Chapter 002

**Miguel Ice's P.O.V**

"Mom!" I called out.

"Wait a minute! Here I am! No need to rush! You still have plenty of time. Besides, you'll be taking the bus there," Mom replied, slightly flustered.

"It's my first job interview, Mom. I don't want to be late. And more importantly, I want to get a job so you don't have to work at the market anymore. I want to provide for both of us," I explained to her.

"My son, don't put too much pressure on yourself. If the job is meant for you, it will come to you," she said, gently rubbing my face and hair.

"I'm fine, Mom. I'm not a baby anymore," I reassured her.

"Here's your lunch, here's your snack. If you end up staying overnight, here's extra money for dinner. Don't go hungry, alright? Call me if it's not enough or if you need anything," Mom instructed.

"Yeah, I know, Mom. You've told me this seven times already. So don't worry," I replied.

"And one more thing, don't stress about calling me every hour. Rest at home while I'm gone," I told her.

I left the house with a smile on my face. Mom looked beautiful today with her smile. I'll do everything I can to repay her, to provide a better life for us both. We were both excited about my first job.

I arrived at the mall where I was scheduled for an interview.

"I'm here for the sales supervisor interview," I informed the receptionist.

"I'm sorry, sir. Didn't you receive our text message? We had to cancel your appointment with Ms. Jen. It's rescheduled for tomorrow," the receptionist informed me.

"Oh, I didn't receive any message. Is there really no way it can happen today? I won't be able to come back tomorrow even if I wait," I pleaded with the receptionist.

"I'm sorry, but I'll try my best to inform Ms. Jen," he replied.

I waited nearly an hour for this interview. I texted Mom, telling her there were many applicants and I couldn't leave yet because it wasn't my turn. I didn't want her to worry.

Suddenly, a woman hurried in, followed by another.

"We can reschedule this for tomorrow," the flustered woman said.

"If we're late in informing, it's our fault. We disturbed someone and then had to cancel. It's a quick fix; we'll get back on track," the calmer woman reassured her companion.

"Tsk," the first woman responded flatly.

"We're the ones who disturbed him," I overheard the conversation.

"Fine. I'll wait in the room. You handle it here," the direct woman said.

"Sir, come with me," the receptionist called me over.

I followed her instructions and sat where she directed me. She conducted the interview, explaining the role and responsibilities.

I nodded along without saying much.

"Can you start tomorrow?" she asked.

"Hmm, I'm sorry. Could it be the day after tomorrow? I need to find a place near here for my mom and me to live. It's hard for us to commute, and I can't be far from her," I politely requested.

"We have staff accommodations on the rooftop. There's a room available for you. It's clean, and you can bring your mom," she offered.

I felt relieved and grateful but also embarrassed. I didn't want to take advantage, so I hesitated to accept.

"Don't worry, it's free. And if you're concerned about your mom, she can help with cooking and cleaning for the staff. You won't be working at the mall; your job will be at the boutique building, which is nearby. The staff quarters are upstairs. Please don't decline; it's all arranged. You can go home now and bring your mom. We'll see you tomorrow. My staff will call you with the details. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience," she said, standing up.

I stood and bowed respectfully to her.

I left, thanking the receptionist.

I am Ice,

Yes, a Mama's boy.

Mom is all I have. She raised me single-handedly. Through all our moves, Mom never stopped working. She's resourceful, capable of any job, whether traditionally male or female. She even built our modest home from wood and planks. It's clean and peaceful, perfect for studying and relaxing.

I don't want anything to change between Mom and me. Wherever I go, she should be there too.

I texted Mom that I was on my way home. Unexpectedly, I saw someone who I know caused us to move from place to place.

I hesitated about whether to proceed with my plans for Mom and me in this place. Maybe there are other job opportunities elsewhere.

But I had already told Mom I got the job. Should I tell her about him? I know she'll worry. She'll wonder why I'm hesitating.