C3 Faustino

I was filled with the release of friends that night. Also out of embarrassment, I didn't go to bed at first. I also handled a lot of paperwork to hand over to the South Gate Inn.

Pena allegedly had acquaintances there and it was possible that I would be in the Reception Area.

I took care of that yesterday so now at home I have nothing to do but clean up. Vicco and Chealsy also returned to Manila.

I was sweeping the scattered dried leaves on the ground when Pena called me.

The sun was high and the wind was blowing hard from the sea. That makes me feel sleepy.

"Ava," she approached me. She was holding two Tupperware so I quickly put down the broom to pick up that one.

"Come with me to the Mansion of the Cojuancos. They request me to cook this. "

"All right Pena!" I adjusted myself by hand and followed Pena. The Mansion of the Conjuancos is just around the corner from us. Only a large rock formation was blocked, and on the side was the blue sea where their mansion was.

Every time they had a party, their noise, and singing would reach our house. But never, ever have I seen or interacted with them.

The wind was blowing my hair when we were on the edge of a boulder and my foot was getting wet by the sea.

I saw two cottages here made of wood. A group of men were there and I also saw a woman.

"Hijo!" Pena shouted and approached there. I was just behind Pena and following her.

"Hijo, this is what Pilar ordered. You want this right? "

We entered the cottage and placed two Tupperware of foods on their table. I finally realized that the men were looking at me. They have a female companion too.

"Thank you, Pena. How much?"

My ears tingled because his accent looked like he was from Manila.

"That's only 200 pesos!"

He gave me 500. "Keep the change." it's still looking to me. The men with him coughed and some even laughed.

"Beautiful." I heard someone say that.

Pena also simply tease me and smiled at me. I shook and my gaze landed on the man's arm. I was almost shocked by the familiar tattoo on his arm.

“Thanks, Austin!"

Austin grinned at us and folded his arms as he sat down. I hardly looked back when we got out of there.

Maybe not. No.

That night I tried to call Mom. I knew she was still mad at me because I didn't follow what she said. So she avoided me for years.

I called her and fortunately, she answered.

"Mom." my voice was soft. I also have a bottle of beer in my hand. I was on the edge of the window and overlooking the sea kissed by the moon.

"Oh, why? Have you changed your mind? “

I closed my eyes and swallowed. "Mom, it's been a few years and I'm fine here. Nobody's bothering me."

"Nothing yet. No one is bothering Ava, yet. I told you to go abroad! Because if you're here in the Philippines you'll still be seen. Or, maybe you don't want to leave because you're still in love with Faustino?"

I shook. "Mim no. Besides, it's hard to leave the people here who are already loved by me. Pena is so nice. Besides, this is our house."

"It's hard to leave the person you love?"

"Mom-"

"Stop it, Ava. I've experienced that.., if your head is still stubborn you will never see your daughter! "

"Mom I miss Ginger. "

"So choose, your daughter. Go abroad." my mother dropped the call.

Go back to my memory of the past. When I found out I was still pregnant. I don't even know why. That was a miracle for Mom and me.

I continued to study even though my stomach was big then. I just stopped when I gave birth and took the exam to pass. By the mercy of God, I did.

I also don't like a chaotic life.

The next day I was greeted by luck. The South Gate Inn called me to hand over the paperwork directly to their hotel. So I got ready before eight o'clock. I was wearing formal attire. The skirt I was wearing was above the knee. I also combed my hair.

My body has not changed since I gave birth. I just lost a little weight.

Pena's husband drove me to the South Gate Inn. Usually, artists visiting here in Kabankalan are here to check-in. Their services here are also good. They also have chains like Southland Hospital that are private. Maybe if I get accepted South Gate Inn and Southland Hospital will be my shift.

I took a deep breath and looked up at the green hotel. It is beautifully designed on the outside because it glows because of its fragile walls on the second floor. next to the South Gate Inn is Kabankalan Catholic College so it's perfect sometimes for students who can't go home to their respective provinces.

When I entered, there were also many in line to apply. Others are familiar to me who are also from SouthLand College.

I bit my lip and lined up with them.

"Will you apply too?" asked a woman next to me.

I smiled. "Uh yeah! You?"

"Yes. It's a case that someone else is managing this Hotel. And it looks like they've been looking for you for a while! There are about five of you! The four are already in the main office being oriented."

"Huh?" am I too late?

Exactly someone came out of the office looking like a secretary based on her uniform.

"Again! Calling for miss Ava Pojas!"

"That's me, Miss!"

She nodded. "It's time for the office miss!"

I handled my papers carefully.

The aircon was cold when I entered. I saw maybe my colleagues already sitting in their chairs and the table was a long and white one.

"Here's Miss Pojas sir! Let's start!"

The secretary said. I stared at whoever sir he called and saw the person I did not expect!

I could barely move from where I was standing.

Faustino's eyes widened as he looked at me from head to toe. When our eyes met I dodged.

I could not bear to look into his eyes full of resentment that I could not understand.

I bit my lip and remained bent over as I sat down in my chair.

Why is he here?