The Maid's secret

4

In acozy living room, decorated with balloons and streamers for Axel's birthday. Maki, Axel and Brina are gathered around with drinks in hand, laughter and chatter filling the air.

Brina raising her glass in front of Axel and Maki."So, guys, you won’t believe what my aunt’s friend Hiromi offered me!"

"Spill it! ". excited na tugon ni Maki.

Brina then laughs. "Ate Hiromi works in Japan, and she’s offered me a job as a maid there!"

Axel's eyes widened."Seryoso? Wow ha, congrats ate ko."

Maki clapping her hands. "I’m so proud of you! You’ve been searching for a stable job for ages. This is perfect!"

" Thanks, guys! I’m just waiting for my papers and documents to be ready, and then I’m off to Japan!"

" You’re gonna love it there! Plus, alam namin kung gaano mo ka mahal ang Japan at ang mga hapon. Baka hapon na talaga ang para sayo tih! Speaking of ." Saglit na tumigil si Axel at ngumuso sa kabilang corner ng sala kung saan ay may apat na lalaki na nagtatawanan habang nag iinuman. Isa sa mga lalaki na iyon ay si Jerome, ang ex boyfriend ni Brina.
"how do you feel about seeing Jerome again? I know he’s with Miya now." Muling dugtong ng kaibigan na dahilan upang matahimik ang dalaga.

Brina taking a breath. "Honestly? It stings a little. I mean, seeing them together… it’s tough." Aniya saka tinungga ang isang shot glass na may lamang alak.

Axel nodding in understanding. "I can imagine. It was a rough breakup, and for him to move on with her…"

Brina sighed. "I know I’ve moved on too. I’m trying my best. Jerome and I had our moments, but…" She looks down.
"it’s just hard to see him happy with someone else, especially with Miya..." Naalala na naman niya ang mga panahong sila pa noon ni Jerome. Lagi silang nag aaway dahil kay Miya. Madalas na pinagseselosan ni Brina ang dalaga, pero ang rason palagi ni Jerome ay best friend niya lang iyon. Pero nong nahuli niya ito noon sa akto, ayaw pa aminin ni Jerome ang totoo.

Maki reaching out to hold Brina’s hand. "You deserve happiness too, Girl. You’re so much better off without him."

Brina smiled softly. "Thanks, Maki. I’m working on it. Japan is my fresh start, and I want to focus on that."

"And we’re here for you, every step of the way. Japan will be amazing, and so will your future!" Suportadong sagot ni Axel.

"I appreciate you both. This birthday is turning out to be pretty great after al---"

Sabay na nahinto ang tatlo nong marinig ang mahinang palakpak na naggagaling sa kanilang likuran at nang lingunin nila ito, si Miya ang kanilang nakita.

Miya is clapping her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Let's give a round of applause for the birthday boy… and for Brina, our shining example of what a maid truly looks like!"

Miya sits down, her eyes fixed on Brina, the smile on her face dripping with sarcasm.

"You know, being a maid really suits you because, let’s face it, you’re cheap after all. I mean, a cheap job for a cheap girl, right?" Dugtong niya pa.

Brina’s expression darkens; tension fills the air.

" You have to wonder, maybe that’s why Jerome left you in the first place. Just saying!"

The tension rises as Maki, sensing the conflict, Maki finally intervenes.

Maki's frowned. "Miya, why do you hate Brina so much?"

Miya's scoffed. "Hate? I don’t hate her. I just can’t stand attention seekers. She’s just here fishing for Jerome’s attention, and it’s pathetic."

" Huh? Why would I do that?"Brina said defensively.

" Look, Miya, don’t ruin Axel’s birthday party. This is supposed to be a good time!" Giit ni Maki.

Miya rolled her eyes. "Please, Maki. The moment Brina walked in, the party was already ruined. She doesn’t belong here."

Maki crossed her arms."And who are you to decide that? You’re just Jerome’s girlfriend. Brina is a friend of ours and we invited her."

Brina then take a deep breath. "You know what, Miya? Being a maid is a decent job. It’s honest work and it’s not beneath anyone."

Miya smirks, ready with another jab, but Brina continues.

"Besides, I don’t even want Jerome anymore."

Just then, Jerome enters the scene, unaware of the tension.

" Hey, everyone! What did I miss?" Jerome cheerfully said.

All eyes turn to him, the atmosphere heavy with unsaid words.