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 will stay in the corner, with his eyes following me as if I would attack him any chance I had.I would chuckle, stealing glances at him once in a while, and, at the same time, sad because I knew the reason 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 and hug me and say welcome home, pretty good lady. I'm sorry I don't remember you soon.""It's okay, Grandpa. I always replied, and he would kiss my cheek and then follow me around. When I was cooking, he would stand beside me while watching me cook; when I was cleaning, he would help me by fixing the bed or sweeping the floor; and when I was doing laundry, he would help me hang the clothes. I felt so happy with him beside me as if I had a real family. I don't feel alone.He would always say good night and good morning and kiss my cheek. He is so sweet and caring, and I dreamed of having a grandpa like that, but now he wasn't here. I don't even know where he is.I felt so sad and lonely like one of my family members had died. I cried at night sometimes. I missed him."Mara, table four." My manager called out, Snapping me out of my thoughts. I hurried, took the food tray, and brought it to table four; that man and woman occupied us."Hello sir, Ma'am, here 's your order." I carefully place the food in front of them, but when I look up, I meet eyes with the person I less expected to see."Jared?" I gasped."Babe! Do you know her?" The woman asked."No, I don't know someone working as a waitress. Sorry, Miss, you mistook me for someone else." He said and put his arms around the woman's shoulder, glaring at me. I balled my fist, holding my tears. So this is the reason why I couldn't contact him because he already had someone else and was embarrassed to be linked to a waitress like me. This bastard, after he cheated on me, there's no shame on his body. I stormed away from their table and went to the ladies' room.Even though he cheated on me, I couldn't bear humiliating him. I still love him. Four years of being with him are not easy to forget, and it l pains me to think that he disregards those four years of us being together. He was the only person closer as a family to me. He is my straight and the wall that supports me whenever I'm already giving up. He always helped me up again, and it didn't cross my mind that he would throw everything after a few months that he was away. That's how easily he replaced me.I wiped the tears that rolled down my face and stepped out of the bathroom, but I was surprised when someone grabbed my wrist. I looked up and saw Jared. I grit my teeth and yank my hand away, but he holds it again."We need to talk." He said and dragged me out of the diner through the back door. He led me to the bench where I met Grandpa, which only reminded me of him.He let go of my wrist and then faced me, furious. "Why are you here? When did you come here? Why you didn't tell me?"Tell you? How can I tell you when you change your number? Wow! I planned to surprise you, but you surprised me instead.""Let's end our relationship. I found someone I truly love, and she's the woman I want to grow old with. " my heart felt like being stabbed by every word that left his lips. I chuckled, hiding my pain."The same sweet words you told me before," I said, full of sarcasm. "Okay, at least I find out who you are before it's too late. Go back to your woman. " Remember this, Mara, in this city; we are strangers. We don't know each other." He started. His words, like a knife, were driven into my heart. " No one will know that we know each other. You'll ruin my reputation if they know I have a relationship with a waitress before.""Ouch! That hurt—this bastard. I wanted to claw his eyes that were glaring at me and shove them to his throat. I'm not a violent woman, I always avoid confrontation, but this guy was waking up the devil inside me."Don't worry. I don't want myself to be associated with the like of you as well." I angrily replied. I wanted to slap and pull his hair, but I was scared that if I did that, I might lose my job."What do you mean by that? Are you mocking me? Me?" He laughs, running his eyes from my head to my toes with his mocking stare. " I am the head of the finance department of that building. You see that huge building across the street. I am working there. I am respected and admired by my coworkers, and you, a waitress mocking me?" He laughed."Stay away from me where I couldn't see you. I want you to find another workplace away from where I work." I laughed."You're making me laugh. Who do you think you are to order me? You are no one to me, so you don't have the right to tell me what to do. Suppose you want us to treat each other as strangers, fine. I will treat you like an invisible bastard Jared."You!" He grabbed my wrist harshly but quickly let me go when we heard footsteps approaching."Good, pretty lady.". Jared throws a last warning glare at me, and then he storms back inside the diner. I slumped on the ground crying. How could he do this to me? I thought he loved me, but he only met a city girl and he already everything about us."Good, pretty lady. What happened? Why are you crying?Grandpa!" I cried and hugged him tightly. " I just missed you," I whispered."I missed you too. I've been asking Jay Jay to bring me to see you, but he declined, so I ran away so that I could see you." He grinned."What? you run away again?" He nodded his head. "Grandpa!" I pretended that I was angry while wiping my tears. Jared, I hate you. How could you do this to me?"I just missed you so much." He lowers his head sadly."I'm not mad, but please don't do this again. Have you eaten?""No, I'm just wandering earlier because I forgot why I left the house, and then I felt hungry. That's when I remembered why I left the house in the first place to see you; I remember you gave me food, then I remembered this place, so I came here." He grinned."Come on. Let's get inside. I still have work to do. I buy food for you, and you eat inside. Don't go anywhere. Wait until I finish my work. You might get lost if you leave." I hope Jared wasn't there anymore."Okay! He grinned."We went inside the diner, and I guided him to the table in the corner, away from other customers, and let him settle there."Wait for me here. I buy food for you." He nodded, smiling. I smiled and went to the cook."Mara, where have you been? Can't you see we are busy?" John scolded me."Sorry, it won't happen again.""Table five." He said and handed me the tray."John, can I have a carbonara with garlic bread and a large orange juice? I'll pay for it. I give it to Grandpa." He didn't reply, but I know he heard me. I brought the food to table five, and I was surprised to see the man with a poker face and one of his companions the last time."Here's your food, sir. Enjoy your meals." The other guy smiled while looking at me with a blank face. I bowed my head and went back to John, and I smiled to see the food I ordered was already ready. I paid for it after thanking him andbrought it to Grandpa."Grandpa, here's your food. Eat it all, okay? And don't leave." He smiled and nodded his head. I patted his head and continued my work with my eyes. Keep glancing at Grandpa.After he finished his food, he stood up and looked around him, disoriented. I quickly rushed to him."Grandpa, what's wrong?" I asked worriedly."Where I am, and who are you?" He asked, looking around."Grandpa, can you sit down first? I am good, pretty lady, remember?""Mara, table six," John called. Luckily, my manager wasn't in the dining area, or my ears would explode with his annoying voice."Grandpa, don't leave. Stay here, okay? I still have work. Please stay okay." I let out a sigh of relief when he nodded his head. I ran to John and took the tray of food, and brought it to table six. I looked at Grandpa, and I gasped when the man with a poker face was trying to lead him out of the diner. I quickly ran to them and pushed him away."What do you think you are doing?" I glared at him and wrapped my arms around Grandpa."Good pretty lady, this man, I don't know him. I told him I didn't want to go, but he forced me." Grandpa cried with his arms wrapped around me."Don't cry, Grandpa. I won't let him take you." I cooed, wiping his tears."Who are you?" The man asked, glaring at me."I'm his granddaughter, and who do you think you are? I could sue you for kidnapping." For the first time, the man laughs, but it doesn't reach his eyes."Sue me? Do you know who I am? I am his grandson."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 I'm still not convinced."If you are his grandson, what does Grandpa call you?" I asked. I'm sure only his grandson knows about it. If this guy is a fake one, he wouldn'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 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, and the way he looked, he seemed a powerful man, and I
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 soon
The following morning, I woke up at six in the morning. I quickly take a bath and put on the extra clothes that Cassy gives me. I blow 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 prepare 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 seats. She took a plate and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she came back carrying the plate, and she placed it in fron
MARAI went out of Grsndpa's room and went to mine, and took a bath. I sweat when we walk into the garden earlier, so I must 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, before I have a part-time job in a salon. 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 huge collection of different brands and kinds of shoes."Grandpa, you have lots of shoes
We 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 his grandfather so much. That's one of the many things that were admirable about him."Mara's neighbor needs a job. His wife takes care
MARAMa'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, I've known Grandpa for only a month, but I had never seen him so angry, and he looks scary."Grandpa!!! Why did you do that? Loren just wanted to help you?" Sir Jayson screamed. I gasped when Grandpa quickly crawled away and 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. You can leave
MARAIt took me an hour to finish grooming Grandpa, and I'm happy he liked it. He bathed while I prepared his clothes to change and just lay it on his bed. I went to my room—and bath as well, and changed. Grandpa had already finished dressing up when I returned to him,"Sir Phil, Sir Jayson is already waiting for you downstairs," Nana called outside the door."Okay, Nana, we are coming," Grandpa answered."You're ready?" "Yes, Grandpa, let's go." I lead him out the door, and we use the elevator to go down. Sir Jayson is in the living room with Ma'am Loren, waiting for us."Jay Jay, I thought it was only us? I looked at Ma'am Loren, wondering why I didn't notice this before. She is smiling, but her eyes say other things."Loren asked if she could join us, Grandpa. She's free today, and I said yes because the more, the merrier.""She didn't ask me," Grandpa said, fist balled tightly beside him."Grandpa, can I join..... Ma'am Loren asked, but Grandpa cut her before she could finish what
MARAIt's been two months since I worked at the Fernandez residence. I feel at home here and feel like I found a family in them. Sir Jayson is so kind, and even though how hard I hold myself not to have a feeling for him, I couldn't stop myself. Every day, my feelings for him got deeper, but I could only admire him from afar. I'm not on his level. I am just a servant. I sigh sadly every time I compare our social status. I'm nothing compared to him, and my feelings for him will end in nothing.I slumped on Grandpa's bed while waiting for him to finish his bath. We were just back from his walk after we ate breakfast with Sir Jayson. I thought I was deeply in love with Jared before, but I think I believe it that way because he is my first boyfriend and the only man that I get close to. But after meeting Sir Jayson, I realized I'm not deeply in love with him because he has never crossed my mind since I started working here. All I could think was Sir Jayson, which drove me crazy.His smile