Her Fall From Queendom

Chapter 1: First Day At The Hotel

❤ Jessica’s POV ❤

TODAY is my first day working for the Solaris Hotel. It’s the best and most prominent hotel in the city, and I still couldn’t believe that I got hired to work here. I’m only going to be a hotel maid, also known as a housekeeper. Getting hired is a big deal for me since I don’t have any prior experience related to it. I’ve only previously worked as a waitress and helper at small restaurants and even eateries, and none of it is even closely related to the hotel business. I decided not to question the decision anymore and just prepared for my first day.

Working at the hotel is a big leap for me. Prior to this, I worked at a small eatery known as a carinderia for six years.

I got pregnant when I was 18 and was alone through my pregnancy, and when I gave birth. I managed to bring enough money and resources to support myself through my nine months of pregnancy. After giving birth, I didn’t have enough to support myself and my baby anymore that I had to get a job. It was really hard because aside from not being qualified for most jobs, I encountered a lot of perverts who offered me money to sleep with them. I’ve even gotten indecent proposals from old men who promised to take care of me financially if I become their mistress.

I may be a single mom, but I still value my womanhood. I made a mistake when I was younger, but I don’t want to make another mistake. I rejected all their offers and went on to find something else.

I was about to lose hope when I met an old lady who owns a carinderia. She’s living alone and has been having a hard time handling the customers. She’s looking for a helper, and I asked if I could apply. I was holding my five-month-old baby at the time and was worried that she would say no. Instead, she took me in, gave me a job, and even let me stay with her in her house.

Her house is adjacent to the carinderia, which works out perfectly. I could leave my son Jericho in the house while I worked.

The lady’s name is Marietta, and she’s 65 years old. Her kids have moved out of their house and have their own families. She complains that they rarely visit her, and whenever they come, they ask her for money.

Marietta said that her carinderia is doing really well, but since she lost her latest helper, she’s been having a hard time handling the customers on her own. She said that I came at the perfect time and even said that she loved babies and could help me take care of Jericho. I’m very lucky to have met Marietta. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I didn’t.

Marietta taught me how to cook the dishes that she served in her carinderia. After the dishes are ready, I served the food while she handled the register. She even bought a crib for Jericho, where he stays whenever I’m working. Marietta looks after him too.

I wasn’t earning a lot working for Marietta, but I wasn’t spending that much either. I don’t have to pay for board and lodging, and I get free food whenever I’m hungry too. I only had to worry about providing for my son’s needs.

I had met Marietta’s kids a few times when they visited her. Like she said, they usually visit to ask her for money. She never refused them. I pity Marietta because her kids didn’t seem to care about her well-being. As soon as they get the money, just leave without even asking how she was. Sometimes, they don’t even get out of their cars and just tell Marietta to come to them and hand them the money. I’ve wanted to tell them off so many times, but Marietta just tells me to let them be and that she didn’t mind because they were her kids.

Marietta was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer, and she needed to be taken to the hospital to get treated. Her kids didn’t even bother doing it, so I had to do it myself. I accompanied Marietta when she had to get chemotherapy and had to get a babysitter for my son. Marietta eventually got better, but her body had become weaker.

Since Marietta couldn’t really work anymore, I had to take care of the carinderia on my own. I cooked, served the customers, and handled the register. Marietta eventually agreed to let me hire a part-time helper.

Marietta’s cancer came back, and she passed away eventually. She was more of a mother to me than my biological mother ever was, and I mourned her passing. As soon as she was buried, her children started dividing up her properties and belongings. I asked to be allowed to stay and work at the carinderia just like before, but I was told that it was going to be sold.

I asked if they could wait for a month to give me time to look for work and a new place to live in, but they said that as soon as it was sold, I would have to leave the house.

One night, I was sleeping in bed when one of Marietta’s sons came in and tried to force himself on me. Luckily, he was drunk, so I was able to fight him off. He lost consciousness, and I took the opportunity to pack my bags and leave. I didn’t have a lot of belongings, so it didn’t take long for me to pack. I went to a small inn and got a room where my son and I could spend the rest of the night in.

It took me two days to find a small room where my son and I could stay. Aside from a single bed, mattress, and a built-in cabinet, the room was bare. It’s sufficient enough for our needs.

The next day, I started looking for a job after I’ve sent my son to school. He started school two years ago, and he absolutely loved it. He’s quite smart too and was first in his kindergarten class.

I submitted my application to every restaurant I could find, but most of them either didn’t have an opening, or I was not qualified enough. I didn’t even have a high school diploma, nor did I have experience working for a restaurant. Despite working in the food industry for six years prior, it didn’t count because it was just a carinderia that I used to work in.

I followed the same routine for the entire week with no luck. I was already losing hope when I passed by a new hotel. I figured they might have some job openings since they just opened. I went to the reception desk and inquired, and I was asked to proceed to the human resources office to submit my application.

As I walked to the human resources office, I psyched myself up. I need this job, and I have to do really well if I need to be interviewed. My confidence plummeted when I saw the other applicants when I got there. There are so many applicants, and they all look so professional. I almost walked out, but I remembered my son and how we really needed this job.

I filled out an application form and waited to be called in. When it was my time, I was interviewed by a strict-looking lady probably in her 40’s. She asked me about my prior work experience and other backgrounds. I could tell that she was not satisfied with my answer. After that, I was expecting her to say that I wasn’t qualified. Surprisingly, she kept the interview going and asked me all sorts of questions about hotel service and proper housekeeping.

I remembered some things from when my family and I used to stay in hotels. I thought I was finally able to convince her to hire me, but I almost cried when she said, “I’m sorry, Ms. Valladolid, but we are looking for experienced workers in our hotel. I’m afraid I’m going to have to reject your application.”

I wasn’t able to respond right away, but I forced myself to smile and say, “Thank you for considering me,” before leaving.

I was walking aimlessly when I heard my phone ring. I didn’t even check who it was as I answered, “Hello?”

The caller, whose voice sounded familiar, said, “Hello, can I speak to Ms. Jessica VIlladolid.”

Jessica: “This is Jessica speaking.”

Caller: “This is Maica Trevino from the recruitment team of Solaris Hotel. We’d like to invite you to come back in today so that you can sign the employment contract.”

I looked at my phone before saying, “I’m sorry, what do you mean by sign the employment contract? I was told that I wasn’t qualified.”

Maica: “Unfortunately, there’s been a mistake. We’d like to hire you as a housekeeper. We’d like to take care of the papers today so you could start on Monday.”

Jessica: “Uhm, are you sure? You’re hiring me?”

Maica: “Yes, Ms. Villadolid. Can you be here in 15 minutes?”

Jessica: “Yes, of course, I’ll be there.”

Maica: “Okay then. We’ll see you soon.”

I came back and signed the employment contract and all relevant papers. I was asked to submit the requirements as soon as I could and to start working the following week.

Today is my first day. I am both excited and nervous, but I plan to do well and be the best housekeeper I could be.