Marimar Oquendo's Point Of View

"You shameless bastard! You good-for-nothing man! Get out of here! Leave!"

What was that racket? It was still so early, but it sounded like my alarm clock had been replaced by a shouting match. Were the neighbors at it again? Why was someone throwing a fit this time?

"You animal! You brute! Worthless freeloader-you bastard! You actually went chasing after another woman! You've never had any decency at all!"

I stretched, fighting off sleep. The shouting didn't sound like it was coming from next door; instead, I recognized the voice of someone who lived in our house.

"Please forgive me, Crisma. That woman meant nothing-I'll always come home to you. Come on, please let me make it up to you."

I let out a soft laugh at what I heard. Why did I stay up late watching soap operas when there was live drama right here under this roof? It was like listening to a radio play.

"Forgive you? You want me to forgive a brute like you?" I shook my head to myself. Please don't be weak again, Aunt Cris. "If you want my forgiveness, come here. Step closer so I can cut off your balls-then you won't be able to use them anymore, since they're always itching for trouble!"

I shot up from my bed at that. I scrambled out the door faster than lightning, searching for where the noise was coming from. And there it was-Aunt Crisma stood outside our front door holding a large kitchen knife. I also spotted our neighbors gathered around like they were watching a live show. They were all hovering nearby, but no one stepped in to stop it.

"Honestly, they act like kids. Should I just take that knife and use it on both of them?"

I turned at the sound of the voice-it was her daughter, Crishna. She had one hand on her hip and was yawning, clearly woken up by her mother's yelling.

"Crisma! Stop this, please! You'll regret it if you cut him-you won't have anything to enjoy anymore!"

I grimaced at the words. I couldn't tell if Uncle Mario was joking or serious, but his comment only made Aunt Crisma angrier.

"You absolute fool! Your sweet talk won't work on me anymore. What would I even do with that tiny thing of yours? It's smaller than a eunuch's!"

Crishna and I stepped aside as Aunt Crisma stormed into their bedroom. A moment later she came back out carrying armfuls of clothes, which she threw at Uncle Mario's feet.

"Here! Now get out! Go run to that woman who acts like a Vivamax actress! You bastard! I don't need you here-I can raise Yna on my own!" she shouted at the top of her lungs.

Crishna crossed her arms and sighed. "This is so embarrassing. They make a huge scene like this, then end up making up anyway!" she grumbled before heading to the backyard.

"Please don't do this, Crisma! Let's talk it out-I can't live without you!" Uncle Mario pleaded, nearly dropping to his knees.

"How many times do we have to talk about this, Mario?! I'm tired-I've had enough of your pathetic excuses! Get out now, or I'll report you and your mistress to the barangay captain!"

I let out a long breath and turned to head for the bathroom to splash water on my face. It was morning anyway, and I needed to get moving-Yna had school at eight o'clock.

"Marimar?! Where are you? Hurry up and cook-Yna has to leave soon!" I heard my aunt's angry shout from the other room.

See? Just as I thought.

"Just a minute, Auntie! I'm washing my face!" I called back.

"Hmph! You think soap will change the fact that you're ugly?!" she yelled again.

I walked out of our wooden bathroom-we had a toilet, but waste flowed straight down to the space under the house. That was just how it was here; our homes sat on stilts above the water, right on the shore, so the space beneath us was the sea itself.

"My soap is just a local brand, Auntie," I said, glancing at the mirror nailed to the wall.

"Hah! I don't care! You still look as ugly as my sister," she snapped. "Hurry up-I didn't take you in to feed a freeloader."

I pouted and made my way to the kitchen at the far end of the room. The house was fairly big for a wooden structure-our house? Because the land it stood on used to belong to my family.

It's been seven years since the big fire swept through our neighborhood. I was eighteen then, and my family was among those caught in the blaze. Yes-my whole family. My mother, father, and twelve-year-old sibling all died that day. I never knew why they couldn't escape, but I saw their charred bodies with my own eyes. I lost all hope that they might still be alive and accepted that I was alone in the world.

After the tragedy, Aunt Crisma-my mother's sister-claimed our land. She built her own house here without asking me. In the end, I was the one left homeless, and now I "live with them" as if I were a guest.

"Well?! Are you done yet, Mara?!" I heard my aunt's shout again-she was already on edge even this early. Not that I could blame her; she'd just kicked out her husband after catching him cheating once more.

"Almost done!" I flipped the eggs in the pan. I was making breakfast for them-I wasn't included in their meals.

She was wrong earlier when she called me a freeloader, too. I used my own money to buy food for myself. I'd never once eaten at their dining table. I was more like a maid who also happened to stay here. If I could leave, I would-but I had nowhere else to go. They were my only living relatives in this place.

-

"Come, come, my lovely and handsome customers! Fresh catch today-plump bonito, round scad, and tilapia! Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!"

My loud, cheerful voice was one of the first sounds you'd hear at the market.

This was my job-I sold fish for Nay Linda, my older employer.

"How much is this?" a customer asked as they approached our stall.

I broke into a wide smile. "Only three dollars for any of these beauties! What'll it be-tilapia, bonito, round scad... or me?" I teased.

The customer laughed. "Oh my, you're quite the flirt! Just one kilo of tun, please."

"See how good my vendor is?" I heard Elder Linda say as she arranged plastic bags for our goods.

"Absolutely! And she's so pretty-do you have Spanish blood?" the customer asked me.

I laughed softly as I weighed and wrapped the fish. "None at all, ma'am! Pure Filipino through and through-this is real Pinoy beauty!" I said with a grin.

"Your looks are special, and you have such charm! Why don't you try modeling?"

I laughed even harder as I handed over the bag. "Oh no, that's a too expensive path! I'm happy here at the market. I make lots of money every day! And Elder Linda is the best boss around-her fish are always top quality, so make sure to come back and buy from us!" I winked and gave them their change.

"You're such a delightful young woman, but I mean it, modeling would suit you," they said before waving goodbye.

I waved back. "People these days are such smooth talkers," I said, turning to Elder Linda.

"She's not flattering you, child. You really are beautiful. Your skin is as fair as milk. It's a shame you're stuck in a place like this." I pouted at her words.

"I don't have anywhere else to go... you know what my situation is like. I'd rather stay here in the province," I said.

The older woman shrugged. "But I have a feeling you'll become rich one day. So keep working hard, okay?"

I smiled. "If I ever get rich, you'll be the first person I share my fortune with!"

"Alright then, I'll hold you to that!" she said, and we both laughed.

This was how my days went. I'd wake up to cook for my aunt's family, then work at the market or fish dock from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon. When I got home, I'd cook dinner for them again, wash the dishes, and only then could I sleep.

For now, I'd say I was content with my life. I didn't have much of a choice anyway-but if an opportunity ever came my way, I'd grab it with both hands.

I hoped Elder Linda's hunch was right and I'd find success someday. So Lord, please give me a sign! Was there really a chance I could become rich even with my life the way it is?

"Good, you're finally home."

I looked up to see Aunt Crisma sitting on our wooden sofa. She wore a strange smile, and another woman sat beside her-they'd clearly been waiting for me.

"Good evening, Auntie. What is it?" I asked politely as I stepped inside. I'd just come from work, so I still smelled of fish and kept my distance from them.

"This is the one I was telling you about, girl. What do you think? Is she good enough?" Aunt Crisma said excitedly.

I furrowed my brow-I didn't like the way she was acting. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

The woman snapped her fingers. "Perfect! She's exactly what we need!" she said.

"What's going on here?!" I asked, my voice a little louder now.

"My friend here just came from the Streeter mansion-you know them, right? The tycoon family whose head of household passed away. They're looking for a new house helper to replace my friend, so I told her you'd take the job. That way you'll finally be useful to us and can pay us back for letting you stay here!" she said, beaming.

Shock was written all over my face. Did she really think I wasn't useful, after all I did to take care of them?

I let out a sigh and looked at her friend. "How much is the salary?" I asked right away.

The woman grinned widely. "Five hundred dollar a month, child!"

My eyes went wide. Twenty thousand? That was a fortune!

"W-Wait-will I be doing regular house chores?" I asked, still reeling from the number she'd mentioned.

"Yes! If I were you, I'd take this in a heartbeat. Plus, they'll even give you a free ride to the mansion in their van tomorrow," the woman said, her eyes bright. "So? Are you in? I need to add your name to the list of people leaving tomorrow."

I still couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Lord? Is this the sign I asked for earlier? Is this the start of my journey to a better life?

Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

"What? You're so slow, Mara! My friend has been waiting for ages. You're always acting so high and mighty, you little brat!"

I heaved a long sigh as Aunt Cris's booming voice thundered through the house. Why did my aunt have to be this way? She was infuriating. I had been so close to finally relieving myself moments ago, but her shouting had startled me right back.

"Auntie just can't wait a minute! Now I can't go-my bowels were ready to move before she started yelling!" I shouted back before hurrying to the bathroom.

"I think this will be the last time I'll ever use you," I said to the clean toilet bowl, pointing at it. "I hope their toilet at that mansion is decent. What if I get homesick and can't go at all?"

At Aunt Cris's insistence-and mine as well-I was about to venture to her friend's supposed mansion. The twenty-thousand peso monthly salary was more than decent; it would make perfect seed money for my business.

I grabbed the bag I had packed the night before. I still could not believe I was finally leaving this house. Please let this job be the one to make me rich, Lord! I promised myself I would help anyone in need once I had money to spare.

"Are you done yet? Good, it's about time." My aunt's voice was sharp as always-she had been heartbroken for years. "Don't forget to send us money. Actually, send us your entire first paycheck."

My jaw dropped. Good heavens, where did she get the nerve to say something like that?

"What? Do you have a problem with that? You seem to forget you owe me everything for getting you this job, Marimar. If you have any decency left, you will send us your first salary. Especially since Yna has so many school bills to pay." She raised an eyebrow as she spoke.

I scratched my head in frustration. Did she feel no guilt for how harsh she had always been to me?

"Okay, Auntie," was all I could say before walking out our wooden house. I crossed the rickety footbridge that led to other homes just like ours-all built from wood.

I had grown up in this kind of neighborhood. Simple houses, simple families, simple lives, as they say. But ever since my parents died, nothing about my life had been simple. It felt like I was living in a soap opera, struggling through one hardship after another.

Still, they say we are the heroes of our own stories. Like the protagonists in those dramas, it was not impossible that my dreams might one day come true.

I lifted my hands and bumped fists with the air as I looked up at the sky-my way of shaking hands with the Lord.

"Lord! I'm putting my life in Your hands! Make me rich!" I said with a giggle.

"Marimar's gone crazy," I heard some neighbors mutter. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I ducked my head and hurried down the street. What was I thinking? I must have lost my mind.

"Marimar!" A woman waved as I reached the main road-she was Tita's friend. A large white van sat parked in front of me.

"I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting," I said. I had been so excited I almost had an accident earlier, but my aunt's shouting interrupted me.

"It's alright, dear. Come on in-we should get going now. Just be yourself. You can do this!"

Why did I suddenly feel so nervous? "Just be yourself"? What did that mean?

I nodded hesitantly and climbed into the open door of the van. Inside, a few other people sat quietly-they must have been applying for the same househelp position as me. I was the last to arrive, so I took the only seat left at the back, next to a well-built man whose biceps strained against his sweatshirt. He wore sunglasses and seemed to be asleep, so I sat down as carefully as I could.

I squirmed in my seat, shifting back and forth as the van pulled away. The others looked ready to nap, but I could not sit still. It was not because of the man beside me-though his strong cologne filled my nose no matter how far I tried to move. He was incredibly handsome.

I stole a glance at him. His sweatshirt clung perfectly to his frame. My eyes drifted down to his stomach. Good heavens-were those abs? They looked just like pan de sal rolls, round and firm.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to get a better look. I fanned myself with my palm, feeling inexplicably warm.

Why was it so hot in here? The van had air conditioning.

I squirmed again, my nerves getting the better of me. Oh Lord! Did I get into the wrong van? He looked like a celebrity.

I bit my lip and snuck another look at his face. Perfect jawline, fair skin, muscular build-and those abs. What was he doing here? Was he applying to be a bodyguard? Or was this some kind of TV show set?

I sat up slightly and peered toward the front of the van, searching for hidden cameras. When I found none, I let out a small breath of relief.

I turned back to him and slapped my own cheek lightly. Get a grip, Marimar! You are here for a job, not to ogle some man.

It took all my strength to keep from looking at him again. After fighting the urge for what felt like hours, I finally grew tired and drifted off to sleep.

"Ahh! Please don't!"

"Have mercy! Please don't!"

I jolted awake at the sound of chaos around me. Why was it so loud? I was not at home anymore. What was happening now-

"Good heavens, Marimar!" I screamed when I opened my eyes.

A gun was pressed against my forehead. The other passengers scrambled to escape the van, but I was frozen in place, staring down the barrel of death itself.

"P-Please don't!" My voice trembled as I raised both hands slowly. This was what people did during holdups, right?

The two men left in the van had their faces covered. One drove while the other held the gun to my head.

"Hand over that man," he said, nodding toward my seatmate.

My eyes widened. "W-What do you want with the man next to me? The one with the abs?" I stammered. I was being held at gunpoint and I was asking questions. How stupid could I be?

He pressed the gun harder against my forehead. "You are asking questions now? Is that how you act when you are being robbed?"

"Oh my god! No! I'm sorry! I just want a job!" I cried out in terror.

Lord, I thought this would be the start of my wealth. Instead, I was about to die.

"I see. Then hand him over-or kill him."

A chill ran through my entire body. Lord, I wanted an honest job. Did You want me to become a murderer instead?

I shook my head, tears threatening to spill over. "What? You think I have the nerve to do that? I see you think I have guts, but-"

"I see, I see. You have some spirit. I like that."

What was he going on about? Who in their right mind would want to kill someone? It was never part of my plans to become a criminal.

"Let's conduct an interview, then."

I froze and furrowed my brow at his words. I slowly opened my eyes-they had been squeezed shut in fear.

An interview? I had never heard of a robber conducting an interview.

"Y-Yes, sir," I said, my voice still shaking.

"What will you do in a situation where you must choose between your loved ones and yourself?"

"H-Hey! Why does this sound like a question from a beauty pageant?"

"Answer!"

I flinched. "Okay! Okay... I will choose my loved ones!"

"Why?" he asked again.

"B-Because they matter to me. I would rather choose them than myself, and I will never tire of making that decision. Please don't kill me!"

Good heavens! My brain was racing to answer his strange questions.

"Very good! That is a good answer. I can tell it comes from your heart."

The van suddenly stopped. Thank you, Lord! Should I run? No, he might shoot me.

"Stop the act. We're here," the driver said.

"Oh? That was fast!" The man holding the gun turned to me. "Get out."

"Yes, sir! Yes, sir!" I said frantically, nodding and bowing before climbing out the open door.

I kept my eyes closed, waiting for a gunshot as I turned away-but nothing came.

"Congratulations."

I snapped my eyes open at the deep voice. My jaw dropped again when I saw the man standing before me-he was incredibly tall with blonde hair and blue eyes.

My eyes widened even more when I saw what was behind him. Good heavens, Lord! The house was enormous-it had to be a mansion.

"You passed."

I looked back at him, confused. "Passed? What do you mean? Passed away? Am I dead?"

I patted my body all over. Had I been shot earlier?

I heard soft laughter and turned to see the two men from the van, now with their faces uncovered. What was going on?

"I'm Death Streeter. And you are?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Marimar O-Oquendo, sir."

He nodded. "Miss Oquendo, you passed the trial to be my brother's nanny."

My head began to ache as I tried to process his words. Trial? Nanny?

"Earlier was just a trial to see how strong-willed the applicants are. As you can see, you are the only one who passed. Again, congratulations."

My mind spun. The life-threatening ordeal from moments ago had been a trial? What kind of job had I gotten myself into?

Before I could fully understand what was happening, he spoke again. "Oh, here he comes."

I followed his gaze and gasped when I saw the man from the van walking toward us.

"Lev... this is your nanny-" he began, but his words were cut off as the man rushed toward me.

"Milk!" he shouted, throwing his arms around me.

Huh?

"Milk! Milk!" he repeated, hugging me tightly and gently squeezing my chest. "Oh! Cocomelon!"

"Huh?!!" was all I could scream, completely stunned by what was happening.

Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

Lord, I still place my life in Your hands. Guide me through the trial I face now. Keep me away from temptation, even if that man with the firm abs is standing right in front of me-

"Cocomelon!"

I squeezed my eyes shut tight. I have faith I will become rich! You take care of me, Lord-

"Milk!" Give me strength, Lord-

"Mommy! Milk! Milk! Milk!"

"Oh Lord!" I pressed a hand to my chest, biting my lip as I stared up at the ceiling of the room.

I dreamed of being called "mommy" someday, but not like this!

I flinched when I felt fingers prodding at my chest. My mouth fell open-never in my life had I imagined something like this would happen. A muscular man touching me like this... good heavens, Marimar! This is work! Work!

I rested my forehead in my palm, elbow propped on the bedside table. We were in what would be my room now; I was told to settle my things first before speaking with Mr. Streeter.

And sure enough, he followed me-"pan de sal," or Levi as I now knew him, and kept repeating he wanted milk.

"Ah!" I turned to look at him. I froze when I saw he was no longer wearing sunglasses.

Lord, is he an angel standing before me? Good heavens! Is this man a Greek god? His body alone is incredible, and then there's his face?!

I bit down harder on my lower lip before pressing my hand to my temples again. Good grief, Marimar. I know I grew up in the market and have met all kinds of people-but I've never seen anyone this handsome! And he's actually touching me like this?

"U-Um..." How do I even talk to him?

He kept prodding at my chest, seemingly not tired of it-he said it was like "Cocomelon" because it was soft and round.

"You want some m-milk?" I asked, my face burning bright red.

He must have heard me, because he stopped his poking and grinned widely, pulling his hand away at last.

My eyes darted as he leaned his face closer to mine. I tilted my head back instinctively, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Oh no, oh no! We aren't dating! Only couples kiss-

"Ta-da!" My jaw hung open as I stared at his beaming face. He waved a bottle of milk back and forth in front of me, laughing all the while.

I stood frozen in place, suddenly embarrassed by my own thoughts. Lord, is this another test? If it is, please guide me, I might just punch him otherwise.

He laughed in front of me, one hand clutching his stomach while the other held the milk bottle up to my face.

"Y-Yo-" The bedroom door swung open abruptly. "-ur drink is milk, not Milo, okay, Levi?" My heart thudded wildly as I looked at the man who had entered.

"Levi," he called out to the man before me. But Levi did not turn around; he kept waving the milk bottle in front of my face as he laughed.

"Levi, you don't want your brother to be angry with you, do you?" he said in an authoritative tone, standing by the door.

I was slightly surprised when Levi stood up quickly and shook his head. The man left first, and Levi turned to look at me one more time.

"See ya! Cocomelon!" he shouted before dashing out of the room.

I was left behind with a warm face, flustered by what he had yelled. I pressed my hand to my chest again. My heart felt like it might burst from all the unexpected things that had happened since earlier.

First, there was the trial. What sane employer would run a test like that for applicants?! I nearly fainted from fear when they pointed a gun at my head; I almost wet myself too.

Second, this "personal nanny" business. This isn't what Tita's friend told me about! I thought I would be doing house chores-wait! Is that why she said "just be yourself"?

Good grief! I was tricked!

I frowned deeply as I sat on the bed, hugging the soft pillow to my chest. It felt so strange... our pillows back home were harder than cement, stuffed with old clothes wrapped in fabric.

And third, who I'm supposed to take care of! A personal nanny usually looks after kids, right? Okay, fine, Levi acts like a child. But good heavens! It's hard to focus when he's in front of me. I mean-grr.

"He's a total hottie!" I hissed under my breath, squeezing the pillow tightly.

"Biceps, abs, perfect jawline, blue eyes, messy hair, straight nose, deep dimples, kissable lips-he's every woman's dream!" I counted off on my fingers.

"And he likes to poke my chest!" I whispered, glancing toward the door in case someone walked in.

I clasped my hands together. "Lord, alright. I'll be strong. This must be the way to get rich, right?"

That's it. I'm Marimar, I grew up near the sea. Near enough, anyway. Maybe even on it! Whatever, there's water involved!

No trial is too hard for me to handle! I can do this! It's just taking care of someone, after all.

Yes, just taking care-good heavens! How did I end up in this situation?

After my little drama session in the room, I was called downstairs to the mansion's living room. Yes, called downstairs, my room is on the second floor. Fancy, isn't it? And don't even get me started on the bathroom, the toilet is amazing! I finally got to relieve myself after holding it in earlier because of Aunt Crisma's loud mouth.

*Tap Tap*

Focus, Marimar. Focus on your boss in front of you.

*Tap Tap* "Bouncy cocomelon."

Focus. Focus. Focus.

I sat up straight with a smile. Mr. Streeter was on the sofa across from me, sipping tea.

"Hehe!" And guess who was sitting next to me? His brother, who seemed amused by poking my chest again.

"Levi, stop that." At last, Mr. Streeter scolded his brother. Levi did not respond; he simply moved from my side to sit next to his brother.

Now that they were sitting together, I could see how much they resembled each other. Both had blue eyes-Mr. Streeter was just a bit broader in build. Levi had deep dimples in both cheeks while his brother did not. Mr. Streeter had blonde hair, and Levi's was brown.

Mr. Streeter cleared his throat. "Again, congratulations. All you need to do is take care of my brother. Nothing less, nothing more." He spoke firmly.

What did he say? "Sir?" I asked, still a bit dazed. But he did not speak again; instead, he set some papers on the table between us.

"Pick them up and read them. Everything you need to know is there."

I swallowed hard before taking the papers one by one. Good heavens, was this a contract? Why would a simple caregiving job require a contract? Are rich people always this strict?

I read through each page carefully. Everything was written down clearly-from the job description to the pay.

My eyes widened when I saw a particular line. "Eight hundred dollars?!" I gasped aloud when I read the monthly salary.

"Yeah, I increased it earlier. You'll receive eight hundred dollars each month. It's not bad, is it? All you have to do is babysit my brother and keep him safe. Nothing more. You won't need to worry about housework-we have maids assigned for that." He leaned back in his seat. "So? What do you think? Any complaints?"

I could almost hear angels playing trumpets in the sky. I could hear them singing too! Oh Lord, I knew this was the start of my fortune! Just watching over someone for eight hundred dollars a month?! Good heavens-I'd have over half a thousands of dollars in a year!

I did not answer right away. Instead, I kept reading until I reached the last few pages. A line written in red letters caught my eye, as if highlighted.

My smile vanished when I read it fully.

Sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to flee from the employer or quit the job.

My forehead began to sweat as I looked up at Mr. Streeter hesitantly.

His aura seemed dark as he stared back at me. It was as if he could read my thoughts, because one corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smile.

"Hm? You aren't planning to quit, are you?" he asked, making my heart beat even faster.

Good heavens-this life here might not be as easy as I thought.

I nodded slowly. I had no choice now that I was here. Besides, the salary was too good to pass up!

"Good," he said, setting a pen down on the table. "Sign it."

I signed my name and pressed my thumbprint on the paper. There was no turning back now, Marimar!

Mr. Streeter collected the papers, straightened them out, and stood up. "Welcome. Have a nice stay here, Ms. Marimar Oquendo."

I had not yet replied when Levi suddenly jumped onto the table, his face just inches from mine.

"Welcome!" he said with a wide grin, his voice deep and playful.

Lord, guide me... please. May my life here be peaceful. Keep me away from temptation.

Amen.