Chapter 2 Growling Stomach and Cold Sweats

I heard my mother sigh, her voice laden with hesitation as she spoke. "Hays, you really have to take care of yourself, okay?"

With a determined nod, I looked into her eyes. "Okay, Mom. I promise you, I will take care of myself."

Her voice trembled slightly as she repeated her plea, her concern shining through. "Take care, okay? Promise your mother, okay?"

"I promise, Mother. With all my heart," I replied earnestly, attempting to alleviate her worries with my reassurance.

A playful glint entered my eyes as I turned my attention to Dodong. "Hey, Dodong! While I'm away, I need you to be the strong one for Mother and Ate Datdat. And perhaps, if you can find a way, try to lighten Papa's mood. I know you can have a way with him, little brother," I said, trying to infuse a touch of lightheartedness into the heavy atmosphere.

A smile brightened Dodong's face as he nodded eagerly. "Yes, Ate! I'll take good care of them. You take care too, and make us proud!"

Before departing, I cast a final glance at my mother, feeling the weight of bittersweet emotions tugging at my heart. I enveloped her in a tight embrace, the warmth of our connection mingling with the underlying sense of longing. As I handed her my keypad cellphone, a tender smile curved my lips. "Keep it, Mom. This way, I can always reach out to you. I've already saved the number of this phone. If I need to contact you, I can borrow a phone at the mansion."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she embraced the phone, holding it close to her heart. "Thank you, Lyka. It means a lot to me. And don't worry about us. We'll manage. Focus on your dreams and aspirations. You will always have our love and support."

Her words stirred a mix of emotions within me-gratitude, love, and a hint of sadness. The embrace lingered a moment longer, conveying unspoken sentiments before I finally pulled away, a sense of purpose propelling me forward.

As I settled into the bus seat, the weight of uncertainties ahead settled upon my shoulders. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, the weight of the world seemingly pressing down upon me. My mind wandered, contemplating what awaited me in that grand mansion-would it be a place of opportunity, or would it present unforeseen challenges?

Lost in my musings, a pang of hunger interrupted my thoughts, reminding me of the sacrifices I had made. I remembered giving Dodong the last piece of biscuit from my mini bag, knowing deep down that he needed it more than I did. Although my stomach growled in protest, I held no regrets. Dodong's well-being was worth more than my temporary discomfort and hunger.

As the bus rumbled along the road, I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes for a brief moment of solace.

"Hey miss, I'm selling biscuits. Would you like to buy it?" A woman in her early 30's approached me.

I wanted to buy them because I was hungry, but I didn't have any money left. I only had enough for transportation. I hadn't eaten anything because there was no food at home.

"Thank you for offering, but I'm not hungry," I politely replied.

She smiled mischievously and insisted, "Oh, really? I heard your stomach growl like a hungry lion! Rawr! Rawr! Rawr!" She even acted it out.

"No, you must be mistaken. I'm perfectly fine! I'm not hungry," I said, glancing out the window, pretending to be interested in the view. But honestly, it was just the pollution outside, not something worth looking at.

I decided to try and sleep to forget about my hunger. Maybe if I slept, it wouldn't bother me as much.

–

I was on my way to the mansion, riding the third bus. The problem was, I was really hungry, and it was making my head hurt. Everything looked blurry, like there were two of everything. It was a terrible feeling.

"Relax, Lyka! Take it easy," I told myself, trying to calm down. But I couldn't stop the cold sweats that covered my face. I tried drinking some water to ease my hunger, but it didn't help much.

Finally, we arrived at the mansion, but I still needed to take a cab to get to the actual house. The villa was enormous-when I say big, I mean really big! I couldn't believe one family only lives here, it could pass as a subdivision!

I could barely walk straight. My head was pounding, and my vision was still blurry. A man in a jersey noticed me and asked if I was okay.

"Yes, I'm fine. Can you help me find a cab, please?" I pleaded, feeling like I was going to be sick. My stomach was in knots. I just needed something to eat!

"Okay, but are you sure you're alright? You look pale," he said, concerned. I nodded repeatedly, not knowing what would happen next. All I wanted was to lie down, take a nap, and eat. Life can be so cruel sometimes.

"Miss! I found a cab," he called out.

I smiled and thanked him, relieved to have found a way to my destination. As I climbed into the cab, cold sweat continued to trickle down my palms. This was not good. I wanted to make a good impression on my first day, but my face looked tired beyond measure.

"We've arrived at the address you gave me, miss," the cab driver informed me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I paid the cab driver and expressed my gratitude before stepping out. Despite my weakened state, my face still reflected a sense of astonishment as I took in the sight of the mansion before me. It was grand and exquisitely beautiful!

The exterior showcased a vintage charm with a touch of uniqueness. The theme and design emanated elegance, promising a sophisticated interior that matched the grandeur of the outside.

A woman in her forties, dressed in a housekeeper's uniform, approached and asked if I was okay. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to hide my current state. "Yes, ma'am," I replied, my voice slightly shaky.

She observed me for a few moments before speaking again. "Oh, great! You must be Lyka Montefranca. Come, let's go inside. Madam is waiting for you," she said, leading the way towards the house.

Though still feeling lightheaded, I gathered my strength and followed her. With a sigh, I caught her attention.

"Are you okay, Lyka? You look pale..." she asked, concern evident in her voice.

I mustered a smile to disguise my condition. "Yes, ma'am."

She chuckled and corrected me, "Oh, call me 'Linda', not ma'am. It's too formal! HAHA!" Her laughter lightened the atmosphere as we continued our walk towards the mansion.

As we entered, the sight of the dazzling chandelier welcomed us with a warm glow. The place exuded opulence and hinted at its extravagant cost.

"Madam, this is Lyka, the new housekeeper of this mansion," Linda introduced me to an elegant woman. Contrary to what I had seen in movies, where the "Madam" character often appeared strict, she wore a gentle smile. At that moment, I sensed her kind-heartedness.

"Hello, Lyka!" she greeted me warmly.

I attempted to reciprocate the greeting with a smile, but my body refused to cooperate. Fatigue and dizziness overwhelmed me.

That was the last thing I remembered before everything faded into darkness.