03

Olivia stared at the papers handed to her by the doctor, it was her mom's supposed test result, her eyes blurred with tears.

“She needs to be operated on, as soon as possible, else she would lose her life.”

“But before that, you'll need to deposit a huge amount of money for her treatment before we can start anything. Do you understand me young lady?”

The doctor's words echoed in her ears, yet again and again.

She closed her eyes, and all the tears brimming in her eyes fell. When she tasted them it was very bitter, that it felt like her heart was transpired into tears.

Once again, she was thrown into the world of despair. Her mom is diagnosed with a brain tumor and needs urgent operation, but where is she going to get that kind of money, which the doctor is requesting for ?.

Olivia wiped her tears, she folded the paper into a small block. She got up and went into her mom's ward.

The pale woman was still sound asleep. She could barely talk nor could she move her body.

Olivia lounged towards her, fresh tears rolling down her cheek again. She knelt beside her mom's bed and took her hands.

“I wish this was one of my dreams again. I wish I would wake up and finds out that all these are all my dreams, that you weren't sick, that dad didn't ask us to leave the house….t-tha all these didn't happen” her body shook violently as she sobbed and leaned her face on her mom's hands.

She was still crying when she noticed that her palms were squeezed by her mom's hands, she looked up sharply and stared at her mom's face.

She looked up to see her mom's face, but it was still the same as when she came into the ward.

Olivia sighed and looked down. She sniffled and wiped away the tears from her face.

“Mom, I promise you this…, I would do anything to make sure you stay alive for me. Even if dad refuses to lend a helping hand, just hang in there” she slightly squeezed her mom's hands, while staring at her pale face.

A sardonic smile escaped her lips and she slowly got up and left the ward.

Olivia's eyes were glued on the folded paper she was holding, as she walked along the hospital hall.

With her hair flagged down, she didn't notice the group of men coming towards her. She accidentally bumped into them.

Bump!

She felt her head hit a hard and sturdy chest, and a fragrance wafted into her nose.

“Ouch!” she rubbed her hair letting out a soft cry.

“Hey!, Can't you even watch where you're going huh ?” A harsh voice challenged.

“I'm sorry sir, are you okay ?” Olivia said apologetically, slightly bowing her head.

“Tch….” Another voice sighed angrily.

They men brushed past Olivia and walked ahead.

She tilted her head to look at them, but could only have a view of their backs.

She vaguely imagined what they looked like and could guess they might be rich.

She sighed and turned away from them, since they didn't even spare her a glance nor did they look back at her.

“Miss, are you leaving already?”

Olivia turned to see a nurse, walking towards her. She was young, tall and chubby, although she appeared a bit timid, her voice was relaxing and soft.

“Yes ma'am, I need to gather money for my mum's medical bills.” She said, tightening her grip on the paper she was holding.

“Call me Gracie. Can we talk for a moment?” she smiled.

“U-u-uh yes ma'am, I mean Gracie. Of course.” she replied awkwardly, and followed the woman outside.

*******

Olivia stood at the entrance of a restaurant, she glanced at the name of the bar and then looked at the card she was holding.

“This must be it, It bears the same name.” She muttered to herself, staring at the large building, in front of her.

She took a deep breath and walked into the bar.

The bar was built and decorated in a grand and elegant style, it provided privacy for people who don't feel comfortable eating out. It's atmosphere was cool and relaxing.

Her stomach grumbled lightly, when the aroma of food wafted into her nose, reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything yet. She groaned inwardly and walked up to a man she supposed was a staff.

After telling the man why she came, he took her to the manager's office.

“Goodluck dear” the middle aged man smiled, as he turned to leave.

“Thank you so much sir!” she mouthed excitedly.

When the man's figure finally disappeared, Olivia swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous.

She stared at the door, as if it was some kind of plague, calling on her.

She knocked slightly, hoping for a response. After a while, she got a response from a deep baritone voice, telling her to come in.

She slightly pushed the metal door and walked in.

Her eyes wandered around the small office, with a desk and chair in the middle. Though it was small, its design was modern and classy.

“Goodday sir” she said, standing beside the chair.

“Have a seat” came his baritone voice.

Olivia had already imagined an old bulky and short man, with a pot belly, and a croaky voice, when she heard the word manager.

She supposed all bar managers were like that. But the man in front of her proved her totally wrong.

He appeared young and good looking. Although he was fleshy, his skin was neat and smooth. His black hair was styled neatly, as he wore rimless glasses, which added more charm to his looks.

Then again, his voice wasn't at all croaky, it was deep and manly.

Olivia bit her tongue and sat down.

The man narrowed his eyes at her, his gaze scrutinizing her.

Olivia felt anxious under his gaze, she clenched her fists, trying to maintain her composure.

After what seemed like a century the man laughed and dropped the book he was reading.

“What's your name ?”

“Olivia Winters”

“How old are you ?”

“ I'm eighteen sir”

“You're from Manila ?”

“Yes sir”

“Can you dialogue well in Tagalog?”

“Yes sir”

“Good then, you're employed.” He clapped suddenly and took out a file from his drawer, and passed it to her.

“ When you're done filling it, submit it, then you are free to go. The rest of the information would be sent to your email” He said, adjusting his glasses before picking up the book he dropped earlier.

Olivia smiled and nodded “Thank you sir”

“Lastly, it's Mr Gills. You're welcomed young lady” he flashed a smile at her.

“Weirdo” Olivia muttered inwardly.

****

Olivia smiled brightly, when she walked out from the bar. Her eyes wandered around the lively and noisy environment.

“Thank goodness i secured a job already”

She suddenly remembered that she had to get some of their items from her dad's house.

“It's only our property right ? Nothing else” she sighed and walked away.