"Lily, close after ten minutes," said boss M.
"Okay man," I answered.
I laughed when I saw him wince. It's really stupid. So there is no joy.
I continued to work until we closed. I went to the staff room to tidy up and get my things.
When I left, I went to boss M's office again to say goodbye. I knocked three more times before opening the door.
I didn't go in because I just wanted to say goodbye.
"I'm leaving," I said.
"Alright be careful," he answered while focusing on the computer screen. He was still looking down while scrolling the mouse.
"Hey, I don't love you, don't worry."
Because of what I said, he immediately looked at me and glared at me.
"Go home."
"Alright man. Just shoot it. When you wake up tomorrow it won't be there," I said laughing and closed the door.
When I came out, I saw Cali waiting for me. We will go home together today because they want to sleep over. Then I also want to tell Cali what happened in my studies.
We took a jeep and in a few hours we were at the opposite side of the apartment. One of the things I liked about this apartment is that it is on the highway and still close to my work. So it's easy to get in and go home.
"Too bad I didn't bring wine," Cali said while we were eating dinner.
I scooped some rice before answering him. "Hey Cali, that's bad. You're so broken, aren't you?"
"Yes. You are pure alcohol," agreed Wella.
"After just five shots, you're already upset," I repeated.
Then we laughed.
"No! That depends on the alcohol I'm drinking. I'm strong with c2Gin. Then we're drinking beer?! Besides, I'm not broke! I don't have any money and I'll still be broke? You're crazy! I'm not broke broken!" Cali said.
"Why are you yelling?! You're still drunk bro!" I said.
"We're both broke!" Wella.
And speaking of...
"Do you know of any part time?" I will ask.
"Huh why? Have you stayed at the ramen house?" Wella asked.
"No," I answered.
"Why do you still need part time? How are you studying?" Cali asked.
Wella and I looked at each other before I answered.
"I've dropped..." I said softly and bowed slightly.
I even played with the food in front of me.
"Huh?! Sem Iris is about to end and you still dropped?"
When I told them that I was going to school again, Cali was very happy. He was not able to continue his studies because of the hardships of life. He was in his third year of college when he stopped studying. And prefer to help the family by working early.
So now I understand his reaction. In the few years we have been friends, we are treated like brothers. Especially Cali, because she is the oldest of us. She is like a third mother to me.
I explained to them what happened. And they immediately understood.
"That's fine. I'll just go back next school year. So for now, I want to get a job and save money. I want part time to supplement that as well," I said. "Do you know anything?"
"I will ask my boss tomorrow if they will accept a maid," said Cali. I nodded.
"I want you to be admitted to Tita again because you know that we haven't heard from Mama for five months. Then the rent payment is always delayed."
"Well don't bring that to aunt Injang. You'll just run out of plates," Cali said laughing.
"Then you're going to let him in with your boss?"
"What I'm going to say is to feed the dog."
"Hey you're too bad for me! I'm used to housework! Can I live for almost two years alone if I don't?" I said in shock.
Sometimes our friends are really our number one supporters. But usually, they are our number one bashers.
"Why don't you try your job fair at the mall tomorrow. I heard from the people I rode in the jeep with," Wella said as she washed the dishes.
Cali and I were in the living room, waiting for him to finish so we could sleep in my room.
They must be in the other room. Because that's where they sleep when they're here. But Cali said it's not a sleepover when we don't share the room.
"Okay then. What are the requirements?" I will ask. I'm going tomorrow, it's totally my day-off.
"Hmm, that's what I don't know. Try stalking the Mall's Facebook page. Maybe the information for tomorrow's job fair is posted there."
I took my cellphone that was on my mini center table in the living room. I searched the name of the mall.
Resumes, valid IDs, and other important documents are needed tomorrow
"Or just take the money that my mom gives to my aunt," he suggested.
I immediately shook my head. "I do not want."
"Alright....but if there's really nothing....come to us. Don't be selfish. Learn to share."
I nodded and secretly smiled. Even though my life is difficult, I am still thankful because they are there.
After Wella washed up, they decided to let us watch a romantic movie they saw on Facebook. I made our snacks while they were looking for our audience.
Before we went to sleep, they helped me organize the things I would need for tomorrow.
The next day I woke up early. The two people next to me were still asleep so I slowly got up. I first went to the bathroom to wash up.
After I went to the kitchen to cook our breakfast. I just cooked simple fried rice, hotdog, and eggs. Then I also made coffee for the three of us.
Right after I served, they left the room.
"Good morning!"
"The smell of that fried rice!"
The three of us sat down at the table. After that, I left them there to take a shower and get ready.
I was wearing only black slacks on my chin and an olive green long sleeve polo. I also brought a black blazer in case non-formal attire is not allowed. Mine is only semi-formal. Then I also put on my black converse. I don't have any other shoes but those and a pair of white sneakers.
"That's nice," Cali said as I left the room.
I flipped my hair and posed in front of them. "Is it alright? Can I replace Gigi Hadid?"
"You know you're going to be late, go find a job," Wella said, pushing me away.
"Oh he's fine, I know that's where everything starts. You'll be a maid first and then in the future... a millionaire!" I said.
"Then you went from cashier to Victoria's Secret Angel? You're free to dream," said Cali.
"Tse!"
"But seriously, I hope you can find a job there so you can go to school again."
"Yes mom C," I answered Cali.
"Life is colorful~" Wella continued to sing.
"To the knorr given vegetables!"
"Hey kids, you can't memorize the lyrics! You're fake watchers!"
I got off the jeep when I was in front of the mall.
I took the elevator up to the third floor. The job fair will be held there. When I arrived, I immediately saw the number of people.
The guard gave me a piece of paper and I filled it out. Then he gave me a card number. I'm at 0810 in the pick.
So it's really good that I had breakfast. Because I'm going to be hungry here.
"Number 0756!"
"Number 0757!"
"Number 0758!"
Earlier at 11:45 they gave out free sandwiches and water. It's a good thing, because there might be many fainting here due to the combined heat and hunger.
Even if the entire mall is on AC, it's inevitable that you'll get hot. Especially since you are in a crowded area.
I took my handkerchief and wiped sweat. I also looked at my cell phone camera to check my appearance. The light make-up I put on earlier is a bit messy.
So I retouched slightly. It's embarrassing to face it later looking sweaty. Maybe later the requirement includes the appearance of your face.
If you are stingy...charing. My poverty exists again.
Then I took a black hairclip and put it on my hair. Even though my hair is not that long I still get hot.
I even turned the folder I was holding into a fan to dry my sweat. For fresh looking and presentable later.
I'm still pretty close.
"Number 0805!"
"It's 0806!"
I'm finally close. I took my cellphone out of my bag again when I felt it vibrate.
I also saw the time and it was three o'clock in the afternoon. I was here at nine o'clock yesterday.
I have a text from Wella.
Wella:
Mars, let's go together if you're still here at the mall, I'll be here to buy materials for the project
3:14pm
Me: I'm
still in line huh but I'm almost
3:15pm
Wella:
Go ahead and text me when you're done, we'll wait beybeh
3:15pm
I was about to reply to Wella but I heard my number.
"Number 0810!"
I stood up and went to the front. There were three tables there and the one who called me was the one in the middle table.
I sat on the chair and handed the folder I was holding to the woman.
She opened it and I watched how the woman checked the contents of my papers.
"Hmm, so you don't have any experience other than being a cashier. You're only a high school graduate. But maybe you know how to do housework?"
"Yes, I know how to wash, wash and cook."
"What can you cook?"
Dead.
"Hotdog, egg, fried rice—"
"So basically you only know how to cook breakfast? What about soupy meals? Do you know how?"
"Yes."
"Oh, okay, what can you cook with the soup? Tinola? Porridge?"
"Uh...instant noodles," I said and bowed.
"How's the job search going?" Wella asked me while waiting for our order at Mcdo.
"Hug please," I said.
"Okay later at home."
When our order arrived, we immediately ate and went home.
I fell asleep early due to exhaustion. Sister Mary and I will meet again tomorrow. He will explain something to me about the job he is offering me.
To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to accept his offer and meet him tomorrow. But when he said the amount of the salary, I lost my doubts and agreed to meet him tomorrow.
I didn't even tell my friends, because I wasn't sure that I would really be blessed with a job when I met sister Mary.
That same night I prayed that I would have a job tomorrow. So that I can continue my studies.
The next day I woke up late. So I quickly took a shower and got dressed. While tying my shoes, my cellphone vibrated.
Sister Mary texted and said she was close to our meeting place. I replied that I might be five minutes late. Then I easily arranged myself to leave.
***
When I arrived at our meeting place, I saw sister Mary already sitting there. I approached and pulled the chair in front of him.
"Sorry, I woke up late," I apologized.
"No, it's okay. So, let's order first?"
I ordered the cheapest breakfast meal here. Then sister Mary ordered a three-course breakfast meal.
"Okay so let's start. First I want to ask if you are really determined to find a job," he asked.
I nodded twice. "I'm very determined. And I really need a job right now. I want to continue my studies."
I saw the smile on sister Mary's lips. Compared to yesterday, I feel more comfortable with him today. He is wearing different clothes now. Yesterday he was wearing an all-black outfit and even his fan was black. Now she is wearing a white top and pastel pink slacks on her chin.
"Like I said yesterday, you will invest a lot here. Maybe after two or three years of working, you can continue your studies."
When he said that, I became even more intrigued as to what my job would be. But because of the salary, an idea came to my mind.
"H-Maybe it's not about selling the body, is it?"
I was surprised because of sister Mary's sudden laughter. A few of our fellow customers looked at our table.
"No of course not, hija! You're awesome, it's a decent job and you get a decent salary too."
"I'm sorry. Something just came to my mind. I'm also a little nervous," I said shyly.
"Hija, you have nothing to fear and worry about. You are safe here," he said. "The salary is big because it's full time work. Can't you leave a job if you're hired by us?"
I immediately thought of Ramen House.
"Uh, I have one job at a ramen house. But my contract there isn't over yet," I said.
Sister Mary couldn't answer right away because our order arrived. After I landed, I immediately drank the iced coffee I ordered.
I was so nervous that I drank some more coffee. Lord...
"How about that? We need a full time worker here. Just leave that and come to me. I'm sure you'll earn double or triple with me," said sister Mary and take a bite of rice.
Even though my salary at the ramen house is not high, this is still the reason why I was able to survive alone. And then I still need to talk to Boss M.
"Alright, I've only been at my job for over a month. Can you wait for more than a month? I promise after my contract expires I will come in right away. I will not renew. As long as I am sure of your big salary."
"Oh okay, hija. Just call me right away, okay? Then we'll meet again and I'll tell you what kind of job it is."
***
Tomorrow is my last day here at the ramen house. Time is really fast now. And I still haven't been able to tell boss M about my plan.
I know he expected me to renew my contract. I tried to tell him several times because he is always in a bad mood. Then sometimes it doesn't come in. So I can't tell him.
But today I found him in a good mood on my last day. So now I will tell him before we close.
Time flies too fast. Five minutes before closing, I thought of going to see boss M. There were only a few customers.
Old habit, I knocked before entering. I caught him facing his computer screen again and holding a calculator.
He didn't look at me so I sat in the front seat.
"Brother..."
"What? Is it okay outside? Get close then."
"There are a few more customers. After them we will close."
"Why are you here? Help them there," he finally turned to me.
"I have something to say.
"Yes, I know. I will print tomorrow for your renewal."
I swallowed before speaking. "Brother Mark, boss M or sir Mark. I want to say that I am very thankful to you, because of your acceptance and help. But for now....I'm not going to sign the contract, sorry," then I bent down and played with my finger.
"Lily....I also want to thank you for being such a wonderful and good employee. If I were only your teacher, your report card would be A+. I can still recall your first day here. You were so young and immature back then. Then half of your salary goes to things that break or get damaged in the kitchen. And I want you to know that you are not allowed to leave. It's not possible, you have to renew the contract tomorrow. Because your salary is not enough for all the damage you did before. You'll pay for it, Lily."