My Alternate Life As A Princess

Chapter 1: The Second Job

❤ Aubrey’s POV ❤

TODAY is my first day working at the library.  I feel fortunate that the work schedule matches my free period perfectly. I only have to work three hours daily, helping the librarian with her daily tasks. I’m not sure what they are yet. I always go to the library, but mostly just to use the computers for research. The ones I usually interact with are the assistants, who are also students at the university.

I was also working as a crew at a fast food chain. I work four hours a day at night, after I get off school. I usually go home to eat dinner and change into my uniform before heading to the fast food chain. Luckily, I am assigned at the counters, and I only have to worry about taking and punching the customer’s order, and passing it over to them when they are ready.

The other crews were assigned to the kitchen, where they had to prepare the food. I was told that the conditions there are not as good as when you’re at the counters. It’s a stressful job, especially if you encounter a difficult customer, but I am thankful that I am still better off than the others.

When there’s not much customers ordering, I help out with bussing the tables and mopping the floors. Sometimes, the manager has me deal with customers inquiring about our party packages.

My coworkers told me that the reason why they want me at the forefront is because I’m pretty. At 5'6", I’m taller than the average Filipina, and I am lucky to have inherited my mom’s fair skin. I learned that she was a beauty queen when she was younger, and I am fortunate enough to have inherited some of her beauty.

This is why I feel pity for my mom every time I see her. She used to be so vibrant and full of life, and now, she can barely hold utensils in her hands.

My brother got his looks from my dad. At 12 years old, he is already taller than me by half a foot. Like my dad, he’s also a talented athlete, and is a member of his school’s basketball varsity team. 

In contrast to my fair, white skin, he has a darker complexion, but he’s handsome just like my dad. A lot of young girls in our neighborhood and in his school have a crush on him, but he doesn’t seem to be interested in girls yet.

In more than one instance, I’ve had customers asking me out on a date. There have even been older men proposing marriage, and telling me that they will support me and my family if I go with them. I’ve rejected all these propositions. I wasn’t ready to get married, and definitely not under this circumstance. When I get married, I want it to be because of love.

I’ve never had any boyfriend since birth. I’ve had flings, but it never went past holding hands. Since my dad died, I’ve never had any time to socialize, let alone go out on dates. I’m only in my second year in college, and I still have a long way to go before I become a doctor. I can’t afford to have something as trivial as having a boyfriend distract me from my goals.

I have been waiting for almost 30 minutes for the librarian to arrive at her office. I was told to be here at 1 pm, and it’s now almost 1:30 pm. To avoid getting bored, I started reading the assignment that we had for one of my general education subjects, which is Philippine History.

Since I am more inclined to learn about the sciences, I don’t like this subject very much. However, it is a required subject and I had no choice. This is why I read as much as I can whenever I have the free time. Right now, we are discussing the royal family that used to rule what is now known as Manila.

I’ve learned that the entire country used to be ruled by royalty, and there is a royal family led by the king.

I found this piece of history interesting enough, and I was so engrossed in reading about the royal family that I didn’t notice that the librarian had arrived.

Librarian: “I see you’re reading history. That’s very good. Sometimes, we have to look into our past to better understand the future.”

I closed the book and stood up to greet the librarian. The first thing I noticed are her very thick glasses and very curly hair. She reminded me of Professor Trelawney, the Divination teacher in Harry Potter who everyone thought was a fraud, but turned out to be very gifted in precognition.

Aubrey: “Uhm, hi ma’am. Sorry I didn’t notice you. Good afternoon, I’m Aubrey Fuentebella. I will be your assistant.”

She looked me up and down, and didn’t show any expression on her face. I started getting conscious, as if she’s trying to read my whole being by scanning my entire body. I was surprised when she started talking again.

Librarian: “Excellent. For now, I need you to put those books back on their shelves.”

Aubrey: “Okay, ma’am.”

I went ahead and pushed the book cart that had the titles the librarian wanted me to put back on the shelves. I called her ma’am because she didn’t introduce herself, although on her desk, it says Rosario Vergara. I didn’t want to assume that that was her name because it would be disrespectful for me to call her with a wrong name.

It took me a while to figure out the filing system. I was starting to regret not asking the librarian how to do it. I finally realized that there’s some kind of code or reference number on the side of the books. 

Because of computers, I’ve never had a reason to borrow any books. I have books that I use that were assigned for our subjects, but since I have an allowance, I am able to buy the books that I need. I just use Google to research on the topics that are not in my books.

I was amazed by all the books that are on the shelves. Most of them are already old, and some of the covers are already tattered. I took time to browse through the titles. I saw some history books that seemed related to what I am currently reading. I took note of the book title so that I can borrow them later.

After an hour, I was done filing all the books. I went back to the librarian’s desk but I somehow got lost. I must have taken a wrong turn and the shelves in front of me look different than those that I was filing the books on earlier. 

I started walking slowly towards the shelves.

Librarian: “Ms. Fuentebella!”

I jumped in surprise and turned around to look at the librarian. Her eyes looked bigger with her thick glasses, and I can see concern in her eyes. I turned around and somehow, the shelves in front of me now looked the same as the rest of the shelves.

I was dumbfounded and wanted to ask the librarian what happened with the shelves when she suddenly said, “Come with me.” I just nodded and followed her as she walked back towards her desk.

Librarian: “Please take a seat, Ms. Fuentebella.”

I took a seat and put my hands on my lap. I looked at them and somehow felt nervous. I know I didn’t do anything wrong, but somehow I felt guilty and sorry about something.

Librarian: “Ms. Fuentebella, there are certain parts of the library that are restricted. You are not to head to that part of the library you were in earlier alone. If you need to go there for any reason, call me so I can go with you.”

Aubrey: “Okay, ma’am. I’m sorry I got lost. I’m not familiar with that part of the library.”

Librarian: “I understand. Just be careful next time.”

Aubrey: “I will, ma’am. I’m sorry again. If I might ask, though, why is that area restricted?”

Librarian: “Let’s just say that that area is not safe. Not for anyone.”

I assumed that since the library is old, the shelves might be old too and might stumble anytime. If those shelves with the books fall on a person, it’s definitely dangerous for anyone.

I just nodded my head and smiled. I then asked if there’s anything else she needed me to do. She had me take a 15-minute break. I decided to go to the restroom and get some coffee before returning to the librarian’s desk.

She wasn’t at her desk when I returned, so I pulled out my history book and resumed reading. After 30 minutes, she hadn't come back yet, so I stood up and started looking around but kept her desk within my view.

After 10 minutes, I went back to the librarian’s desk. I resumed reading until I had finished reading the chapter. I looked at my watch and my shift is almost over, but the librarian hasn’t come back yet.

I fixed my things and stood up to find the librarian once more. I was about to walk into the shelves when I heard someone call my name.

Librarian: “Ms. Fuentebella!”

I jumped as I put my hand in my chest. If she keeps doing this every time, I might get a heart attack one of these days.

Audrey: “Ma’am! You scared me. I was looking for you everywhere. My shift is almost done, do you need me to do anything else?”

Librarian: “No. You may go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Audrey: “Okay, ma’am. Thank you.”

I picked up my things and put my bag on me. I bowed before walking away from her desk, but before I got too far away, I decided to ask the librarian what her name is.

Audrey: “Uhm, ma’am if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your name?”

Librarian: “I’m Rosario Vergara, but you can call me Miss Rosie.”

Audrey: “Okay, Miss Rosie, it’s nice to meet you.”

She lifted her glasses and nodded slightly at me. I smiled at her and went on my way. After logging out, I headed home. I still have three hours before I start my shift at the fast food chain, which means I can prepare dinner for my mom and brother and even study for a while before I have to go to my second job.

It would take a 20-minute jeepney ride for me to get home. I passed by the mini market when I got off the jeepney and bought some fish and vegetables, as well as one kilo of rice. This will be more than enough for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch.

When I got home, I greeted my mom and brother. He’s doing his homework while my mom is sitting on her rocking chair in front of the TV. I changed into comfortable clothes before heading to the kitchen and preparing our dinner.

For tonight, I’m frying some fish and sautéing some vegetables in fish sauce. This dish is called pinakbet, and is one of my mom’s favorites. I’m not an expert, but I’m a decent cook. Years of practice have made me comfortable in the kitchen.

I then washed the rice and cooked it in the rice cooker. When I was almost done cooking, I asked my brother to set the table and we all shared a meal as a family. We may not have much, but I make it a point that we spend dinners together. This way, we can all draw strength from each other.