Chapter 2 A FAVOR

Chapter 2: A Favor

Rica's Point of View

Finally, we arrived at the building where they would hold the exam. We walked through the rooms where they posted the exam taker's name. It took us some time to locate our name on the list.

We went through about ten more rooms before we found it. Many students will take the exam. This school is massive.

We went into our respective rooms. It was on the building's second floor.

Fortunately, my cousin and I are not sitting next to each other. I am sure I will fail the exam because no one will give me a correct answer. She was in the front, and I was on the other side of our room's door. The room's fiberglass wall impressed me as I looked around. Individuals who walk by can see us. It was breathtaking.

The exam has officially started. Each subject had only fifteen minutes allotted. It was so damn hard, and the clock was ticking. Even the questions are multiple-choice, and you only encircle the correct answer. Still, I doubt I can answer. I do not know the questions. My score will almost certainly be zero.

"Oh my God, it's so embarrassing! I hope there are at least ten correct answers, not just zero," I mumbled.

I was almost out of time, but I had nothing to answer. I randomly encircled my responses to each question. "Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and get a perfect score," I jokingly murmured.

*****

At last, the exam is over. Ara, my cousin, and I went to our respective houses. When I arrived at my rented apartment, I was exhausted.

My shoulders sagged as I walked into my apartment. I want to unwind, but I can't.

I'm currently working extra hours to cover for an absent colleague. My shift is the night shift. But when our manager asked, I agreed because the overtime fee is high, and it's still my school vacation. I entered my bedroom and immediately placed my bag on the small brown table beside my bed.

I grabbed my towel from the silver hook on the side of my cabinet. Then I rushed inside to my small bathroom to take a bath.

After a few minutes, I emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body and my wet hair hanging loose.

I approached my colored brown cabinet made of wood and opened it, took another white towel, rubbed it against my wet hair, and then grabbed some undies and a brassiere and put them on. I quickly put on my white blouse and black pencil skirt with a cut above the knee.

I am ready to serve. But before I left, I looked in the mirror and said these words to myself. "You are so beautiful, Rica; even if you're effortless to yourself, your beauty still dominates." I smile as I look in the mirror.

After checking my reflection, I approached my small table, took my cute black leather sling bag from the table, and slung it over my shoulder. Then I walked out of my apartment. I hurriedly walked to the road, and when I arrived, I waited for a ride.

Fortunately, a cab passed by, so I immediately stopped it and boarded.

I arrived at my workplace after a few minutes. It was the M City's well-known Resto Bar (it means restaurant and a bar). The bar's name is "The Flashy Resto Bar."

Almost everyone who visits the Resto Bar is an heir or a well-known artist. That's why it overjoyed me when I got hired at this upscale Resto Bar because I've been able to save a little money and pay my rent on time. I always make a lot of money from the tips of those who come here to drink. Our manager and coworkers are also good to me, so I had nothing else to ask.

I've been here for three months now. Thank you to my boyfriend for introducing me to this bar. I smiled as I looked at the Resto Bar signage. I then go inside.

"Hi, Rica," one of my coworkers said. Amanda Roxas is her name.

"Hello, Amanda," I said as I smiled at her. Then I kept walking until I arrived at the counter.

I noticed our manager standing next to the counter.

"Hello, ma'am," I greeted. She was in her mid-fifties. She dressed in a black long-sleeved coat and a black pencil skirt that fell to her knees. Mrs. Theresa was my boyfriend's aunt, besides being our manager. That's why I felt so pressed. Nonetheless, I enjoy working here because she is very kind and understanding to us.

Mrs. Ramos smiled and said, "Hello, Rica. Good thing you're early today."

"Why, ma'am? Is there something you want me to do?" I inquired.

"Yes, there is; I know that you are the favorite of most of the customers here because you are good at entertaining them, so I decided you will be one of the servers in our V.I.P tonight; is that okay with you?" Mrs. Ramos inquired.

"Of course, ma'am," I replied, still smiling.

"I have one more request for you," Mrs. Ramos said.

My brow furrowed. "What is it, ma'am?" I inquired, puzzled.

"I want to be honest with you. These V. I. P.'S tonight are the sons of a Tycoon business owner and politicians, and one of them is the son of the owner of this bar. This kid is slightly rude. I know you, Rica, that every time you spot a rude customer, you don't care what their status is. You never got afraid to start a fight. That is why I wanted to request that you please, even just for tonight. Will you extend your patience for the sake of my reputation?" Mrs. Ramos begged.

I just smiled at our manager. I didn't think my manager had mastered my behavior after three months of working at the Resto Bar, so I did nothing but nod.

Mrs. Ramos replied, "Thank you."