The Maid's secret

9

6 months later

Brina sits on the sofa, her eyes fixed on the floor, radiating palpable anger.

Across from her, Ricca casually sips from a mug, a smile plastered on her face.

The air is thick with tension.

" I can't wait for the baby to come out! It's so exciting, don't you think?"- Ricca cheerfully said.

Brina clenches her fists, refusing to meet Ricca's gaze.

" Yeah, exciting..." Brina muttering.

Ricca, unaware of Brina's fury, continues to sip her drink. She sets the mug down and glances at Brina with enthusiasm.

"Just think about it-tomorrow's your check-up with Dr. Lim! We're one step closer to bringing our little one into the world!"

Brina grits her teeth, willing herself not to lash out.

"It's my check-up, Ricca. Not yours."

Ricca raises an eyebrow, taken aback by the snap in Brina's voice, but brushes it off.

"Right, right! But really, I'm so grateful you're doing this for us."

Brina's jaw tightens further. Ricca stands up to head to the bathroom.

As soon as Ricca disappears, Hiromi quietly slips onto the sofa beside Brina.

" Brina... you need to listen to me. Yung mama mo, patay na. Kahapon ko nabalitaan nong tumawag ang tita mo sa akin, inatake sa puso ang mama mo nong lunes."

Brina's eyes widen in disbelief, her breath hitching in her throat.

"What? No... That can't be true." Brina whispered.

Hiromi bows her head, guilt shadowing her features.

"I'm so sorry... it's my fault. I brought you to Ricca. I should have never-"
Naiiyak na napayuko si Hiromi.

Brina feels the weight of the world crushing down on her, tears prickling her eyes. Hiromi leans closer, voice urgent.

"Promise me you won't tell Ricca. She might... she might hurt us both. You need to get away from her, Brina."

Brina shakes her head, anger flaring again.

"And run away where? With what? You've ruined everything!"

Hiromi winces at Brina's words, looking small and regretful.

"sorry..... I'm so sorry.... Inisip lang namin ng tita mo ang makakabuti para sayo..."

"Makakabuti? Para sakin? Sa akin ba, o para sa sarili niyo! Look where that's got me! It's a nightmare!"

Hiromi puts her hand on Brina's arm, desperation in her eyes.

"Alam kong hindi mo ako mapapatawad, at deserve ko iyon. Pero ngayong wala na ang mama mo, ang batang nasa sinapupunan nalang ang natitira para sayo. Tumakas ka, kung hindi man ngayon- bukas or sa mga susunod, whenever you have a chance. Please, tumakas ka."

As Hiromi stands to leave, Brina's eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and for the first time, she feels utterly lost.

" I don't know what to think anymore."

Hiromi glances back, guilt and remorse etched on her face before she slips away, leaving Brina alone just as Ricca returns from the bathroom, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in Brina's heart.