There is so much going on here so I just want to lie down on my bed and rest.

I was thinking about the bills we have to pay.

Yes. We. My sisters and I.

When our dad remarried, he left us to be with his new wife and family.

Maswerte pa din kami dahil sa trust fund me and my sisters have when Mom was still alive.

Maybe, kami din ang may problema kasi hindi pa din namin matanggap na wala na si Mom and nakahanap na ng bagong pamilya si Dad.

But Mom's death wasn't over two years yet when he left us!

Para bang kating-kati siyang palitan si Mom para magpakasal sa bago niya.

I sighed again and stared at the door of the coffee shop where I am currently working in.

Yes. I am working part-time in a Coffee Shop named Brewed & Chilled.

"Hey, Mari. Si Madame, hanap ka." That was Icey. She is our barista and also a part-timer like me. Nauna lang siya ng one year sa akin.

I nodded, smoothed my apron and adjusted my cap. I heaved a deep breath and sighed before walking towards Madame Chinky's office not far from our counter.

I knocked twice out of courtesy before I entered her office. I smiled and saw her reviewing something on her planner, I think.

"Good morning, Madame." I began and closed the door behind me.
She gestured me to seat across hers which I did so.

"Hey, Maris. Kumusta? May schedule ka na for this semester?" She asked which I answered honestly.

"I have submitted my grades for assessment po, last weekend, and still waiting for our class schedule for second semester." She nodded and closed her planner.

"As soon as you have your schedule, do let me know. I need to fix it with others para may tatao pa din dito sa shop." She instructed me and I nodded in reply. "By the way, I will be on leave by the end of the month and I will be needing you to supervise the team. Cielo will be in-charge of the waiters while you with the baristas."

I blinked in disbelief.

"A-ako po?" I asked sounding unsure. She nodded.

"Why? Doubting your capabilities?" Madame Chinky asked, raising an eyebrow at me. Her already fierce eyes became sharper as she held my gaze.

"Uh- no. Of course, I can deal with them!" I blurt out and bit my lip almost wincing in embarrassment.
She chuckled and shook her head.

"Believe in yourself, Amaris. You can do it." Her boss said smiling at her. "I will be gone for a week only. And, malayo pa yun. I will be training you. That is why, I need to know your schedule so we can start."

That was it. I gaped at her in unexpected shock with her news.

"Okay, Madame. I will let you know ASAP." I said in finality. I was surprised with my choice of words and with my sudden found of confidence.

"Atta girl!" Madame Chinky grinned at me and clapped her hands. "Alright, go ahead with your work. Meet me again tomorrow as soon as you are enrolled, ayt?" I nodded and stood up.

"Thank you for considering me in the position, Ma'am." I said and smiled before I closed the door behind me.

As soon as I headed out her office, I can feel the scrutinizing eyes of some of our baristas. And at that moment, may mga insecure na naglabasan.

Hindi pa man dinedeklara ni Madame Chinky ang tungkol sa pagiging temporary supervisor ko na sa katapusan pa ng buwan mangyayari, madalas na akong makatanggap ng mga parinig mula sa mga kasamahan ko dito sa shop.

I am just staying because me and my sisters need to live. We have our bills to pay.

And even if they have their own part-time jobs too, I need to do my part and earn.

Tulungan. Dahil mahal namin ang isa't isa at ganoon dapat sa magkakapamilya.

I decided to ignore their stares and proceeded with my day.

I am not at that point in my life to stoop down to their level.

As long as I am not on the brink of my patience, I will not give up this job.

I will stay.