Sweet Aphrodite's POV
　　"Sweet, you don't look good. Should we bring you to the hospital?" Irene asked worriedly.
　　I was awakened in the middle of my sleep. My body is shaking and painful. But what hurts the most is my nape as if it is being skinned or something. It is shameful that I am disturbing Irene but I am too weak to get the towel from her that she's gently putting on my forehead.

　　I shook my head at her question. I don't want to be brought to the hospital because I can take this. What I can't take is the expenses after that. This is just flu.
　　My body and nape hurt more when I tried to speak. I closed my eyes tightly and gathered my strength. When I opened my eyes, I saw Stella on Irene's back, staring at me blankly.
　　"I-I'm fine," I whispered with a raspy voice.
　　Stella silently walked out of the room and when she came back, she's carrying a tray with soup and water. I am embarrassed that they are doing this instead of doing what they need to do. I am just disturbing them.
　　"You need to eat so you could take medicine."
　　Irene helped me to sit and lean on the headboard of the bed. My heart warmed when she fed me. I appreciate Stella's presence, too. Even they could just avoid doing all of this, they still chose to do these efforts.

　　Stella handed me the medicine and water. They watched me take it and the silence made me feel awkward. Stella took the utensils and left then Irene checked my temperature.
　　"What are you feeling now?" she asked gently.
　　I smiled. "I am feeling better. Thanks to you and Stella," I uttered.
　　She just smiled. I leaned forward to reach for my legs, trying to massage the aching area but I almost jumped out of shock at Irene's shriek.

　　"Sweet!" she shouted with her wide eyes.
　　My brows furrowed. She pointed something behind me and I realized that it was the pillow when I followed her finger. My jaw dropped when I saw my white pillowcase tainted with blood. Lips quivering, I slowly reached for my nape to touch it.
　　"What the hell happened..." Irene uttered and positioned herself at my back. Then she put my hair on my shoulder to see my nape. I heard her gasp followed by the long silence. I almost choke in anticipation.
　　"Sweet..." she started with obvious confusion and fear in her voice. "There is something engraved on your skin. I... I can't understand it."
　　"What?" I asked and tried to touch it. Irene held my fingers and brought them to the area. I shivered when I felt something. There is something on it.
　　"And you know what's weird?" she whispered as if she's scared and fascinated at the same time.
　　"What is it?"
　　"It is glowing."
　　Irene is still looking at me as if I am a weird thing that she can't fathom. She let out a hesitant smile as she put the tray with food on the bedside cabinet. She is staring at me intently and when our eyes meet, she immediately looks around like she's avoiding my gaze.
　　I understand her.
　　"Thank you again for still doing these things even I am now better."
　　She smiled widely. "Of course! We have each other at times like this and don't worry. I am going to send your excuse letter to your professors so they would understand."
　　I pouted a bit. "You know, I can attend the school today. I think I am already fine."
　　With glaring eyes, she nagged me, "Stop being stubborn. Your fever was so high last night so you need a good rest. And you know that..." She did not finish her sentence and just stared at me knowingly.
　　We stared at each other and I suddenly remember that weird happening last night. I know she is still wondering and I am, too because I can't understand how would that even happen. Something is suddenly engraved on my nape and it was even glowing. That is too weird and... and out of this world.
　　I just nodded at her. She smiled awkwardly before she bid her goodbye since she and Stella have class. It means I am all alone again with my thoughts.
　　I sighed and glanced at the food on the tray. I reached for it to start to eat. I know Irene is curious, too about it. I am clueless about how that happened. All I know is my nape was hurting so bad then it bled based on the taints at my pillowcase. There is no wound when Irene looked at it. Only the unfamiliar engravings.
　　I am nervous. I am scared. I don't know what's happening to me anymore. I can't imagine how would I react if I am still ignorant about the supernaturals. Without the knowledge that they exist, I'll be reacting even more intensely.
　　My lips parted when I remembered the twin. This happened after I met them. What if they did this to me? They are a half-witch and half-vampire according to them and this engraving looks like some kind of witchcraft or magic. And I remember Daniella threatening me.
　　I gritted my teeth and forced myself to eat. I need more strength. I will confront the twin, I need to know what they did to me. I'll see them at the gate before they go home then I'll work tonight. I need money since the due date for the rent is coming. I need to pay my part or else, I will be kicked out.
　　I got out of bed and started cleaning. I should not stay in bed and spoil this slight fever.
　　When the afternoon came, I fixed and readied myself to go to the university. I just wore a simple shirt and jeans, complimentary for my job.
　　I waited in the waiting shed and avoided being seen by my classmates. I can't risk that. Someone could report that I am here and isn't sick. I can't afford to be reported especially I am just a scholar and needs to maintain a clean record. There are people like that who love to pull someone down.
　　I waited for the twin to exit the campus but they never came. Am I late or they did not attend the class today?
　　I glanced at my wristwatch then waited for another five minutes. When I did not see them, I hurriedly rode a bus going to my work. I don't want to be late.
　　I wasted my time there!
　　I pressed the bell on the store. Gab, the owner, welcomed me with a smile that immediately vanished when he realized who pressed the bell. My heartbeat louder upon the scene but I forced a smile.
　　"Good evening!" I greeted enthusiastically.
　　He left to open the door of the store. I was about to enter but he stood at the entrance while scratching on his head.
　　"Sweet," he started. I swallowed the lump in my throat."I am sorry but I need to remove you as my employee."
　　My eyes widened and I felt my heart sank. No, this is so important to me.
　　"Sir Gab..."
　　With miserable eyes, he stared at me. "I have no choice. My two nephews from the province are coming because they need money. And to help them, they would work here and I can't afford to support the three of you. My store is still small and just earning enough."
　　I inhaled sharply and shook my head. "But..." I lost my words.
　　This is so important to me because I need money to support my needs. Looking for a part-time job that fits my class schedule is hard. The unemployment rate is booming which is why the competition to find a job is pressuring. I can't afford to stop earning, even for a month because I have needs to sustain that requires financial help.
　　I closed my eyes tightly, pushing back the tears that are trying to escape. I calmed my breath and smiled sadly to Sir Gab after I opened my eyes again.
　　I hope I could find a job as soon as possible.
　　"I am sorry. If only I could do something to keep you. You are a great employee, Sweet. But my family needs this and I can't support you all."
　　I nodded. "I understand, Sir." I am just sad but I understand. He has been kind and helpful to me.
　　I glanced at the store who helped me a lot financially. It made me secured mentally, too. Because through working here, I knew that I will never be sleeping hungry. But now, I need to leave it.
　　"Here is your last salary and I added bonus and compensation," he said and handed me an envelope.
　　"Thank you so much, Sir Gab. I had a really good experience working here," I said as I accepted it.
　　That night was lonely and sad but I need to push aside all of my feelings and start to plan. I need to look for a job right after the class tomorrow. Maybe I could find something online, too.
　　My cellphone beeped when a message arrived. I weakly reached for it to see it. My eyes widened a bit when I saw that it came from Sir Gab. I sat straight and read his message.
　　'A friend told me that someone is looking for a maid. Check it if you are interested. The address is stated below. Try it!'
　　A wide smile is now drawn on my face. Good timing!