CHAPTER-3
1090 Words
* * FLASHBACK * *
"Did Ma'am Maria allow you to go, Val?" Anne asked her friend, Valentine, with concern in her voice. Valentine had asked for permission to go home to their province after receiving an urgent call from her parents. They told her that her younger sibling, Heart, had been admitted to the hospital, having contracted a severe case of dengue.
The worry was clear on the faces of her friends Anne, Marlita, and Rose as they listened to Valentine’s story. They all advised her to talk to their employer, Mrs. Anderson, and ask for permission to go home. Valentine felt a deep sense of gratitude when their kind employer agreed to let her return to the province to visit her family and check on her hospitalized sibling. Understanding the situation, their employers were compassionate and allowed her to leave, even offering some financial help for her sibling’s medical expenses. It reassured Valentine, knowing that her employer cared enough to help in a time of need.
"Yes, Anne, Marlita, and Rose, Ma'am Maria agreed to let me go home tomorrow," Valentine said, her voice filled with relief and gratitude as she shared the news with her friends.
"Oh, that’s wonderful to hear, Val," Rose replied with a wide smile, happy that their friend could return home in this difficult time.
"Did Ma'am mention how long you could stay there, or did she give you a date for when you need to come back here?" Marlita asked with genuine concern, her voice gentle and eyes full of sympathy. She knew how difficult it must be for Valentine to be away from her family, especially with her sibling in such a condition.
"She didn’t give a specific date, but she told me to stay as long as I need, at least until my sibling recovers fully," Valentine responded, her voice trembling as she tried to hold back her tears. The thought of her sibling’s struggle brought a surge of emotion, and though she tried to stay strong, a few tears escaped.
"Everything will be alright, Val. Heart will recover soon, and we’re all here for you," Anne assured her, pulling her into a comforting hug.
Valentine smiled through her tears, feeling the warmth and support of her friends. She was grateful, not only to her employer but also to her friends, who were like family to her. Their support gave her strength, knowing that she wasn’t facing this alone.
The next morning, after Valentine finishing her work at the mansion, Valentine prepared for her journey back to her hometown.
“Val, take this food with you so you’ll have something to eat on the way. It’ll be noon soon, so you won’t need to buy lunch anymore,” Anne said as she entered their room, carrying a tupperware filled with food. Marlita had cooked it earlier for their employer's lunch and for them as well.
“Thanks, Anne! This is perfect—I’ll have it for lunch on the way,” Valentine replied, gratefully accepting the food Anne prepared for her.
“Oh, Val, here—take this. It’s from the three of us. It’s a little help for Heart,” added Marlita as she handed Valentine some money. The three of them had pooled together what they could to help with her sibling's expenses.
“Thank you so much,” Valentine said tearfully as she stood up from her bed and hugged all three of them. “I really appreciate this. I won’t turn down your help because I truly need it right now. Don’t worry—I’ll pay you back when I’m able,” she said, crying after hugging them.
“Hey, Val! What do you mean, ‘pay us back’? This is help, not a loan. You don’t have to give it back,” Rose replied with a smile.
“Still, thank you so much. I’ll find a way to repay you for your kindness,” Valentine said, smiling as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
“Just keep us updated when you get there, okay? Text us from time to time,” Anne reminded her.
“Yes, don’t worry, I’ll keep you all updated,” Valentine replied, smiling reassuringly at her friends. “I’ll let you know as soon as I arrive, and I’ll send messages whenever I can, especially about Heart’s condition.”
“That’s good, Val. We’ll be waiting for your messages. The four of us are like family now. Remember, we’re always here for you, no matter what happens,” Rose said with a warm smile.
Valentine felt her heart swell with gratitude. Knowing that she had friends who cared so deeply gave her strength. “Thank you, really. I couldn’t have asked for better friends,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
“Take care on your trip, okay?” Marlita added. “And don’t hesitate to call if you need anything else. We’ll always be here to help however we can.”
"Sure, Marlita, thanks again," Valentine replied to her.
After Valentine finished packing her things, she said her goodbyes to Marlita and Rose, while Anne accompanied her outside the mansion. The two of them waited outside for a taxi that would take Valentine to the bus terminal, where she would catch a bus to her hometown. Just then, their employers, Mateo Anderson and Maria Anderson, arrived. The luxurious car of their employers stopped in front of them, and the window rolled down.
"Valentine, you're still here? I thought you had already left," Mrs. Anderson asked her, rolling down the window of their car.
"Why are you leaving only now? Is there a problem?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"There’s no problem, Ma'am and Sir. I just finished my work at the mansion before leaving," Valentine replied.
"I hope you didn’t think about that too much. What matters is your trip home," Mrs. Anderson said.
"We already told her Ma'am, Sir, that we would take care of it, but she wouldn't listen," Anne interjected.
"Better yet, I'll have Joel take you, Valentine, so you can leave right away," Mr. Anderson offered. Joel, their driver. Valentine initially declined the offer, but when they insisted, she had no choice. Joel would take her to the bus terminal. After dropping their employers off inside the mansion, Joel quickly returned to drive Valentine to the bus terminal.
"Take care, Val," Anne reminded her as she got into the car.
"You too, take care," Valentine replied, waving at Anne as Joel slowly started driving the car.
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