Chapter 10 Job Offer

Anita Pov...

It's been two years since I left Manila and started to live here in Cebu. Every significant milestone we move was a choice we will never undo but to be proud of. I once think of aborting my child because it was a mistake but after nine months he is living in my womb and a year running around with him, the realization dawn me that he was indeed the joy I will miss if I aborted him. I was damn crazy back then thinking of that.

I know I can't hide him forever and he's growing too fast. I can feel the time is already limited. I need to move forward either face my father's wrath or make myself settled. What I have here is temporary. Grandma soon will be tired of me. I smiled admiring Grandma Lou's effort, understanding, and commitment. Two years my mouth is still sealed but she never tried to ask.

I felt stiff the whole day stuck in my room thinking a lot of stuff. I need to sweat up and refresh my mind and soul. I'm almost done cleaning and walking out of the lawn to remove weeds when I saw Lauren running.

"Lauren! What the-? Why do you look like chased and gang rape?" I ask, worried, meeting her in the middle of the front yard.

"Annie, I beg you, I really need your help, please!." She blurted upon reaching my area while catching her breath.

"What!" I muttered in disbelief.

"I beg you, Annie. Just listen to me." She continued catching her breath in between her words.

"Hey! Take a deep breath so you can tell me your purpose properly. I'll get you some water first before your husband will haunt us for treating you badly." I said before leaving her at the gazebo.

"Thanks, cousin." She said as she reached for the glass of water and gulped once really thirsty.

"Oh! What help do you need from me that can't wait for a few minutes, Lau?" I ask after she calms down.

"You know I work at a hotel & resort corp here in Cebu right and I'm a secretary there." She started and I cut her off.

"Then" I interrupted her.

"Hmmp! Annie, I haven't finished speaking yet." She muttered whining.

"The agency called Jacob suddenly, so, we're leaving the country temporarily. I resigned, but I haven't been able to get anyone to replace me so far, so cousin please help me. Be my replacement and I'll teach you everything." She begged and continued pleading as if her life depends on me.

"Oh! That's not my line Lau and no one will take care of Alex." I answered surely. It never crossed my mind to work here yet. I need to solve my problem first.

"Annie, please think first! I think working there and having an extra penny would be better. You can also use that excuse for not returning to Manila. You can tell Uncle Jack that you have a job here." She emphasizes her words. I look at her like I don't know.

"Remember, he doesn't know about Alex yet, it's almost a year. You've been here for two years, and every time his here you send Alex to my place. " She gave a long explanation for me not to say no. I rolled my eyes. She knows where to pick the right word.

"Okay, Lau give me time to think about that." I timidly answer her long statement, though she's right but there is always a but in the end! 

"Don't procrastinate cousin and I'll only give you two days!" She muttered before leaving immediately without hearing my response. She's really serious about needing my help then neither is I.

She was right, working here for a while will not hurt. I need to earn while I still can. I'm not sure if daddy will be proud of me when he finds out about Alex. At least I have something if he will disown me. Alex is my life now and nonetheless. 

Her work is not hard for me since I manages dad's office when was there though the business is different from ours but same managing traits. I will surely grasp after two years of hiatus at work. I need to call Missy and come over for a two-day vacation before I will start working. She will definitely freak out that I'm prolonging my stay and she has a lot of work.

"Annie sweetheart, is something bothering you?" Grandma Lou sounded behind me noticing my deep thought again. I smiled at her offering to sit next to me.

"It's a good thought grandma. I think Im not yet ready to go back and Lauren offers me some job temporarily while I juggle my thoughts and responsibilities with Alex." I open up, not to complicate things.

"Great! If that's what you prefer for now then go for it. Don't force yourself into something you are not prepared for. It is better to be prepared and settled. I can help you with Alex." Grandma thought. What can I do without her? She's a perfect grandmother. That's why she's the famous queen in this city. She was once the queen in her twenties. 

"Thank you grandma but Alex will be a burden to you. Maybe you could help me in finding someone who can babysit him while I'm at work. A reliable one grandma if possible." She smiled caressing my cheeks.

"Sure sweetheart. I know someone who we can trust your little one. She will never neglect her duties and will take care of her without supervision." She smiled. That's definitely what I needed to entrust my little munchkin.

"You are the best grandma. Now I know why Van always runs here and spend a dime just to reach you. I love you gradma."  I cried hugging her. I miss mom as well. She's my pill when I'm down and hopeless. Just her hug and kisses vanish my worries and immatureness. How I wish you were here mom? I cried silently.

"I love you too sweetheart. Grandma is always here loving you." She whispered in my ears. I hug her tightly crying. She caresses my back as well to calm me.