadequate. The fare is steep.

I raised my hand as the scorching morning sun beat down, sweat trickling down my brow. I let out a heavy sigh in the sweltering air. My head throbs from the relentless heat.

“You prioritize Mama, Francis, I must secure employment,” I informed my brother. I pitied him, knowing he would return home hungry after school once more.

I lack funds for meals. We often make do with just soy sauce and oil, yet it suffices for the day.

The crucial matter is to satisfy our hunger, regardless of the dish, as long as there’s rice.

“Understood, sis. When should I administer Mama’s medication?” he inquired, releasing his school bag, ready to depart, but noticing my attire he knew I would find a job.

His eyes, like orbs in the night, are shrouded in dark circles. He burned the midnight oil tending to Mama. My head throbbed last night, forcing me to retire early.

“At 8:30 this morning, your class begins at 9:00 AM, correct? I may be tardy, alright? There’s porridge in the kitchen for Mama. I apologize, but that’s reserved for Mama. She can no longer handle solid foods. Endure it, for now, Francis. Once I secure employment, I vow the meals I bring home will be delectable,” I smiled bitterly and gently caressed my younger sibling’s head. He is the youngest of the family; our eldest sibling is already wed, facing their own struggles in Bulacan.

We truly reside in Bulacan. Our grandparents own a residence—on my father’s side—where we currently dwell—in San Juan City—and they have offered us a place to stay should we seek work here in Manila.

Our eldest sibling has a son, a 5-year-old boy, currently enrolled in pre-elementary school.

About our parents, our father is no longer with us, he passed away 4 years ago due to cancer. We tried to save him, but after the operation, he was gone. His body couldn’t handle it, plus Papa was already old and maybe his organs were weak, so he was lost to us.

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

Unlike me, who has a hot temper, all talk, and doesn’t think clearly. That’s why my life is like this, it’s my fault too. I often get into fights at work because of misunderstandings, and because I didn’t finish my studies, I 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. You learn that at home, and I learned that from my mother when she could still speak.

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

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

“Go on, sister, you might not find a tricycle waiting for you,” he gently pushed me.

I smiled to give him courage and finally left the house to go to town. I need a job to survive. They are counting on me now.

I got nervous when I saw a belt on the road, it was black, with a big buckle, and most of all, it resembled the belt he used to hit me with before.

I stepped back and couldn’t help but cry at what I saw. The painful memory of what happened to me 3 years ago suddenly came back. I experience the intense pain of a metal belt hitting my skin almost every day, especially on my thighs and back.

Thank God I was saved from hell.

I walked away from the black belt to avoid my gaze. I held onto my scarred arm, a reminder of the pain he inflicted upon me. I will never forget the first time he punished me, almost bringing me to the brink of death with his cruelty and my tears.

I was already married back then, to Rome Wilson. Our lives were simple, both struggling because we were living in his Aunt Hailey’s house. Money was scarce here, and the cost of living was high, making our monthly earnings insufficient. The electricity and water bills were also quite hefty.

Rome and I were married for two years, but we had been together as boyfriend and girlfriend for one year prior. So, we spent a total of three years together.

He was incredibly kind, beyond measure! A true gentleman, you would never see any signs of his own troubles, even though we had a mountain of problems as a married couple. Whenever we argued, he would be the one to apologize, even if I was at fault. When we had disagreements, he would choose to stay silent rather than engage in a fight, and whenever I was troubled, he was there to comfort me.

Then came the day when my father fell ill, followed by my mother. We needed money for their surgeries. It would cost a million pesos, but where would I find that kind of money? Even if we combined our salaries back then, it wouldn’t be enough. We could barely afford food and basic bills. We had to make do with torn clothes.

My father needed kidney and intestinal surgery, while my mother had a heart condition that required daily maintenance, or else she would leave us too soon.

My mind was clouded during those times, and I made a mistake that I regretted until now and will regret for the rest of my life.

Because of that mistake, others lost their trust in me.

Especially the one I loved, he left my side. It was a huge regret, to let him slip away from me.

I miss Rome…

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

One of my dreams is to see him and embrace him again, but most importantly, to reconcile and be together as husband and wife once more. I promised that once I escaped from the hellish life I had before, I would find him, explain myself, kneel down, and beg him to take me back.

I once visited their place, Aunt Hailey’s house, but I backed out because I was too ashamed to face him. I know that anger has built up in his heart because of my abandonment, and I hope he will give me a second chance to make things right.

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

“We’re Hiring! Join our TechInnovation Department!

Open positions:

- Information Technology Software Worker

- New Company Secretary

- Programmer

- AI Designer and Cartoon Designer”

I scratched my head. I wasn’t interested in those positions. I just threw it away because they required high qualifications.

What about me, right? I admit, that sometimes I’m clueless.

Unbeknownst to me, I had already traveled and arrived in Makati. The journey took 30 minutes. Fortunately, I still had enough money to get back home.

I went to a city and looked around at the banners and tarpaulins to see if they were hiring.

I just found myself scratching my head because I couldn’t find anything. I regretted throwing away that poster earlier.

“Hello, finding a job?” a formally dressed woman approached me. She wore glasses, had her hair tied up, and was dressed as if she worked for a big company.

She looked to be around 30 years old.

“Yes…” my voice clearly showed how desperate I was to find a job. I couldn’t blame them, I really needed the money for my family. “Why did you ask?” Was it that obvious that I was looking for a job?

After all, I was looking up, looking around.

“What do you think, Arlo?” she asked her companion, who also wore glasses. They were both dressed formally. They looked beautiful and handsome. “We are running out of time. Sir gave us only two days to find new applicants.”

The woman had a folder with her, while the man carried a black bag that seemed to contain a laptop.

“Are you a college graduate?” Arlo asked when he called my name.

“I’m an undergraduate, I didn’t finish high school,” I replied, feeling embarrassed and looking down.

Due to the hardships in life, I couldn’t continue my education and got married at a young age.

We had a civil marriage with Rome, and I still wear our wedding ring… even though we have already annulled our marriage.

“Let’s sit on the bench under the tree,” the woman invited, and she sat down first. “Sit beside me,” she tapped the spot next to her.

I sat down and felt uneasy. It’s like she’s wealthy, it’s embarrassing to sit beside her.

My appearance now is like someone who lives on the street. My clothes are torn. This is the only outfit that still looks new.

Because we have no money, we can’t even buy clothes anymore.

My suffering has doubled compared to when I was still with Rome.

“Do you have any experience in working?” Mr. Arlo seemed to be recording.

“I was a cashier at a supermarket, I only worked for three years then resigned. I needed to take care of my mom,” I explained. The woman nodded.

I was eighteen when I started working at Puregold as a cashier.

That’s where I met Rome. He used to be a frequent customer, I didn’t realize I was the reason why he often went to Puregold. He courted me, and since I had no experience with relationships, I allowed him.

I found him attractive back then. He was very gentlemanly. He always waited for me to finish work to walk me home.

Remembering how we started, I immediately held onto the edge of my clothes.

‘You can’t cry in front of people you’re talking to, Faye,’ I told myself and bravely faced the two of them.

“Single or married?” she asked, and I hesitated for a moment.

It’s hard to tell the places I’m applying to that I’m single. I can’t accept that until now that I’m single.

I still wear my wedding ring to avoid looking single.

There have been many boys’ attempts to court me, but I show them my ring and tell them I’m married.

“Single,” I finally answered. It seemed like I caught her off guard.

“Alright. What is your name? Do you have a prepared resume?”

I looked at her in amazement because he spoke English so quickly. As she extended her hand, I stared at it. It was so 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 means I have a chance to get a job.

Can I shout ‘YES’ right away?

I handed her my resume. I bit my lip while she looked at my resume in her hand. She then glanced at my background, but she didn’t react. I didn’t know if she really read what was written there seriously.

“Your Senior High School will be finished in just a year. Was it because of financial problems that you weren’t able to finish it?” she asked, adjusting her glasses down to the tip of her nose.

“Yes, but since Elementary, I’ve always been at the top. I was always in the top 2, sometimes even top 1!” I proudly said. She smiled.

“Oh really? Good to know. You should write your achievements here in your resume, but never mind, at least I found out from you. Nonetheless, I will explain the details about the job if the CEO accepts your requirements. He’s quite picky, I hope you pass. You are young and beautiful,” she praised. “And you look determined and hardworking. You’re from San Juan, but you traveled quite a distance just to find a job here.”

“Thank you,” I said shyly, holding my elbows. “I really just need a job even if I’m far from home. We won’t survive if I don’t take action,” I added, scratching my head.

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

She’s Regina Manalangit, and the position written on the card is manager. Wow! That’s why she’s so formal.

“I am just the manager of the other organization inside the company and sometimes I am the acting CEO when the CEO is out to another country. You might think I’m the owner,” she explained. I just nodded and smiled at her. “Have a good day, Ms. Faye,” she mentioned my name, which she must have seen on my resume.

I bowed while thanking her. I clasped my hands together.

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