The Maid's Secret

Chapter 10: Follow the Master

RIEDA'S POV

"You asked for me, Mr. De Guzman?" I asked as I sit on the couch opposite of his. Mark never failed to do what he mentioned to do whenever he threatens me and since he said this meeting involves my company, I had no choice to but to get my a*s here.

Marahan naman muna siyang humigop mula sa tasa ng tsaa niya at ibinalik ito sa pagkakapatong sa may coffee table bago ito tumikhim. Halata sa postura nito na mahalagang-mahalaga ang pag-uusapan namin sa mga susunod na oras kaya hangga't maaari ay hahayaan ko muna siyang ilabas ang saloobin niya.

"I'm planning to give my position to Derek once he graduated from AVIS. That is about seven months from now. Before the big day, I want you to move out of the household as soon as possible."

A new condition on the contract? But he should've said so on our meeting back then at least. He can't just add another rule or set-up or something out of the blue. The contract is absolute. It cannot be altered unless approved by both parties. Another thing, I'm not the one to talk to about that. He should've asked Master Phoenix about it. Aren't they friends?

I saw how intent Mr. De Guzman's gaze is. I cross my legs, hinting him that I'm giving the current subject a huge weight of focus and analysis. What made him decide this? Why all of a sudden? But I can't question him. He's my client. And after all, he's Derek's father. What right do I have to tell him what to do?

At this point, I should be speaking the safest answer. "Pardon me, Mr. De Guzman. I'm afraid I don't have such authority to add or to even remove a condition to our prior contract. If you really insist, please do contact my employer. If your request has been approved, I will be more than willing to compromise with it," and I rested my arms on the arm tops. I find this conversation arguable.

He let out a loud sigh as he rests his back on the couch. It seems he is telling me that he's unsatisfied with my answer. Seriously? "Is that so? I guess I can't help it. I'll contact Phoenix with it later. Ah, I heard that you are now handling Phoenix's former company, huh? How is it?" tanong nito.

Pinigilan kong panliitan siya ng mga mata. Napakabilis ng pagbabago niya ng usapan. Para bang nagkamali siya sa pagtatanong nun. Even so, here we go, the business part of this conversation. "It's alright. The business is doing good," I answered shortly.

Why do I have the feeling that this exchange is strange? I'm betting there's something wrong. The atmosphere. The subject. The terms. They're unusual... Either way, I have to go along the talk.

Sumibol ang ngiti sa mukha niya at gumaan kahit papaano ang tensyon kanina dulot ng biglaan niyang pagdeklara ng panibagong kondisyon sa kontrata. Alam ko ang ngiting iyan. Sa tinagal-tagal ko ng pagtatrabaho sa mga kumpanya na hinahawakan ni Master Phoenix, kabisadong-kabisado ko na ang mga galawang ito.

"Do you mind investing on De Guzman Enterprises, my dear?" Oops. He blew it. Just as I thought of.

Again, I have to give the safest answer that I could think of. "Well, let's see if we can make that possible. How about we go out and get some snacks as we talk?" I suggested and the old man agreed to me as fast as lightning.

This is the safest answer that I could give. The best answer which would allow me to observe Mr. De Guzman's recent actions and decisions. An answer that would give me more time to think about my next plans.

As we stood up to leave the room, I didn't forget to act out and leave something that would later serve as a useful variable for me to come up with an accurate conclusion about what is going on and what does Derek's father is thinking. Of course, I didn't let myself get caught by the oldie's sight. It would be a trouble if he did and an end for me if Master Phoenix found out.

Well, this is just for research purposes, you know. This will do no harm.

****

"Hep-hep, saan ang punta, Miss Jenny Rosario?" harang ni Martin sa akin saktong mamataan niya akong papunta sa kwarto ni Derek. For the four months that I've been monitoring that guy, I am certain that every time before Saturday comes, Derek would always hang out with his friends to discuss their next adventure.

And me, being his hired personal agent, I have to know what would be the next adventure is. "Get out of my way, Woods. You are hindering me from doing my job."

"I'm still a butler of this household. So, you must inform me of what you are trying to do," pangangaral pa nito sa akin habang nakaharang pa rin sa pintuan ni Derek. Tss. Pinapatagal niya lang lalo ang trabaho ko. Imbes na walang makakita sa akin dito, mas pinapataas niya pa ang posibilidad na pagsuspetyahan kaming dalawa. What an idiot.

Dahil puro dada lang naman ang ginagawa niya ay hindi ko na inatubili pang pakinggan ang kahit ano sa mga ito at pwinersa siyang umalis sa daraanan ko. Muntikan naman siyang mawalan ng balanse sa lakas ng pagtulak ko. "Sorry, Woods. But you see, even the young master of this household doesn't know anything about me and the things that I'm doing. Better keep your mouth shut first," I told him and he just zipped his mouth at the same moment.

I know he understands it very well.

I pulled the duplicate key out from my sleeves and opened Derek's door as smooth as a professional bowler striking all the pins at the end of a lane. Woods followed my steps as I inspect every corner of the room.

Hmm. Nothing's different. Seems like the usual. But that makes it more suspicious. For someone like Derek who has been worked out so much these past few days, I know he'll be finding exits to unleash all boredom and stress that he has in his body. Even though it is not the case, his best of friends, Glen and Niel would.

"Where's the young master anyway?" I asked as I try to check out Derek's clothes and drawers. I have overslept due to exhaustion from work and I was forced to do a typical maid's first thing in the morning which is to do multiple house chores. Thus, I haven't raised this concern to Vanna yet and since I have the proud butler here, might as well ask him about it.

Bumuntong hininga naman ito at saka pasalampak na umupo sa gilid ng kama ni Derek. "Maagang umalis. Ang sabi, pupunta raw sa mga kaibigan niya," he answered as if it's the most frequent phrases he have said in his entire life.

Just as I expected.

Ipinagpatuloy ko ang paghahanap mapa-sa mga damitan niya at study table hanggang sa tinapik naman ni Martin ang balikat ko upang ibigay ang isang pamilyar na poster sa akin. "I think this will be their next appointment."

Inabot ko naman ito at saka masinsinang tiningnan ang mga nakasulat sa poster. "Annual motor racing contest?" pagbasa ko sa mga malalaking letrang nakaimprinta rito. Kaya naman pala pamilyar.

I've joined this contest thrice before. Even so, I also remembered that this event is not actually permitted by any authority. In short, it's an underground motor racing contest. The advantage it gives to its hosts is that they won't shoulder any responsibility nor obligation if anyone got hurt or died. It's a secret event. Therefore, death and injuries will be kept in the dark too.

"Derek will be joining this kind of contest? Anong klaseng kokote ba ang mayroon siya? He'll die in here," wika ko sa sarili ko. If there's something constant in this household then, I guess it would be Derek's hardheadedness and mischievousness.

I want to rip his two friends' eyes off from their sockets so bad for encouraging on joining something like this. And to mention, Master Phoenix is actually asking me to lie low and here goes my client, settling his place of death in front of a huge number of people. For Pete's sake, why do I have to be assigned on this person?

"Can you please stop mocking the young master?" magkasalubong na mga kilay na komento ni Martin sa akin.

Hindi niya alam kung gaano kalala ang pinagsisilbihan niyang binata. Tingin ko, mas mahirap pa bantayan si Derek kaysa sa sales at market demand ng negosyo. Tinungo ko muna ang single couch at dito umupo. Pinapasakit niya lalo ang ulo ko. "Vanna."

"Yes, milady?" she immediately answered.

"Can you look into the upcoming underground motor racing contests that will happen this Saturday? I need the road plan, the event details, and the information about it's hosts."

"Please give me a maximum of five minutes to carefully scrutinize all the data you needed. If you have other concerns to submit, don't hesitate to give a follow-up order." After that, my watch beeped as a signal that Vanna's time of five minutes to get everything I asked her to research on has started.

Naipatong ko na lang ang poster sa kalapit na lamesa at pawang hinilot ko ang sentido ko. My license will be suspended once I failed to compromise with the Master's orders. But if I fail to protect Derek on that place where there's a huge crowd in which numerous potential offenders conceal, everything in this mission will be put into vain.

It's not like I cannot protect him outside the race track. The track will be the most accurate, closest, easiest, and best place to keep him under my protection. To add a cherry on top, I cannot promise that I won't be catching the attention of the audience. I have to use the exclusive Phoenix Organization's gadgets and Mark's devices if the situation asked me to.

If only I can choose between the two of them then, I would.

Bahala na nga.

"What's your plan?" His voice sounding so serious. Looks like he noticed the frustration painted on my face right now. Yeah, who would not get frustrated if your license is at stake?! This job has been my whole life and I might be confirming my first ever record of violation to protect that brat!

Then, it was my time to heave a long and loud sigh. "I'll follow him. It's an underground contest after all. No one can assure their safety on the lair of various villains." I guess my pride is still more important at the end of the day. I can have the first record of violation but I won't let Derek be my first ever failure as an agent.

The violation's consequences won't be that long but once life was gone, it will be gone forever. And I hate having regrets. Thinking of what could have happened if I did that and that. It would be intoxicating. Terrifyingly intoxicating.

"Are you alright? You look pale, you know."

"Don't mind me," I said and I get my a*s out from the couch. "Vanna, just send the data on my computer. I'll be reviewing them as soon as you get them." At matapos ng utos na iyon ay tinahak ko na ang papalabas sa kwarto ni Derek.

Gayunpaman, bago ko pa ihakbang ang mga paa ko papalabas ay humabol pa ng isang katanungan si Martin. Katanungang hindi ko alam kung ikaiinis ko o ikatutuwa ko. Hindi ako sanay na tinatanong nito. Or to be specific, I don't allow others to ask me that.

"Are you sure? Maybe, you have to get a little rest?"

"Thank you for your concern, Martin Woods. However, I don't need anyone's concern. I'm used to this so if you please, don't let me bother you that much. Just go on with your own personal business rather than trying invading someone's," and I stepped out and closed the door from behind.

Yeah, I think no matter how kind, humble, and bubbly Jenny Rosario is, Rieda can't adapt anything from her. Rieda Fernandez is just too stubborn and a cunning person compared to her. Jenny's just too pure for Rieda who have dirtied her hands countless times.

****

["What you are telling me is that Mister Romuel's son, Derek is joining an underground motor racing competition? But that would be a nerve-wracking difficulty for you to monitor him!"] Mark, just as I have expected, almost throw his lungs out to express the same frustration that I am having right now.

"It's not like I have a choice, you know. I just wish Master Phoenix would understand and consider this one. I don't want my license to be revoked but I don't want to let Derek go with a possibility of him dying. My conscience just can't accept that." Minsan sa mga ganitong panahon, nagpapasalamat ako na kayang maging nakakapagpagaan sa loob ni Mark. Wala na kasi siyang ibang ginawa kadalasan kung hindi ang sermonan ako at paalalahanan sa mga trabaho ko.

Mark can't help but shake his head in sympathy for me. I'm glad he installed a three-dimensional hologram projector in Vanna's settings. The conversation seems more intimate and closer. I really can't believe I'm one step away from disobeying the person I considered as my father, brother, and friend! Ugh, this sucks!

["I hope he would. You are his favorite, after all. Master Phoenix is not a close-minded type of person, you know. In case he did suspend you, I'm sure he has a set of valid reasons under his sleeves for doing that. So don't worry too much, Rieda."]

"Thank you, Mark." Hindi ko siguro alam ang gagawin ko kung wala akong mapagsabihan ng saloobin ko at masaya na ako na mayroon akong kaibigang tulad ni Mark na mabilis na sasagutin ang tawag ko mapa-umaga o gabi. Honestly, I don't know when does he sleep. Are computers really that interesting?

"Jenny! Iha, kakain na! Kararating lang din ni Sir Derek!"

Mabilis namang bumagsak ang mga balikat ko nang marinig ko ang pagtawag sa akin nina Manang. Nandito na siya. I have to go back to my work again. Why do I even wish for a mission when I was living comfortably with minor assignments before? Argh!

["Looks like someone has to go down now and serve the young master who will give you your first violation on rules and regulations, Agent Ishtar."]

I almost scoff as I keep on hearing the other maids calling for me. I know they won't dare come near here but it's still annoying. I hate it when I don't have the upper hand on my own games. I hate it when I was on the disadvantageous part of it. I hate it when I don't have any last resort. When this hateful part comes in, boredom starts to take over me. And I swear, my being boredom would signal a death flag on Derek's head.

Dahil hindi sila tumitigil sa pagtawag sa akin, nagdesisyon na akong magpaalam kay Mark at pinatay ang projector. Inayos ko muna ang disguise ko bilang Jenny at saka bumaba papunta sa may kusina kung saan naroroon ang lahat ng miyembro ng sambahayan.

When I arrived, I was informed that Derek took a shower first before eating so I should better get the table set before he comes. Agad naman akong sumunod sa mga iniuutos ni Manang Delia habang mainit pa rin ang tingin sa akin ng mga kapwa ko katulong dito na sina Andrea, Bianca, at iba pa. Iniisip na naman siguro nila na paimportante ako. Hay.

Bago ako magsimula sa pag-aayos ay pinihit ko muna ang gripo at bumugso ang daloy ng tubig sa mga kamay ko. Pagkatapos kong maghugas ng kamay ay dumiretso na ako sa paglalagay ng mga kubyertos sa hapag-kainan.

I was almost finished when I detected Derek's presence in the room. As I was about to put the glass filled with mineral water down, I intentionally drop it as a part of my act. Being Jenny Rosario, the clumsy and stupid maid requires me to break at least one thing in this household and to make any of the members of the staff to be vexed by me. No worries. I'm planning to pay those off once this mission is done.

I immediately bit my nails as if I did something hideous. I made my body tremble as if I am afraid of what will happen to me after I've made a mistake. I gulped as if I want to die out of shame. Lumuhod ako para kunin ang mga piraso ng bubog. SInadya ko ring masugatan ng mga ito at nagkunwaring dumadaing sa sakit. Mabilis namang tumugon sa akin si Derek at pinalayo ako sa mga bubog.

"Are you really that dumb? Sinong tao ang pupulot pa ng bubog, ha? You should've just let the others clean it up for you, considering how clumsy you are!" may inis na sermon nito sa akin habang hindi mapaghiwalay ang mga kilay niya.

Napapikit naman siya nang sandali at bumaling naman sa mga kasamahan kong katulong. "Please clean this mess. And you..." he pertained to me. "Come with me," and without my response, he pulled me out of the room and led the way.

Habang paalis kami ay binigyan ko ng huling sulyap ang mga kasambahay. Sa pagitan ng paglilinis nila Bianca at Andrea sa mga bubog gamit ang walis at dust pan, naririnig ko ang samu't saring reklamo nila ukol sa kung paanong kakaiba ang trato sa akin ni Derek kaysa sa kanila.

"Grabe talaga! Nakita mo ba 'yun? Daig pa niya ang prinsesa! Lagi na lang siyang may special treatment galing kay sir! Maid kasi siya dito 'e hindi ba? Maid! Ni hindi na nga kagandahan, ang lakas pa ng loob na lumandi kay Sir Derek!"

"Sinabi mo pa! Pero hindi rin siya makatigil-tigil sa paglingkis kay Martin! Makating babae!"

"Ano ba ang nakita ni Sir Derek sa probinsyanang iyan? E ang baduy-baduy ngang manamit. Mutsatsa na nga, mukha pang basahan!"

Tsk. Bitches.

"Umupo ka diyan."

"Huh?" Wait. This is the theater room if my memory's right. Hindi ko na namalayan na dito niya ako dinala. Lumulutang na naman kasi ang utak ko sa ibang mga bagay. Tulad na lang ng mga pinadalang files ni Mark sa akin ukol sa mga kahina-hinalang mga tao na kumikilos upang tuntunin ang nagmamay-ari ng golden Venetian mask.

Bago pa man ako makaapila 'e nakaupo na si Derek sa may tabi ko at may inilapag nang first aid kit sa kalapit na lamesa. Marahan niyang inabot ang kamay kong nasugatan mula sa mga bubog at tiningnan muna ito kung malalim ba o mababaw lang ang naging sugat. "Tsk. Ang tanga mo talagang babae ka," sabi pa niya habang sinusuri pa rin ang kamay ko.

Was I offended? Nah. This guy loves calling me stupid, idiot, fool, and other words with the same thought of it. It's as if those words were all my names every day.

When he's done looking on to it, he put my hand down to his lap and started roaming the things inside the first aid kit as if he's someone expert on giving people medication or something. Seriously. You always surprise me.

"Is it really possible that there's a person as stupid as you? Aish. If you have other clones, I bet the whole society would go insane big time!" wika nito habang nagsisimula nang gamutin ang sugat ko. Wala sa akin ang tingin niya pero ang bibig niya, patuloy sa paglalabas ng mga insulto para kay Jenny.

Kung hawakan niya ang kamay ko ay tila ba isa itong babasaging gamit na maaaring mahulog kahit anong oras. Kung makasuri siya sa sugat ko ay tila ba kukunin nito ang buhay ko. Kung makatuon siya rito ay para bang alam niya ang hapdi na dulot nito. Nakakatuwa ring pagmasdan ang bawat kunot na mayroon siya sa kanyang noo. Kita ang konsentrasyon at pagiging seryoso niya sa ginagawa niya.

You do have that part inside you to care for her. You just keep on showing your concern through those awful terms because you don't want to reveal how dependent you really are to Jenny's presence.

"Salamat." At least, this word, this came from Rieda. Thank you. Thank you for cherishing Jenny. I don't know why but I'm overwhelmed by how worried he is. Heh, I'm not even Jenny and I'm being grateful.

Contrary to what I expected, he smiled and gave me a short laugh. "Don't thank me. You have to cook a great breakfast for me tomorrow, okay?" and just like any other kids, he offered his little finger to mine and make me do the pinky promise with him. We sang a little and waved our hands for it as if we are really young children.

Promise... What big and heavy word to say...

****

"Jenny! Bakit bigla-bigla ka na lang umaalis?! Ang daming trabaho ngayon dito sa bahay! You—" at pinatayan ko na ng tawag ang pagkakulit-kulit na si Martin. Sa tuwing lalabas na lang ako para gawin ang trabaho ko, lagi na lang akong may maririnig na reklamo mula sa bibig niya. Kalalaking-tao, mapanermon.

And it's not like he doesn't know that today is the d-day. It's the day of the motor racing competition here in the underground. There is still about an hour before a host could take over the stage and microphone but all the seats and spaces were almost occupied. Kung titingnan mo nga naman, gustung-gusto ng mga tao na makakita ng kamatayan sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong klase ng laro.

Though reluctant, Mark did all the work for me to join this contest. I made sure that I have covered my face very well by make-up and black veil since the mask won't fit inside a helmet. I've been loitering around to observe and to check if there's someone suspicious but as of now, the danger is yet to arise. And that makes it feels more threatening.

Pinainit ko muna ang motor ko sa pamamagitan ng pagpihit sa may hawakan na nakakonekta sa accelerator cable habang naghihintay. Dalawang beses ko itong ginawa at malakas na usok at tunog ang iniresulta nito. Prenteng nakasandal lang ako nang bahagya rito at nagmamasid nang tahimik.

"Hi, miss. You look blazing hot! I just want to ask if we can... you know, go out? After this contest? My treat?" a guy with a fair hair offered as he tries to snake his arm around me.

I smirked in secret and pulled one thin needle from my pocket and intentionally stab it on his arm while acting like I'm just massaging the back of my neck. Oh dear, one prick and you'll be a paralyzed within a minute.

He cried when it touched him. Men looked on our direction and stared due to the loud cry that he produced. The guy was being conscious of the attention at first but he eventually returned to his first topic. "Come on, give me a chance and—"

Knowing that he will soon be paralyzed, I lifted my hand in front of his face, telling him to stop because I don't have any single interest in dating and such. If you have a life to protect, there's no time for living your own life so shut up.

The fair-haired seems surprised to the way I rejected him but even if he wanted to unleash his anger brought by stomped ego and pride, he couldn't. That's because it's already affecting him. Before I could catch greater attention, I left the scene as fast as I could and went to the starting line.

At hindi nga ako nabigo. Sa pagdating ko roon ay natagpuan ko ang tatlong magkakaibigan habang nakasandal sa mga kapwa motorsiklo nila.

"Derek De Guzman, black helmet with a silver archer logo at the back, black outfit, number twenty-six," Vanna confirmed.

Nanliit naman ang mga mata ko nang makadetekta ako ng kislap. Kislap mula sa isang patalim. Naging mabilis ang pagkakita ko rito kung kaya't hindi ko na alam kung saang direksyon ko ulit ito nakita. s**t.

"Good day, racers! Are you now ready to join the most ruthless motor racing competition of the decade?! Then, we don't have to wait more! Let's do this!"

Yeah, I am already itching to eliminate pests surrounding the flower I've watched to grew. I won't let them destroy it. Luckily, I prepared a lot of insecticides with me.