"Hello? Anyone home?"
Startled, I opened the door and found Aling Merci standing outside.
"Aling Merci, what brings you here?" I asked, scratching the back of my head.
"Well, obviously I'm here to collect payment! It's been weeks since you last paid your debts at my store."
I rubbed my head again and lowered my gaze.
"I'm really sorry… I still don't have a job right now. But don't worry, I'll find a way to pay everything we owe."
"Oh please, that's just another excuse. This is your last week. If you still can't pay, you're no longer allowed to borrow anything from my store. Remember that, boy."
"Yes, ma'am…"
She turned her back and walked away. I sank down at the doorway, trying to keep the heaviness in my chest from swallowing me whole.
What am I going to do? Papa spends his days drinking… where does he even get the money?
I froze.
I shot to my feet and rushed inside the house. I searched for my old, battered bag, the one I always used for work. I opened it and pulled out my wallet.
A breath of relief escaped me when I saw that my savings were still there. My legs gave way and I collapsed onto the floor, clutching the bag tightly.
That money was for emergencies, and for Gia's allowance. I'd been secretly saving up, hoping I'd someday have something to rely on.
I stood up and carefully hid the bag again. Hopefully Papa wouldn't find it.
After washing up and getting dressed, I headed out once more to look for work.
After an entire morning of going from place to place, I ended up sitting on the steps outside a pharmacy, watching people hurry about their day.
I was taking a break from job hunting. Not a single place hired me, apparently being a high school graduate wasn't enough. Their standards were so high, it felt as if even being a housekeeper required a college degree.
My stomach growled, forcing me to my feet. I couldn't afford to starve, getting sick would only mean more expenses.
"Ate, one pack of SkyFlakes, please."
I paid and took the biscuit, nibbling on it as I stared at the posters plastered on the walls, mostly announcements and missing-person flyers. But something caught my eye.
Wanted: Janitor!
I read through the details.
"Costamarina Brisas?" It was the famous resort hotel in town. Tourists flocked there, and even local officials held events in its halls.
I scanned the requirements, doubting what I saw. Only a résumé and work experience? No way they wouldn't ask for a diploma… but fine, might as well try.
"We've already hired someone for the janitor position, sir. Sorry. Someone applied very early this morning." The woman at the front desk said politely.
I didn't realize they let people who looked like me into a place this nice. I had told the guard I was applying for janitor, so he let me in, still, everyone stared.
"Oh… I understand." I couldn't hide my disappointment. I had thought this might finally be it.
She looked at me with pity. "I really am sorry."
"It's alright, miss. Thank you." I forced a smile and turned away.
I frowned, noticing the hotel staff scrambling around anxiously.
"Oh no, madam isn't just looking for a janitor, she needs a laundry attendant too!"
"What? When did she say that? I don't remember her mentioning it."
"She said it last month! The manager forgot to inform us! Yesterday he mentioned the janitor position, but he didn't bring up the laundry attendant at all."
"Where's the manager now?"
"In his office with madam."
Was their manager old? How could he be that forgetful?
I left the hotel and continued job hunting until nightfall. Feeling defeated, I dragged myself into a convenience store. All the small shops were closed.
I checked the prices carefully, my money wouldn't stretch far. Looked like I could only afford water. I grabbed a bottle and lined up at the cashier.
I was surprised to see who was in front of me, the drunk woman from last night, the one who lived at the hacienda.
Her cart was full of snacks. Seriously… did she love junk food that much? Was she going to eat all that alone, or did she have someone with her? Was she going to buy condoms again?
The line moved and she was up next.
"One box of condoms too, miss. Large, banana flavor."
So they used up the ones she bought last night?
Wild.
After paying, she walked out. She didn't even notice me.
"Just this, sir?" the cashier asked.
I nodded, paid, and stepped outside.
I had taken only a few steps when I heard a soft whistle. I looked around and saw the same woman sitting on one of the outdoor seats. Her grocery bags were on the table, and she was staring straight at me.
I pointed at myself, she nodded.
"What?" I approached, keeping some distance. I tried not to frown, remembering how she ignored me earlier.
She didn't answer. Instead, she pushed one of the large plastic bags toward me. I stared at her, startled.
Was she… giving this to me?
"Take it." Her voice was low, but not too deep, just enough to sound like she'd just woken up. Or maybe she was still hungover.
When I didn't move, she shoved the bag harder. I panicked when it nearly fell and quickly grabbed it.
"T-thank you…" I bowed slightly.
Her eyes drifted to the brown envelope I was holding.
"You're looking for a job?"
I nodded.
"Let me see your résumé." She held out her hand.
I didn't argue. Slowly, I handed her the envelope. She opened it and read through the contents.
"Elias Ray Quijano, 24…" She continued reading seriously, as if she were a CEO reviewing an applicant. I stood stiffly, clutching the groceries she gave.
"Elias." I straightened up. "Do you know how to do laundry?"
I hesitated, then nodded.
"How about folding clothes and operating laundry equipment?"
I nodded again.
"Do you know where Costamarina Brisas is?"
Another nod.
She reached into her pocket and handed me a card. A blue one. A business card?
"Call that number tomorrow."
"I… don't have a cellphone."
She froze and stared at me.
"How poor are you that you can't even afford a phone?"
I didn't answer. None of your business…
She then pulled out a phone from her pocket, maroon case, and held it out to me.
I just stared.
"Take it. I'll call you tomorrow," she said when I didn't reach for it.
"No, really—"
"Don't refuse. It has a long battery life. The password is 6605."
She shoved it into my hands, leaving me no choice but to accept. She stood up and walked away, flagging down a tricycle. I opened my mouth to say something, but she had already ridden off.
I watched the tricycle disappear down the road before sighing and heading home.
I was walking toward the house when the phone buzzed. I checked the screen.
Unregistered Number.
Was it her? Did she already make it home? Or did she have another phone?
"Hello?"
"Meet me at Costamarina Brisas tomorrow. Be there before ten a.m. Don't forget to bring your résumé."
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Ate = Ah-teh means big sister or any women that is older.