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Point Of View
– Nikko –
“Qualifications for the position..”
I read scanning the advertisement poster about the available positions. To stand in front of a huge building wasn’t something I expected today. It was a luxury hotel.
“Janitor?” I asked myself. “House keeper?”
I gulped realizing the available positions they offered.
“Am I going to clean restrooms? No please no..” I tried to convince myself not to take the opportunity.
But I thought that it was only the opportunity for me to take given that it’s far away from my profession.
I was a criminology graduate and here I was.
After fixing my hair I made my way to the entrance of the building and it was fascinating. The interior was dominating as the hotel stood tall.
There’s no way I would waste my time not enjoying the view and everything around me!
“Hi good morning, how can I help you?”
Someone at the front desk asked me and I smiled. Wasn’t she expecting me to smile? She looked amazed.
“I’m here to apply for that janitor position.” I answered and tried to point at the poster.
“Can I have your resume?”
Once I handed my paper she scanned it.
I looked around the hotel while she reviewed my paper.
Everything was good. Employees were all in decent uniforms and all got big smile. They probably had a good environment here.
“I’m sorry but as of now the position you’re applying for was put on hold due to some security purposes. But we’ll contact you once it’s open again, okay?”
I was saddened by that news but I still nodded and thanked her.
Why was I always being ignored or rejected?
I felt helpless again while making my way out of the hotel. I toured my eyes for a moment to see how elegant the place was. I thought I would be working here.
Cruz Grand Hotel was the name of it.
“Not your lucky day Nikko.” I told myself and moved on.
It took me few minutes to get home, my small apartment seemed to be very lonely right now. The mood wasn’t helping at all.
It’s almost lunch so I decided to have one and eating alone was my life these days. My mom was in our province with our relatives, fishing and selling food were our business.
And my dad, he died serving the law.
I decided to go here in Manila to get and make a better living.
Me being emotional at the moment made me almost missed the text I got.
Good day Nikko Manansala, we are inviting you to our office for an interview! We reviewed your resume, it seems that we have a position that will meet your qualifications. You can come and visit us at 6pm tonight. Please reply with your name for confirmation. Thank you!
– Cruz Grand Hotel Recruitment
I put my phone down after reading the text to continue eating but the moment I realized what I just read made me stand up in surprise.
Seriously? Did they just contact me after sending me away?
Nikko Manansala
I rushed and replied my name.
“I’m getting hired, getting hired!” I cheered standing up while carrying my bowl of food. “Nikko, the not so jobless person anymore!”
Argh! I was so happy! I rushed to finish my lunch to prepare what to wear for the interview.
“Pure black?” I asked myself staring at my black polo long sleeve. “Or white?”
What to wear? Which color? Black or white? I have dark skin so white might work? I hoped I was doing great!
I was not that dark, let’s say.. dark brown? Did that make sense? I got dark skin.
Once done preparing my clothes I spent the time lying on my bed, sleeping might bring me more luck.
—
At exactly 4:30 in the afternoon I was able to get in the hotel, an early handsome guy I might add.
I was standing 5’9 tall with a toned body, I started working or should I say fishing when I was teenager which made me have this built plus my profession of course.
“Good afternoon, you are?”
Someone got in the recruitment office and approached me.
“Nikko Manansala.” I replied smiling.
She checked her paperworks, looked around and frowned
“Too early?” she then said.
She’s right. I was the only one inside the recruitment office and only the applicant around.
“My dad would kill me, he hates the word late.” I said thinking of my dad’s words.
She nodded and seemed to be thinking of something.
“We have free food here for applicants, wait a second and let me have it delivered to you. I’ll see you later.”
Free food? No way! Me? Getting free food?! Of course!
Around 5:30 in the afternoon when applicants started coming in. Have they considered getting late along the way? They should have been an hour early.
Why was I finding them so big? They were some kind of big guys. I was the only small guy here!
I got a slim toned body but compared to them? They got big bodies! Body builder? Over built?
I sighed.
“We’ll be calling your name one at a time so please prepare yourselves for the interview.” the lady earlier announced and left again.
My focus went back to the other applicants. Did this hotel prefer big guys for the janitor position? Or wait, the text said they got something for my qualifications?
“Nikko Manansala?”
My hand automatically raised itself in excitement after hearing my name.
Another lady told me to follow her, I gulped when I started walking because the other applicants were giving me weird stares.
I was told to get in to another room and saw a woman around her 40s at the table which had 2 chairs in front.
“G-good evening.” I greeted her when she offered me to sit.
She greeted me back and had her eyes scanned me from head to toe. Wait what?
“I’m Bella, I will be conducting your interview.. nice to meet you young man.” she greeted but with a strict tone of voice.
And yes she mentioned it! I was the only young among the applicants. I believed that the others were in their early thirties and I was the only one around.. hmm.. well, I was 20.
“Nice to meet you, ms. Bella.” I took her hand for a shake.
“Now Nikko tell me something about yourself. Like how you can share some stories of yours.”
Whoah. How should I start?
“There’s nothing much interesting about me.” I started, a smile forming warmly and naturally. “I’m a graduate of criminology, I should have been a policeman by now but my mom talked to me not to be one. She was totally devasted when my dad died serving the law as a policeman that’s why I understood her telling me not to pursue it.”
Okay Nikko you’re doing great, you’re not crying okay?
“Dad taught me how to use gun by heart, he’s a very skilled police and I guess that’s what we’re benefiting right now. My mom is being supported financially by the government.”
Family is love.
“More about me I just prefer being alone I guess.”
Ms. Bella was giving me stares that assured me her interest in listening.
“So I’m living here alone in Manila and got an apartment. Been here for almost a month now and yes looking for any available job.”
That’s how I ended my simple introduction about myself. Cool?
“What the hell is going on?!”
I was alerted by the sudden high tone voice of Bella. She was panicking for real. I looked around and saw a guy in mask which was about to attack her.
Bella screamed for help and I rushed kicking the chair in front of me to send it to the guy. My flexes had their own lives and I ended up standing behind the guy locking his arms and his hands were under mine. Just in a second.
“Dare to move and I’ll break your arms.” I warned him. “You know I’m not playing right?” I whispered.
I looked around and found Bella standing in awe with her mouth widely open.
“Y-you’re hired!” she voiced out and few more ladies in uniform same as her got in.
All of them were shocked like they saw something unbelievable. I didn’t understanding anything.
“Do you guys mind calling for a security or police?” I asked them seriously.
“That’s the final assessment, you moved like the flash!” the other lady cheered.
Wait what?
“Y-you can let go of my hands, don’t break my arms please.” the guy pleaded and I noticed that he’s sweating.
I was reluctant to let go of him even they assured me that he’s not a threat or what. I was sorry though because the marks of my force were visible on his skin. What’s going on?
Until I saw myself following Bella and still confused as we took the lift.
“You will be meeting the owner of this hotel. She wants to talk to you.” she finally broke the silence.
Did she just say the owner of this hotel? Who wanted to talk to me?
This was too much for me to absorb.
Once we’re on the 23rd floor we went out of the elevator and continued walking.
I can’t help but to admire the view, things were like art. Everything was really elegant and brilliant. I knew that this floor was the last floor before the rooftop. The hallway was like made of glass it gave you clear vision of how well the building was.
“We’re here.” Bella announced fixing her uniform before shaking the doorknob.
Once the door was fully open an astonishing chandelier hanging in the middle of the room welcomed us. It seemed like it was made by diamonds and its sparks will surely draw anyone’s attention.
For further view the room was totally shining in white theme.
“Good morning mrs. Dela Cruz, here’s the applicant for the position we are open.” Bella greeted her and showed me.
I found a woman smiling at us and her presence was so bright and cheerful.
I thought when they said boss or business owner meant strict, scary and a devil human being but this woman just made me realize that I was wrong.
“G-good morning mrs. Dela Cruz.” I greeted her, I hoped my teeth were perfectly clean right now as I smiled.
“Thank you Bella, you can leave us now.” she said and her voice was so soft.
Bella nodded and left us after leaving a paper on the table. I wondered why I was here in front of their boss where in the fact that I was just an applicant for janitor.
I sat when I was offered to.
“My name is Katheryn Dela Cruz and you are Nikko.. Nikko Manansala, correct?”
I nodded making myself comfortable. I stared at her as she scanned the paper she was holding.
“Your mom doesn’t want you to be a police?” she spoke placing the paper on the table.
I told her about what happened and why my mother didn’t want me to pursue that career.
“I respect that yes and I’m sorry to hear about your dad.” she said after.
I can sense her sincerity.
“Anyway, let’s get down to the business. Getting straight to the point you can name your salary for this job. I’m offering you this in return of working as a personal bodyguard.”
Bodyguard? Personal bodyguard? This so surprising to me.
I took time thinking about what she said, name my price?
But the position. I thought it was a janitor position?
If I were to accept the offer then it’s still against my mom’s request right? Working as a personal bodyguard was close to putting your life in danger. Correct?
I can’t break my promise to my mom.
“I’m sorry.” I told mrs. Dela Cruz.
“I’m not forcing you or telling you to make a decision right at this moment. I’m giving you time to think, you can come here within 24 hours if you decide to take the offer. If not, then we’ll be open again for this position.”
Was she sales talking me? Argh.
I made sure to thank her and the offer she made before leaving her office.
Now I was at the exit of the hotel, the securities smiled at me like they were honoring me. Honoring me?
This was my first time rejecting an opportunity and it’s because I can’t just disobey my moms words.
The moment I entered Cruz Grand Hotel it was already a dream to work in and the offered salary was something I didn’t expect to hear.
Name my salary? That’s a one time offer!
Argh. These thoughts were making me crazy. I needed my bed. I wanna sleep.
I took my phone out of my pocket and searched for my mom’s number, talking to her will make me feel great.
“Hey Nikko? How are you doing?” she responded after two rings.
I missed my mom.
“I’m doing great!” I lied a little. “How are you mom?”
She started talking about the fishing pan and all, I was smiling as she talked about everything.
She loved to talk to be honest.
“That’s cool, just make sure to be careful whatever you do mom. Anyway can I ask something?” I bit my lip telling myself I was doing the right thing.
“Yeah? Do you have a problem?” and there she was, her concerned side.
She can always feel me. Mother instincts?
“I m-mean, mom do you trust me?” I was able to take a deep breath after saying it.
“Of course I do! You’re my great son.” she said proudly.
It made me silent for a second until I smiled. I said my goodbyes before dropping the call. She’s always making me feel calm and safe.
But I can feel the guilt coming in my system and no Nikko you can’t take that offer!
—
After 23 hours.
Today was an exhausting day. Sitting for couple of hours was not a joke.
I would only stand up if needed, food, bathroom and water. My eyes were on my wall clock.
It’s already 5:30 in the afternoon and I was still thinking about the offer. Yesterday I was offered to be a bodyguard and now my life was struggling about making a decision.
The offer to have such job was really challenging for me because I really liked the idea but there’s a promise I made that I can’t just break.
I closed my eyes. I went to Manila for a better income. Now I got an opportunity to earn big and I still have 30 minutes to accept the offer.
“I’m giving you time to think, you can come here within 24 hours if you decide to take the offer.”
I kept on hearing what mrs. Dela Cruz said yesterday.
Was she still sales talking me?
Name my salary. Naming a million worth of salary wouldn’t be weird right? Kidding.
Working as bodyguard, a personal bodyguard. I seriously liked that.
“Argh!” I growled and my head was aching already.
Though my mom didn’t want me to do this, still I knew to myself that it was my passion. It’s my line.
And yes I found myself running out of my apartment.
Lousy shirt, a pair of jeans and running shoes. Great partners to sign a contract with at least I guessed in my situation now.
“Opportunity will only hit you once..” I told myself while I rushed to get to the hotel.
I took a taxi telling the driver to try his best to be there as soon as possible.
Few minutes had passed and we’re still at the highway. I can’t be late! Still on the road. Argh!
“Is it traffic?” I asked the driver and he said something was up.
Checking the stop light it’s on red light.
I tried to look around to see what was going on. There’s a commotion happening from 5 cars ahead of us.
Should I get off and run to the hotel? 10 minutes more and the opportunity will be over.
Until a gun shot drew my attention and everyone panicked. Looking around it must be from the commotion. I got off the car and saw a masked guy riding his motor and pointing his gun straight at the black van.
I can hear people screaming, they were all scared. I felt the urge of doing something, criminology student feels.
“I know you’re there! Get out!!” the gunman shouted.
Nothing happened after that and he used force to break the window.
That’s the time I rushed and jumped to kick the gun he was holding which was directly pointing at whoever inside the van.
I succeeded as the gun flew away, I took the opportunity of him being shocked and next thing I knew was his right hand was in mine.
Thanks to his glove better grip for my skills.
Just a simple movement and his wrist will be gone broken.
He must be really a criminal since I can say by his eyes that he knew what would happen if he dared to move even an inch.
“Nikko?”
I frowned after hearing a familiar voice. It was mrs. Dela Cruz!
I looked at her and she’s not expecting me to be the one in here.
“M-mrs. Dela Cruz? Are you okay?” I asked right away checking for any possible blood while still holding the criminal.
The police siren started to get within the earshot.
Mrs. Dela Cruz got off the van in her heels and walked to us and no longer scared as the gunman was under my control.
It made me feel proud knowing how she trusted me in this situation.
“Who ordered you to do this? Who are you working for?” she spoke once facing the masked guy. “Please tell me because my son is in danger!”
I gave him a warning look referring to his wrist that I was currently holding. He’s absolutely close to the pain he would never want to feel in his entire life.
But I was weakened when things happened quickly, he was able to kick me against my knee which made me lose my grip over his hand.
He got another gun and was about to shoot me when I quickly moved to shove his motorcycle.
He fell and I used the opportunity to get him again. I targeted his neck because my dad always told me that it’s important to weaken an enemy by their neck.
I lost myself and was about to break his neck when someone shouted.
“No he’ll die!”
It’s an old man shouting from his car. I felt like everything had stopped. I almost lost my patience because he tried to fight back.
I was starting to shake and that’s because I realized that I almost killed someone.
Good thing the old man was still able to shout to get my attention and he was right that we won’t get anything from this criminal if he died.
The policemen came after him and put handcuffs on.
“Are you okay?” mrs. Dela Cruz asked me and I knew she’s concerned.
I was like myself again after she spoke. Controlling myself and emotions were really hard for me.
You can’t just lose your temper Nikko!
“One reason why my mom doesn’t want me to be a police is because she knew I could kill by my hands.” I smiled at her and not bragging though.
She’s tapping my shoulder as a comfort and I can say she’s relieved.
“Mrs. Dela Cruz. We would be needing you to come with us for some testimonies.. a-and you young boy.” the police interfered.
“Sure but give me some time? I just need to wait for an ambulance because my driver was shot by that criminal!” she glared and I heard something hard.
She just slapped the gunman making me gulp in disbelief, she had an iron hand?
She took a deep breath when an ambulance finally came into view. She’s worried as she rushed to go to the driver’s seat.
“Hey come on, hold on okay? I’m sorry..” she sounded so sorry and guilt was all over her voice, the driver whose eyes were hopeless right now.
She’s not just a boss, she knew how to care. Seeing how worried she was right now made me fully decide to take her offer.
—
“We just did everything but the criminal wasn’t being cooperative. We can’t get further information.”
The police said after approaching us and mrs. Dela Cruz shook her head as she lost her patience.
I can see securities around us, I believed they were her bodyguards who she just contacted. They were actually surrounding the police station we were in.
“He almost killed my driver so make sure not to let him escape okay? My lawyer is on his way and I’ll let him work on the case.” she said in authority.
I remained silent as she talked to the police, I walked few meters away for her privacy. One of her bodyguards was looking at the gunman, that’s good so at least his face would be familiar to them.
“Nikko, I’m still thinking how to pay you back.” I heard mrs. Dela Cruz say and she’s now walking towards me.
She kept on thanking me which made me feel shy. I just did what’s needed. Saving people was a simple thing for me and that’s under human nature.
“Let’s get to my office.” she said and I nodded.
We headed to the hotel. She was happy to hear that I decided to take her offer.
Few minutes and we finally arrived. I can see more securities around the building even at the elevators and stairs.
We went to the 23rd floor, her office never failed to amuse me. The chandelier which was full of diamond sparks was still fascinating.
“Thank you for reconsidering the offer, you’re a legit personal bodyguard now.”
She said offering her hand for a shake which I took wholeheartedly.
I was in awe seeing the contract paper while doing a hand written for my name.
“I would be happy to work as your personal bodyguard and I’ll make sure to do my duties and responsibilities to protect you.” I assured her.
But she shook her head and smiled.
“Sorry?” I got confused.
“You’re not going to work for me.” she replied.
“Then for the building?” I confirmed my thoughts.
“It’s a no.” she was firm.
I was really confused.
“I thought personal bodyguard?” I voiced out my confusion.
“Yes and you’re going to be my son’s personal bodyguard.”
Wait what?
Her son?
Until I smiled reluctantly because I wasn’t expecting that. Was I going to be a babysitter?
Nikko, a babysitter?
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