I was walking today, and I stop when I saw a familiar restaurant.

“Wait, from what I remember, Mindy is working here as a waitress,” I murmur.

“Get out! Leave and don’t ever come back here, you thief!!” I was surprised to see Mindy being pushed by a woman out of that restaurant.

“Ma’am Fiona, I’m not stealing anything, I didn’t steal anything from her, I’m telling the truth!” Mindy even knelt at that woman, begging.

I saw another woman behind Fiona, she’s smiling and staring at Mindy. It looks like she’s happy seeing Mindy like that!

What’s going on, by the way?!

I quickly walk toward them and pulled Mindy’s hand to help her stand up.

“Why are you kneeling to that woman Mindy?! She’s not a god, so why are you kneeling in front of her!” I glared at them. That woman in the white dress looked at me sharply.

“She’s my boss, Elyse, and I can’t lose this job just because of this misunderstanding. Just let me do this, please.” I saw her eyes, it’s like she’s begging me. 

Seeing her like this breaks my heart!

“Just shut up and let me handle this! She’s just a boss, not a god, Mindy! Your Mom didn’t give birth to you to kneel to anyone!”

I have never treated my employees like this. Not even one of them has ever knelt before me. I have never made an employee cry and accused something that they never did.

“Who are you to interfere huh?!” she asked, raising her eyebrows at me.

“I’m her cousin!”

“Oh, you’re just a cousin, but then you act like her Mom.” Her boss fakes a laugh.

“Did you know that your cousin stole my money?!” 

“She stole your money?” I asked.

“Elyse, what she’s saying isn’t true. I didn’t steal anything. I don’t even know why her money is inside my bag!” she says by way of explanation.

“You don’t have to explain to me Mindy, I know you very well. I know you can’t do that.” I hold her hand and put her behind me.

“Do you have any evidence that she stole your money?"

“Evidence? It was already seen in her bag! Isn’t that evidence for you?!!” Irritation filled her face.

“Well, I guess this restaurant has CCTV’s. Why don’t you look at it first, before accusing someone? I’ll only believe it when I see it on CCTV.” 

“N-No! Why would we need to look at CCTV! It’s already in her bag, it’s my money, so I know she stole it!” I smirked.

“Why? Are you scared? Oh, maybe you put your own money in Mindy’s bag... you’re not that crazy to do that right?”

“W-Why would I do that?! I’m not s-stupid to do that thing!” I can see the guilt in her eyes.

“Oh, you just called yourself stupid by now.” 

“What the f**k are you saying! You know what Mindy, you didn’t tell me that you have a crazy cousin! Did she just came out from the mental hospital?!”

“Are you done talking now?” I raise my eyebrow.

“Let’s just go Mindy, leave on this restaurant. You still can find a better job and have a good boss who will not treat you like this!”

I took Mindy’s bag, and I saw some money. This is probably the money she was saying.

“Oh, is this the money?!” I took it out of the bag and threw it at the woman’s face. “Go on, get your money now! By the way, stop wearing that bag. I know it’s fake, just like your nose.”

I pulled Mindy away from that place. We stop walking and we sit when we saw a bench. 

“E-Elyse... I don’t know if I should be angry at you or I should thank you. I know you’re just concern that’s why you did that but... I don’t have a j-job anymore, what should I do now.” I heard her sob. 

People are looking at us, but I just didn’t mind them.

“Do you know the woman next to your boss? It looks like she’s mad at you.”

“S-She’s my ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend.” 

My mouth turned into O. “What?! You broke up with your boyfriend?” 

“Y-Yeah, we broke up and I just recently knew that he’s been cheating. I mean when he courted me, that time he already has a girlfriend. And now his girlfriend found out, she’s thinking now that I am the one who flirts with her BF first!”

“His face is thick, just like Daren! And that woman is very dumb. You didn’t know anything, you’re not stupid to date with that bastard if you knew that he has a girlfriend!” I just clenched my fist. 

“Stop crying! Just forget that bastard. You don’t need a guy like him!” I hugged and tap her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you find a new job, we’ll figure this out. I still have money left so, let’s spend it buying food to eat for the main time. Shhh, stop crying now...”

After a minute she stops crying and now, we’re just talking some funny, it makes me happy seeing her laughing at my jokes.

“Elyse, I think you have to pick up your daughter now.”

“Oh, right! It’s already 4:01 pm, damn!” Mindy comes with me to pick up Elizabeth at school.

The three of us ate ice cream first before going home.

“Is your new school, okay, sweetie?”

“Yes! I love my new school than the old one. My new classmates are kind, they are so friendly, Mom.” I can see it in her eyes, she’s happy. I know my daughter. I know when she lies or when she’s telling the truth.

“Oh, really? That’s good to hear sweetie.” I smiled and gently pinch her cheek.

“You know what Mommy, they even give me foods made by their moms.” I suddenly lost my smile. 

I feel sad now, this life is not what Elizabeth used to. I should be cooking and giving what my daughter wants... I want to give her everything. I want the best for her.

“Don’t be sad Mommy, I’m not jealous of them, anyway. I’m just happy because they're nice and kind to me. Still, you're the best Mom for me!”

“Thanks for understanding sweetie, don’t worry Mommy will do everything to make our lives the same again and so, that I can give you what you want.” She hugged me.

“You don’t have to, what’s important to me is that you’re with me. We’re living together, you’re by my side.” She mumbled.

Before my teardrops, I immediately just change the topic. “Do you have any assignments? Do you want me to help you, sweetie?”

“Yeah, we have an assignment but I can do it, Mommy.”

“Elyse, baby Elizabeth, come here now, let's eat dinner!” Mindy said. 

The food is already served at the table.

“Is it okay that our dish is vegetables?” Mindy asked.

“Sweetie, I’m very sorry if it’s just vegeta--“

“Mommy, eating vegetables is good for the body, that’s what Teacher said.” I stared at my daughter, who sat in the chair and started eating the vegetables that Mindy cooked. 

Of course, we eat vegetables before but Elizabeth is not used that the only food at the table is vegetables and rice.

I raised my head to stop the tears from dripping into my eyes. This is not the life I dreamed of for my daughter, she’s the reason why I worked hard before. I want to give her everything but now I can’t do that, I can’t even buy her delicious food.

Mindy’s house isn’t big and the air conditioners are broken, but it’s okay because there’s an electric fan. Her TV is still okay and there are only two rooms here.

I sat on the chair already and started eating.

_

“Go to sleep now Elizabeth, you still have classes tomorrow.” 

“Sang me a song, Mommy, please?” she blinked her eyes twice. 

I laid her on the bed and made her lay down. I combed her hair while singing a twinkle, twinkle, little star.

That’s what I always sang to her. When I was still pregnant I always looked at the sky while staring at the stars. I caressed my stomach while singing.

I can’t help but cry as I remember the happy memories we had with Daren.

A few minutes later she fell asleep. I slowly got up and left the room. I saw Mindy sitting near the window. She is now staring at the sky.

“What are you doing?”

“You surprised me, Elyse! I was just watching those stars.” She mumbled. I sat next to her and also looked at the star.

“Do you remember before, when we’re still a kid? We always climbed on the roof of our neighbor’s house just to look at the stars.” I chuckled.

“Yeah, we’re even excited every time we saw a shooting star.” 

“Then we’ll wish and hoping that it will come true.” I just smile as I remember that.

“Oh my god, let’s go to sleep now Elyse, we still have to find a job tomorrow.”

Right! I have to wake up early and I need to take my daughter to school.

The two of us got up and go to our rooms.

“I’m sorry but we don’t accept people who already have a child.” 

Tsk, what’s the matter if I already have a child?! Does having a child can’t work anymore! Just tell me if you don’t like me, just don’t make some stupid reasons you make.

“Okay.” I went out and started walking. I looked around, and I saw some sweet lovers and then another couple with their child, they’re happy and having fun together.

They look very happy, just like Daren and I with Elizabeth back then. But everything changes because of that mistake... No, it’s not a mistake Elyse! Cheating is not a mistake, it’s a choice. So, I just let him be then, if that is what makes him happy, then fine.

_

“What? What did you say?” Mindy asked again.

“They didn’t accept me because I already have a child.” What kind of restaurant is that, by the way? I’m just applying in washing plates for the main time, tsk! Oh, maybe Daren is involved with this!

He mentioned to me before he leaves that he wants to take Elizabeth away from me.

“What? What kind of reason is that? Are they stupid?!“ she’s annoyed.

“Yeah, stupid.” I rolled my eyes.

I looked at Mindy’s phone when it suddenly vibrates.

“Elyse, I’ll go home first, is that okay?” She’s going to leave me?

“Why?” I asked, confused.

“Daisy, just text me, she’s waiting for me outside my house right now.” 

Daisy is Mindy’s older sister.

“Oh okay, send my regards to her and tell her that I miss her, okay.” she nods and said goodbye to me before she leaves.

I need to find a job as soon as possible.

“Is not that Elyse Acevedo?”

“Yeah, right! The cheater!”

Damn, some people do recognize me. I just didn’t mind those two girls, who are staring at me.

_

As I walk, I stepped on a piece of paper.

“What is this?” I asked myself.

“Oh, wanted maid...?” I read what was written on the paper.

“What is this? WANTED MAID is just stated there and then the salary is 50k every month.”

“What the-- is this a scam?” I looked closely at the paper and when I looked at the back of the paper, there was a number on it.

How can I call this number, I don’t have a phone anymore? Well, there’s nothing wrong if I’ll try, right? But how can a maid’s salary be 50k per month? Impossible. I mean, maybe it is possible if the person who’s looking for a maid is rich.

I look at the two girls who are just near to me. As I can see, they’re holding the same paper as mine. “Look at this! They’re looking for a maid, the salary is 50k--“

“Don’t try to apply Ilyn. If you still want to live, just ignore that."

“Hmm, I smell something fishy. You did try this don’t you??” They started walking away so, I didn’t hear what did the other girls replied.

Now I’m confused if should I apply or not? 

“Would you like to apply?” I was surprised because someone suddenly spoke behind me, a woman’s voice.

“H-Huh?” 

“Would you like to apply?” Do I know her?

“Is this what you’re talking about?” I showed the paper at the same time.

“Yeah, I can help you.” She smiled at me. That smile looks like an evil smile...

Damn, Elyse, what are you thinking! Don’t judge people just by looking at their appearance. You don’t know her yet.

“This ain’t a scam, right?”

“Of course not, you can directly call that number and apply Miss.”

“Really?” she nods at me as an answer.

“But how can I call this number, my phone is broken...” I murmur.

“Is that your only problem? You can use mine.” She handed me her phone to me. 

What the-- did she just handed her phone to me? We don’t even know each other. I mean, what if I’m a bad person and I take her phone away?

Well, it looks like she trusts me. She kinda looks crazy because she’s been smiling at me.

She looks rich so, #he doesn’t seem to have cared if she loses her phone.

I called that number and no one answered.

“Uhm, no one is answering.” This is a scam!

“Scam.” I rolled my eyes and give her phone back to her.

“Maybe it’s just busy. If you want, I’ll take you directly to the company-- “

“What?? What do you mean company? I thought they were looking for a maid. Do companies are hiring maids now? Wow, that’s new.” I said in shock.

“Pfft...of course not.” She scratched her shoulder as if she’s having a hard time explaining.

“Just come with me if you want to apply.” She muttered.

“No way, I don’t want to! I don’t even know you, I don’t if you’ll do something bad to me, maybe you want to sell my organs or whatsoever!” I covered my mouth and step back a little.

I raised my eyebrows when she suddenly laughs.

“Oh my god, you’re so funny! Why would you think that I’ll do that to you, hurry up because I still have important things to do? It’s actually my auntie, she’s looking for a maid. Maybe, she’s busy talking to people right now that’s why she can’t answer her phone.” She said by way of explaining.

“How would I know that you’re saying is true?!”

“Do you want money or not?” She directly asks.

“Of course I want! That’s why I’m looking for a job now!” I said, then crossed my arms.

“Then, come with me.”

“Okay! I mean no, I don’t want--“

“You are so talkative!” She grabs my hand and pulled me inside to a car.

“Help! I’m being kidnapped right now!! Help!!” I shouted.

“OMG, you’re hurting my ears!”

I was silent when she glared at me.

About 30 minutes later, the car stopped.

“Get out now.”

“Where did you take me?”

“In my Aunt’s company.”

I got out of the car and saw the tall building in front of me. Is this the company she’s talking to?

Why do I seem so nervous?

We went inside.

“Just go in there, my aunt is just there for sure! Just call her Mrs. Ferrer, understood?” She muttered before she left me alone in here.

What the! Why did she leave me here alone! Damn, my heart is pounding. Just relax, Elyse, that woman will not bite you... I guess.

I push the door and stumble through, tripping over my own feet, and falling headfirst into the office. Double crap- me and my two left feet! I am on my hands and knees in the doorway to Mrs. Ferrer's office, and gentle hands are around me, helping me to stand.

I am so embarrassed, damn my clumsiness. I have to steel myself to glance up. Wow, she’s so beautiful.

“Are you okay, Miss?” she asks.

She arches her eyebrow slightly as I stand self-consciously before her. I am beginning to wish I’d ​​borrowed one of Mindy’s formal blazers rather than wear my navy blue jacket. I have made an effort and worn my one and only skirt, my sensible brown knee-length boots, and a blue sweater. 

For me, this is smart. I tuck one of the escaped tendrils of my hair behind my ear as I pretend she doesn’t intimidate me.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you, Ms. Ferrer...”

“Oh, you’re fluttering me. I am already a Mrs.” Right, it’s Mrs. Ferrer, not Ms. Ferrer. She looks like her age is around 50+.

“Lany, called me that you wanted to apply?” Ah, that’s the name of the woman who brought me here.

I just nodded in response.

“Is it really true that my salary is 50k per month if I get hired?” 

“Yes, and if you last a month. I will make your salary 100k per month.” 

“Wow, that salary is huge,” I murmured. In 1 year, I have 1.2 million. Damn!

“You said you wanted to work so, you’re hired now!” Seriously? Is she being serious right now? We’re just talking for only a minute...

“So, when do I start now?” I asked.

“Well, if you’re ready. You can start now.” 

“That’s great, Mrs. Ferrer! I badly need a job now--“

“But wait, let me ask you some personal questions first.”

“Yes, sure, by the way, do you still need my resume?”

“No need. Let me just ask you personally. Please take a sit so, that we can talk comfortably.”

“Okay...”

“What’s your name?”

“Elyse Marie Arcevedo, Mrs. Ferrer.”

“Age?”

“I’m 28 years old.”

“Do you have a husband? Daughter? Or are you single?”

“I’m already separated from my husband 2 months ago and I have one daughter. I sold my house and land but there’s some problem with that, me and my daughter are currently living in my cousin’s house. I need a job right now because I don’t have enough money to buy food.”

“So, you 're a mother, and a mother would do anything for her daughter. I think you will last in this job. Girls who tried to apply didn’t long last, it looks like they just want to be with my son and flirt with him. Well, I guess you are different from those.”

“Ohm, your son is going to be my boss?” A man? Is he a rapist or something? Maybe a monster? Why do people won’t last long in this job?

“Yes, he’s a man but doesn’t worry, he’s not interested in women at all.” 

“Is he gay?” I asked. She chuckled.

“He’s asexual, and he doesn't know usually talk to people much. Even me, his own mother he doesn’t talk to me that much.”

I just nodded.

Well, I guess he’s not a bad person. Her mother said that he doesn’t talk too much to people.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your son. Just wait and see. I am going to change him, Mrs. Ferrer. Less than a month, he’s going to be talkative.”

“I hope so, it’s not easy to be his maid.” She murmured.

“I’ll do my best, Mrs. Ferrer. Don’t worry, I can handle this job!” Her eyes look like she doesn’t believe that I can do this job, just wait and see Mrs. Ferrer. 

“Is he a high school student?”

“He has his own house, it’s 5 already years ago since he moved there. In our house they’re a lot of maids and bodyguards, he doesn’t like seeing a lot of people... he wants to be alone always. He’s alone in his house and I just want him to has 1 maid, cleaning the house and serving him so, it’s not difficult for him.”

Wait, she didn’t answer my question?

I look at her, confused. She smiled at me. “He’s 1 year older than you, Elyse." 

What?? He’s 29 years old?! I am going to be a maid to a 29 years old... an asexual guy!?

The heck.

I just let out a big laugh. I said, "He's 29," and I still find it hard to believe it.

Elyse, it's all right. It's alright since you might simply feel the same way.

I almost slap my forehead. He doesn't talk much, Elyse, what vibes! How can you two have the same vibes, okay!

"My son is kind, as I've already said," I said.

"Are you sure?" She shook her head when I asked. What exactly she was talking about has me completely baffled.

"Oh! How old is your daughter, by the way?"

"She has already turned ten..." I paused mid-sentence if unexpectedly taken aback by what she had heard?

"You became pregnant at 17?"

"Y-Yes."

"You were so young when you became pregnant, wow."

"Yes, but I didn't become pregnant once more; that one is sufficient for me." I've never been pregnant, no matter how often we were together, and as my company expanded, I ran out of time to talk to Daren since I was so worn out from work. I can still cook and look after Elizabeth, but I have no desire to do so."

I nodded and grinned in response to what she said. "You should be grateful, she's a blessing to god for you." She reminded me of how I felt when people judged me for being pregnant too soon.

"Yes, I am aware that everything in our lives has a purpose."

"Yes, without a doubt." There was a little period of stillness, and because she was now staring at me, I appeared embarrassed.

Is my face covered in dirt? Oh, I guess I stink because I was sweating so much.

"You seem to be familiar to me in some way, ija. I feel as though I've seen you before, but I can't remember where."

"Oh, in the Philippines, I formerly owned a toy business. Maybe you caught me talking about infidelity on TV."

"Oh, I see; I remember. I saw you on television. Right, I saw a news about you and your husband? I'm not sure if I did remember it right but it does talk about you and your husband, that you cheated on him? Did you really cheat on your husband ija?

"Of course not; in that interview, he is stating the exact opposite. He cheated, not me. I was so committed to him that I never considered flirting or cheating with another guy." I said telling her the truth.

Even just a crush, longing about artists, or even glancing at other men I don't. Why would I even look for or at someone else if they are around when I already have him and my daughter, also I have my work. However, that is really the sole distinction between the two of us.

Perhaps I'm the only one who has that thought. I'll be honest: I spend more time at work than he does. Could that be the reason he might be looking for someone else? Despite what they say, your trust is more valuable than time.

"He's a dunce, ija. He didn't even consider how attractive you are when he deceived you."

"You will be duped whether you are attractive or ugly, big- or small boobs. Finding a partner who exclusively loves you is incredibly lucky." 

Has Mrs. Ferrer ever been the victim of cheating?

After a lengthy story-sharing session with Mrs. Ferrer, we abruptly ran into each other. She's nice, which is my good fortune. Simply put, I'm unsure of how kind her son is.

I'm heading home with Mindy after being advised to start the following day. Will that be okay? I'm going to fix my things, and I'm also asking her to watch over Elizabeth while I'm gone.

We're currently dining in the late hours.

"Elyse, how are you doing? Have you found work?" She questioned while she ate her rice.

"Mommy, have you found work?" Elizabeth was now seated next to me as I turned to face her.

"Ah, hmm, yes", I replied. I'm sure Mindy wouldn't believe me if I told her that my work was a yaya.

She is aware that I will work any job but this kind of job. Not because I disliked it, but rather because I feel like I'm not good at that, I really didn't want that anymore when we were youngsters.

My mother used to be a yaya, therefore that could be the reason. When I was a child, she used to take me to the house where she worked, where I observed how they would chastise her even if she made a mistake, how she would clean up, and how if any dust remained, they would criticize her, and if the cooking was subpar, they would throw it at her.

I don't know; I just believe that being a yaya is a more difficult profession, but at this point, I have no choice because I must provide for Elizabeth financially.

"Really? When will you begin, then?"

"Tomorrow..." She bowed.

I enquire, "What about you? Have you found a job?"

"I'll just attempt to apply again tomorrow if nothing else. If you're the only one who spends money on our cuisine, it's embarrassing." She hasn't changed much at all, so when she said that, I just quietly laughed.

Do you still want to eat, Sweetie? Elizabeth shook her head in response when I asked. "Mommy, I'm filled."

I merely brought her some water and gave it to her.

"I'll simply finish my assignment, Mom." I simply nodded when she replied, "Let's go together." I look at Mindy, who is currently sipping water.

"Oh? Elyse, why are you staring at me like that?"

"Do you mind if I ask you to watch over Elizabeth while I'm gone? I'll be starting work tomorrow, and there isn't anyone else to do it."

"Just that I don't find that problematic. What job did you find, by the way?"

"Yaya,"

"What?? I think I heard you wrong. What did you say again?" Looking at me, her forehead was still slightly creased.

I spoke again, and I could tell that she was still in disbelief that she was staring at me. "Elyse, are you ok? Are you sure about that? You dislike it right?"

No other options, it appears that only that position wants to recruit me. That's preferable to being jobless.

"Yesterday I read a paper stating they were looking for a yaya, the salary is high so I attempted to apply and it looks like that old woman likes me, therefore, she accepted me," 

"You're going to stay there if you're a yaya right? Because that would be hard for you if you'll have to go home after work, anyway I don't think they're still such a work for yaya that doesn't work stay in."

"The issue is that..."

"You want me to look after Elizabeth while you're away?" I slowly nodded.

"It's okay with me then, but how can I work?" Her worried question.

I thought about what it said.

She's still looking for a job, isn't she? "Anyway, you don't have to work anymore. I'll pay for everything! All you have to do is watch Elizabeth while I'm not here."

"It's embarrassing when it's like that Elyse, it's as if you're the one who keeps me alive. It's like we're going back to the past, I'm only relying on you."

"Why are saying that all of sudden? It's okay with me." I got up and went to her, then hugged her.

"You know Mindy, you and I are like sisters. We've known each other for a long time and until now you still seem to be ashamed. Then there's no one else to work with but us, isn't the family working together?" She slowly nodded.

We put away what we ate and then went to the bedroom. When I entered the room I saw Elizabeth who was now sound asleep.

I just smiled as I watched it. I slowly approached and lay down next to her. I caressed her cheek and kissed her on the forehead.

"Hmm, mommy?" It slowly opened its eyes and stared at me.

"I'm sorry sweetie. Did I wake you up?"

"It's okay mommy." She smiled at me and kissed me on the cheek. I was just surprised by that and laughed softly.

"Oh, why are you laughing so hard? It's like you're being tickled by your laughter."

"Your smelly mommy, aren't you taking a bath?" I quickly sniffed myself and my daughter was right, I was already sniffing. I got dressed straight away when I got here and I couldn't take a bath, I forgot.

"It's okay mommy, I can still handle your level of stench."

"You huh, because now that you're so big you treat your mommy like that."

"Eh? I'm just telling the truth, didn't you say it's bad to lie?" Of course not, I said that to her.

She hugged me tightly. "Mommy, I didn't mean to hear what you and Aunt Mindy were talking about, but is it true that you got a job?" I swallowed one after another.

I haven't told her about it yet but she heard it himself.

"Ahh, yeah..."

"It's okay with me that Aunt Mindy can be with me first while you're not here."

"Huh?"

"I know, mommy, you need money, that's why you're working."

Uhm, is this my daughter? Why is she even older than me when it comes to speaking?

"Is that okay with you sweetie? Mommy only comes home here every Sunday?" She smiled at me and nodded.

I don't know, when Elizabeth was my age I would cry when I didn't see my mom but she was fine with her. It's a good thing she didn't inherit me to cry when I was young.

Where did she inherit? Maybe Daren? Tsk, he cried when he was a child. In high school, we were talking about what happened when we were young...

I quickly slapped my forehead because I remembered that sh*t again! Memories are crazy! I hope he gets bored with his new woman!

"Mommy are you okay?"