C1 one

I glanced around, surveying the other porters I could see, easily identifiable by their bellhop uniforms. Currently, I'm applying for a job at a hotel where my friend works. I wonder if I fit in here? Dressed in a black blazer, a white sleeved top, a knee-length suiting bottom, and heels, I walked confidently. However, a glance at my wristwatch reminded me that I was too early. Some people glanced at me, and while I had been confident moments ago, suddenly my stomach churned, as if it knew I was just putting on an act.

Other porters smiled at me, clearly aware of why I was here because of what I was wearing. Mama and Papa didn't want me to work; they wanted me to focus on studying and not tire myself out to earn money. But I believe I can manage both.

Luckily, a friend who works here invited me to apply. Not far off, I spotted Angel greeting people as she made her way towards me.

"I'll accompany you to Ms. Faith, the Supervisor of Guest Services," she said, pulling me along. "Don't worry; she's nice, and we're already closed. I've also mentioned that my friend, you, will be applying," she said and scanned the area.

I felt my heart race with intense nervousness. Despite Angel's assurance of Ms. Faith's kindness, I still felt anxious. Angel continued to pull me along until we stopped in front of a metal door, which she promptly opened.

"Good morning, Ms. Faith," Angel greeted her. "My friend who's applying is here," she said and excused herself.

I took a deep breath, glancing once more at the door Angel had just left through. I then walked towards a woman with a smile on her lips. My estimate was that she was just a few years older than me. How could she look so pretty with her pencil-cut skirt and plain white blouse?!

"I'm Yoreh Selene Antares," I introduced myself, extending my hand.

"I'm the Supervisor of Guest Services, Faith Villanueva," she shook my hand and smiled. "Take a seat," she instructed, pointing to the chair in front of her.

"I already sent my resume through the hotel's online application," I mumbled.

I had hesitated several times about applying since I didn't have any experience, but I also wanted to fulfill my needs! Buy trendy clothes! Buy various things. I just really didn't want even the things I wanted to buy to come from my parents' money. It's different when you see something you worked hard for with your own money. I worked hard, not my parents.

Ms. Faith nodded. "Yes, I've read your resume. So, you're still studying, right?" she asked while playing with her Parker pen. I wanted to scold her because what the hell?! That's a Parker pen, Ma'am.

"Yes, I am. I'm available on M.W.F and the rest of the days," I desperately said.

We talked about many things, sometimes laughing because of what she said. Angel was right; Ms. Faith was nice.

In the end, I was assigned as a front desk clerk. She also mentioned that in some hotels, a degree and years of experience are required before getting this kind of job. She also said I could start tomorrow since it's Tuesday and I don't have classes. I have to allocate eight hours for work each time, and salary will be given every fifteenth, which is not bad.

It's a good thing Ms. Faith has a principle that "An applicant's capability is not based on a degree or experience but on how far they can go." At first, I didn't get it because I'm a bit slow, but on my way home, I understood as if she were saying, "Don't judge someone based on what they have achieved," and "Don't make it a basis."

Earlier, Ms. Faith took me to see what the front desk clerks do. It wasn't too difficult, so I got a little excited. I smiled as I looked at the paper bag I was carrying. My uniform for tomorrow is in it, so I carefully placed it on my bed.

I'm now in the apartment that Angel and I rent. I changed and cooked because Angel won't be home until later tonight. I know she'll be working as a room service attendant, delivering food to guests who don't want to go out to buy their own. After I finished cooking and eating, I just read my notes because maybe there will be a surprise quiz from our other professors on Wednesday.

I took up BSEd- Social Studies or Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies. Yes, I'm going to be a teacher. Mama and my family want us to become teachers. I have a lot of dreams, and there are so many of them that I don't know what to choose anymore. I want to be a nurse or a doctor, but I can't because I'm scared of blood. I mean, I feel weak when I see a wound with blood coming out! I also want to be an architect or an engineer. I also have a passion for painting and designing gowns, but maybe I'm not passionate enough? Sometimes I also want to be a secret agent, but I didn't tell anyone because I want it to be a secret.

"How are you, Yoreh Selene, my friend?!" Angel asked as she entered my room. "I heard you're going to be a front desk clerk? You can handle that! You can do it," she smiled and hugged me.

I took a deep breath and hugged her back. My friend is so clingy, but why now? I wonder why? I laughed. "Why are you so clingy now, Angel? What do you want?" I asked, breaking the hug. I raised an eyebrow at her, and she just pouted and rolled her eyes.

"I need help with our research paper. I was assigned to write the introduction and the significance of the study, but I'm almost done with the intro, and the signifi--"

I cut her off and nodded. "Okay, I'll do the significance of the study. I know you're already tired, so go rest. I'll take down notes for the explanation," I said and closed the notebook I was holding earlier and opened my laptop on the study table.

"Omg! Thank you! I can't handle it anymore; I'm so sleepy. There were too many guests earlier," she pouted while handing me a flash drive. "I've included the other assignments assigned to my other groupmates; it might help. Thank you so much!" she said happily and yawned.

I just nodded and smiled. After she left my room, I started working on what she asked me to do. We always help each other out. Through my ups and downs, thick and thin, she's always there beside me, cheering me up.

She is Angel Delos Reyes. She's my good friend. My unique and noisy friend. Angel is a rare person because she's real.

For me, what she asked me to do was easy; it just requires a broad understanding.

I heard someone turning the doorknob. "Are you almost done? If not, go to sleep, and I'll take care of it. I'll just do it tomorrow at school," she smiled at me.

I looked up at her and smiled. "I'm done. You just have to edit the format," I said and handed her the flash drive.

She smiled. "Thank you! I'm really sleepy. I've been working so hard earlier. I'll take care of it tomorrow, okay?" she said sincerely.

"You're welcome," I said and drank the milk she brought.

"Alright," she said before closing the door.

After drinking my milk, I collapsed onto my soft bed. It's already 11 in the evening, so I closed my eyes.

And all went black.

I woke up because of the light hitting my face. I could still hear the clattering of something metallic downstairs, probably some of our stuff falling in the kitchen—glasses, spoons, and forks, among others, being washed by Angel. Our apartment has tiles, so I can hear it because my room's door is open. They say if a fork falls, a visitor will come? I wonder what happens when a spoon falls? Does it mean a visitor will come too?

"Yoreh! Wake up! Your shift starts at 10 am!" I heard Angel shout.

I glanced at the wall clock and realized it's already 8:30. So I got up and went downstairs. I saw her busy cooking eggs and garlic rice. I headed straight to the bathroom to wash my face.

"What time is your shift?" I asked after washing my face and stretching a bit.

She looked at me while holding a pot holder. "It's at 10:30,"

My brows furrowed. "10:30? Night shift?" I asked as I placed the plates on the dining table.

She rolled her eyes. "If my shift were at night, I'd still be sleeping with my mouth open,"