Sitting on a passenger's seat inside a bus, Daniellelooked at the window. Her eyes were wandering at the sights that they passes.She took out her wallet and opened it. There was a picture displayed inside it.The picture was her parents with her in it.
While pondering for a moment, she looked at the moneyshe has with her. That money came from her hard work. Even her grandmother didn'tknow that she earned that big amount of money. She smiled secretly with a proudlook in her eyes.
Two hours have passed, Danielle rode a bus in going thecity and reached the place near the school campus. Along the side of the roadswhere big buildings built in for students who wanted a place to stay in.Carrying her heavy luggage, Danielle saw a sign that leads to a way inside inbetween of two big buildings. She went that way and saw a normal house andthere was a signage that it is open for lady boarders.
Looking at the outside of the house, it seemed that itwas an ordinary house.
She knocked on the door and a woman around at the ageof forty came to open the door and smiled at her.
“ Hello there, young lady! Are you looking for a placeto stay?”
Although Danielle was perspiring hard, she stillmanaged to give back a sweet smile and said: “ Yes, Ma’am! Is there anyavailable room for me to fill in?”
“ Why, of course! Come in!” The landlady said and ledher inside where there were two men playing video games in the living room.They went straight to the dining room.
“ Are they also living here, ma'am?” Danielle couldn'tsuppress her curiosity.
“ Oh? Them? They are my sons but they don't stay here.”The landlady said with a laugh.
Feeling relieved, Danielle sat down on one of thechairs. “ How much is the cost of boarding, ma'am and do you have rules and regulations here too? “
“ Well...If your planning to stay here, of coursethere are rules and regulations in this house. It is posted there behind thedoor. Regarding the boarding, It’s two thousand per month that includes theelectricity and water supply for bathing and laundry only. As for your dailyfood, you can use any of my kitchen utensils as long as you clean it thoroughlyafter using it. By the way, you have also three roommates in just one room. Ifyou have questions, just knock on the other side of your room. That's my room.I’m the owner of this house. My name is Cynthia. “
“ Thank you, ma'am!” Danielle said when she heard allshe needed to know.
“ Oh! I almost forgot. I need to have the down paymentfor this month and for your second month. That's one of the rules here. Noexemptions.”
Luckily, Danielle had enough money that she had earnedfrom selling yemas in school and from her allowances that her grandmotherregularly gave her. She took out her wallet from her pocket and took out fourthousand pesos in it.
“ Here's my payment, Ma'am.” Danielle gave her themoney.
The landlady smiled gratefully. She led her to theroom opposite of the dining room. There was a small room near to it. When thelandlady opened the door, there were students the same age as her.
“ Ladies, meet your new board mate. This is Danielle.Please make her feel comfortable in your company. That is Annalise, Ivy andStella. They are all student like you.“ Mrs. Cynthia introduced her to them. “I'll be going out now, Danielle. By theway, if you plan to go somewhere, please let your board mates know or tell itto me personally. Enjoy your stay.”
When the landlady was gone, Danielle entered the roomand asked if what is the available bed she could use and space that she canplace her things. A small chubby girl, Annalise, approached her and said: “ Youcan stay with me. Which do you prefer? The upper or lower deck?”
“ I prefer the lower deck. Thank you.” Danielle smiledand said politely.
“ You can place your things here in the lower portionof the cabinet. But if I were you...” Annalisewhispered to her. “ Put your things near you and put only your books and schoolstaff in the cabinet. There might be some thieves here.”
Danielle nodded and ended up putting her luggage nextto their bed. Then, she laid down her worn out body on her bed. Annalise sat atthe edge of Danielle's bed.
“ Are you looking for a part time job too?” Annaliseasked abruptly.
“ Yes! I do need to find a part time job! I can'tafford to provide all my daily necessities. If you know what I mean?” Danielle said in a exhausted voice.
“ Great! Greenwich is looking for a working student.Are you interested to try it?” Annalise's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Upon hearing an unexpected news, Danielle feltenergised again. “ I really do like to try. And I'm so damn interested. What isthe position available? I can do anything.” Danielle abruptly said it out loud.
“ Okay, then. Do you have a resume with you now? Theyurgently needed a service crew.” Annalise said promptly.
“ Hey, can I come too?” Stella said loudly.
Annalise turned around and saw Stella patientlylistening to their conversation. She was standing next to the other double deckbed. She was like a princess in her appearance. She has fair skin, slim bodyand nice clothes.
“Are you sure you want to come with us? We all knowthat you don't need a job. You're so rich.” Annalise exclaimed as shedoubtfully glanced at her.
“ Well... I want to experience to have my hard ownedmoney too. I don't want to rely always on my parent's wealth.” Stella explained,showing her determination.
“ Alright, fine!” Annalise said in a low tone.” Weshould head to the office this afternoon around 4. That's the time of theinterview. Bring with you a resume, report card, birth certificate, entranceslip from the school we are currently studying and cedula.”
“No problem about that, I have prepared it all a longtime ago.” Stella said proudly.
“ I’ll make my resume later. I'll take a little restfirst.” Danielle said and closed her eyes to get some sleep. She arrived herein the boarding house at around 1 pm and her feet are tired of walking from thebus station and in looking for a boarding house that cost cheaper than thebuildings along the high way.
After sleeping for three hours, Annalise came to helpher fill in her resume. Annalise was so kind to her but she was smart too.Stella on the other hand was smiling and patiently waiting for them to finish.In a few minutes, Annalise and Danielle were done filling up the resume and fixingthemselves.
Danielle was wearing a plain white collar blouse and blackpants while Annalise was wearing her working uniform. Stella looked dashing inher pink summer dress. The three of them went out and Ivy was left in theirroom, reading a book.
On their way to the Central which is the so-calledheart of the city, Danielle's hands was becoming colder and colder even thoughthe weather is warm. She felt really nervous. This was her first time to applyfor a job.
Nevertheless, she still fight her feelings and triedto gather all her courage. There were only few applicants waiting outside theGreenwich building.
“ I have to go to work now. Good luck, girls!”Annalise said as she paved her way inside the Greenwich building. She wasactually working there. No wonder she knew that there was a hiring position inthe said company. She took with her the files that Stella and Danielle broughtwith them.
“ Thank you!” Stella and Danielle said at the sametime.
In a few minutes, a service crew came outside and calledout Danielle’s name.
“ Is Miss Danielle Artates here? Please do come withme for your interview. “
“ I'm here, Ma'am. “ Danielle raised her hand and thenshe followed the service crew.
Inside Greenwich, there were few people eating. Then, in a side corner, a man dressedin a business suit was looking at them.
“ Here we are! Good luck, girl! Don't get nervous!Just do your best.” The service crew said to Danielle before she left.
The business man seemed to be around at the age of 30.He looked at Danielle and gave her a simple smile. “ Please have a seat.”
“ Thank you, Sir!” Danielle politely answered.
After she had taken her seat, the businessmanintroduced his name.
“ I'm Donald Guevara. The manager in this company. “
“ I'm Danielle Artates. Nice to meet you, Sir.”
Both of them looked at each other seriously and shakehands. Moreover, Mr. Donald started asking questions about her and herabilities. Though, Danielle was feeling nervous, she answered his questionswith honesty. It took the interview for about thirty minutes.
When the interview was done, Mr. Donald smiled andasked one of the service crew to bring a working uniform suitable for herfigure. The service crew quickly went to the locker room to get the stuff.
A little bit puzzled, Danielle just sat there waitingfor some more instruction from Mr. Donald.
In a few seconds, the service crew came back with theuniform on her hand.
“ Give the uniform to her.” Mr. Donald instructed theservice crew.
Obediently, the service crew extended her hand, givingthe uniform to Danielle.
“ You can go now!” Mr. Donald instructed again theservice crew who was standing at the side of the table.
Then, the service crew left them.
“ Congratulation! You are hired! See you tomorrow for your briefing and actual work.” Mr.Donald said looking straight into her eyes.
Upon hearing his words, Danielle was overjoyed. “Thank you, Sir!”
Looking back at the restroom, Anthony couldn't stand the feeling of urge to see his wife. She has been gone for too long.“ Manilyn, can you please go to the restroom to check on Danielle. She's been there for a long time already. If I'm not mistaken, it's almost 40 minutes. “ Anthony approached Manilyn in a secret manner and whispered her something.Manilyn nodded and walked normally into the restroom. She opened all the toilet rooms but she failed to see Danielle. Her heart began to beat fast when she saw a diamond earring which was Danielle's.“ Oh my God!” She blurted in horror. She ran back to Anthony and whispered what she found out.Seeing his furious face, everyone backed out. Anthony took the microphone.“ Everyone, thank you for coming and joining us in celebrating the baptism of my children. But I’m sorry to tell all of you that I need to end this event now because something urgent came up!” Anthony stood in the crowd with a proud face
Anthony reached out his hand to her face. “ I love you more!” Then he kissed her back.Although Josh and Johnson had their presence in the hotel, Danielle focused on her husband. She felt sorry for them but she cares more about her husband. The love she had for her husband was much stronger than what she felt for them. The night seemed so long. When they finished eating, they went out of the hotel and went for a walk in a nearby garden park.They walked hand in hand while their bodyguards were just following them wherever they go. It's for Danielle's safety.“ Honey, it's been a long time and we haven't talked about the twins baptism. Although they are legitimate and registered with your name, it's important for them to be recognized too in God's presence. Don't you think so too?” Danielle leaned her head on his broad shoulder.“ You’re right, my love. How about next week? I'll arrange everything
Meanwhile, Johnson and Josh were not feeling comfortable. They were both worried about Danielle's safety. They both knew that the culprit is not yet found and captured. They were afraid that the culprit or the mastermind of her misfortune might chase her again.Josh was at a photoshoot for his next upcoming single but it can be seen in his facial expression that he was not at ease. He called Johnson whom Danielle referred to as her personal friend and doctor.“ Hi! Is this Doctor Johnson?” Josh asked when a man's voice answered his call.“ Yes! May I know who is calling?” Johnson asked deliberately.“ I'm Josh De Dios. I was wondering if I could have a private talk with you about Danielle. Can we meet at six in the evening at Marbles Hotel? It's really important. “ Josh was straight forward.“ Sure! I'll be there since I'm near the area. See you then , Mister De Dios.” Johnson announced before he end up the call.Who is Josh De Dios to
At dinner time, Anthony with his family was having a hearty meal. The twins were so happy to see their father smiling with no pretence.“ Mama, I want the fried fish. “ Nympha wanted to have Danielle's attention.“ Sure, my angel!” Danielle grabbed and sliced a piece of fish meat and placed it on Nympha’s plate.“ Mama, can I have the chicken curry?” Daniel smiled and pointed at the dish near her mother.Obediently, Danielle grabbed a piece of chicken and placed it on her son's plate.Marilyn was just smiling and enjoying her meal at the same time. She just let Danielle do what she wants with the children. After all, they have a lot of catch up to do.On the other hand, Anthony displayed an annoyed face when the twins tried to get Danielle's attention all the time. He peeled some shrimp and placed on Danielle's plate. Danielle would pick the shrimp and put it on her mouth, chewed it and swallowed it leisurely. She was not fond of seafood but
Inside the mansion, Danielle was holding both her children in her hands while Anthony was standing next to her. Everyone in the mansion rejoiced when they saw Danielle came back especially Marilyn.“ Aunt Marilyn, look! Mama’s home!” Daniel shouted happily.Delighted to see her dearest friend, Marilyn smiled and had a teary eyes.Danielle went to her and gave her a warm hug. “ How have you been my dear friend?”“ You, silly girl! I missed you!” Marilyn cried as she embraced her back.“ I missed you too!” Danielle patted Marilyn’s back.When their bodies parted, Anthony pulled Danielle closer to him. Danielle was a bit shocked.“ That's enough!” Anthony aggressively looked at Danielle.“ Well... That was unexpected from you! Why so being too possessive? Did something happened along your way?” Marilyn was certainly teasing both of them.“ It's none of your business. Go back to your work and take the kids with you. “ Ant
Bewildered on what's going on, Josh went straight to them with a furrowed eyebrows. Confusion can be seen from his face.“ Danielle, what's happening here?” He innocently asked.Hearing a man's voice calling Danielle's name, Anthony guessed that he must have something to do with his wife. Anthony looked at Josh with pride and authority. “ Who are you?”Feeling the intensity between the two men, Danielle leaned to look at Josh.“ Josh, let me introduce you my husband. He is Anthony Gregor and these kids are my children. “ Danielle courageously said the truth.It was a shock at first to Josh but he still wanted to take away Danielle from them. It may sound selfish but Danielle was his happiness.“ Let me correct you, my love. These kids are our children. “ Anthony's voice was firm and had a hint of warning on how he looked at Josh. He held Danielle's hand firmly in his palm while the