Chapter 2
Kimberly was in the back room ironing some clothes when her mother walks in, looking like she had been crying. “Mom…” She got up instantly and went to her mom side. “Are you okay? Is everything okay??”
Mrs. Voltamas stares upon her daughter face and yet couldn’t hide the tears. “I lost my job today.” She said, wiping her tears. “How are we going to survive now?”
She felt her beating heart fall forceful to her feet. It seems like the worse keeps getting worse. “What happen??” Kimberly ask calmly, guiding her mother to sit down on the wooden chair as she kneel down next to her.
“They laid off employees today and I was one of them.” said Mrs. Voltamas while resting her forehead against her trembling hands. “Now who’s going to hire an old lady at this age??”
Kimberly feels really miserable. “Let me look for a job. Besides, it’s time for you to take a break.”
Mrs. Voltamas stares at her daughter, “No!” she exclaimed. “I will not allow my only daughter to work in such unsafe environment.”
“But mom, I want you to rest and care for your own health. You have been working for so long.”
“No, I won’t allow it.”
“Please Mom, at least let me try first before you say no.” Kimberly asked with her puppy eyes.
Mrs. Voltamas could see her daughter sincere heart through her brown eyes. “Fine but I have to approve of the work first.”
She smile and thank her mom.
--------------------------------
Aum sat on his white leather sofa in his mansion living room with his hand wide out while holding a glass of Brandy. He stares at the folder containing the Voltamas family information. His mind currently clouded with hatred, lots of hatred. “Kimberly Amy Voltamas …” he said, lifting her photo closer to his face for a good view. “That bastard has a daughter.”
He stares at her face features for fairly a minute before further reading the family background. Definitely god has punishes them, He read on, first Voltamas became a hot shot gambler losing his multimillion dollar corporation and then, having his family sink into impoverishment. Now they’re living their poor lives like they should have. A smile form on his hatred face for he is pleased. “They haven’t suffered quite enough yet. Living a poor life is nothing and who else to go after first then that bastard’s daughter.” He let out a chuckle and gulps down the rest of his Brandy. “Too bad a pretty face like her has to be the bloodline of his enemy.”
-------------------------------
Kimberly sat down near a big tree after another long day of trying to find a job and yet disappointment once again as the result was none. She breathes out a big gulp of air not knowing what to do next. Everywhere she goes required a university diploma and she had none. She barely has food on the table so where does she have the money to finish school? Before heading home, she stops at the market to buy some vegetables again for dinner. That’s what they have been eating for the last few days.
“These vegetables are looking fresh today.” Kimberly mumble to herself but when ask the lady how much it was, she sadly walks away because the money she have wasn’t enough. She let out a deep sigh for life was at its darkness moment right now. As she kept walking, she notice an old lady, not really old more like in her mid 30’s standing next to a fruit stand. Kimberly try to trace her familiar face whom she have seen somewhere before. “Aunt Nui!!” she shouts, causing the lady to look her way immediately.
Nui stares at Kimberly very strangely, trying to figure out who this girl was. “Don’t you remember me?” Yet, Nui didn’t answer. “I’m Kimberly…the girl that lives next door to you before you move away a couple of years ago.”
Instantly, her memory shift gear for now she remembers the girl by the name of Kimberly. “Kimberly! How’ve you been??”
“Not very good.” She replies with her eyes lower to the ground. “Mom just got lay off a few days ago.”
Nui tug her arm to a quieter area. “So what are you doing now?
“I’m looking for a decent job but it seems like there’s no hope for me since I only have high school diploma.” She reply, fiddling with her shirt. “We are low on cash right now.”
Nui can relate to Kimberly in time of needs. She takes out her mini wallet and gives Kimberly some money. “Here take these for now. I know it’s not a lot but it will help you and your family for a few days.”
Her eyes widened as she push Aunt Nui hand away, rejecting the money. “I can’t take this; you work hard for your money.”
“Kimberly, listen to me. I might be able to get you to work with me although I have to check with my boss first.” Nui says, shoving the money into Kimberly hand once again. “But you have to take this money first.”
She sat still not moving, surprise and stun to hear there could possible be work for her. “Really??” Kimberly said and got down on her knees, “thank you soo much Aunt Nui!!”
“What are you doing?? Get up dear!!!” Nui speedily lift Kimberly up by her arms. “No need to thank me. I’m not guaranteeing anything right now.” Nui glance at her watch and it was getting late. She had to catch the bus back before sunset. “I have to get going now but I’ll be back in a week or so to let you know, okay??” she said.
“Thank you so much!” she said, with sigh of relief. Both said their good byes and parted ways.
---------------------------------------------
Nui arrive just in time before the boss return for tonight supper. She rushes to the kitchen to start preparing dinner.
Aum loosens his tie while stepping out his Black BMW. It’s so freaking hot today that it’s making his body feeling blah. He went straight to his room to shower first before coming down to do some more work. After he’s done showering and changing into something more comfortable, he head downstairs to his work room.
Nui put the final seasoning to the soup which the boss has always enjoyed. She walks to his work room after setting the dinner table. “Boss,” she lightly said, standing outside his room. Aum lift his head and nods knowing dinner is ready. “I’ll be there soon.”
A few minutes later, he walk to the dining table and takes a seat. The smell of the soup made his stomach growl. He took a sip of it. “Very tasty.” He said. Nui let out smile. “Your food is always good.”
Usually when the boss is eating, Nui would be at the kitchen but instead, she’s just standing there wanting to ask him about bringing Kimberly to work with her but didn’t know how to start.
After a few bites, Aum realizes that Nui was still standing there. “Is there something you want to ask?” glancing his eyes at her.
“Ummm… Yes….. I” she replied nervously. After working for the boss for two years now, she never asks for anything because he has giving her a place to live and a job to survive.
He waits for her to ask him it seems like she stops. “What?? Go on… ask me… I don’t bit.” He said with a half smile.
Her lips turn into a slight smile, “I was wondering if it is okay with you to bring another person to work with me??” She felt her heart beating hard.
“What is your relationship with this person that you want to be employed by me??”
“She’s my niece from my hometown sir.” She replied nervously… well Kimberly is considered her niece somewhat.
“Okay, that’s fine with me.” His answers were short and simple.
Nui heart jump with joy.
“When can she start boss?”
“Now if you want.”
Nui couldn’t hide her happiness. She bows her head to her boss and thanked him at the same time. His kindness and generosity is like no other.
-----------------------------
Within that same week, Nui went to Kimberly house. She knock a few times before the door is open none other by Kimberly herself. “Aunt Nui!” she exclaim, stunning never expecting to see her twice in one week. “Please come in.”
“Kimberly, I have some great news to share with you.” She sat down on the chair.
Her face lights up. “Really?? What is it?? Did you come here to tell me I can work with you?” She asks all in one breathe.
Nui nod her head. “Yes, My boss gave the OK and I’m here to take you with me.”
“Today?!?!” she said with excitement. The sooner the better for her family could really need the money.
The excitement could not contain and could be heard to the kitchen causing Mrs. Voltamas to come out and see for herself.
“What’s going on here??” she ask, looking at her daughter then to the lady standing next her.
“Oh Mom,” Kimberly walk over to her Mom and tug her over near Aunt Nui. “This is Aunt Nui... she used to live next door a few years ago.”
Mrs. Voltamas kept thinking then she remembered. “Oh yes, Nui…. How you been?”
“Good, actually I came to tell Kimberly some great news.” Nui replies.
“Mom, Aunt Nui found me a job working with her!!” her voice filled with happiness.
“Really?!?!?!” she ask, feeling happy but at the same time worry. “What is it? Is it hard labor?”
“Oh no….It’s doesn’t involve any lifting of any sort.” Nui reassure Mrs. Voltamas. “I was hired by my boss to be his housekeeper for he live alone by himself and don’t worry; Kimberly would be more like my helper.”
Mrs. A still couldn’t stop the jitter in her stomach. “How’s the boss like? What is his name?”
“He’s a kind man who likes to keep to himself. We just call him boss. I’ve been under his employment for over 2 years now. I assure you Kimberly is in good hand.”
She looks at her daughter and could see the thrill in her eyes begging for her approval. “When can she start?”
“I’m hoping today if possible.” Nui replies. She understands Mrs. Voltamas concern for her daughter well-being but Kimberly will be fine. It’s not like she will be living with a monster.
“Today? So soon….” She mutters, looking at her daughter once again. “You mind If I’ talk to Kimberly privately?”
“Oh no, please go ahead.” Nui said and they left to another room. They both sat down on the old couch.
“Mom, please let me work there.” Kimberly begs. “I really want this job.”
“Are you sure about this job? Is Nui a trustworthy person?”
She stares into her mother worry eyes. “Yes mother, I trust her. Remember that time I came home with some meat to cook? It was her that gave me extra money for our family and plus she used to be our long time neighbor.” Her voice turn soft, “Mom…We really need the money not for our sake but for dad too.”
After a long silence, Mrs. Voltamas gave her the okay but under one condition. “You have to go by the name Kiki, okay??”
“What? Why? No one called me that name since I was a kid and you know how much I hate that name.” Kimberly whine.
“Just promise me that you will be called by that name when you part from me and this house. It’s a long story. I will explain next time but it’s for your own good. Ok?” When her daughter didn’t promise right away, If you don’t promise me then I won’t let you work with Nui.”
“OK.” She quickly responds even though her face filled with bafflement. “I promise.” She said and bows her head to thank her mom.
---------------------------
Her mother helps pack her belongings and walk her out the door to the awaiting car with Nui. A nice car she might add. Kimberly bid her good-bye and this time couldn’t hold back the tears. All her life, she never part form her family. “Be safe and remember your promise to me.” Mrs. Voltamas hug her daughter tightly praying in her heart that she will be safe.
Nui bid good bye as both got inside the car. She squeezes Kimberly hand gently. “Don’t be scare… you’ll like it there.”
She smile and nervous at the same time. Soon, Kimberly will arrive at a place she will be calling home.
se3: