THE MARTYR MISTRESS

Aside from travelling abroad, going to Manila City is the only way for peasants to improve their lives. It's because many say that earning money is easy in Manila. They say you can easily get rich in Manila if you work hard. There, you can see things you have never seen before, such as huge buildings and malls. And if you're lucky, you'll probably find there the person you will be with for the rest of your life.

With these engaging rumors, Bea Ladezma was one of those who believed that her luck is in Manila too. That even though she was only turning twenty years old, she was already determined to find a job in that vast and popular city. Just like her cousins, some relatives, friends and neighbors who now have good jobs in there.

Others are thinking she is too young to work immediately, but for her, she was old enough to be independent. She strongly believes that she will be able to venture out in Manila, too. She was determined to achieve her goals in life, even though she was going to Manila alone and unsure of everything.

"Goodbye, Masbate," Bea whispered in her mind when she got to the airport. For the last time she turned around and scanned the place.

Along with the other passengers, Bea was on her way now to Manila. Her long wait is over. This is the day she is waiting for. And the truth is, she doesn't know exactly what she feels right now. She is sad but happy, excited but nervous. However, her decision to leave their village and move to Manila did not change a bit.

"Miss, you're next." Bea was lost in her ruminations when someone spoke behind her.

"Thanks," she simply said to the guy and then she puts her luggage on the conveyor belt to pass in the x-ray machine. After that she let herself inspected by the officer for the initial security check.

When she has been cleared to pass, Bea heaved a sigh of relief. This is it, she is about to leave the province and there's no chance in backing up anymore.

Hopefully she's on the right path.

Hopefully she didn't make the wrong decision.

"Lord, keep me safe from everything that I may encounter in this new journey that I chose. I trust in you, Lord. Amen," she prayed fervently as she grabbed her luggage and head to the nearest flight information monitor.

She tried her best not to look back again. She restrained herself with fear that at the last minute she might change her mind.

She doesn't want to.

She wouldn't allow anything to make her change her mind. She didn't want to waste this opportunity.

Bea believes that if she will not continue leaving now, she might just be wasting her chance to succeed like everyone else.

Another thing, besides wanting to save her parents in poverty, Bea also wants to continue her study.

Ever since then, she has really wanted to be a registered nurse. She wants to help the sick people in their village. Because five years ago, her father passed away without never being consulted by a doctor or nurse because they had no money.

That day, she was very upset because she knew that if only someone helped her father, maybe her father was still alive until now. So, since then, she has always wanted to be a nurse to help people in their village.

Bea's greatest dream was that one day she will return to her village as a full-time nurse and serve all of the villagers with or without pay. And she can only do that when she first leaves and go to Manila. Her plan was to work in any job there and when she had saved a lot of money, that's the time that she will continue her studies. Hopefully she will succeed and she will not have to suffer in Manila.

Bea' lips broke into a smile as she contemplated her dreams. She was watching the clouds in the sky. She was lucky to have her seat in the airplane next to the window, it somehow eased her fears and reduced her anxiety. Enjoying the view was a big help to her.

After breathing all her turmoils, Bea pulled out a small piece of paper in the pocket of her pants. A piece of paper on which one of her cousin's address was written. Of course, the first thing she would do if she arrives in Manila would be to try to get help so she could stay in her cousin's house even for a while. Though, she was not sure if her cousin will open a door for her.

"Only your cousin Joann can help you in Manila. Just try to reach that address of her because the cell phone number she left is already uncontacted. Don't worry, your cousin is kind so I'm sure she will not let you down. Just be nice when you're there, okay?" last advice of her mother to her which she heard in the back of her mind.

She sighed deeply.

Well, her mother was indeed right. No doubt Joann has a good heart. As far as she knows, Joann is the most approachable person when there is a problem in their family. However, she still have a doubt if her cousin would help her. Because she already experienced living in the home of another relative when she was in High School. At first they were kind to her, but gradually they showed their true colors. Not long after they treated her more than a housemaid.

"I hope you are different from them, Joann," Bea wished silently before she returned the small paper in her pocket. She only checked it. She should not lose it or else she might not find her cousin in Manila. Someone said that finding people in Manila City is like finding a small safety pin in a stack of hay, it is very difficult and it is impossible because Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. Millions of people from different province of the Philippines are there, including foreign nationals from different countries.

Just by thinking on the different scenario she may encounter along the way, Bea felt frightened again, but eventually she was able to palliate herself. She has great confidence that God would not forsake her.

After one hour and twenty five minutes of flight, Bea finally arrived in Manila.

"Joann, I'm sorry to bother you. But you are the only one I can approach here in Manila," Bea said shyly to her cousin as she arrived to her house after a few rides and walks. She was sweaty and tired because she had a hard time finding her cousin's house a while ago. Actually, she almost lost her way to her cousin. She was just grateful to those kind people she had been asked. Fortunately, no one took advantage of her innocence.

"Oh my God, Bea! Good thing you got here safely! Why didn't you say you were coming here in Manila?! You surprised me!" Joann preached to her. However, an expression of concern immediately flashed through her face. She even checked her from head to toe if she's really okay.

"I'm so sorry, cuz. My trip is unexpected," she replied shyly.

"You should have called or texted us so that we were able to fetch you at the airport. Travelling alone here in Manila might be dangerous, especially for those who have been from the province like you."

Bea scratched the back of her head timidly before answering, "Actually, mother tried to call you, but she said that the number you left is already uncontacted."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Um... Yeah, I forgot to inform you all that I changed my cell phone number because I lost my cell phone last week. But you should have just contacted me on Facebook."

Bea winced. Why didn't she even think that? There are so many alternatives for her to communicate with her cousin, but in her haste to go to Manila, she already forgot those. If only she thought so, she would not have had much trouble finding the address, not just like earlier. Because she almost spent most of the day riding various cars and walking the streets of Manila like a beggar. Imagine, she left their province at dawn and it is already late at night when she finally had the luck to knock on her cousin's door. What an exhausting experience, right? Ugh!

By that, she couldn't help but to feel frightened again. It was scary because it was her first day here in Manila but she had already suffered so much. It seems like it was showing that not everything will be easy about her here in this huge city.

"Ah, never mind. What matters now is that you got here safe. But are you really all right? Tell me the truth, cuz."

"Um.. Yeah. I am fine, cuz," Bea answered jubilantly. She was really pleased with Joann's concern for her.

And that was true. She's definitely fine. Just a little bit tired though, but she can handle it. She will handle everything either tomorrow or the next few days she will be more tired. She did want this, so she had to face it, no matter what the cost is.

"Okay, then let's go inside. Come. Get in so that you can rest. I know you're tired of traveling."

"Thank you, cuz."

Joann helped her with her luggage. They entered inside a small but cute house.

"Have you eaten?"

She didn't want to disturb her cousin more, but her head nodded willingly at the fact that she is already hungry. In her desire for saving her money because the money that her mother gave to her is just enough, she endured the thirst and hunger.

"Wait. I'll get you something to eat." Her cousin quickly took care of her.

And thank God that Joann's house was open to her wholehearted, even though their situation wasn't so good. Even Joann's husband Dennis was kind to her. It did not change the way they treat her. In fact, the two treated her like a younger sister. The couple even helped her get a job...