MARA
Since my shift started, I've been running back and forth, taking orders, serving food, and cleaning the table. We were five servers during this shift from twelve noon to eight in the evening, the busiest hours of the day in the diner, but our boss needed to hire another server during these hours. We couldn't even sit for a minute except during our break, and my legs were killing me. "Mara, table seven. Move faster. Can't you see there's a lot of customers waiting for their order?" Our manager said, glaring at me. Sometimes, our manager is so mean, but I endure it. It was hard to find a job here in the city, and It took me a few weeks to get this job; if ever I was fired here, I would need a few weeks again before I could find another job, and I don't have any savings left. "Coming." I moved to the city three months ago to find a better job after finishing my studies. I don't have any relatives, and I don't know anyone here, only Jared, my boyfriend, but I don't want him to know I was here until I found a better job. The last time we talked about four months ago, he said he was working in a huge company as a head of finance, and I didn't want to humiliate him to his co-workers, knowing her girlfriend was working as a waitress. We've been dating for almost four years, and I'm sure he is the one for me. Jared is my pillar of strength, and his mother is kind. "Mara, stop moving like a turtle." I sigh. Our manager loves to humiliate us, and I am her favorite to put in shame always because I'm new here, but I bear it. I rushed to the counter, took the tray full of food, and brought it to table seven. Two men and two women occupied the table, both in business attire. "Here's your food, Maam, Sir. Enjoy your lunch." I bowed, smiling. "Thank you," one of the women said. I bowed to her, moved to the next table, took their order, and brought it to the cook, my manager's eyes following my every movement. "Mara, table nine, faster." "I'm on it, Ma'am." My co-workers pitied me, but they couldn't do anything to help me. The diner is full during lunchtime, and the patrons are usually the employees of the nearby building, the Fernández Corporation. All of them looked extravagant, dressed in their office attire. I envied them. I should have looked like them if only those companies I applied to hadn't rejected me as soon as they saw what school I came from. Why did they judge my capability based on the school I came from? My school is pretty decent. My school taught us accurately despite being just a small school. The province official provided everything the school needed, and the teacher was excellent. They didn't even try my skills beforehand before they rejected me. Sigh. If I can save some money one day, I will take up a Masteral course to find the right job. I'm a business administration graduate, but I work as a waitress. I sigh. But I can't be choosy at the moment. I need money to survive. "Mara, stop daydreaming," my manager said in annoyance, snapping me out of the thought. I hurriedly cleaned the table before me and brought the used dishes to the dishwashing area. I took a deep breath, wiping my sweat, before I returned to the dining area. I smiled as I made my way to the next table, where four men were sitting, both wearing expensive clothes. I'm poor and have yet to try to wear those expensive clothes, but I know when I see one. "Good afternoon, sir. May I take your order?" I almost swooned at how gorgeous these men were, especially the one with a poker face. The others were all smiling while he was blank. "Could you give us the specialty of your restaurant today? The guy with smiling eyes answered. " That's all, sir?" "Chiffon cheesecake for takeout." The guy with a poker face said. "Grandpa Phil still loves that cake?" The guy with panda eyes asked. "Yes, he'll get mad if I don't bring him that after I'm away for a month." He replied. "That's all, miss, and please wrap the cake nicely; it's for our boss, grandfather," the cute guy said. Yes, he's cute because he has a baby face. "Okay, sir. I'll come back when your food is ready." I bowed and gave the cook their order. I continued taking orders, and it felt like someone was watching me. I looked around, and I blushed to see the four men earlier were watching me. Why are they looking at me? I felt conscious of myself instantly. Do I have any dirt on my face? "Mara, don't just stand there. The customers are waiting for food." Our manager's annoying voice said. I hurried to the counter, took a tray of food, and brought it to the four gorgeous men. "Here's your order, sir." I carefully placed their food in front of them, conscious of their eyes on me. Why are they staring? "Sir, the cake you can take it at the counter when you leave. Enjoy your lunch." I said, smiling, then hurried to go to the toilet. I check my face and uniform but find no dirt on me. Then why are they looking at me? I shook my head and returned to the dining area when my phone sounded. I pulled it out of my pocket, and I felt nervous instantly when I saw my neighbor's number, whom I asked to check on Grandpa occasionally. I'm thankful that she was kind enough to give me a favor. "Hello! Rena. What's wrong?" "Mara, your grandpa, he fell to the floor, and his head hit on the edge of the bed, and it bleeding. I wanted to bring him to the clinic but couldn't leave my children." "I'm coming home," I said, hanging up. I went to our manager's office, hoping she would allow me to leave. I'm worried for Grandpa. I knocked on the door nervously, praying my manager would be kind to me just this time and let me go home. Grandpa is not my real grandfather. I met him three weeks ago but saw him as my grandfather. *** It was my lunch break, and I was sitting at a bench outside the diner eating my lunch when I met him. I saw him smiling at me on the bench under the tree. I smiled back at him and turned my eyes to the huge building across the street where employees were coming in and out of the building. I wanted to work with that building, but I had no luck. I already submitted my resume there three times, but I haven't received any response from them. Sigh. I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt someone sitting beside me and found the Grandpa earlier now sitting beside me. "Hello! Grandpa." I greeted him, smiling. "I'm hungry." He murmured. "You're hungry? Who's with you?" I asked, looking around, but I didn't see anyone near us. He shook his head, and his lips quivered. I panicked when tears rolled down his eyes. He didn't look like a beggar because he was clean enough to be one. He wore a white polo shirt, cargo shorts, and running shoes. "I'm hungry." He cried. "Oh... Okay. Don't cry. I'll get food for you, okay?" He quickly grinned, wiping his tears. " Wait for me here. I'll buy food for you." He nodded, smiling. I went inside the diner and bought food for him even though the money inside my pocket was only enough to buy my dinner later. However, just thinking of him starving pains me even though I don't know him. I bought food for him, and although my co-worker warned me not to trust him immediately, I couldn't bear to ignore the older man. I brought him the food, and he gave me a grateful smile. "Thank you." "You are welcome. Grandpa, I can't stay here longer because I still have work. You'll be okay here alone?" He nodded, smiling. Okay, take care." He nodded again with a mouth full of food. I chuckled and went back inside, and resumed my work. It was already past ten in the evening when I stepped out of the diner. As always, I was exhausted; all I wanted to do was sleep. I smiled when I remembered the older man earlier. I haven't experienced having a grandfather and grandmother because since I was young, it was only me and my mother, and when she died five years ago, it was only me. I don't know my relatives because my mother doesn't discuss them. Every time I asked her, she diverted the conversation to other things, and I didn't force her because she became sad every time I mentioned her family. I looked at the bench where I had left the older man earlier, and I frowned when I saw someone still sitting there who looked like the older man I had left earlier. I quickly went to him, and I confirmed that it was him. Why was he still here? "Grandpa, Grandpa," I called, shaking his shoulder. "Is he sleeping? I shook him again, but I shrieked when he fell to the ground. I panicked. I quickly check his breathing and pulse, and I'm so scared when I find out he is unconscious. What happened? I looked around, hoping to see someone to ask for help, but my co-worker had already left, and I was the last to leave the restaurant. It is my schedule to close the diner tonight. I rampage my bag and find my inhaler, hoping it can help him gain consciousness. I opened the lid and brought it near his nose, and my fears heightened when nothing happened. "Grandpa, Grandpa, wake up," I called, shaking him. My heart was pounding with worries, and I let out a sigh of relief when he groaned. "Grandpa, open your eyes." I urged, and after a few seconds, his eyes opened. Are you in pain? What happened? I thought someone would pick you up. "He sat up, and I helped him lean on the bench. "I'm fine. I fall asleep." He answered, smiling. "You are an unconscious grandpa. What happened?" "I just fell asleep." He pouted. "Okay, where do you live then? I'll send you home." "Can I go home with you? I like you. I want you to be my granddaughter. You are so kind to me. The girl with me is mean. She always screamed and sometimes pinched my side. She's bad." He pouted. I'm scared to bring a stranger into my apartment, but what if he tells the truth? I could not bear to leave him at night, so I brought him home. He was so sweet and caring, and I experienced how having a grandfather in him felt. Every morning, he will kiss me good morning and hug me. We ate together, and he kissed and hugged me before I went to work. I ask my neighbor to check on him when I'm away for work because I'm worried about leaving him alone, but I need to work to earn money for our expenses. I'm glad my neighbor was kind enough and agreed to check on him when she wasn't busy.MARA It's been three weeks since I brought Grandpa home, and no one has been looking for him. What kind of family does he have? Aren't they worried about him, whether he is still alive or dead? What kind of family are they? I found out that Grandpa has Alzheimer's because a few days ago, I saw him pass out again. So I brought him to the clinic, and the doctor told me about his illness. I need more money. I used some of my savings to pay for Grandpa's check-up and bought his medicine. His medicine is not a joke at all; it's expensive, and the doctor said it's dangerous to skip drinking it since he already did for more than two weeks. I sighed. I can't bear to kick Grandpa out of my apartment as well. I asked him where he lived, but he said he forgot even his name he forgot. The only thing I know about him is that he has a grandson named JayJay, but how could I find him when I don't know his surname as well? I knocked on the door again when I got no reply, with my heart pounding
MARA It's been a week since I saw Grandpa. I missed him despite the fact he only stayed with me for three weeks. I missed the funny thing he did whenever he couldn't remember me. Every time I stepped inside the door, he would ask who I was, and then he would stay in the corner, his eyes following me as if I would attack him any chance. I would chuckle, stealing glances at him occasionally, and, at the same time, sad because I knew why he was acting like that. It was the woman that beat him. He was traumatized and scared that he thought I would hurt him like that woman did. That's why he stayed in one corner for over an hour until he remembered me. I wondered if he was like this in his home whenever that woman was around—just imagining him crying while the woman beating and pulling his hair angered me. I always let him be and waited until he remembered who I was, and once he did, he would rush to me, hug me, and say welcome home. Pretty good lady. I'm sorry I don't remember you so
MARA"Grandson?" The word echoed inside my head. I tried to step back, but Grandpa's arms prevented me from moving. Does that mean he is Jay Jay? But what if he is pretending? Grandpa said he didn't know him. What if he is a bad person? I need to confirm if he is his grandson. "How could you be his grandson? He said he doesn't know you." "Miss, he is his grandson. Grandpa has Alzheimer's, and that's why he forgets him once in a while." The guy with him said. But it doesn't convince me. "If you are his grandson, what does Grandpa call you?" I'm sure only his grandson knows. If this guy is a fake one, he won't know. "Jay Jay," He replied. I gasped and quickly bowed my head. "I'm so sorry, sir. I thought you were a bad person. I only want to be sure," I explained. "I want to talk to your manager," he said, and my eyes widened in fear. What is he planning to do? Is he going to ask my manager to fire me? The way he dressed, in a sharp suit and polished shoes, and looked, with his pier
MARA "About a few weeks ago, when I was away. Is there something that happened?" Jay Jay asked casually, leaning on the couch with Grandpa beside him while I just stood behind Grandpa. Everyone looked nervous instantly, and their eyes darted everywhere but him. "Babe! A woman's voice said, and I looked up to see a beautiful woman wearing a black dress that showcased her stunning body figure. I'm sorry for not informing you, babe. I also told the helpers not to tell you because I know you have an important business, and I'm sure you'll come back as soon as you find out that Grandpa ran away again. I searched him silently. I told the authorities not to report it but asked them to keep searching for Grandpa." "But still, you should tell me. What if something happened to Grandpa? What if bad people got him, recognized him, and asked for money, like what happened a year ago?" He angrily said. "Sorry, babe, it didn't cross my mind. I thought he would come back soon or we could find him
MARAThe following morning, I woke up at six a.m. I quickly bathed and put on the extra clothes Cassy gave me. I blew dry my hair and tied it in a high ponytail. After that, I went to Grandpa's room to check on him. I smiled to see that he was still sleeping. I went downstairs to the kitchen to prepare Grandpa's breakfast. "Good morning, Nana." She's in the kitchen together with the chef. "Good morning, Mara. Come. Every morning, Sir Phil wanted someone to read a newspaper for him while he was eating, and after that, he needed to walk for thirty minutes in the garden behind the Mansion, and after that, you prepared his bath. It would be best to eat first because he will wake up at eight. "Okay, Nana." "Sit down. I'll prepare your food." "No need, Nana, I can do it." "Just sit down," she firmly said, and I gave in and settled in one of the chairs. She took a plate and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she returned carrying the plate and placed it before me. My mouth w
MARA I went out of Grandpa's room and into mine and bathed. I had sweated when we had walked into the garden earlier, and I wanted to bathe again. After bathing and dressing up, I went back to Grandpa's room, and I saw him already dressed up, but his hair was still dripping. "Sit down, Grandpa. Your hair is still dripping wet." He settled on the edge of his bed without arguing, and I quickly took the hairdryer and blew dry his hair. "Grandpa, tomorrow I'll cut your hair, okay? It's already long." "You know how to cut hair?" "Yes, I had a part-time job in a salon before. I also know about manicures and pedicures. I'll clean your nails tomorrow as well." "Okay." He said, grinning. When his hair is dry, I brush it and return the hairdryer to the drawer. "Where is your shoe, Grandpa?" "In there." He pointed to a door on our right side. I quickly went to it and slid the door open, and my eyes widened to see a vast collection of different brands and kinds of shoes. "Grandpa, you
MARAWe arrived home past five in the afternoon because of traffic, and I was nervous when I stepped out of the car and saw Sir Jayson standing at the front door waiting for us. Why is he home? He said last night that he would be home late. Why is he here now? "Jay Jay, your home." Grandpa grinned and quickly went to him as soon as he stepped out of the car. "My meeting was canceled. That's why I'm home early, Grandpa. Why are you back just now? It's almost six." "We caught in traffic," Grandpa replied. " Can I talk to you?" "Let's go inside first." Sir Jayson led him into the living room, and I followed them. "Jay Jay, can I ask you a favor?" I want to ask you now because I might forget it later." "What is it, Grandpa?" he asked softly. I noticed that when it comes to his grandfather, Sir Jayson is so soft, like a marshmallow, and I could see he cared for him so much. That's one of the many things that was admirable about him. "Mara's neighbor needs a job. His wife takes care o
MARA Ma'am Loren went beside him, but he pushed her harshly. Throwing her a few feet away, the syringe she was holding dropped on the floor, broken. "Stay away from me!!! He screamed, and at that moment, Grandpa looked scary. Sir Jayson rushed to help her up. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine." We are all surprised. Although I've known Grandpa for only a month, I had never seen him so angry or look so scary. "Grandpa!!! Why did you do that? Loren just wanted to help you?" Sir Jayson screamed. I gasped when Grandpa quickly crawled away, dived under the bed, and hid there. My palm covers my trembling lips. I'm sure he didn't do this for the first time. I think he crawled under the bed whenever that heartless woman beat him. It broke my heart, and a sob left my lips. My tears streamed down my face. Sir Jayson instantly looks so guilty, with regret on his face. His tears also rolled down his face. Nana also cries while standing behind us. "Don't give him any shot for tonight. Y