Bea became a housemaid of a wealthy family. Her first ever job in Manila.

At first, she had difficulty in doing household chores because of her slim and weak body. But thank God because not a day had past that she became used to it. She did her best to do her job well, especially that her employers were kind to her.

Fortunately, she was properly compensated and given benefits well. Not like other servants who were being mistreated by their employers. Somehow, she was still fortunate even when her job was just a housemaid. She was proud of it even if it was the lowest job on the eyes of other people. She didn't care anymore. At least she did a decent job.

And when every time she felt tired or feeling self-pity, she just remembers Joann's advice to her, that she shouldn't be choosy of work. That there is no place for choosy people here in Manila. That, if you want to live in this place you will have to endure everything, be patient and be satisfied with what you have. She took all Joann's advice as her motivation. And promised to herself that she will endure all the hardships. She will endure everything.

In fact, she was contented of being a housemaid even for the rest of her life if ever. She had already embraced her fate.

But unfortunately, one year later, Bea lost her job because her employers had migrated abroad. What was worse, was that she still didn't have enough money to continue her education.

Because of that, she almost gives up. She finds it difficult to find a job, because she was just an undergraduate senior high school. It has never been easy for her to compete with millions of unemployed. She realized that it's really hard to venture into this harsh world when you don't finish college. You will find yourself in a pitiful situation.

Bea was just thankful that her cousin was always beside her.

Not long after, she became a nanny of an old woman with Alzheimer's disease because of Joann's guidance.

Although the hardships doubled because it was not easy to take good care of an old woman, Bea persisted to sacrifice. Instead of complaining, she just organized her work as a nanny of an old woman. She just bear in her mind that caring of an old woman would be a great experience for her if she will pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Because, as a nurse one day, whether she likes it or not, she will take care of different kinds of patients.

Of course, she still believed she can continue her education, even if a year had already passed since she left their province.

Nothing is late when it comes to studying, though.

The problem was, she didn't take long to care the old woman. It didn't take two months because the real caregiver of the old woman suddenly returned. She could do nothing but leave the job again, even though she had already had little affection for the old woman.

In fact on the day that she was about to leave, Bea was surprised when the old woman unexpectedly called her name. She almost burst into tears because she couldn't believe that the old woman could remember her name. Given the fact that even the names of her children, grandchildren and some of the housemaids are no longer remembered by the old woman. How come that she remembered her?

By that, at that moment, she changed her mind. She didn't want to leave the old woman anymore. She begged to the eldest daughter of the old woman but they still preferred the former caregiver. She could not understand why because the former caregiver seems to be unkind, never smiled at everyone. It was also obvious that she doesn't have long patience. But maybe because she has her degree in Caregiving, not like her.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Sita, I'll visit you always," she promised to the old woman that day. But she hasn't given a little chance to do it. She tried, but she was no longer allowed to enter the mansion after she left. She was banned.

Until she gave up. She just prayed for the old woman that she will always be in good condition and always be taken care.

With all her no joke experiences, Bea already knows how difficult life is in Manila City. It's not quite as easy as many in their province think. Because the reality is, when you are weak, you will have to shed blood. And when you're a fool, you'll die.

Sometimes, she couldn't help but fear that she might return to her province unsuccessful, with none of her dreams being fulfilled. It's embarrassing if ever.

However, she was never discouraged. All her doubts and resentments were overcome by the thought that she would overcome everything. She still trusts God, she still believes that God will help her succeed in life. She knew this was just a trial. It is normal for someone to lose a job anyway.

After she moved-on to the old woman, Bea applied to all the hiring job she found that is fit for her. Once again, she ventured out and now into light jobs. After all, she was already quite familiar with Manila's windings.

Bea also became a saleslady in a clothing department. However, she did not stay long again with the job because her employer suddenly became seriously ill and chose to return to the province permanently.

Thereafter, she worked in a chocolate factory. But she was again terminated by the so called End-Of-Contract after six months.

Sadly, it turns out that she still has no money left when she lost her job.

That's why she's here now, so annoyed. Because why does she seem to be out of luck with any job? Why is it that nothing was permanent? How can she make money for school when this is always the scenario?

Well, honestly, she somehow managed to save money before. But because of the problems that had come to her family, she has gradually spent her savings. One of the problem was when her mother became ill. She sent a large sum of money for her mother's surgery and medicines that almost consume her savings.

It didn't matter to her though. At least her mother is okay now. She believes that, 'her money can be replaced, but her mother's life cannot'.

The only thing she hated now is, why she didn't stay in a job even though she was kind, punctual, and hardworking employee.

"Don't worry, there are still a lot of hiring jobs out there. You can be hired easily because you have a lot of experience already," Joann said to her, full of assurance.

"Um... Y-Yeah, I know. I'm just sad because I have so many friends at the factory already. I'll definitely miss them," she replied to her cousin before sipping on her cup of coffee.

She and Joann currently are enjoying their coffee on the porch of their house. As usual, she's living here again because she's jobless again.

Joann patted her on the shoulder before leaving. Her cousin got busy in front of the laptop already. She's busy being an online seller.

After drinking all her coffee, Bea had gone to her room to fix herself. Her plan for now is to go for a stroll only. Just to relax.

She might just start looking for a new job tomorrow.

After tidying up herself, Bea went to the mall alone. She ate what she wants to eat. She watched a movie and then bought things she needs.

For the first time she was able to pamper herself. And she enjoyed a lot, to the point that she didn't even notice that it was already getting late. She only finds it out when she decided to go home and saw that it is already dark outside. Yet, she no longer wonders why there are still so many people out there. Because here in Manila, some people are nocturnal, they sleep in the day and wake up all night. They prefer to come out at night.

She hurried to get a ride, but because of many people in the mall, it was very difficult to hail a cab. All public as well as private transport queues are no joke, it seems to take her forever.

Bea nuzzled her nape with distress. Her past fun has been replaced by boredom and annoyance. How can she get home in this kind of situation? Tsk!

Until she saw someone familiar with her. Her eyes widened with excitement immediately.

"Rose!" she called out gleefully. Because the woman walking is Rose Marie Bonalos. She is sure even if Rose looks different now because she's even more beautiful.

Rose Marie Bonalos was her best friend when they are in their 7th Grade through Grade 9. And they were very close to each other then, to the point that they treat each other like real sisters. They only got separated when Rose has been taken by her aunt to live in Cavite.

"Rose! Rose Marie!" she repeatedly shouted until Rose finally heard her.

Rose stopped walking and scanned her surrendering, looking for that someone who was calling her name.

Bea's smile widened as she waves her hand at her friend. How many years have past since they last saw each other? Five years? Or six years? Gosh, it's been a long time.

"Rose, I'm here!" she shouted again when Rose couldn't find her.

Until their eyes finally met.

Bea's smile widened even more. She is very happy. Actually, she is on the brink of crying because she couldn't believe that they would cross paths again.

She remembered that she also idolized Rose upon hearing then, that Rose had been successful in life.

According to a gossip that she heard, Rose is now a manager of a popular fast food chain here in Manila. The proof is the huge house of Rose in the province of Cavite. Then the land that Rose bought for her parents. In addition to the rumors that are spreading, Rose has already paid off all her parents' debts.

Bea was very proud of Rose back then. So from then on, she always wishes to God that someday she would see Rose again.

"Huh?!" What surprised her was when Rose suddenly turned away instead of showing happiness also in their reunion. Then she noticed that Rose suddenly walks faster as if fleeing from her.

Bea was flabbergasted by that. What was that? Why does Rose seem so scared of her?

"Rose, wait! It's me, Bea! Bea Ladezma, your best friend in Masbate!" she shouted as she introduced herself when she almost reached her friend.

Unfortunately, Rose didn't seem to hear her. Then she went into a dim establishment, guarded by muscular men.

Bea tried to get in too, but the gigantic guard refused to let her in. "You can't go inside, miss. Go away!"

"But the girl who just came in is my friend. I just want to talk to her," she reasoned.

"She said she doesn't know you. Now leave!" But the restraint on the voice of the guard with matching crossing of his arms over his chest to show the bulking muscles in his arms is an evident rejection for her intention.

Bea felt frightened, causing her to take few steps back. However, she had no intention of leaving. She'll wait for Rose to come out.

After a while, her eyebrows wrinkled when she realized what kind of place she was about to enter. Because If she isn't mistaken, Rose entered in a BAR!