Bonus

Days went by so quickly. Especially since it's December. Especially in the Philippines. If there is a place in the world where they value Christmas that much, it's in the Philippines.

As soon as September starts, or the so called 'Ber months,' the Filipinos already have that Christmas spirit in them. Everyone feels excited already, and lots of Christmas shopping and holiday planning and caroling starts happening. The Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Especially the employees who are to receive their Christmas bonus. Just like the employees of Tarlac General Hospital. Today is when they received their bonuses, cash gifts, and grocery, hams and other Christmas gifts from the management. Everyone in the hospital is so happy, just like Jenneth's staff in the hospital's Laboratory Department.

Aside from the gifts that the management gave to the hospital employees, Jenneth also prepares some little gifts for her colleagues in the Lab. She gave each one of them a soup mug. She herself received some gifts from other supervisors and managers as well.

One of those who gave her a gift was their Chief Pathologist Dr. Victor de Villa. He gave her a pair of rose gold earrings. She was shocked when she opened the small box. Those pair are quite expensive. She actually tried to return the gift to him, but the doctor insisted.

"They're not that expensive," Dr. De Villa said. "They're on sale."

So Jenneth has no choice but to accept it. "Thanks, Doc."

She suddenly remembered what she gave him. It was a gift set of tea of different flavors. The said doctor is a fanatic of tea. She also included a bottle of pure honey. She then realized she should have given him an entire tea set instead.

It's gift giving day in TGH, because today is also their company Christmas party. After this day, other employees are already on Christmas vacation, especially the back-end services. Even the Management will be on Christmas break after this day. That's why all the gifts are now being given to everyone.

The Christmas party will be held after office hours. That year, the theme of the party is 'A Very 50s Christmas,' because this year is also the 50th founding anniversary of the hospital. Everyone is so excited that they are already preparing for the event since lunch time. Those medical staff whose shift ended at 2PM are already in the salon preparing for the said event.

Jenneth chose to wear a light blue vintage dress with small white polka dots. It has cap sleeves and A-line skirt that goes through her knees. She put up her hair into a 1950's style chignon because she doesn't have the time to go to the parlor or have her hair curled up the way it should be on that era. She started preparing at four in the afternoon because she needed to finish some reports. Anyway, the party will start at 6PM so she has plenty of time still.

She just finished dressing up when Samantha arrived at her office. Just like her, she's also dressed up for the party. She is wearing an emerald green dress with V-neckline and ¾ sleeves dress. It seems she was able to visit the salon as she has that 50's curls hairdo.

"Wow!" Jenneth exclaimed when she saw Samantha.

"You know what? It's only 3PM earlier, but the hairdresser is already in the Admin office to style us. Dr. Helen is really into this 50s theme," Samantha said as she sat down on the chair in front of her table. Dr. Helen is Samantha's sister-in-law. She is the wife of their hospital's president and administrator, Raul de Vera.

Jenneth laughed at what Samantha said.

"Anyway, so, this is the first time I'm attending the party since I went to the US."

"You haven't gone home since then?"

"No," Samantha answered. "It's my parents who fly to the States to spend the holidays there."

"Oh… Well, at least I'm not the only first timer tonight." Jenneth smiled.

Samantha also smiled. "Right. This is the first time I'm attending a party that is organized by Dr. Helen... Hey, by the way. Aren't you going to perform?"

"Huh?"

"I heard that all the new employees need to join the dance contest during Christmas party."

Jenneth laughed again.

"Well, I was exempted."

"Is that because you're a manager? That's unfair!"

Jenneth just giggled.

"By the way. I came here to give you this."

Samantha gave her a small box wrapped in red wrapping paper.

"Merry Christmas!" Samantha said.

"Thanks... Uhm... I don't have a gift for you."

She suddenly felt embarrassed. She did not prepare any gift for Samantha because... Well, a part of her never thought they will meet again? And, who would even think that Samantha would even remember her and think of giving her a Christmas present? Well, at least, not her.

"It's okay. You just attend my birthday party. That's enough gift for me."

"Huh?"

"My birthday is on Christmas day. Maybe at dinnertime, you are already free to attend and celebrate with us? Don't worry. It's nothing fancy. It will just be our family, Big Brother Raul and Big Sister Glory, and their families. Kenneth will also be there, and Ryan. And of course, Darlene."

She felt more unworthy to attend that gathering. It's just for Samantha's family and close friends.

"I don't think I should come."

"Oh, come on! You're also my friend. Right?"

She was touched by what Samantha said. How can she refuse?

"Okay, then. I'll come." She made a mental note to buy her a gift.

"Well, I hope you don't mind that Ryan will be there."

Jenneth looked at her, quite taken aback at what she said. Samantha does not look like she's teasing her. If there's anything on her expression, it's worry and uncertainty.

"It's okay," Jenneth said. "So what if he's there? Past is past, right?"

"Right," Samantha said. "So, I'll wait for you on Christmas night?"

"Sure. I'll be there."

Samantha smiled. "Okay… So, I'll leave now. I think we're leaving for the Christmas party. How about you?"

"I'm about to leave as well."

"Okay, then. See you later."

Jenneth nodded. "See you."

Samantha left. Jenneth looked at the gift that she left on her table now. She opened it and found out what it is. It's a Clinique Happy perfume.

"Oh my…"

Is this how rich people give presents? Technically, she's not really that close to Samantha. Yet, she gave her an expensive perfume as a birthday present. What more if they really are close friends who grew up together? Does that mean her gift to her would be more expensive that this one?

She suddenly felt stressed as to what she would give her for her birthday present.