The trouble with Love

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I quietly watched as the bakery on the side of the road closed, just weeks after my mother asked me to leave home, and now my job is closing too.

My employer said someone already bought the place, a significant amount for them to move to Rizal. But I won't be going with them; it's too far, and I won't be able to see my father.

"Sorry, this is all I can offer. Helda took all your wages from me," my female boss apologized. She was kind, the type who genuinely helps you as much as she can.

"Thank you," I smiled at her, that being the last smile I saw before they left the place where I first worked.

I sighed; it was only 10 in the morning, and it was already scorching hot. Combine that with the unpleasant smell around, and it wasn't a pleasant walk.

I tried walking and thought about finding another job. On the other side, there was a newly opened supermarket. I went there and headed straight to the cashier.

"Do you accept applicants?" The woman with thin eyebrows raised her eyes, scanned my body before stopping at my eyes.

"Your resume?"

"I-I don't have a resume."

"Are you a high school graduate?" I hesitated; I couldn't answer immediately because I didn't finish high school. I wanted my siblings to finish their education, so I supported them.

I shook my head. "N-no."

"If so, you can't work here, and I think you're not of the right age." I lowered my gaze; I was only fifteen, and I would turn sixteen tomorrow, but here I am, looking for a job instead of studying.

I sighed heavily as I left. I walked again on the hot road, continuing my job search.

But after a few hours of searching, it seemed like luck wasn't on my side. I wasn't accepted because, like my first attempt, they were looking for a resume.

"Can I buy..." I was on the side of the market where I bought coconut ice, and the man smiled at me before giving me a five-peso coconut.

"Did the bakery close?" I nodded while sipping. He used to buy there every morning. He became a regular customer for our pandesal, but sadly, I won't be able to work there again.

"Looking for a job?" I lowered the empty cup.

"Yes, I am."

"I know of one, but the pay is low."

"Really, where?"

"At the cellphone store. They need a saleswoman." He easily caught my interest, so I almost agreed to help him that day.

We went to a cellphone store, small but my new boss said meals were free, and the weekly salary was only a thousand pesos, depending on daily sales.

"How old are you?" My new female boss asked on the same day I started because they needed someone to guard.

"Fifteen."

"You're still young. Aren't you in school?"

I shook my head. "No, I need to work now."

She sighed, and I noticed her gentle gaze, prompting me to look away.

"You're almost the same age as my daughter; she'll finish high school at Fatima."

I remained silent; I knew it was a good school, but I didn't have the chance to enter there. Moreover, I'm more focused on work now and how to earn money to support my mother, especially for my father's diabetes medication.

"This is your only salary..." I could hear the sadness in Mother's voice; I nodded. A week had passed since I got close to that job, and despite the low pay, my boss still gave me a thousand.

"The salary there is low because meals and snacks are free..."

"Well, aren't you lucky to have snacks, while we have none!" I sighed, wanting to bring up her gambling habits. Instead, I held back; I didn't want to be kicked out again.

"Switch jobs, go to Dahlia's!"

"No!" My eyes widened. "I don't want to!"

"Why not?" Mother raised her voice. "Look, Abby, Juliana's daughter is earning well and even built a house!"

"But Mother, I don't want to be there!"

"No, listen to me, I know you'll earn more. A thousand isn't enough for medicine and expenses at home!"

Feeling upset, I turned away, tears welling up.

Father, emerging from the room, parted the curtain. I approached to help him with his wheelchair.

"Why are you still awake?" I pushed his wheelchair into our small living room; our once sturdy home now seemed to be falling apart. Ever since Father lost his job, there was no chance to repair it.

"Sorry, my child." I sat on a wooden chair and smiled at Father.

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Because of your hard work for me, forgive me for not being able to help you..."

I smiled. "It's okay, don't worry about it. That's what the eldest does."

Father sighed. "You're a very kind daughter, Natasha. I'm sorry if your mother scolds you often."

I looked down. "It's okay..." I said, though I still felt hurt. Despite everything I did, it seemed insignificant to her.

"I won't get tired of working, Father. Like you did for this family, I'll save money to get you walking again."

"Don't, my child."

"I will, Father. Let's sleep now so you can rest."

I took Father to his room; our small house had three rooms. In one, Mother and Father shared, while Chloe and Brandon, my younger siblings, had separate rooms.

I helped Father lie down, turned on the fan, and set up the mosquito net while Mother was away.

"I don't know where she went, but I have a bad feeling after our last conversation."

IN THE MORNING, a car honked outside our house. Breakfast was ready, which I had prepared before heading to work.

Mother came out of their room, glanced out the window, and to my surprise, I saw her smiling.

"Come here. Come inside!" She opened the door as I watched from the kitchen. A woman, about her age, and three burly men entered.

"Have a seat; I'll get you something to drink."

"No need, Helda, we just stopped by to get what you mentioned."

Mother's visitors didn't sit. She looked at me and walked toward her guests, smiling.

"This is her, all dressed up."

I looked at Mother, my eyes wide, as she emphasized her grip on my shoulder.

"My daughter is kind, Dahlia. She won't give you headaches."

"Alright, I gave you the money last night, so we're taking her now."

"But!" I protested, but Mother ignored me, pulling me towards their vehicle.

"Stop the drama, Natasha! You won't be mistreated there!"

"Mother, please, I don't want to!"

"They've already paid, and whether you like it or not, you're coming with us to work there!" My mother turned away from me, and as I tried to leave, the men quickly approached, forcing me into a black car. I could only cry silently, feeling helpless and questioning why they treated me this way just because I wasn't their biological child.

I couldn't help but pity myself as I bowed my head. Were they treating me like this just because I wasn't truly their child? Yes, I am the child of my father from another woman, but I accepted my mother when she chose to be with my father. I never imagined this would be my fate at her hands.

"Hasn't she dressed up yet?" I heard the leader's voice from the door. I didn't respond or look at him. The girl next to me spoke up, stating that I didn't want to dress up. The women here seemed almost my age.

Young, yet working in this club.

"That useless girl is not worth it! She said she'll quit because her daughter is talented!" The man protested, but I continued avoiding eye contact. I refused to comply with what they were asking.

"Yes, take the money from Helda. If she can't pay, take one of her daughters!"

I quickly raised my gaze, stood up, and approached Mrs. Dahlia.

"No, please, not my sister..." I pleaded. She raised an eyebrow.

"If that's the case, why don't you work and contribute something to me!" My lips trembled as I held back my tears. I bit my lip before nodding.

"All right."

"You'll earn a lot, and we'll split the percentage. You won't dance, just accompany the customers at their tables!"

I swallowed hard, the fear in my chest lingering. And in the end, all I did was change into the clothes Abby gave me.

She was my neighbor and a former classmate in fifth grade.

"Who would have thought we'd end up here?" I remained silent as she tied my hair. "The pay is high, Natasha. Fantastic! Not only that, there are handsome guys too!" My eyes rolled.

"Any guy, even if he looks like a beetle, is handsome to you, as long as he has money."

"Well, you know. Nowadays, money is what matters in life, and that's what I worship."

"That's why you look like money. They should call you 'Benchingko.'"

"Wow, she's something."

I stood up, not in the mood for this because it went against my principles. I didn't want to be here, but I had no choice. I didn't know how much my mother took because Mrs. Helda didn't mention it to me.

"Go to the guy sitting at the end; he has someone with him."

I nodded, amidst the noise of the music and the bright lights hurting my eyes.

"I'll accompany you." Abby guided me to the customer I was assigned to, and when I saw him, I almost froze in my place.

He was the guy I saw in the rain.

He was also the one who gave me the jacket that I now wore.

Who is he, Nico? Noah?

Noah.

"Natasha!" Before the guy could turn and call me again, Mrs. Dahlia approached and pulled me away. Before we completely moved away, I looked back at him.

And there, our eyes met again, both of us equally puzzled.