A Hidden Life

How The Vixens Knew

Francis and I agreed that we would see each other again after that swimming party. 

I was with the Vixens waiting in front of a fast food restaurant when Francis approached us.

"Eva," he said, "how could you lie to me?"

I was surprised to hear his question. "What do you mean?"

"Why didn't you tell us that you're a housemaid of the Villamayors?"

I looked at the Vixens and they too were surprised to hear that.

"And you, Vixens," he said facing them. "Why did you allow a social climber in your elite group?" 

I turned away and ran, crying.

When I came late to school the next day, Camille approached me when she saw me at my locker.

"Are you okay?" she asked. 

I nodded.

"What did you tell Sister Corazon?" she asked. It has been a rule that whoever comes late for class must proceed to her office to explain.

"She knows the truth ever since you did," I said. "I'm sorry, but I really have to keep it a secret. That's the only way for me to live inside my father's house."

"What do you mean?"

So I told Camille everything over a light snack while waiting for the next class. When the bell rang, the Vixens arrived at the cafeteria and saw us. They approached us and it was Camille who explained everything to them. Ana embraced me.

"You should have told us before," she said. "That way, we could have defended you, girl."

"I'm afraid you'll leave me," I said. "I don't like to lose friends like you."

"Of course not, we're not leaving you!" said Irene. “Actually, I've heard from my father about that rumor, your father had an affair with a housemaid. Now I see that it was true after all."

"And I thought I only see those on movies and TV," said Chloe. "Your mom might be beautiful for your father to fall for her."

"She looks like her mother," Camille said. "Just look at this picture."

She took out the photographs inside my wallet --- mine, my mother's, and my father's.

"Aw, she's beautiful, and he's handsome... no wonder, you're too beautiful!" said Maria. "Would you believe that the boys would say that you're the most beautiful Vixen? I wouldn't believe it at first... but then again, seeing these photos... I concede."