CHAPTER 1 : A Step for a change

It's been almost 15 minutes since I woke up. I usually woke up early just to do nothing. I am once again drowned with my own thoughts.

Today will be my first day as a personal assistant of an actress who's kind of connected with my cousin, Ali. Since he knows a LOT about her, I've asked questions on how I should deal with her. Based on my cousin, she's really kind and fun to be with which eased my nervousness. Since this will be my first time, I'm quite nervous but I guess I should just go with the flow.

A couple of minutes passed and I finally got up to take a shower and to fix myself.

I went down for breakfast. Ali and Tita Ana's already at the dining area, waiting for me. I pecked on her cheeks and tapped Ali's shoulder before sitting down.

"Good morning Tita, Ali." Ali nodded with a grin plastered on his face.

"Good morning. Have your breakfast." We all started eating. I ate my oatmeal that was prepared by nanay Yolly, our nanny. She's the one who's taking care of us since Tita Ana is busy.

"Is everything fixed, Grey? You haven't forgotten something?" Tita asked in the middle of silence.

"Yes, Tita. I've already double checked it last night."

"You're not gonna be around starting today. You must be careful, okay? Remember what we always told you."

"Mom, he's already 20 and besides we know he's gonna be safe." Ali butted in.

"Not sure, son" Tita said with a scoff. Ali didn't want to ruin the mood so he didn't talk back and remained silent.

"Tita don't worry. Ali's right. I'm old enough to handle myself so I'll be okay." I gave her an assuring smile.

After finishing breakfast, I stood up to brush my teeth.

Since Ali's the one who introduced me to her Uncle, he's also responsible for driving me to our meeting place.

I went to the kitchen to bid my goodbyes to nanay Yolly.

"You should be careful, okay? Don't forget the things that I've told you. Pay me a visit or even just a call. Don't forget about me, huh?" Nanay Yolly's rants with tears in her eyes.

"Nay, stop overreacting. I'm a grown up, okay? I'll take care of myself and I promised to be responsible."

"If there's a problem, call me."

"Yes, I will"

"If you're sad or happy, you should talk to me, understand?"

"Nay, I'll be fine. Don't worry, I'll call you from time to time. I'll also update you about my life if there's any." We both laughed.

"I should get going. Ali's waiting for me." I hugged her tight before letting go. She wiped her tears and caressed my cheeks.

"You should remember that I won't be around to take care of you, so you should do that to yourself okay? Plus you're gonna be an assistant. That's quite exhausting so check yourself everytime,understand?"

"Yes, ma'am!" I saluted. "I'll go. I'll miss you, Nanay" I kissed her forehead before turning my way to leave. My eyes watered so I looked up to prevent it from dropping.

Nanay Yolly took care of us since me and Ali were just kids. She's doing all the things that a mom should do. From teaching me to walk and how to write my name to preparing my breakfast and cheering me up at school. She's also like my human diary. I told her how I spent my day and everything so she knows a lot about me. I'm really close with Nanay so living without her feels like there's a big space within me.

Tita Ana is busy but she also spends her time with us during her day off. We would go shopping or just watch movies at home. She also raised Ali well despite being busy at work, she did her best to be a good mother to the both of us.

Growing up with them made me so thankful. Even though I'm not Tita Ana's real son, she treated me like his own and never abandoned me. Nanay Yolly made me feel that I grew up with a mother. Ali, even though we're just cousins, he acted as my older brother. He would save me from bullies in our school, back then and protected me everytime. They just made me feel content and thankful for being alive. I'll miss this. I surely will.

I once again looked at our house before entering Ali's car.

"They've already said everything so I won't repeat it. Just update me." Ali said.

"About?" I teasingly looked at him.

"Yourself, of course." He said. I laughed at him so I received a glare.

"What? I'm not even saying anything bro, chill." He rolled his eyes.

"Tsk. Just don't forget everything that we told you. Also your monthly schedule" He started the car. "Don't worry, I'll call you in case you forgot."

After spending an hour in the car, because of the traffic, we've finally arrived at the condominium.

"Ali, Grey" A man in his late 40's was on his way to us. He's about 5'10 tall. His hair was neatly arranged and you can also smell his perfume even in the distance.

He's the one who will introduce me to my future boss. We met a week ago when Ali recommended me to him, because I overheard their conversation and I wanted to try it. They just want someone who will assist her and stay by her side since she started to live alone,that's why her uncle agreed.

"Tito, nice seeing you again" Ali gave him a manly hug.

"Good morning, sir" I slightly bowed my head.

"No need to call me sir, Grey. I told you just call me Tito." He laughed then patted my head.

"Let's go?" I nodded at him.

"I think I should go, Tito" Ali said, scratching his nape.

"You wouldn't want to see each other, buddy. I get it." Tito Theo teasingly laughed and Ali plastered his awkward smile.

"Drive safely." I said. He gave me a hug before waving his hands.

As we entered the building, I felt like many things would change in my life.

I took a deep breath.

'Goodluck, Grey.' My mind said before I followed Tito Theo.