The Maid's Secret

Chapter 9: Essence of Her Presence

DEREK'S POV

"Good job, son. You have made all our efforts on mentoring you worth it. Keep it up, alright?" Dad told me as he pats my shoulder. He can't keep his praises in and has been like this for a while in front of the board members and clients. I don't know what should I feel first. Shame for what Dad is doing or happiness because for the first time again, I feel like I've done something that returned me back on track.

The challenges and obstacles were overwhelming but the successful outcome is more than relieving. It's as if I was finally able to step on to my first milestone. I admit, the feeling of accomplishment is more than enough to make me happy. "Thanks, Dad. I would never be able to be here in this place without your help and guidance."

Napangiti naman siya nang tila hanggang tainga sa pagpapasalamat ko sa kanya. Hanggang sa nabigla na lamang ako nang yakapin niya ako. At first, I thought I was bitten by a mosquito or something due to unfamiliarity. But as the seconds passed, a question popped in to my mind.

When was the last time I've hugged my own father?

When I wasn't able to attain an answer to that, I just let my hands crawl to hug him back. Dad caresses my back as if he was treasuring every moment with us having our time together right here, right now. I guess Jenny was right. I have to move forward. I should not hinder myself from advancing just because of a disappointment. I have to see what's really important... what really matters the most. I have to consider the people who truly care about me.

And that would be my Dad. I've turned myself blind all along not noticing the efforts he is exerting just to win my trust back. I dwell on hatred too much that I've lost track of time. Fortunately, it's not yet too late for me to have my come back.

To the world I really belong.

"No, son. Even though without our help, I know you can still reach this spot you are standing now. That is because you are brilliant. And most of all, because you are my son!" at natatawang humiwalay ito sa akin. Hindi pa rin nito mapigilan ang walang mapagsidlang tuwa niya sa naging resulta ng presentasyon ko kanina.

Gusto ko ngang sabihin sa kanya na baka mawarak na ang mga labi niya kakangiti ngunit mukhang hindi ko siya mapipigilan. Isa pa, ginusto ko naman ito, hindi ba? Deep inside me is the desire to make my remaining parent happy and proud of me. So why should I stop him?

"Mr. De Guzman, Miss Fernandez has arrived. She's waiting for you in your office."

"Dad, looks like you have an appointment with a client," I informed father and he immediately glances to the assistant to give a signal to wait for him for a little bit. Heh, my father sure is busy.

Ngayon pa lang, nangangamba na ako na maging ganito rin ako balang araw sa oras na ipasa niya sa akin ang posisyon niya. Iniisip ko pa lang na halos iikot ang buhay ko sa mga papeles at meetings 'e nabuburyo na ako. Paniguradong mami-miss ko ang magliwaliw at mamasyal kasama ang tropa.

"O s'ya, mauna muna ako. I have to meet someone of great importance to our company. See you at the house later!"

"See you!" at agad na siyang lumabas ng conference room para kitain ang kararating lang na kliyente.

Isa-isa na ring nagsisi-alisan ang mga naging kapakinig ng presentasyon ko kaya naman napagdesisyunan ko na ring ayunsi ang mga gamit ko upang makabalik na rin sa opisina. Mas maganda kung matatapos ko na rin ang natitira pang trabaho para mas mapapaaga ang uwi ko sa mga susunod na araw.

I want to eat Jenny's dishes so bad. I'm way too stressed with everything that sometimes, I skip meals. Poor delicious meals.

As I gather my things, I almost lose my balance when dizziness starts to attack my head again. Since I woke up this morning, my head hurts so much that I thought I drank and it's actually a hangover. I can't seem to process anything at all but when I got to the shower room? Damn, I have cursed so much when I remembered I fell asleep last night and forgot to do a pile of work!

Halos hubo't h***d pa akong lumabas nun sa banyo para lang tingnan ang listahan ng mga dapat na gagawin ko kagabi at ang powerpoint presentation na nakatulugan ko. Pero ano ang nakita ko? Well, I just found everything arranged, organized, and most of all, done! That is why instead of scolding me, my professors, the school's faculty, and the board members were praising me!

It's quite a mystery, you know. I don't know what happened last night for this kind of miracle to happen to me. I mean, who the hell would be enthusiastic to finish those bullshits just in one night?! What bothers me even more is how that person was able to enter to my room without me sensing it.

I tried to analyze it while I was in the car but I failed on guessing who it is. I thought one of our employees probably did it out of kindness and pity but the last time I check, no one would dare enter my room without my permission, not even my own father! The door is also locked when I look into it so who could it be and how did he or she do it? It was nerve-wracking but at the same time, grateful.

Examining everything he or she did become my task after my classes this morning. The visuals were commendably great. You can get the impression that someone who made it was very familiar with infographics and excel. The notes and additional reminders were concise and helpful. The reports are incredibly accurate and plausible based on the latest studies and surveys this year. I was able to get perfect scores with both assignments and recitation because of my savior!

Yeah, I'm going to call him or her my savior. Though it's still a mystery how and why did he or she come inside my room, I am sincerely thankful for the work he or she saved me from. Without the help, I'll probably get punished severely for being irresponsible. I should not let myself fell asleep like last night again. I am a graduating student and soon, I'll be inheriting my father's position. Therefore, there's no time to slack off, Derek De Guzman!

"Kung makangiti ka diyan akala mo ikaw na talaga ang magmamana ng posisyon ni Mister De Guzman, 'no?"

Napakunot kaagad ang noo ko sa mga salitang narinig ko. Pustahan tayo, si Nigel na naman iyan. Hindi pa ba siya napapagod sa pakikipagkumpetensya sa akin? Lagi na lang ba kaming magtatalo sa lahat ng bagay dito sa kumpanya? Samantalang parehas lang naman naming ipagmalaki kami ng pinuno nito at makatulong sa pagpapalago ng aming negosyo.

Binitawan ko muna ang mga gamit ko at napabuntong hininga na lang bago siya harapin. "I don't have the time to argue with you, Nigel." I no longer want to give my father something worrisome now that I have regained the reputation and impression I had to most of the people back. I worked my a*s so much just to have this moment.

"Oh, cousin. You do have. Plenty of time, actually. Just like how you've spent your days as a delinquent. With those scumbags of friends you have," he mocked.

Knowing myself too much with this kind of situation, I can easily get mad and lose control. But I promised to Jenny! I won't lose my temper anymore. Especially, here! I can't let him control me so that he can get the outcome that he wants. I won't give him the upper hand here. "I would rather have them than your friends who only join you so that they can attain higher positions in the company," I replied.

Buhat na rin na kami na lang ang natitira rito sa kwarto 'e rinig na rinig ko ang mabigat na paghinga niya dala ng binalik kong mensahe sa kanya. He doesn't have any single right to insult the people who gave me shelter when I don't have anything and anybody. Just because you're a delinquent, it doesn't mean you're the worst person on Earth! Why is this world filled with close-minded people?!

"Don't be so full of yourself, Derek. Kayang kaya ko pa rin sulutin ang posisyon na nakalaan sa'yo balang araw," banta niya habang paunti-unti siya humahakbang papunta sa kinatatayuan ko.

I tried to stop my hand on forming a fist. I must control myself no matter what! I have to be professional. That is why I decided to pick my things up to avoid further issues with Nigel. Nigel Angeles is my cousin on my mother's side. His father works as the chief finance officer in this company and he boldly shows his motives and determination on taking the throne that was supposed to be mine.

I was about to pass by him when he caught my arm. I tried to jerk if off but this guy is really serious on getting on my nerve! "What do you really want, Nigel? Don't you think this is too inappropriate for you who is only the nephew of the president?" I told him as I met his eyes, burning with insecurities on me.

Naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng kapit niya sa braso ko pero hindi ko iyon ininda. Matagal na akong nagtitimpi sa lalaking 'to.

"At sumasagot-sagot ka na rin ngayon, ha? Remember, I have been here in this industry longer that you have ever imagined! I have witnessed the company's ups and downs while you are enjoying a pampered life supported by every employee's hard work everyday!"

"That is why I came back. I wanted to return the favor. I admit I am ashamed of myself from abandoning my responsibility but what better would it make you too? If you are really proud of yourself, you should've saved the company from the ups and downs you are talking about. You should've been the one assigned to do this project." I pulled one of the folders I have and raise it on his face.

A big project with a huge financial back-up and resources for the clothing enterprise's introduction of a new vision and mission. This was just settled a while ago in the meeting. If he is really insisting that he's the better between us, he should have been the one the board members asked to work on this and not me.

Napansin ko naman ang panlalambot niya sa mga binitawan kong salita. Masakit, oo. Alam kong malaking insulto at sampal sa mukha niya iyon bilang isang matagal nang empleyado rito simula pa nang nasa kolehiyo siya. Pero hindi ko naman hahayaang yurakan niya ang kapabilidad ko nang dahil lang sa nakaraang mayroon ako.

Lahat ng iyon ay parte ng pagkatao ko. Kung ano ako ngayon, ipinagpapasalamat ko iyon sa mga pagkakamaling nagturo sa akin na muling tumayo.

While he was still in a daze, I took the opportunity to get my arm back and step towards the door. However, before I could open the door, Nigel uttered the words that I will never forget. Words that I should always remember in order to stretch myself out and to push my myself harder to be the best.

"Someday, I will be the chief executive officer of this company and not you. I will surely get everything you have from you, Derek De Guzman."

Iniwasan kong lingunin pa siya dahil paniguradong hindi niya magugustuhan kung aasarin ko pa siya. Umangat ang isang sulok ng labi ko. Is that a challenge, dear cousin? Do you really think that is something that must come from you? Cerberus' leader is not the type of person that you can joke around, you see. I hate losing.

"If you are really that eager to steal it from me then... come and get it if you can,” and I no longer waited for his response for I already chose to leave him in that room. To reflect. To assess if he's doing the right thing.

Because challenging Derek De Guzman would be a handful. I don't just bow to anyone. I don't just accept defeat without doing every method of winning that I know. Most of all, I won't agree with this fast if I know that I don't have the advantage.

****

"So, how's the life of being a part of the business industry?" my friend, Glen asked as he drives Niel's newly bought sports car. They offered on driving me home from the company and of course, we hung out a little to catch up on each other's lives.

Panay ang kantyaw sa akin ng dalawang 'to kesyo ang dami ko na raw utang na shot at libre. Samantalang mayayaman naman na rin sila. Hays. "Ayos lang naman. Not as intoxicating as I thought it would be," I answered as I focus on the latest game Glen invented.

Greg Lenster Andriego is one of my two childhood friends. He's equipped when it comes to game developing and device inventing. Their family runs a gadget-making business that also introduce the applications he created. Therefore, he is already earning his own money. Every moment an individual downloads his creation, money comes in. So he's quite relaxed with what the future holds for him.

"Boring. Kaya ayokong sumunod sa yapak ni tanda 'e. Nakakabagot lang ang pagpapatakbo ng negosyo. Mas gusto ko pang matulong buong araw," entra naman ni Niel na nasa passenger's seat at kasalukuyang may tine-text na namang isang kumpol ng mga babaeng kikitain niya mamaya at sa mga susunod pang mga araw.

Ayaw raw sumunod. Pero sa pambababae ng tatay niya, tinotodo niya ang pagsunod. Daniel Louis Suarez has always been like this. Cool, easy-going, go-with-the-flow, and adventurous. Not afraid of facing new people and experiences. Probably the most welcoming of the unknown and a faithful follower of curiosity. Perhaps that is also the reason why he is no longer a virgin. His condominium filled with various women perfume and undergarments.

Minsan napapaisip ako kung bakit ganito ang mga kaibigan ko.

"Oo nga pala. Ang sabi ni Jiro, may laban daw sa Sabado. Pinapatanong ng mga ka-miyembro natin kung sasama ka."

"Laban?"

"Oops. Hindi ko alam na hindi mo na kilala ang salitang iyan, Uno?" Niel teased, shifting his look at me shortly from his beloved device that connects him to all the girls in town. Walang layo-layo kay Niel. Basta babae ang kikitain, kahit Bataan tatahakin.

Ugh. That name again. I sighed as I try to find proper words to decline their offer. "Let's see. I am—"

"I am not in good shape right now. I've been busy with a lot of things so I don't find myself totally necessary to the fight. I believe they can do it even without me for they are my legacy. Don't forget to tell them my best wishes on their fight," sabay nilang pagdugtong sa sasabihin ko pa lang.

Are they mocking me? These bastards. It's not like I am turning my back from my fellow members. It's just that I think I can't keep on doing the things I used to do before when I was on my rebellious phase. I fully accepted the role of being part of the business industry. That goes with me having to bid my farewell to any g**g movement or actions.

Lalo pa ngayon na binabantayang maigi ni Nigel ang bawat kilos ko para lang mapabagsak ako sa posisyong mayroon ako sa kumpanya. Mas maganda na ang nag-iingat. "Mga pare, ngayon na hinahanda na ako ni Papa sa pagpapatakbo ng De Guzman Enterprises, hindi na ako pwedeng basta-basta lumabas para sa mga ganyang gawain. Isa pa, malapit na rin tayo makapagtapos. Kakailanganin na rin nating magtino sa ayaw natin at sa hindi," paliwanag ko.

Nabigla naman ako nang bigla inihinto ni Glen ang sasakyan sa tabi ng kalsada. Muntik-muntikanan ko nang maitama ang ulo ko. Handa na sana akong murahin sila nang mapansin ko ang mga mukha nilang tila nasurpresa. What's the problem on these two?

"Magtino raw... Magtino raw sabi ni Derek. Glen, narinig mo ba 'yun?"

"I heard it loud and clear. Our dear Uno will leave our beloved g**g soon."

"What the f**k?" I muttered as I watch them exaggerate things. They act as if I would never think of fixing myself up before graduation. Ano ba ang tingin sa akin ng mga kupal na 'to? Na wala na akong pangarap sa buhay? Aba't mga siraulo.

Lumapit naman ako sa kanila at malakas na pinagbabatukan sila. Nagmumukha lang silang tanga sa mga pinaggagagawa nila. "Idiots. 'Yaan niyo sasama ako sa motor racing competition sa Sabado para naman makabawi ako sa inyo. Kaya tigilan niyo na ako pwede ba?" hirit ko at doon na lang sila nanahimik.

Gayunpaman, hindi ko nagustuhan ang ngising mayroon sa kanilang mga mukha sa buong pag-biyahe namin. Curse these two, ugh.

Sa awa ng Diyos, nakauwi naman ako nang matiwasay at hindi na ako ginulo pa ng dalawa. That excludes tomorrow and the following days, unfortunately. We said our goodbyes to one another and the two of them drifted off to go home as well. Carrying my bag and jacket, I have been welcomed by the maids and other household staff as I set foot inside the mansion.

My eyes automatically searches everywhere where I could possibly find Jenny but they failed. I can't see Jenny around the house. Hindi naman siguro siya ang isinama ni manang sa pagbili ng mga materyales at mga sangkap dito sa bahay. Hindi pa naman nag-iingat ang babaeng iyon. Kung anu-ano ang nababasag at nasisira sa loob at labas ng bahay.

Nang hindi na talaga ako mapakali 'e tinawag ko na si Martin upang tanungin.

"Sir Derek! Nandirito na po pala kayo. Pasensya na po at hindi ko kayo nasalubong." Nagmamadaling lumapit ito sa akin nang marinig niya ang pagtawag ko mula sa isang kwarto. He looks a little busy since I noticed him taking down notes about something.

Anyway, let's get down to the real business. "Where's my personal maid?"

It took him a few seconds of hesitating whether he'll open his mouth or not. It's as if he doesn't know what to say. Hmm? Did Jenny go out without my permission again? Didn't I tell her that she would only cause problems outside? It's better to keep her here in the mansion like a secret human destructive weapon instead of letting her out and became the root of all troubles of everyone.

"Ah.. S-S-She's inside the k-kitchen. Preparing your meals, perhaps."

"Perhaps?" I questioned. Why is he not sure about his answer?

Just on cue, Manang Delia came out from the kitchen looking for Woods. She was surprised when she found me as well. "Derek! Tamang-tama! Nagluto si Jenny ng mga paborito mong pagkain. Halika na habang mainit pa ang mga iyon," at inalo na ako nito kaagad papunta ng dining room.

Nasa labas pa lang ako 'e amoy na amoy ko na ang mga pagkaing inihain ni Jenny. Naghulaan pa nga kami ni Manang sa kung ano ang mga iyon. Nagtatawanang pumasok naman kami ni Manang nang maabutan namin ang hinahanap ko na naghahain na. Saktong nagkatama naman ang mga mata naming dalawa.

I no longer hear what Manang is saying anymore. What my system can only focus on is Jenny and her only. Damn those sparkling eyes. Even if you keep messing everything up, that expressive pair of orbs you have is more than enough to cover them. If it weren't for those eyes, I could still be loitering piece of trash in this society.

"Dere—"

Ang problema nga lang, nasira ang pagtitinginan naming dalawa nang may masagi siyang mangkok ng sabaw na siyang tumapon at kumalat sa sahig. What do I expect? She will still be Jenny. The foolish and clumsy personal maid that I have. "Hindi ka na talaga nagbago, ano? Let the others do their job. Keep on preparing the plates. Martin will be joining me."

"Po?"

"Bingi ka ba? O hindi ka makaintindi ng Ingles? Ang sabi ko, sasaluhan mo ko sa pagkain."

"Pero—"

Tumikhim naman ako upang putulin ang kahit ano pang pagtutol niya. Nakasabay ko na sina Jenny at iba pang tauhan namin sa pagkain pero si Martin, hindi pa. Gusto ko lang naman na makausap siya at makasalo rin siya tulad ng ginawa ko sa iba. Ang sabi kasi sa akin ni Jenny, para makabawi ako sa pagiging sakit sa ulo, dapat pakisamahan ko ng maayos ang mga taong nagpapakahirap na pagsilbihan ako at si Papa araw-araw.

He had no choice and so he eventually gave in to his butler principles and ended up on the chair next to me. Jenny carefully put the plates and portions of the dishes along with other necessities. Amoy pa lang mukhang masarap na. Mukhang mapapakain ako nito 'ah.

I was about to start immediately when Manang Delia and Manong Edgar, our driver reminded me to pray before eating. When I was a kid, my mom would always do that as well. Reminding me that every meal is a blessing since there a lot of people out there who can't eat. Therefore, I should be grateful. I set that habit aside when she passed away but now, I'm learning to adapt it again. In front of the elders at least.

Nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng pagkain nang magpaalam si Jenny na sasaglit muna sa kwarto niya dahil may hinihintay siyang tawag mula sa lolo't lola niya sa probinsya. Pinayagan ko naman siya dahil mukhang sobrang importante yata ng tawag na iyon para sa kanya. Sabagay, mahirap ang mahiwalay sa mga natitira mong kamag-anak. Lalo na para kay Jenny na nanggaling pa sa Iloilo para lang magtrabaho dito sa Maynila nang masustentohan niya ang pangangailangan ng mga nagpalaki sa kanya.

Magpapatuloy na sana ako sa pag-ubos ng nasa plato ko nang may sumagi sa isip ko na katanungan. "Martin, did someone enter my room last night?"

Kasunod naman ng tanong ko ay ang pagkasamid ni Martin. Mabilis ko naman siyang inalalayan at tinulungang makabawi. Tsk. Kalaki-laking tao 'e hindi marunong mag-ingat sa pagkain. "Ayos ka na ba? Hinay-hinay lang kasi sa pagsubo."

"A-Ayos na po ako. Tungkol po s-sa tanong niyo, w-wala po. Wala po akong napansing pumasok ng kwarto niyo maliban kay Jenny," sagot niya nang paubo-ubo pa rin dulot ng pagkasamid.

My brows furrowed in instant on his reply. "Jenny?"

"Ah, dinalhan niya po kayo ng hapunan, Sir Derek," paglilinaw ni Andrea na isa sa mga kasambahay namin na lantarang pinapakita ang pagkakagusto niya kay Martin. Pasimple itong lumapit sa amin at pinunasan ang ilang butil ng kanin sa bibig ng taong gusto niya.

I almost cringe at the sight of it. Did my father forget to emphasize the restriction of display of affection on our employees? Naging komportable naman na kami pareho nang mapansin ni Andrea ang tingin ko sa pinaggagagawa niya at bumalik sa trabaho niya. "Anyway, have you ever been in the attic? They say it's haunted but Jenny chose to stay there," pagbabago ko na lang ng usapan.

Napabuntong hininga naman ang katabi ko bago kumuha ng tiyempo upang sumagot. "I've never been there, young master. Jenny mentioned to me that she chose to stay there despite the rumors solely because it reminds her of her old room on their house at the province," he answered, seemingly drained and exhausted while staring at his plate.

So that's why... I guess I still have a load of things to know about her. It's been what? Almost five months and a half or something since she got here. She already knows a lot of stuff about me such as my family, my past, and my childhood. Samantalang ako, iilan lang ang alam ko tungkol sa kanya. Hindi rin naman kasi kami madalas nakakapag-usap. Hindi gaya nung hindi ako pumapasok sa eskwelahan at noong pumupuslit ako ng maaga para makauwi.

I had a long time with her before. But after I've been buried alive by school works and company paper works? Nah. I only got to see her whenever I came home, whenever I am eating, and before I go to sleep. When would I be able to spend some time with her again like before?

May mahabang buhok na medyo kulot, may malaking salamin, at nakasuot ng sobrang luwag at mahabang maid uniform. Pero kung oobserbahan mo naman, maganda rin naman siya kung aayusan.

"Alam mo 'tol? Parang nagbago ka na talaga. Sino ba nakapagpatino sa'yo, ha?"

Did I really change? Naalala ko na naman ang sinabi sa akin ng mga kaibigan ko. Siguro nga nagbago na ako. At siguro nga dahil iyon sa kanya. Siya ang gumising sa akin sa katotohanan na hindi dapat ako maglugmok nang dahil lang sa isang pangako. Na kailangan kong umusad kahit anong mangyari. She told me that the world is still moving so I should keep moving too.

She is the reason why I'm doing my best on everything I do. I want to show her that I'm no longer the rebel I am months ago. That I can already stand on my own and rule my dad's company with the utmost of my abilities. I want to see her smiling proudly as she watches me to climb the stage on my Graduation Day.

Why? It's because Jenny is the person I trust the most. I know she won't disappoint me. I know she would never leave me no matter what.