Chapter 8: Six Years Ago pt. 1

**Flashback**

Six Years Ago pt.1: **2016**

"Steak daw sa table eight— isang well-done at isang medium rare plus isang bottle ng Pedestal."
*(Table eight ordered a steak— one well-done and one medium rare plus a bottle of Pedestal)*
A waiter said rushing into the kitchen.

"Sa table fifteen daw pakibilisan, kanina pa sila naghihintay." *(Hurry up, the ones from the table fifteen have been waiting for while now)* Another waiter came, peeking at the kitchen's door.

" Tatlong Classic Cesar sa table 18." *(Three Classic Cesar for table eighteen)* A waitress came into the kitchen bearing a tray full of stacked dirty plates and utensils.

Amidst this hectic scene, Rian will be seen standing at the far edge of the kitchen, peacefully washing the mountain of plates and utensils standing beside her left shoulder. She is wearing a white apron above the staff's black polo uniform, paired with jeans. On her head, she wore a black bouffant, which prevents her hair from falling in unwanted places.

"Rian, dun ka muna sa labas. Tumulong ka muna sa pagserve, short-staffed tayo ngayon. Andaming customers." *(Rian, go outside first. Help serving, we're short-staffed right now. There are so many customers.)* Rian heard their short-tempered manager call her from the kitchen's door.

She immediately washed her soapy hands, removed the apron and hairnet she was wearing, and stormed out of the kitchen. Outside, she was welcomed by tons of customers waiting for their orders. The whole place was packed with people who came there for different purposes—to have dinner, to meet with someone, to have a meeting, or to have a date with their lovers.
Waiters and waitresses are zooming through every nook and cranny of the restaurant, taking orders one after the other. This isn't the first time, but Rian just can't get used to it. Every time this happens, she can't help but stand there in awe at how people's patronage at DC Dining hasn't changed for the past few years.

"Rian, ano pang tinutunganga mo dyan?" *(Rian, what are you staring at there?)* She heard the manager yelling. "Kunin mo na yung order nung mga nasa second floor!" *(Hurry and take the orders of those who are on the second floor!)* The manager said angrily. Fortunately, the place was bustling enough for people not to hear the manager's scolding.

"O—opo Ma'am" *(Y—yes Ma'am)* Rian ascended the stairs right away and took the order of the first table that she saw.

This is Rian's part-time job—a staffer at DC Dining. DC Dining is a chain of restaurants owned by the DC Group. DC Group's current owner and CEO is Rian's grandmother on her father's side. Rian is the illegitimate daughter of his father. Ever since she was born, she has been cast away by her De Castro father. She was allowed to work at that restaurant to support herself after her mother was gone.

Her original duty was to wash the plates, utensils, and other equipment used in cooking. She also lends a hand in washing the fruits and vegetables needed. After she turned 15, she became a backup waitress, taking and serving orders to customers during rush hour.

After the seemingly endless number of orders she had written down and placed on the table, plus her rushing back and forth from the kitchen, the number of people decreased at last. Now, she can only see a couple of families enjoying their meal. She looked at her wristwatch. Fifteen more minutes before Ten in the evening, she sighed, wiping the tears from her forehead.

"Ingat kayo Kuya"*(Take care Kuya)* she waved her goodbye to the chefs who are now going home.

*For non-Filipino readers: Literally, the word "Kuya" means "older brother." The phrase does not, however, only apply to siblings or other close relatives. It can also be used to show respect when speaking to a boy or guy who is older than you.

"Ingat ka rin sa pag-uwi Rian. Umuwi ka na kaagad pagkasara mo ng resto." *(Be careful when you go home Rian. Go home as soon as you close the restaurant).* One of the chefs replied as he waved his hand at her.

Rian nodded, and she went to the supply room and took out the mop to clean the place. Here comes her second duty—before closing down the restaurant at Ten o'clock, which is also her job, she must first thoroughly clean the floor and glass walls.

It was tough for a part-time job, but she chose to stay as she was given the same salary as the regular employees. It covers all of her living costs and allows her to live with adequate money to spend on her needs and wants. But her money is hard-earned, so she uses it wisely.

Finally, she breathed deeply as she finished wiping the glass walls surrounding the entire establishment. Outside, she can see the brightly lit street lights and the images of cars in motion as they run along the street. Rian felt sentimental all of a sudden. So much has changed in her life since her mother passed away. She never knew she'd become a breadwinner for herself at the age of fourteen. Life is really unpredictable. She let out a sigh from her mouth again.

She was about to get her belongings on the counter when she knocked on the basin where she wrung out the soap and water mixture she used in cleaning the walls. She watched in horror as it fell from the top of the table to the floor, spilling the liquid it contained on the newly rinsed floor.

"Ughhh!" She growled as she wiped the floor again. Tsk, I can't believe this. I still have a test tomorrow and haven't reviewed yet."

After making sure that the area was already dry, she headed to the bathroom to throw away the water. She walked carefully, scared that she might spill it again. When she came out, she took her bag and phone from the counter and switched the lights off. Now that it was dark, she noticed that the street light outside the restaurant was not working. It was a little bit dark outside, and she couldn't see any passersby.

She made her way to the entrance when a shadow suddenly leaned on it, placing his hands against the glass facing inside. Rian was stilled; she thought it might be some prank since this isn't the first time something like this happened to her. Beggar kids from the area liked to play ghost pranks as they found amusement when someone screamed from the top of their lungs from a scare.

What Rian forgot is that the shadow was the size of a man, not a kid. As she walked to the entrance, the shadow suddenly started to fall slowly to the ground. The glass where the man's hands have touched has left a trail of dark red substance.

A chill of fear swept over her, and goosebumps sprang over her arms.

"Blood!" It was then that she knew it wasn't some kind of prank.

Rian was taken aback by the sight releasing a scream if fright from the very depths of her lungs. Her knees shook violently that she collapsed on the floor. Beads of cold sweat poured from her forehead down to her cheeks. Her eyes horrified as she pressed her palms on her mouth in complete terror. Her heart was palpitating with panic as she took shallow breaths of oxygen.