FAYE “Faye, do you know how to cook?” Sebby asked. I remember most of them now. They were all kind even though we just met.This wasn’t the type where they ignored each other and even though it wasn’t their responsibility, they still helped each other.I can quickly read a person’s eyes if they don’t like me or not, but there was none of that here.“Yes, I used to have a husband,” I replied. I still remember how I used to cook for Rome. I was the one preparing the meals and I often fed him.We were sweet every day, like children courting each other. He often brushed my teeth, and so did I.He always said that my cooking was his favorite, no one else’s. He always praised my cooking and he said he loved me more because my cooking was delicious.He said he gets turned on and attracted when a woman cooks well.“Really? Can I ask for a favor? Ateng Kiray has a headache, she can’t cook. Can you do it instead? You can decide what to cook because everything is already in the fridge. Sir can
ROME I couldn’t understand why I felt guilty after I had a rough bed with two girls. Was it because I was thinking too much? Darn, never mind. As I arrived home, an amazing scent was left on my nose. I got hungry from the smell of the viand. I quickly headed straight to the kitchen. It was all served with a cup of coffee. I raised my eyebrows. They never served me dinner with coffee in this situation, who would think about this? That’s new. It’s good that they thought of that. I was craving coffee since the afternoon. I was too busy earlier, so I didn’t have time to make it for myself. As I saw the dish, I didn’t hesitate to get rice and taste the chicken pastel that I hadn’t eaten for years. This is my favorite! As well as this dry adobo with a bunch of boiled eggs. I scooped two viands onto my plate. When I tasted it, I closed my eyes. It was delicious! I think this is the first time I ate and swallowed rice quickly. But wait, the taste was so familiar. I know who cooked this
I glanced at the time on my cellphone and saw that it was already 11 PM. I had only finished a few tasks because Rome wanted to personally hand wash the curtains to ensure that the style wouldn’t be ruined.I stood up and stretched as my back was starting to ache. I also realized that I was thirsty and hadn’t been drinking water regularly.“Ah!” I exclaimed as I accidentally stepped on the curtain and got my foot caught. I thought I was going to fall, but someone caught me, so I held onto their arm tightly.I almost wanted to sink into the ground when I realized it was Rome. My face was so close to his. I could smell his cologne, it was enticing and made me feel in love.That was my chance to gaze at every corner of his face. I closed my eyes and puckered up, waiting for his lips to touch mine.I gasped and held onto my waist when he let go of me.He coughed loudly. “Oops.” He grinned while I struggled underneath.“Sir, please,” I complained while pouting, so he raised an eyebrow. “I
The woman on TV kept pleading, just like I used to do when I begged Benjamin. I couldn’t help but scream and cover my ears when she was whipped on TV. Suddenly, the screams disappeared, and I knew Rome had turned off the TV.“What’s wrong with you? You’re so dramatic! Pick that up! You’ve ruined my mood,” he scolded. I bit my lip and let out a soft sob. “S-Sorry.” If only Rome knew how painful it is to feel the whip on your skin.“Get out! Didn’t Nanay Sonya tell you I don’t like crybabies? If you can’t handle it, my door is open for you!” he shouted. I hung my head in shame.“N-No, sir. I’ll stay,” I replied firmly, wiping my face.“Good. Go out before you completely ruin my mood. Gather all the scattered snacks on the floor and put them on my table.”“Yes, sir.”“Goodness grief!”“I’ll go out now,” I informed him after collecting all the snacks he had been munching on.“What time is it?” he asked, engrossed in what he was watching. Thankfully, it was an action movie, not a horror o
The next day at three in the morning, I woke up because of the barking of the dogs. I felt thirsty but I only saw Rome in the kitchen.“Prepare breakfast,” Rome said to me with a cold voice and if looks could kill, I would have been bleeding by now.He embraced the woman and they went back up to his room. It was obvious they did something because the woman was wearing very little clothing, even Rome’s clothes.I wish I were her. I wish I were the one beside Rome.I followed them upstairs to listen to what they were going to do but I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t hear them. I wanted to scream but no sound came out when I went back down.I’ve wanted to leave this kitchen since earlier because of what I saw. Rome told me to stand by the table so they could give me some instructions. After I finished cooking earlier, they came down. Rome didn’t even offer me food while they were feeding each other.“What’s up?” the woman said playfully. Can I throw the cup of coffee I’m holding at her? It wo
“Faster!”Rome yelled as I almost stumbled while running. I didn’t intend to trip because of the heels I was wearing. The boxes of bond paper he asked me to carry were also heavy.“Aren’t you having breakfast?!” he faced me irritably. “I feed you well at my house and then you’re going slow like a snail?!”“Sir, my feet can no longer bear it,” I pleaded, letting him hear my exhausted breath. I swallowed hard as he suddenly stopped and for several seconds now, he still hadn’t faced me.When he finally faced me, his gaze pierced through me like a sharp blade. I shied away, clutching the boxes with a firmer grip.“In the world of this company, no one ever faces me complaining and exhausted. If you want to go home, leave here.” He said firmly. “I don’t pick up the money I pay you. I work properly and sacrifice my fatigue even without sleep. How dare you complain? Is that really what you want, to feel a comfortable life without doing any heavy work in your own workplace? You're shameless, a
FAYE I tallied the coins in my purse and found that the amount for today’s journey to seek opportunities in various places barely covers the cost. Yet, it seems inadequate. The fare is steep. I raised my hand as the scorching morning sun beat down, sweat trickling down my brow. I let out a heavy sigh in the sweltering air. My head throbs from the relentless heat. “You prioritize Mama, Francis, I must secure employment,” I informed my brother. I pitied him, knowing he would return home hungry after school once more. I lack funds for meals. We often make do with just soy sauce and oil, yet it suffices for the day. The crucial matter is to satisfy our hunger, regardless of the dish, as long as there’s rice. “Understood, sis. When should I administer Mama’s medication?” he inquired, releasing his school bag, ready to depart, but noticing my attire he knew I would find a job. His eyes, like orbs in the night, are shrouded in dark circles. He burned the midnight oil tending to Mama.
I am happy to go straight home. Somehow, our house saw the light I brought back, not just a bundle of frustrations and disappointments. I sniffed as I saw my sibling feeding Mama, struggling to open her mouth. Every time I see them like that, it’s as if my heart is a coconut, cracking. “Sis, it’s you. Are you hungry? I borrowed an egg from the store. I told them you were looking for a job,” Francis greeted me when he noticed me watching them. “I know you’ll find a job, Sis, and we’ll be able to pay off our debts,” he added determinedly. “Is that so? How much do we owe now? Last I checked, it was already long,” I replied. I continued feeding Mama porridge when Francis handed me the food. I thanked him and ate as well. I was very hungry, I haven’t eaten much since last night. Just small bites of rice. I have too many things on my mind, so even my food is affected. That’s just how I am, I lose my appetite when troubled. I also think that when I eat, it’s like running out of food.