Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"Ma-nang, ag-agriing kan. Na-bangsit tu ta ang-saw mon."

Instead of being irritated, I smiled as my brother strongly shook my arm and told me to wake up. He is mimicking how I always wake him up; I tell him that if he doesn't get out of bed, his breath will stink.

My eyes were still closed, and I could feel him lying next to me. His lips pressed against my arm. Every morning, he kisses my arm. "M-morning, ma-nang." His words are soft, causing him to mumble on every letter, but I understand what he's saying because we've been together since birth.

When Josue was four years old, he was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. Kinukonsidera ang sakit niya bilang ‘syndromic’ form ng autism spectrum disorder. All these years, he has attended speech therapy and received cognitive-behavioral therapy. Kaya medyo nagagawa niyang makipag-usap at makihalubilo sa amin. At the age of 10, doon pa lang siya natutong maglakad mag-isa.

I can understand the hardships and exhaustion that my parents endured over the years, so I can't entirely blame them for abandoning us.

That memory made me smile bitterly. I also decided not to attend college because of my brother's illness. I was the one who looked after him. Sayang din kasi ang ibabayad ng mga magulang ko kung sakaling kumuha sila noon ng kasambahay. Pandagdag na rin iyon sa perang ipambibili ng gamot ng kapatid ko.

"Morning, ading ko. Nangan kan?" (Good morning, ading. Have you eaten?) tanong ko sa kanya. I caressed his gentle face. He couldn't stop smiling and moving his hands while touching my left arm.

"W-en, Ma-nang," he replied, his hands flapping as he cast a brief glance at me. When he smiled, I noticed he had just brushed his teeth, and I could smell his fresh breath. "Ha!" He laughed as he blew his breath in my face.

I laughed, stood up, and smacked him with my pillow. He also stood up and took my other pillow, then hit me again while laughing. Every morning, this is our routine, and I make an effort to interact with him before leaving for work.

When I told him I was going to take a shower, he agreed to behave. Mabilisan palagi ang pagligo ko. Fifteen minutes na kuskos sa katawan ko, ayos na.

Wala naman akong boyfriend na aamoy sa akin.

I put on my uniform, which is a button-down shirt, a black vest, and black pants. Hindi pa kasi natuyo ang black skirt na isinampay ko sa likod ng refrigerator. It has been my dryer since time immemorial. Only poor kids know that technique.

My make-up has always looked the same. My eyeshadow is a rose and blush shade. I didn't use mascara because my lashes are naturally long, curled, and dark. I only use a light foundation and a sun-kissed blush on my face because I want it to be simple. I simply clipped a hairclip to both sides of my curly lob hair. Hindi ako nagwisik ng pabango.

Matapos kong kumain, inihatid ko si Josue sa plant garden ni Tita. Her "plantitarium" sells ornamental plants, orchids, and native plants. She also offers concrete pots, indoor fountains, pedestals, koi ponds, grottos, and wall fountains for sale.

Katabi lang naman iyon ng bahay ni Tita. Ilang steps lang. Doon nila inuubos ang oras nila sa maghapon.

"Sue, behave, okay?" paalala ko sa kapatid ko. "Walang Mcdo, kung hindi behave."

"Mmm!" Mabilis siyang tumango. "Sue, be-have." Humalik pa siya sa braso ko. He waved at me as I prepared to leave.

"Anong gusto mong ulam mamayang gabi?" tanong ni Tita. Hawak na niya sa kamay ang kapatid ko. Minsan kasi, humahabol siya sa akin, gustong sumama sa trabaho ko. Nasa gilid pa naman ng kalsada ang puwesto ng "plantitarium" ni Tita.

"Kahit ano po, Tita. Pero kapag may bangus, sinigang na lang. Kapag gulay po, pinakbet." I waved to them both.

"B-bye, ma-nang!" Josue yelled happily.

"Be a good boy!" hiyaw ko pabalik. I then rode a tricycle to Serene & Loud Restobar.

Nag-clock-in ako pagkapasok ko sa S & L. Iniwasan kong makita si Mariposa dahil nakakasira siya ng umaga.

Pero kung sinusuwerte ka nga naman! Napapikit ako nang makasalubong ko siya. Hindi pa nagbubukas ang restaurant, kaya may time pa kami para gumamit ng comfort room.

I sighed as I opened my eyes. Nagbilang ako ng isa hanggang tatlo at boom!

"Nakakainis sa bahay, pinagalitan na naman ako ni Mama. Late na kasi ako umuwi kagabi," himutok niya habang magkasalubong ang kilay niya. Nireretouch niya ang make-up niya.

Naghugas ako ng kamay at sinulyapan ko ang repleksiyon niya sa salamin. "Not everyone has a mother to scold you, so be thankful," maikli kong sabi. Umiskapo agad ako dahil alam kong mahaba pa ang hanash niya sa buhay.

I used to be envious of her. She can easily vent her angst on others. Ako? Hindi ko kaya iyon. Mas gusto ko iyong sinosolo ko ang problema dahil ayaw kong maging burden sa ibang tao. Feeling ko kasi, lahat tayo may pinapasan kaya bakit ko pa idadagdag ang pasan kong problema sa 'yo?

As a waitress, I always make sure to leave my personal life at home. When I'm at work, my focus is on providing the best service possible to each and every customer. I maintain a genuine smile, even when I'm feeling down, and strive to make everyone feel welcome and taken care of.

Sumaglit muna ako sa staff house na nasa tabi lang ng restobar. Ilang dipa lang ang layo niyon mula sa kinatatayuan ko kaya mabilis akong nakarating sa loob.

"Hi, baby girl!" Bati ko sa anak ng mga boss ko. She is Skye, their cuddly and chubby only child. Patakas kong pinisil ang pisngi niya habang nakatingin sa ibang direksiyon ang mommy niyang si Isla Gabrielle, the former Binibining Pilipinas crowned in 2003. Oh, di ba? May kaibigan akong beauty queen. Parang David at Goliath lang kami kapag nagtabi kami, ang tangkad kasi niya sa taas niyang 5'9.

Ako 5'2 na nga, panget pa.

Pinitik ni Gab ang noo ko noong pumalahaw na sa iyak si Skye. Naiwan kasi ang bakat ng dalawang daliri ko sa pisngi niya sa sobrang sensitive ng balat niya.

"Sorry na. Nakapanggigigil kasi ang pisngi ng baby mo." Natatawa kong iniharang ang kamay ko sa mukha ko dahil may balak na naman siyang ulitin ang ginawa niya sa noo ko.

"Gumawa ka kasi ng sarili mong anak. Hindi 'yong ginagawa mong parang siopao ang pisngi ng anak ko. Lagi mong kinukurot," iritable niyang sabi.

Umiskapo agad ako.

Pero goods ang babaeng 'to. Super kind at maganda pa.

I returned to the restaurant and resumed my duties, setting up breakfast and accompanying customers to their tables. It's a really stressful job, but I've gotten used to it after five years.

Kaya ko at kakayanin ko!

It can get pretty hectic during peak hours - three table may be waiting for their breakfast order, while two more are in the middle of their appetizers and it's already time for me to place their main course orders. Meanwhile, another table may be nearly ready for dessert, and yet another is waiting for their check. The statuses of each table change constantly, and I need to stay on top of everything to ensure that each customer is satisfied.

For me, remembering a diner's order is already a piece of cake.

Ever since I started wearing bows as part of my service, I've noticed an increase in the amount of tips I receive from customers. But it's not just about the accessory - when I'm serving my customers, I make it a point to treat them with respect and make them feel valued. Whether it's through small talk, attentive service, or a genuine smile, I want every customer to feel like they're important and appreciated. It's not just about earning tips - it's about creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Lagi ko ring ipinaaalala ang pangalan ko para next time na bumalik sila, puwede nilang i-request na ako ang mag-asikaso sa kanila. They always give me tips this way.

Mukha akong pera, e! Ang perang iyon ay iniipon ko para sa may ipandagdag sa gamot ng kapatid ko at sa goal kong makapag-aral muli.

Hindi naman porque bente-uno na ako, wala na akong karapatang mangarap. Siyempre, may mga goals din ako sa buhay.

I left work at 5 p.m. and went home. Pagbaba ko ng tricycle, napahiyaw ako dahil nagulat akong may hawak na itim na malaking aso ang kapatid ko. He was swaying the dog in his arms. Nakatatakot ang itsura ng asong iyon.

"Put that dog down!" sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Ma-nang." Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkabigla. Sa taranta niya, sinunod niya ang utos ko. He set it down, but what surprised me was that the big black dog came rushing towards me.

Sa takot ay mabilis kong inakyat ang puno ng bayabas na nasa tabi ko. Bumagsak rin ako sa lupa dahil maliit lang naman ang punong iyon.

I lay on the ground and caressed my aching bum. I heared my brother's laughter. Nanginig ang kalamnan ko sa takot nang dambain ako ng malaking aso.

"Mi-lo, s-stop!" My brother yelled in slurred words, causing the dog to freeze in his spot. Ilang segundo siyang umupo sa harap ko, titig na titig sa mga mata ko. Dinilaan niya ang mukha ko at naramdaman ko ang init ng hininga niya. Para bang kakainin na yata niya ako. Nakapikit ako ng mariin at hinintay na lapain niya ako...

Pero walang nangyari.

Pagmulat ko, wala na siya sa harapan ko.

Aba't!

Nakipaglalaro nang muli ang kapatid ko sa asong itim na iyon. I'm not sure what breed it is; wala naman kasi akong hilig sa mga hayop.

"Saan mo napulot 'yan?" sigaw ko kay Josue. Natatakot akong lumapit dahil baka kagatin ako ng hawak niya.

Hindi niya ako sinagot.

Sumungaw mula sa loob ng bahay si Tita at binati ako. "Galing 'yan sa bahay ni Maximus. Sabi ko nga sa kapatid mo, isauli na namin, pero ayaw niya. Gusto na yatang angkinin. Mabuti at hindi pa hinahanap ni Mac."

Napataas ang kilay ko. Kailan pa nahilig sa aso ang isang iyon? Samantalang sarili niyang relasyon, hindi niya maalagaan.

Oh? Parang tunog-bitter ako roon, a.

Kahit noong dinner time na, kasalo namin sa hapag ang aso. Binilisan ko nga ang pagkain dahil ayaw ko sa amoy niya. Mukhang hindi pa pinaliliguan ng ilang araw.

Ako na ang nagprisintang maghugas. Pagkatapos kong linisin ang kusina, hinanap ko ang kapatid ko. He was still playing with the dog in the living room. I told him to take a shower, and he did.

Nagkatitigan pa kami ng aso kaya sa takot ko, pumasok na lang ako ng kuwarto. Inihanda ko ang mga gagamitin ko mamaya sa home service massage, pero ang babaeng si Olivia, wala pang mensahe hanggang ngayon. Anong petsa na?!

Paglabas ng kapatid ko sa banyo, ang lego modular buildings naman ang pinagkaabalahan niya. Regalo iyon ng kaibigan kong si Gab sa kanya.

Josue is intellectually disabled, but he enjoys playing his acoustic guitar and building legos.

Dati, sa tabi ko siya natutulog ngunit nang magbinata na siya, sinanay namin na matulog siyang mag-isa. Mahirap siyang i-train, but it's worth it.

8 PM na nang ma-receive ko ang message galing kay Olivia. Tingnan mo 'tong babaeng 'to, sabi niya umaga niya ipadadala ang address ng i-ho-home service ko.

From: Olivia DiCagandahan

HUY! Sorry, bakla! Late ko na naalala. Inadlay Road, Santander, Cebu. 'Yan yung address. Antayin mo na lang si Mang Inasal. Siya ang maghahatid sa 'yo roon. I-guide mo na lang sa direksiyon. Baguhan, e! You can also return home after your home service. Binayaran na ng client ang buong service mo for tonight.

Natawa ako sa pangalan niyang Mang Inasal. Kaagad akong nag-type ng reply.

To: Olivia DiCagandahan

Client name?

From: Olivia DiCagandahan

Cressida Almerino, the famous IT Girl and fashion model

Agad na kumabog ang dibdib ko. Dinaluhong ako ng kaba at excitement.

Baka makita ko roon ang lalaking 'yon, pero pera rin 'to! Nakapanghihinayang, kung hihindian ko. We rushed to Santander as soon as Mang Inasal arrived at our house. Traffic pa sa bandang Alegria, kaya isang oras at kalahati ang nilakbay namin.

When we arrived at Cressida Almerino's residence, my mouth widely opened, admiring the well-lit villa.

Ako na ang bumaba sa bungad ng malaking gate, then I announced our arrival by pressing the intercom button. The gate opened automatically. Sumakay akong muli sa kotse dahil medyo may kalayuan pa ang malaking villa mula sa gate. Tanaw ko pa sa itaas ang malaking arko na may sulat na "Villa Almerino".

Nagpaiwan si Mang Inasal sa kotse dahil inaantok daw siya. Magnanakaw lang daw siya ng tulog.

A butler then greets me. Gosh! Ba't ang guwapo ng butler nila! He has stunning hazel eyes that captivate me.

Pero sa loob-loob ko, may kakilala akong mas guwapo pa sa kanya. Hindi ko na lang sasabihin.

"Maayong gabii, Miss Jen. Cressida will arrive in a few moments. Please take a seat," he said, motioning to the grand sofa in the living room.

Pero nanatili akong nakatayo.

Napakaganda ng loob ng malaking bahay na iyon. Hinangaan ko ang brown facade nito at ang mga looban ng villa ay may mga kulay na teal, gold, lemon, at bright rust at sienna. Nakakalula ang pagkakalatag ng herringbone wood floors at arched glass doorways na nagbibigay ng sophisticated look sa kanyang mansion.

Halatang mamahalin ang mga muwebles mula sa sofa, chandelier, chaise longue, at center table. Ngunit ang grand piano na may tatak na Steinway & Sons Fibonacci ang nakapukaw ng aking pansin. It stood right beside the staircase. Siguro may isang miyembro ng pamilya nila na mahilig sa musika.

Napakaganda rin ng marble staircase na mayroong corinthian columns sa itaas. Meron pang bar area na mayroong dark gold wall at circular bar shelf. Halatang mamahalin ang lahat ng alak dito.

Sa labas naman ay mayroong outdoor plunge pools at verandas na may malawak na tanawin ng dagat, na tumutunghay sa magandang gabi sa kalapit na isla ng Negros Oriental.

"Hi. You must be Jen Salas."

My attention was drawn to a sweet voice that filled the room. I turned and saw a tall, stunning woman with supermodel-thin features and glamorous style, wearing a tank top and high-waisted shorts. Her long, ashy blonde hair cascaded down her waist, and her face was incredibly attractive.

I couldn't help but feel small in her presence. She stood as tall as my friend Gab, who is known for her height. Beside her was another sophisticated-looking woman, who stood just as tall. She had a double bass slung over her back and was wearing a navy blue empire-waist dress that accentuated her curves. I was captivated by her beauty, and couldn't take my eyes off her.

"Did we keep you waiting?" Tanong niya. She motioned for me to take a seat.

"Hindi naman, Miss. Kararating lang din namin," sagot ko.

"Si Faith nga pala, kaibigan ko. You'll also be massaging her. Ayos lang naman, 'di ba?

"It will be my pleasure, Miss," I said with a smile to them, raising my hands.

Miss Faith simply nodded instead of shaking my hand. Nahihiya tuloy akong nagbaba ng kamay. Hindi rin siya ngumiti. Tanging si Miss Cressida lang ang kumakausap sa akin.

Ipinagsawalang-bahala ko iyon dahil wala namang kaso sa akin.

"We'll just change our clothes. Have you eaten?" Malambing na tanong ni Miss Cressida. Nang sinabi kong, "Yes, Miss", iniwan na nila ako. Sinabi pa niyang feel at home lang daw.

The butler told me my clients were ready and I confidently walked upstairs. I then took out the massage oils and creams along with the towels. Inuna kong imasahe si Miss Cressida, and I could tell she liked how I massaged her entire body.

"You're fantastic. It's no surprise that Kuya Levitt recommended you to me the last time," she complimented me.

I remembered Sie Levitt, the person I massaged the night before.

I followed up by massaging her friend.

"I'd be going back to Manila later," she said in a strong voice, giving off an air of confidence.

"Why?" Miss Cressida stood up from her seat and moved to the massage chair, holding a wine glass in her hand. "Kuya isn't here, if that's what you're worried about."

The other woman laughed. "Fortunately, I ended our relationship. I will never settle for a man who does not value me."

Miss Cressida raised an eyebrow. "You won't find anyone like Kuya. He's just preoccupied with the family business. It's not like he's seeing other women."

"Even so. I don't like being taken for granted."

Hindi sumagot ang isa. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagmamasahe, pero natigilan ako nang magtanong si Miss Faith sa akin. "What about you, Miss? Would you be satisfied with someone like Jacques Almerino? You've heard of him, right? He's well-known."

I shook my head, even though she couldn't see me since she was lying on her stomach. "I wouldn't settle for him either, not because he doesn't value me, but because he doesn't like me."

Both women laughed.

"What? Do you have a crush on him?" nagulat na tanong ni Miss Faith.

I quickly shook my head. "No. I mean..." I took a deep breath because I didn't want to reveal that I had a crush on Jacques for a long time. "I mean, I'm just answering your question. It's a situational issue. Why should I like him if he doesn't like me?"

"Oh! Miss Jen, you almost gave me a heart attack," Miss Faith said, caressing her chest absentmindedly. "I ended my relationship with him, but my family needs him. And our wedding is in two months. And her mom gave him two months to do whatever he wanted here in Cebu."

Oh, two months!