Chapter 4 Family and Work

"You better not work there," Demitri said with conviction. His jaw clenched, which made Jen frown in confusion. She even saw her mom holding Demitri's hand on top of the table to stop him from talking more.

She gasped. "But why? Aren't you happy that I finally got a job that has a higher position and a considerable salary? Do you know how much they offered me? Fifty thousand. It is enough to stop mom from working, and I can also send you to the hospital to cure your disease." Jen explained.

"It's better if you will not go, dear. Tell them that you will not accept that job they offered you." Anne agreed with Demitri, which made her get more confused.

"Can you tell me why I should not accept this job?" she asked, trying to understand why her parents were against her new work.

"You don't know those people…" Demitri looked away not able to stare Jen in the eyes.

"But why? Help me to understand." Jen looked at her mom trying to find an answer, but her shoulders fell when her mom just shook her head and refused to talk.

"Come on, Jen… Let's be realistic here. You will be working as what? Secretary, in a prestigious company? We all know that you did not graduate from college. And those companies like them only acknowledge employees with degrees." Demitri said, which made Jen dumbfounded.

"Don't you believe in me? In my capabilities? Why? Am I not capable of doing the work?" Jen snorted.

"Dad, of all people… You and mom were the least people that I can think of not believing in me. I thought you will be proud of me, but I disappointed you like this." Tears escaped from her eyes.

"Since I was young, people keep on criticizing our status. My peers were successful in their own dreams. They have a business, and some of them are working in a prestigious company… So why can't I? Do you think I am only suitable for a lower position? I mean… I am not against them, but I have my own goals… I have dreams. I also want to be a successful person who can give everything to you, treat your illness, and lift you out of poverty. I'm sick and tired of being a loser, dad." Jen stood up and walked out to go to her room.

Jen grew up living in a squatter area. Because of her intelligence, Jen got a scholarship at a private school. But when she was about to enter college, she needed to stop studying as her father was diagnosed with stage two cancer. Her dad, Demitri, was a construction worker before, but he stopped when he got sick. Her mother, Anne, was an on-call housekeeper.

She packed her clothes inside her bag. Tears keep on falling from her eyes. The door of her room suddenly opened. It was her mom, Anne. "Can we talk?" Anne asked politely. She sat on the edge of the bed and tapped it, asking Jen to sit beside her.

Jen wiped her tears and sat next to her mom. Anne caressed her hair gently. "I hope you understand where your dad is coming from," Anne said.

"But I don't get it, mom… Aren't you proud of me? I have now a job that can take us from this poverty." Jen scoffed, "I thought you will be proud of me." She shook her head in disappointment.

"Honey, we are the proudest parents if you really have that position you're dreaming of. You can work anywhere, but not at Buenavista Corporation."

"But why mom?" she asked frustratingly.

"Those people were ruthless to the people like us. We were just worried about you." Anne held her both hands and looked at her.

"You don't have to worry about me, mom. I can take care of myself. You knew me, mom, I did not easily back down. Besides, if ever my life gets harder for me there, I will leave immediately." Jen smiled to assure her mother that she will be alright.

Anne heaved a sigh and smiled. "Are you sure?" The worry on Anne's face was shown on her face.

Jen nodded. "Yes, mom."

"Alright, I will talk to your dad. But promise me, don't keep secrets from us and always update us." Anne reminded her, which had her nod.

"By the way, why are you packing your things?" Anne asked with a frown.

She looked at the luggage and the clothes that were scattered on the floor.

"Oh… I will be staying at the CEO's house." Stunned, Anne looked at her in disbelief.

"What?! Why do you need to stay there? No… No… No… Jen Sandoval… I am allowing you to work in that company. But staying at his house? I cannot allow you to do that." Anne protested.

"But mom," Jen sighed exasperatedly, "it's part of my job. I need to be with him 24/7. As a na- secretary… I need to arrange his schedule. It's all about work, mom." Jen explained.

Jen blew air in relief, as she almost slipped on her tongue.

'I should not tell them that I will be his secret nanny… If they found out about it, they'll get more disappointed in me.' she thought.

"But you don't have to be there with him all the time. You also have your life outside work."

"Don't worry about me, mom. I promise… I will take care of myself. I can visit you once a week. So, don't worry." She held her mom's hands and smiled at her to assure her mom that everything will be alright. That she shouldn't have to worry about her.

"Fine… I let this one go. But I want you to come by often, okay?" Anne raised her brow, waiting for Jen to respond. Jen nodded and agreed to what they have discussed.

Anne helped her daughter to pack her things. As they finish, they went out of her room and they saw Demitri standing in the living area, waiting for them.

"I will send you to your boss. I need to talk to him." Demitri said.

Jen raised her brow, looking at her father in ridicule. "Dad, you don't need to. Besides, what are you going to tell him? Threaten my boss?" she gasped, "Dad, I know you are just worried about me… But you don't have to be like this. It's embarrassing. I feel like I am a kindergarten student that needs her parent to send her to school. Please, dad… I'm old enough to manage myself."

"Jen, it's not just you. If you want me to be at ease, let me talk to your boss." Jen groaned at her father's remarks.

"Fine. Do whatever you want." She said.

Jen took her luggage from her mom before she kissed her goodbye.

***

They arrived at the coffee shop near Angelo's house. They sat at the table near the glass window where you can see the view from the outside. Jen saw Angelo walking towards them. They stood up to greet the newcomer.

"Good morning, sir. This is my-" She got interrupted when Angelo Buenavista spoke.

"Sir Demitri," Jen looked at the two men, confused.

Jen noticed her father's jaw clenched, while Angelo raised his hand for a handshake. Their faces were stoic, but she could feel the tension between them, as Demitri did not shake his hand to Angelo, and he just looked at Angelo's hands. The atmosphere between them made Jen feel awkward and nervous.

'They knew each other? Why does it look like they knew each other for a very long time… Did I miss something?'