Temp

The past 2 days  which was my day off became chore days - I have to clean the house and prepare my uniform which normally done by my helper. I guess this has been the advantage of living with your folks because they have a household help. So I remember doing stuff like these when I was living on my own. I know that I am independent and knows my way in being domesticated. But sometimes it's nice to relax after a day's work and not have to think about chores and errands.  So this happened because - last week I was knocking at our door and my dog, Dolce was he's usual self bubbly and was looking at the window anticipating my opening of the door. But that night it was locked so I called on our helpers name. after several tries I just waited thingking she must already fallen asleep although I know it was not too late . We live in a compound with our relatives so my aunt in the other door heard my knocking and calling on the name of Anne our school girl. So she opened her door and told me Anne left today. I was in disbelief and first reaction was of course denial. I wanted to believe that maybe she just went home for the weekend to her parents home. But deep inside I know she's not coming back. Her relationship with my parents has been a little strained lately with my Father especially. He was kind of demanding and a perfectionist and she was a teenager, she's 19. 

It's always bittersweet every time a helper leaves (house help) like all the others this one leaves me upset more than the last one. For one, she is still very young, and in school and I was at least rooting for her to finish senior high school. I guess people are always temporary in our lives and they somehow leaves a mark whether it's a significant one or otherwise.  I've treated her not as a maid but like a part of our family, bringing her to family dinners, out of town trips. She was even enrolled to a private school as an athlete. She was more of a school  girl than a maid, she goes to school everyday and wash my clothes during the weekend. My feeling bad is more for her that she did not appreciate the fact that she's in school and did not value that. And I was wishing that whatever her plans may she still think of ways to improve her life and that of her family. Also it's hard to look for a helper nowadays most of them wanted to go to Manila or even abroad. We can't blame them. So Anne I learned later was indeed going to Manila. Somebody sent her a ticket for the Roro and maybe promised her a job. I texted her telling her that her mother called to ask where she is but she has not responded yet. I just really hope she's okay and that whoever is helping her treats her well. And that while she's away she learns. Kids nowadays are truly more daring and adventurous. I had my first travel alone to Manila when I was in first year college to have my summer class in UP Diliman. 

 I was already learning independence as I was staying in a dorm but those Manila days where one of my best teenage memories. I learned how to ride the bus and the trains, I even visited my friends and relatives even that time we have to communicate thru landline only and no SMS.  

So my wish for Anne is that she learns from her experiences and that she won't give up on her ambitions and goals if any..she maybe driven by her bad decisions but hopefully she'll still succeed. I could only imagine her mothers fears and worry but maybe she knows she's a stubborn and free willed girl. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.  

 

That's Dolce our dog and playtime with my nieces, A & A...