Fountain of Love

First Love San Jose de Buenavista Every girls dream is to have a prince charming, a perfect relationship, a fairy tale love story. A once upon a time and ended up into a happy ever after. But that's not going to happen to me…… As I pass thru the street, walking like a zombie. I recall something that change our life in 360 degrees. It's been a month that our mansion and farm was transferred in papers to its new owner. For the past years Tay (father) never told us that our business and money are already sinking. Even our mansion, the only home that I know since I open my eyes in this world will be taken away. Luckily for now, the owner gave us the ultimatum to stay so we can find a place and a new work for me. It's almost 2:00 pm and this company is my seventh destination for a job interview. The last one for today. All the jobs that I am applying for the past two weeks was rejected if not they said that they already hired someone even they just posted it for an hour in a day. I wonder why? I have a degree in Business Administration in Human Resource Management. Given with the good credential and experience. Hopefully, this one is my last charm as I entered the one of the tallest building here in the city province. I saw a big logo of MR Group of Companies. One of the newest and biggest company dealing with Agricultural Machinery and in Agri-Food business that is leading in the country. I am sweating bullets from my forehead and the fact that I did not eat lunch yet. I feel my stomach crumble and my head spinning because of nervousness and hunger. " You can do it, Luna!” I cheered to myself. It's a matter of life and death situation for us. If I will not be accepted to this job, we will be sleeping in the trash or begging in the street anytime. I will take all the responsibility. I don’t want Ma and Dad working at their old age. I took a deep breath and continue walking into the front desk. "Good afternoon Miss! I saw your poster outside that you are hiring. I just want to ask where I can pass my Application for one of the Human Resource Specialist?", I said. The woman in her late thirties with eyeglasses looked at me from head to toe and said. Melinda is her name as stated in her name badge. "Go to the 7th floor, right side first room and look for Mr. Ali Singh", she said as she continued sorting some documents in front of me without looking. And then give me an ID name tag as “Applicant” "Thank you Ma’am!", I said politely. I went to the elevator immediately and pray hard that whoever Mr. Ali will be easy and not a grumpy one on me. To pass the interview and get the job. The elevator opened and I walk immediately to the room where Ms. Melinda instructed me. The room is all glass so I saw there is only one man sitting in a swivel chair. An Indian handsome looking man. "Good afternoon Sir!" I greeted. I am looking for Mr. Ali Singh and I am here to apply as one of the human Resource Specialist and I have also a background in business especially in Agri-Farm, I continued speaking. I immediately handed him my resume. "Good afternoon... Ms. Luna Ramirez", he greeted back and he looked back at my resume. There is something when he looked at me and when he read my name. I wonder why. "Yes, I'm Mr. Ali Singh. I’m the one responsible handling all the employees applying for higher positions and the secretary of the Big Boss”, he offered his right hand for a hand shake. He stared at me for a moment like he is solving a puzzle. Then smiles at me widely. “Please take a seat Miss Ramirez", he offered me the seat in front of his table. As we seated he continued reading my application and in a few minutes, Mr. Singh looked at me and said. "Okay, you are overqualified for the position Miss Ramirez but I let Big Boss to screen your application too. He has the last say to if we hire you or not in this position”, he stands and informed me. "Sure Sir!", I nodded to him. He went to the right corner of the room and open a golden door. A private one. Guess it’s the Big Boss main office indeed. Alone and starring this four walled room, I see the big logo of the MR Group of Companies at the center of room and on the lower right side is the sister company which is “Moonreal Food Corporation”. The interior design is minimalist and the colors are just neutral. I heard from some people in the other companies that I applied for is MR Group of Companies owner is already old. Rumored that's why he is never seen in any social and business events. He just let his representative come for it. "C'mon Luna it's not your concern anymore either he's old or dead. All you have to think is to have this job", I murmured. I am busy looking in an abstract painting when the door suddenly open and Mr. Singh walked out and went directly to his table. "I already handed your application to the Big boss. He will be the one who do the interview. You go back here at exactly 9:00 in the morning tomorrow. Same floor and same room. I will give you further instruction tomorrow and don't be late", Mr. Sing said and smile to me. "Thank you so much Mr. Singh, I will be back tomorrow at 9 in the morning". I said and smiled back at him. I walked out the room and sighed heavily. I'm don’t know if I will be thankful or worried that the last interview was re-schedule, I can rest my mind and prepare myself for tomorrow. MR Group of Companies is a multi-billionaire company, widely known in the county and establishing name international-it's intimidating. As I step out in the building, the busy street of San Jose hits me and I realize the no one or nothing is permanent in this world. I watched the “Jeepneys” blowing horns at each other. City life is noisy, fast and chaos, if you can't cope up by the flow you will be left behind. Standing in front, I open our gate and survey our mansion, we have a beautiful garden with different flowers and orchids growing in front, a wide garage with luxuries cars before but now even a single sedan car is out of it. We have one of the largest mansion herein San Remegio and because it's old, medieval classic Spanish design mansion. This is where my parents fell in love, I grew up. My home, my only home. This is where I created one of my happiest memories. This where I first fell in love with him. I smiled bitterly as I remember him. I walked towards the terrace and put my bag in the wooden ratan chair. Our mansion is in the middle of the rice fields surrounded by the small hut houses by our farmers few meters away. Only separated by the strong steel alloy and wire fences. I smiled as I watched the huts, I am fond of our local workers, I treat and love them like family. Because they are one helping us in our daily necessity in terms of business and everything includes in it. But when Tay announced bankruptcy all workers panicked especially the old ones, they don’t have any sources of income but farming. They grow old in this kind of work and they are the workers of my great grandfather. Sadly, to say that they will be left behind. The young ones seek a job in order to fulfill their daily needs. For their better future. I glanced once again and decided to go inside the house. I saw Nay (mother) in the living room sleeping while still holding a book with an unfinished tea on the side table. I get the book at Nay’s hand and put aside. I stared at the woman I admired ever since. Even in her face is still visible that she looks tired because of our problem this past few months. My mother, Leticia Ramirez, in her early fifties she still looks beautiful and classy. People say that we looked alike only the hazel eyes I inherited from Tay. And she is always supportive of me. Tay tried to sell our last harvest this season to make us money for our necessity and put up for our savings. I put my bag on and start walking to my room to change my clothes. I wear a simple white V-Neck t-shirt and a cotton short shorts. I lay down freely facing the ceiling and let all the thoughts flew until I feel the heaviness of my eyes. I will miss my room it serves as my sanctuary. I fell asleep thinking about it. Tired physically and mentally. I just woken up by the knock on my door. "Luna, princess wake up now. It's dinner time", Nay shouted at my door. When I heard her footsteps going down I immediately open my eyes to see that its already dark outside. I immediately sat on the bed and a minute later I stood up and went down into the dining area. There I saw my Tay, Rueben Ramirez, still standing tall and handsome with deep Spanish eyes and aristocrat nose but gone the strong, strict, arrogant and dominating business man in San Remegio. It was replaced by the gray hair and I can see the wrinkled line in his forehead even if you are far. He is very devastated for what happened to our business. He blamed his self for it. He wants us to see that he strong to handle our problems but deep inside he is hurting. Tay is already seated in his chair and Nay is pouring juice on his glass. Dad immediately smiled at me and said. "Princess! Have a seat now and will eat, I'm already starving", Tay said tapping his stomach. I smiled to him and sit. Even if I'm already 24 years old. They still call me their Princess. Old habits are hard to die. "And you too Nay", he added "Hmmmnn... your Pork Adobo smells so good Nay”, Tay commented. And he put some rice, grilled bangus (milkfish) with fresh minced tomatoes, onion and garlic in it and of course Tay’s one favorite Pork Adobo to his plate. We eat quietly until Dad asked me a question. "Anak (my child), how's your application for today?" he asked. I sipped my water, clear my throat and looked at him before answering. "I will be going back to the MR Group of Companies at exactly 9:00 in the morning. I have an interview with the owner, the big boss, Tay, Nay”. I said. I sighed deeply as I continue. “I really hope and pray that I land to this job immediately so we can be settled before we leave our mansion, I know that we don’t have enough money now,” I sadly smiled at them. Immediately they stop eating. Nay tried to hide wiping her tears and Dad looked away at the ground. "I'm sorry my princess if you go thru this kind of situation, if I am a bit wiser in handling our business and investment. You will not experience this,” Tay said sadly. "No worries Tay, it already happened we cannot undo things now. We just have to be strong in facing this situation right now”, I consulted them. I assured them that it's okay as I grab both of their hands. "We can do it Tay and Nay, I love you both", I fondly said to them. Tay stand up and hug me and Nay tightly after kissed our forehead. "I love you two", Tay whisper. I woke up at early 6:00 in the morning. Got straight to the bathroom and washed my face. Then went down to the kitchen to make my morning coffee. Tay and Nay is still sleeping so I will be the one cooking our breakfast since we don’t have maids in the now. No one will help me, no one will serve me or us now. I need to teach and learn the basic skills in life. For now, I will cook the typical Filipino breakfast which is the garlic fried rice (sinangag), sunny side up eggs and tocino with a side dish of sliced fresh tomatoes and cucumber or simply called Tocilog. And as I finished cooking and cleaning the kitchen counter I went back to my room. Directly go to my closet and pick some clothes to wear. I will be facing the owner of the company so I need to look good, smart and professional. I choose to wear for today is black pencil cut, a white button down sleeve shirt, black blazer and a beige 5 inches high heel. I directly go to the shower to take a bath and thinking I need to get there as early as I can. I need to have a good impression and Mr. Singh said I should not be late. After taking a shower and change to my corporate attire with my bag. I lastly glanced to the mirror, I have a fair porcelain skin, almond shape and deep spanish hazel eyes, thin but red lips. I’m standing 5:8 inches and have a curvy body. After examining myself and clothes. I went down to the dining table. Tay and Nay id already drinking their coffee and tea. Plates are put up and then we are ready to eat. "Good Morning Tay, Nay,” I greeted them. "Morning Princess", they replied. " I need to go to the company early,” I said. I put some tocino on my plate. As already seated on the chair and we started eating. We finished eating breakfast and Nay approached and hug me. I smiled to her. "Good luck today my princess", she said. Kissing my cheeks and Tay join us for a hug. I arrived at the building 8:30 in the morning, I went straight to the 7th floor and in the room. Mr. Singh is already there sitting and reading some documents or maybe applicants resume. He looked at me surprisingly when I open the door. "Good Morning Mr. Singh,” I greeted him. " Morning Miss Ramirez! You are so early today,” Mr. Singh replied. "Uhhm.. I don't want to be late and miss the opportunity. I badly needed this job", I said. He looked at me instantly and smiled. Even if he smiled he looks strict and intimidating at his age. Plus, he is a good looking guy. He looks like young Bollywood star. "Big boss will do the interview to you at exactly 9:00 am so you can take a seat and rest first", Mr. Singh informed. I just nod in approval. He glanced at me again. "Are you nervous?" he asked. "Yeah, I am". I answered him honestly. "Don't be, big boss will not murder you in the interview. He moved and lean closer to me and whisper. “Maybe when you go out in his room you will be screaming in joy even if you are not hired", he let a small laugh while glancing at the golden door. "And why so?", I asked curiously. "You are not informed yet?", he laughed loudly this time. My brows frowned to what he said. "I don't know about that", I replied. "Well, you will know, when you get there", he gives me a boyish smile. "I just want the job", I said firmly. "I don't mix it with the other stuff, all I want is to earn". I continued. He nodded at me. And continue this work on his table. Busy looking around for some entertainment in this room. When suddenly a sophisticated woman entered. Wearing a red Valentino short crepe couture dress partner with her black boots. She’s so pretty, looks like a model from a magazine. A perfect body and face. Black wavy hair, chinky eyes, small pointed nose and full lips. "Hi Ali, morning! Is Nik already there?", she stopped and greeted Mr. Singh. "Good morning Ms. Chandra", he greeted back. “Yes Miss, he is already at his office”. “I will just drop by to Nik, I missed him", she winked and smiled widely to Mr. Singh. "Sure Miss, he's waiting for you". Mr. Singh answered. She directly went to the golden door and walked in. We both stared at the door when she closed it. I sat boredly in the chair so I decided to borrow some magazines to Mr. Singh to entertained myself while waiting. I will have 20 minutes more. I just flipped some pages and read articles according to the company. It might be interesting to read to gain knowledge but after for how many minutes again. I got bored, so I put it back to the table of Mr.Singh. I checked my phone, and texted Ma and Dad. "Waiting for the interview, I will get home early if I finished here", I send them both my text. I closed the text box and open my social media accounts and browse when I see nothing new. I openmy browser and search for the MR Group of Companies owner. I typed... CEO of MR Group of Companies No results. There some photos appeared but only executives and some higher employees attending charity programs and social gathering events. CEO of Moonreal Food Corporation Still the same results.. until one photo caught my attention. A man in a dark shadow wearing a long gray button down shirt with his three button opened holding a glass of champagne and looking sideways smiling. Only a half of his half face illuminated the photo but its captivating even if its blurred. I wonder why? It's the only photo that tag along with the other social photos of MR Group of Companies. I put my phone back because it's nearly 5 minutes before 9:00 am. Mr. Ali glanced at me and said. "Your interview will start in 5 minutes , we will just wait Big Boss to give us a signal to enter his room and... when Ms. Chadra is done and she will be out of it". he informed me. "Thank you Mr. Singh", I replied. And it's been about 10 minutes ago. When the golden room opened. Ms. Chandra went out with a wide smile on her face and a crumpled dress. And like a smudge lipstick? My eyes widen to what I realize. My cheeks heated. "Bye Ali, thank you and have a nice day at work!", she said goodbye cheerfully. Mr. Signh just waved his hands to and smiled. As I looked to Mr. Singh he just winked evilly and swayed his head. I'm wondering if the CEO of this company is a certified playboy at his age. I remember the rumored that he's already old... so how come. I mean, like he doesn't have a family or Miss Chandra is his?....oh my god. I should not be thinking about others life or relationship. I just interrupted by my thoughts when the intercom beep and Mr. Ali answered it. They talked a little and he hung up. Mr. Singh looked at me and said. "You can go now to the room, Big Boss is already waiting for you", he informed me. “Thank you Mr. Singh”, I replied. "Good then Miss Ramirez!", he added and give me a thumbs up. I walked directly to the door, I feel a sudden nervousness and I don’t know how to explain it. My heart beat so fast and I can honestly hear it. Knocked three times. I took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. I walked straight and saw a table and a swivel chair. The room is full glass mirror, you can see the sky in your eye level and the busy city down in it. I was enjoying the view when I glanced at the right side of the room. A tall man facing the windows with hands in his pockets. The posture beside is something familiar only it's just look mature, intimidating and cold. I think my heart wants to explode any time. My hands and forehead are already sweating cold. I cleared my throat to capture his attention. "Good afternoon Sir!", I greeted him even when he is not facing me. He suddenly leans towards me and reveal his face. And I got the shocked of my life. My eyes pop out when I saw him fully. He looked at me with dagger eyes and smiled evilly at me. "Hi sunshine", he greeted. It gives me shivers to my spine. I opened my mouth but nothing comes out. I recovered a few seconds. He looked at me intently and I just looked away. I’m not ready to face him yet. This is not the time and situation I want to meet him. "Don't you miss me, sunshine?", he asked in a cold tone. "Dominik- "It's Sir for me", he said harshly. "I'm sorry..Sir", I said apologetically as I looked at the floor. He went to his table and sit to his swivel hair. Looking at my application letter on his table. "Have a seat Miss Ramirez", he offered me. I sat down and looked at him directly even if I want to disappear or run immediately. "So, you are applying for one of our Human Resource Manager?", he asked me. He just sitting comfortable with his hand touching his lips while talking to me. He looks so handsome, so dashing and yet so dangerous and intimidating. Now, the boy I used to loved, Dominik Tobias Montreal is in front of me looking so manly and matured. I know way back before that he has already have a good body with muscles in right places but now he got taller for almost 6 feet above and his facial features got more intense. From his black wavy hair to his fierce deep gray eyes, aristocrat nose, red lips and perfect jaw line. I blinked twice and get back to reality. "Yes Sir, I saw the poster that the company is looking and hiring in that position. I fit in the job because I'm a graduate of the course plus I have a good credential and experience", I explained. "We are not hiring for that position anymore Miss. Ramirez", he said seriously. "But you just posted it yesterday and Mr. Singh said it's still availab-“, he cut me off immediately. "I already hired someone in that position who have a very good credential and lot more experienced" he added continuously with mockery. "I have other job to offer for you if you want it too. I heard you are desperately looking for a job this past few weeks and you never get one. I am right?”, he said flatly. I just bow my head for shame and embarrassment. It’s a big slap and insult to my profession especially to myself. But if I just want to save my ego right now. We will be found in the street the next days. "I can take any job you offer Sir", I said defeated. "Don't worry it's an easy job", he smirked. "What is it?", I asked. "It's in the Janitorial sector", he said evilly and looked at me seriously.