Fragments of Us

8: Jema

The expensive-looking girl started driving as the song I don't recognize played on her radio. Just a few turns from where she saw me, she drove right through a gated compound. She gave the guard a two-finger salute as we entered the compound.

"Where are we?"

I asked her. Confusion and fear are written all over my face.

"You said you're headed to De Leon Residences."

She stepped out of her car and even opened the door for me. I looked at her with a questioning look.

"Here we are."

Smiling, she offered her hand to me.

I awkwardly took it, and I froze, looking at how massive the house structure in front of me looked.

"Follow me."

She invited me, not letting that smile leave her face. I also noticed she's already carrying my things.

"Wow, what have I gotten myself into?"

I said to myself.

We entered the house, and I was filled with awe at how spacious it was. It was so big that maybe thirty of our huts would easily fit. The house was spotless. Even their helpers looked so neat that I looked like a ragged cloth beside them.

"Hey, dad!"

The girl who brought me here greeted what I reckoned was the master of the house, and they hugged each other.

"Happy to see you again, kiddo. Who are you with?"

The man immediately noticed me.

"So, this is uhm,"

She threw me a questioning gaze while scratching her head.

"Jessica Margarett Galanza, sir. Good evening. Jema, for short."

I awkwardly shook the man's hand, forcing a grin.

"Oh, I'm glad you two have met."

The man said that, which left us both confused.

"I am Elmer De Leon, the owner of De Leon Group of Companies, and this is my only daughter, Beatriz De Leon. She is going to be your boss from now on."

My eyes widened upon hearing what he said, while Bea, who apparently is going to be my boss, looked so happy upon hearing it.

"I must leave you two now. Bea, be good to your personal assistant. Ms. Jema, make yourself comfortable. Your work starts tomorrow."

Nothing was sinking in, and just as we were just saying goodbye, I saw Bea with my things as she made her way to the stairs.

I bowed down to Mr. De Leon and immediately ran to Bea.

"You didn't tell me you're a De Leon, and you're going to be my boss."

I shyly said this to her while trying to take my things from her hands.

"Nuh-uh,"

She said that, and she pulled my things closer to her.

"Well, you didn't ask, and I didn't know my dad would get me a personal assistant."

She awkwardly smiled at me again.

"Here's your room."

She said this as we stopped in front of the first door in that hallway.

"You should get some rest. Work starts at 8 tomorrow. I'll just have your food brought here."

She said this as she was leaving.

"Ma'am Bea!"

I called out, which made her stop and look back at me.

"Thank you."

I smiled at her.

"Just Bea."

She smiled back and continued walking away from me.

I opened the door and immediately threw myself on the bed.

"Finally, something good happened today."

I thought to myself, feeling relieved after a very long day.