"Gusto mo ng raket, Czarina?"
Natigilan ako sa pagliligpit ng gamit at kuryusong sinilip ang kasama. Kaming dalawa lang ngayon sa locker room. My shift just ended. I decided to continue my part-time job as to not waste time since my classes are only in the morning. I already mentioned it to Rigor and he said I could balance work and school so he had nothing to worry about.
"Anong raket?" I asked suspiciously. "Baka ilegal yan, ha. Kapag ginagago mo lang ako—"
"Hindi!" she laughed and tied her black hair in a ponytail. "May malaking event sa San Isidro. Mukhang party ata. Kailangan nila ng 150 na servers. Gusto mo?"
"Kailan ba?"
"Sa susunod na linggo."
I started plotting inside my mind what my next week should look like. Maybe if I could do all my homeworks in advance, I'd be able to work on Sunday. Kaso baka biglang mag-quiz o may ibigay na activity sa natitirang araw. Nakaka-stress pa naman mag-cram.
"Sige na nga. Pakipot pa ba ako eh wala na akong pera?" ani ko.
The next day, I didn't get the chance to see Rigor. Pagkatapos ng klase ko ay kaagad na akong umuwi para simulant ang mga homeworks ko. I finished as much as I could and prepared for tomorrow's reporting. Natapos ang isang linggo na dalawang beses lang kaming nagkita ni Rigor. I couldn't blame him, though. His family started attending all kinds of events. The election is coming right up.
"San ka?"
Natigilan ako nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses. I turned around and squealed in delight when I saw Sorcha. It's been ages since I last saw her!
"Sorch!" I engulfed her into a hug. Niyakap naman niya ako pabalik.
"Busy ka ba?"
"Magpapa-rehistro lang ako. Malapit na ang election."
"Pfft." She looked disgusted and was trying to stifle a laugh. Nangunot ang noo ko.
"Bakit?"
"Don't waste your time and energy voting, Czarina. It's all planned out. Governor Roman will still win and regain his term."
Nagtataka ko siyang tiningnan. She sighed and tapped my shoulder lightly.
"Best believe me. My father is a lawyer, remember? He works with another lawyer that backs up that filthy governor. Mananalo at mananalo pa rin siya ngayong eleksyon."
Hindi ako nakaimik sa sinabi niya. There are really rumors that the governor is corrupt but I had no idea that the law is already in his control. I'm guessing even the media whose sole purpose is to praise him on print is also one of his puppets.
"Anyway, what are you up to? Malapit na ang intramurals. May balak ka bang salihan?"
Umiling ako. I could not participate in any intramural activities, even if I want to. May duty ako n'yan. Nagpaalam na ako sa mga professor ko sakaling hanapan nila ako ng attendance slip. Siguro ay makaka-attend lang ako sa huling araw ng intrams kung kailan gaganapin ang Ms. & Mr. Intramurals. Last year's winners were Shantel and Elton. I wonder what's in store for this year.
Nag-usap pa kami ni Sorcha bago kami naghiwalay ng landas. Just like Rigor, her father forces her to attend social gatherings and make an appearance in the media every once in a while. The election period must be the busiest season for the rich and elite. Everyone seems to land a page in the newspaper, boasting about their business, wealth, and privilege.
"What are you doing this Sunday?"
Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Rigor. After his classes ended, he waited for my shift to be over and walked me home. Binilhan niya pa ako ng ice cream nang mahalatang pagod ako galing sa trabaho. He's still wearing his school uniform while I'm on my usual black and white server uniform as well.
"I have work."
Bahagyang kumunot ang noo niya. "Akala ko ba rest day mo sa Sunday?"
"May raket ako, eh. Kilala mo naman ang nanay ko, baka sapian na naman ng masamang espiritu yun at hindi ako padalhan ng pera pangtustos. Naniniguro lang." biro ko pa.
His eyes darkened as he looked at me seriously. Ito ang madalas naming pinag-aawayan. Rigor kept on offering to help me with my finances but I just couldn't accept from him. I just can't. I am not a charity case. I am still capable of making it through my rent and bills if I work. Of course, it's tiring. But I don't have a choice. My mother left me to fend for myself. What else have I got?
"You know you can always ask for my help-"
"Yes, Yes." Itinaas ko ang palad upang ihinto siya sa pagsasalita. "I'm well aware. And I'm also well capable of myself, Treveron. Thank you very much."
He tsk-ed, but then proceeded to mess with my hair na para bang wala na siyang ibang magagawa. I chuckled and continued licking my ice cream. Nandito na kaagad kami sa village kung saan ako nakatira. Bakit ba ang bilis-bilis ng oras kapag kasama ko ang lalaking 'to?
"I have a party to attend this Sunday with Tita Sidra." Anunsiyo niya nang makarating na kami sa tapat ng apartment. "Maybe I could fetch you after you're done working?"
"And ditch your Tita Sidra? No thanks." I sticked out my tongue at him, like a kid. "Just enjoy, okay? I'll be fine on my own."
His lips went into a thin line. I could tell he still wanted to argue but he didn't. Instead, he just nodded and kissed my forehead.
"Good night, Cherié."
"Good night!"
I've been around with rich people before, so I knew exactly what to expect in this celebration party. It turns out to be Governor Roman's celebration even before the election because they already knew he is going to win. Sorcha always told me that her father had shady business with the governor but I never really believed it until now.
The dome where the event is going to be held is enormous. Round, tall tables were covered with white silk and a healthy bunch of red roses adorned the center. There's a huge, golden chandelier dripping with diamonds at the center. Pakiramdam ko kapag nasira ko ang ganiyan kamahal na bagay, kulang pa ang habangbuhay kong serbisyo sa mga mayayaman na 'to.
We were here six hours earlier to help clean and finish up the decoration. Hindi pa man nagsisimula ang party pero pagod na pagod na ako. Sumandal ako sa pader at pinagmasdan ang magarbong lugar.
"Your bags will be checked later before logging out." The catty manager told us when she asked the servers to gather.
"Bakit po?" rinig kong tanong ng lalaking server sa may likuran.
She looked at him sharply, annoyed that he has to ask.
"To make sure nothing's stolen." She answered curtly, and I heard a few moans of protest and gasps at the back. "Now get to work."
"Grabe talaga ang tingin nila sa atin 'no?" bulong ng kasama ko. I turned to her and smiled apologetically. "Wala pa nga tayong ginagawa pero magnanakaw na kaagad tayo sa paningin nila."
Dumiretso kami sa maliit na kwarto kung saan nakalagay ang uniporme namin. Just like the event, it looked regal and formal. A black, silk pencil skirt with black tights and cigarette heels. I don't know how they expect us to walk around and serve the guests in heels. For the top, it was a simple white chiffon button down with a cute red tie. Our hair were twisted in a bun and we were reminded to apply a bit of makeup before going out to mingle with the guests. I didn't mind it, though. The pay is good and it's only for the night.
Nang matapos akong mag-ayos ay nagsilabasan na rin kami. First, we served the appetizers to them. Even though this is a private party, there are ever so many of them. Politicians with their wives, daughters, and sons, doctors, lawyers, media personalities, and journalists.
First, we served them the crab palmiers and baked oysters. Akala ko magiging madali lang kagaya ng iba kong naging trabaho pero nakalimutan kong mayayaman nga pala sila. A lot of them complained that they're allergic to seafoods and were immediately asking for an alternative, impromptu. Some were catty and did not even gave us as much as a glance as we carefully set their plates down their tables. May ibang tables na bawal naming puntahan, such as the tables of the high-ranking profiles. A specific set of servers were assigned to serve and entertain their whims. I'm so glad I don't belong to them.
"I don't eat bread." Maarteng wika ng babae bago ko pa man mailapag ang plato niya. She glanced at the tiny serving of cranberry and bacon swiss cheese dip before sighing. "Could you separate the bread from me before serving?"
I bit my lower lip and nodded, before returning to the station. Inis kong inisa-isang tanggalin ang maliliit na French bread mula sa plato niya. I returned back to her and she complained again.
"Ew. You did not even use a new plate for that? I don't want that anymore. Just give me a damn glass of water!"
Pilit pa rin akong ngumiti at bumalik na naman sa station para ikuha ng tubig ang senyorita. I was relieved when she did not complain anymore with the water. Mabilis na akong umalis bago pa man siya magreklamo ulit.
The party started. I saw the governor with his wife, rounding the tables and talking to the the guests. Habang nag-uusap sila ay abala naman kami sa pagp-prepare ng next meal nila. Some kept coming back to the stations, asking for drinks. The children were the worst. They keep on knocking the silverware and stealing cookies then throwing it at each other. Hindi naman namin masita dahil sa orientation kanina ay bawal naming pagalitan ang mga bata.
"Czarina?"
Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita si Shantel na gulat na nakatingin sa akin. She looked so pretty and expensive in her black backless gown. Sa isang kamay ay may hawak na wineglass. She tilted her head to the side.
"What are you doing here?"
I gestured towards the food station, and pointed at my working uniform.
"Nagtatrabaho ako."
Her lips curled as she eyed me. But unlike the lady earlier, there were no judgment in her eyes. "I wouldn't know."
Hindi ko muna siya nasagot nang may lumapit na lalaki, naghahanap ng tubig. While I was fetching the water, the guy tried to talk to Shantel but she easily turned him down. Umalis siyang bagsak ang mga balikat.
"So, tatay mo yan?" I asked the obvious.
She laughed humorlessly. "Can't you see the family resemblance?"
Awkward din akong tumawa. "Hindi ka ba nila hahanapin dun? Ba't dito ka tumatambay?"
"Ugh. Napagod na akong makipagplastikan. I'm done for the night."
I nodded. She seemed to be in a good spirit now. The last time I saw her, she looked so down. I even prayed she'd find a friend who could help her. Shantel maybe the most popular girl in the campus but she's also one of the saddest persons I've ever met.
"Pwede ba akong tumulong d'yan?"
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa tanong niya. "Baliw ka ba? Gusto mong matanggal ako dito?"
She laughed at me. "Come on, that wouldn't be so hard. What are we having tonight?" she asked genuinely.
I wanted to turn her down but she's really good at convincing. In the end, she stepped inside the station and was helping me serve the guests. Nagugulat ang mga guest sa tuwing nakikita siya. She just smiled and served them what they want. Wala man lang ni isa ang nagreklamo sa kaniya na may allergy sa ganito, ganiyan. All of them looked like they'd tremble before her.
"Shantel! Switching jobs?" a tall girl in red gown approached the station with a smirk on her face. Naalala kong siya ang sinabuyan ni Shantel ng kape sa hub. Nilingon ko siya at nakitang matamis na siyang nakangiti sa babae.
"I prefer using my time in things that matter, Ylona." She picked up a plate and put some fried shrimp on it. "Ito yung paborito mo, hipon... parang ikaw." She muttered the last words that the other girl didn't seem to catch it. I bit my lower lip to prevent myself from laughing. Nag-wave pa si Shantel sa kaniya nang makaalis na siya.
Binalingan ko ang babae. She looked satisfied with what she did. Sobrang iba pala niya sa reputasyon niya. The Shantel I knew from the papers and word of the mouth is a prim, young lady. A model to other teenage girls. She's the epitome of what an elite should be and have been looked up by many. I wonder how many times she'd fake her smile to someone just to convince them that she's this bubbly, happy girl?
"Why are you working here anyway? Diba may klase ka pa bukas?" usisa niya sa akin.
I nodded. "Sayang, eh. Ang laki ng kita."
"Are you even going to sleep tonight?"
Natawa ako. "Depende."
When it was time for the main course, I finally forced Shantel to go back to her table because her mother kept on glaring at us. Natatakot ako sa tingin ng nanay niya. Shantel muttered under her breath and went back halfheartedly.
We went from table to table. It amazed me how I was able to balance two trays with my both hands while walking in heels. Yung reklamo ng ibang guests, lumalabas lang sa kabilang tainga ko. I wanted to finish it as soon as possible. I approached a table where a small family is seated. Habang papalapit ako ay biglang umurong ang mga paa ko nang marecognize ang babaeng nakaupo doon. Her husband, Dr. Alonzo, is talking softly to their child. My heart clenched painfully as I forced myself to go nearer.
Nang tuluyan akong makalapit ay maingat kong ibinaba ang tray at isa-isang nilapag ang plato sa lamesa nila. My mother was laughing at her adorable daughter, but her laughter quickly died down when she saw me. Nanlalaki ang mga mata niyang nakatingin sa akin.
"You know her, honey?" Dr. Alonzo asked.
Kaagad siyang umiling at ibinalik ang ngiti sa mukha niya. "N-No. sorry, I was just startled. Hindi ko siya nakita." She laughed awkwardly, but still gave me a sideway glance.
"Do you want some?" the little girl grabbed the piece of meat with her tiny little hand and offered it to me.
"Noriessa!" sita kaagad ng nanay niya. "Darling, drop that at once. I told you not to talk to strangers, diba?"
The little girl pouted and dropped the food back into the plate. My mother, without even looking at me, ordered to change the food. I quickly retrieved the plate from the table and walked out as fast as I could.
Malakas pa rin ang kabog ng puso ko nang makabalik ako sa station. I've seen the man she left us for before, but I haven't had the chance to meet him up close. He's unaware that my mother is a married woman and she had a family before she met him. He's so clueless that the girl that just served them is the daughter of his wife.
"Pwede bang makisuyo? Pahatid naman ako nito dun sa table na yun," sabay turo ko kina Dr. Alonzo. "Ako na d'yan sa tray mo."
The night went on slowly, agonizing me even further as I watch my own mother from afar. Akala ko kasi sanay na ako sa sakit na makita siyang may ibang pamilya, pero hindi pala. She's never been that happy when she was still with my father. And the diamonds, it suited her better than the flower crowns Papa used to give her. She looks exquisite, like she's been born rich. This is the life she's always wanted.
When they were done eating, the party continued. Shantel couldn't come back at the station because her mother made sure she's not going to stray to far by introducing her to different guests. Nang makaluwag-luwag ay nagpunta ako sa ladies' room. We were not allowed to use the restroom for the guests. I stepped inside and instantly froze when I saw my mother, standing and looking angrily at me.
"What are you trying to do, huh?!" she grabbed my arm angrily and immediately shut the door close. I was terrified when she dragged me closer to her. "What are you planning, you little wench!"
"Mommy... nagtatrabaho lang po ako..." I struggled out of her arms. Alam kong babakas na naman ito sa balat ko.
"Oh, really?" she said sarcastically. "You knew I am attending this event with my husband! Is this your new way now to threaten me for more money? By showing up your face to my family? How dare you!"
I swallowed the lump in my throat. There's no use arguing with her. Para sa kaniya, lahat ng ginagawa ko ay mali. Ilang beses na ba niya akong sinisi noon? I shouldn't been born at all. She doesn't want a child with my father. She made it clear to me before.
"Hindi ko po alam na nandito kayo..." mahinahon kong wika. "Wala po akong intensiyon na guluhin ang pamilya mo... Mommy."
"Don't." she closed her eyes as her jaw set in anger. When she opened them again, her orbs were pulsing with hatred and disgust. "Don't ever call me Mommy again. Do you understand?"
I tried to hide the pain by just nodding meekly. It's what she wants, anyway.
"Opo..." mahina kong sagot.
"And don't ever show your face again to my family. I'll just wire you the money."
Agad niya akong binitawan nang marinig ang pagbukas ng pinto. Gulat na napatingin sa amin ang babaeng server na kasama ko kanina. My mother, like a brilliant actress that she is, immediately put on a worried look.
"I'm so sorry, I must've entered the wrong restroom!"
"Nasa dulo po ang restroom para sa guests, Ma'am." Magalang naman na sagot ng babae.
"Thank you." She said and made her way out.
I remained standing after she left, then glanced at my arm. Napabuntong-hininga nalang ako nang makitang namumula na ang balat gawa ng kuko niya.
Lutang na ako nang makabalik sa station. I don't even know how I managed to finish the night but I did. The party ended at around 1 am, and we finished cleaning at around 3 in the morning. The manager told us to expect the pay this afternoon in our bank accounts. She checked our bags individually before we can go home. Mabilis kong hinubad ang suot na heels at nakapaa nalang na naglalakad. Some girls are doing it so I didn't mind. Besides, the pavement is cold.
Nagkayayaan pa ang iba na mag 7/11 muna para kumain at magpahinga. I don't have time to join them. I have to go home and get some sleep before my 7 am class. Palinga-linga ako sa paligid, naghahanap ng masasakyan. Sumingkit ang mga mata ko nang may mamataan. A tall figure moved in the shadows, and stepped out. Napaawang ang bibig ko nang makita si Rigor na naglalakad patungo sa akin. He's wearing a white buttondown shirt and black slacks. His other hand was busy loosening his tie as he walked towards me.
"Hey," bati niya.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito..."
"I came to fetch you." Kinuha niya ang dala kong bag at isinukbit sa balikat. May itinuro siya sa kanto. "I parked my car there. Let's go."
Before he could go, I grabbed his arms and hugged him. He seemed surprised by it, but he slowly wrapped his arms around me. Pagod kong isinandal ang ulo sa dibdib niya.
"Bakit?"
Umiling ako, pinipigilan ang mga luha. "Wala lang... Payakap lang muna saglit,"
He draw me closer and kissed the top of my head. "May kailangan ba akong bugbugin, Czarina?"
I chuckled bitterly. "Sira. Wala, no."
"O, talaga? Libre lang naman serbisyo ko."
Napailing ako at humiwalay na sa kaniya. He pinched the tip of my nose, making me shut my eyes.
"Just tell me when you're ready, cherié. For now, let's get you home."
-
#HanmariamBFLChap18