Chapter 4 - The 2nd Encounter

Ayens POV

This is already my 5th company, at ewan ko nalang kung hindi pa ako matatanggap neto. Nakakapagod ding mag apply. Kailangan kong ma-hire, i badly need a job

" hi .. Im an applicant for secretary position, were should i be going ?? " - ang amo naman ng muka ng receptionist na to. Ang aga ko sa lagay na to ah. 7am palang andito nako, excited lang?

" 12 floor Miss. And for your information, you're the 35th applicant for secretary position. " - WHAT?!! ganito kaaga ?? Juskoo naman, anong laban ko sa 34 na kasama kong nag aaply?? Tumango nalang ako saka nagtungo sa elavator.

Nawalan na talaga ako ng pag asa, ang hirap naman kase ng buhay. Naiiyak nako, isama pa yung pressure nila mama sakin. Hano ba namang buhay to.

" 12th floor " - sabe ng babaeng nasa elevator kaya dali dali akong lumabas. Napansin niya sigurong tulala ako. Napa Ohmygad nalang ako sa haba ng pila ng applicant na bumungad sakin. And based on my judgement, karamihan sa kanila ay babae.

"Miss, " - hindi ko na mapigilang hindi mgtanong .. Atat n atat na akong matapos pero parang hindi umuusad yung pila. " Kilala mo ba kung sinu ang nagpapahanap ng secretary? "

" Anak daw ng may ari netong kumpanya. Hindi ko din kilala ee, ang sabe sabe nga pati dito sa kumpanya walang may alam kung ano ang itsura niya " - napaka misterious naman pala. Parang pa surprise effect.

Dalawang oras na akong nakatayo at konting konti nalang matatawag nako. And guess what ako ang panghuli sa lahat. Ibig sabihin tira tira nalang ang mapupunta sakin? Baka wala n akong pag-asa kase pagod na ang interviewer. Baka naman maligwak ako dahil sa suot kong white pencil cut na palda with white fitted top na ma black na blazer tapos naka salamin pa ako

Baka masyadong formal?? Tanggalin ko kaya yung blazer ko? Wag na lang, what if yung salamin ko ang tanggalin ko ?? Kaso baka diko siya makita, mejo malabo pa mandin ang mata ko. Pero sige, nakaka aninag pa naman ako ee..

" Ayenesha Eunice Quejadas ? Your turn .. "

Dali dali akong sumunod at bago pa man makapasok, tinanggal ko na ang salamin ko.

Grabeh yung kaba ko !! Mukang mali ata na tinanggal ko yung salamin ko, kaso kase muka kong nerd na matalino :D hahahaha! Anyway, naka upo na ako at dahil mejo may kalayuan sila, hindi ko talaga maaninag ang itsura nila.

" uhmm! " - tumikhim yung isang lalaki na nasa gitnang bahagi.

" are you comfortable with, me, calling you Ayen ?? " - unang tanong na ba to sa interview ?? Haha .. Anyway, very easy naman pala.

" Y-yes sir thats ok. " - teka parang familiar sakin yung boses niya. San ko ba narinig to? Baka sa hallway kanina siguro Or sa daan ??

"Miss Ayen are you with us??" - putek na yan. Lumilipad na naman ang isip ko.

" Yes sir. Im sorry "

" anyway, so based on your resume, youve been to Saint Carline Academy, did you also take your elementary there ?? " - is this also part of the interview ??

" Yes. Sir " - sinuot ko yung salamin ko para mas makita ko sila ng maayos.

Hindi ko alam kung nakita ko na ba tong lalaki na to o may kamukha lang kase parang familiar yung figure ng mukha niya maging yung boses niya. Parang narinig ko na dati, at sa mga oras na to, hindi ko maialis ang tingin ko sa kanya. Gusto kong malaman kung san ko siya nakita, or kung kilala ko ba siya, there were instances kase na hindi ko suot ang Salamin ko lalo na pag asa bahay lang ako. Kaya imposible na kilala ko to kase pag lumalabas ako, nakasalamin naman ako.

" Anyway, do you know me? "- tanong sakin nung nasa gitna. And the fact na hindi ako nagresearch about sa company na to, so hindi ko siya kilala. Ano isasagot ko ?? Wait, titigan ko nalang kaya siya baka makuha ko siya sa charm ko. Hahahah silly!!

" uhm--actually sir, i never had the chance t-to do research about the owner of this company. But i do have an i-idea about the overview of this company. So if you would allow me, i want to discuss it to you. "

" ok then " - ok, inaral ko naman to, so hindi dapat ako kabahan .. Hingang malalim ayen and action ..

" Its a publishing---"

" You're hired, tomorrow is your first day, be here at 8 in the morning. We'll discuss your contract as well as my schedules. Ok? " - tango nalang ang naisagot ko. Dahil hanggang ngayon hindi magsink in sa utak ko na hired nako at bukas na ang start ko. Yun na yung interview ? Seryoso?? Gusto ko nang magtatatalon sa iyak at tuwa kaso iniisip ko ang dignidad ko bilang isang babae, hahaah! Kailangan may poise padin kahit na sa totoo lang gustong gusto ko nang magwala at magsisisigaw sa tuwa.

Umuwi ako sa bahay ng nakangiti, sorry naman diba. Gusto ko ngang sabihin sa mga nakakasalubong ko kanina na may trabaho nako bukas kaso napangunahan ako ng hiya ^__^ haha !

" napag isipan mo na ba yung sinasabi ko sayo anak? " - ok na sana ee. Kaso eto na naman si mama. Lagi na lang na sa bawat oras at minuto na nasa bahay ako wala siyang bukambibig kundi ang ipakilala ako kay Dave daw! Sinu ba kase yang Sean na yan at ginugulo niya ang buhay ko. Ang simple lang sana ng buhay kung walang ganitong komplikado. Bakit hindi nalang kaya nila ako hayaan na maging masaya naman sa gusto ko, na magmahal ng lalaking mahal din ako [•___•]

" May trabaho nako bukas mama .. " - pag iiba ko ng topic. Na sana kahit manlang sa sandaling ito kalimutan muna niya ipamigay ako sa iba.

" maganda yan. Pero pag isipan mo din yung sinasabi ko. Magtulungan tayo anak. " - hindi nalang ako sumagot dahil ayoko makapagbitaw ako ng hindi magandang salita kay mama. Dahil bali baliktarin ko man ang mundo, magulang ko padin siya.

Nagtungo ako sa kwarto, inayos ang gamit at yung susuotin. Hindi parin ako makapaniwalang may trabaho nako. 3 months din akong napa tambay sa bahay kaya nakakapanibago na simula bukas may trabaho nako.

Xanders POV

I don't know if She's just pretending of not knowing me or she just really don't recognize me. After almost a month simula nung pagpanggapin niya akong boyfriend niya at simula nung pagsusuntukin niya ako, ngayon hindi na niya ako kilala? Shes unpredictable, but she looks different, the first time I saw her, she's not wearing eyeglases.

Its her first day and im about to reach the company. Let's see if she really don't remember me, I think my stay here will be a little bit of exciting. I'LL MAKE HER REMEMBER ME.

Today will be the proclamation day. I don't think its really necessary kase from time to time naman bibisita ako sa mga departments so they will get to know me after that. But as theyre insisting (my parents), then I must say, Ok fine ^_____^.

" Good morning sir Xander, let me escort you to your office " – sinalubong agad ako ni mr. sanchez pagkababa ko ng sasakyan.

" Now your acting as my secretary."

" Your new secretary sir is in my office, I've already shown her the company, and some of your schedules "

" So, you took over the discussion huh. Anyway I can go directly in my office, just tell my secretary to come over."

" Noted sir."

As im walking at the lobby, every one kept on starring at me. Ou gwapo ako ^___^

but I really don't like when someone stares at me. Ngumiti nalang ako kahit pilit at dumiretso ako sa office ko. As I enter the room, may biglang pumigil sakin.

"uhhm. Excuse me po, bawal po kaseng pumasok dito, wala pa po kase si Mr. CEO. If you do have an appointment sir I can just relay you to Mr. Sanchez, siya po yung secretary. "

How am I going to introduce myself? Hi I am the new CEO. Hi I am Mr. Prieto's Son.

" oh, Actually Miss I'm --- " – I was about to introduce myself when Mr. sanchez interrupted.

" Let me handle this, Thank you thasha. You may now go. '' – and she nodded and even leave a smile on us. What a very friendly surrounding.

" Anyway Eunice, this will be your office, xempre kailangan katabi mo lang si sir para if ever he needs something or you need to remind him of His schedule --- "

" Are you done Mr. Sanchez? " - I interupted 'coz he keeps on talking and talking. ahhgg Maybe thats why he's been my fathers secretary for almost a decade, hes very detailed.

" Very well , then i'll leave the two of you. " - at tuluyan na siyang umalis..

Nauna akong pumasok sa office saka siya sumunod. she's wearing a white dress, its not a cocktail if thats the right term, its something that really fits her body, she had her blazer and she's wearing her eyeglasses. She's like a genius or nerdy type of student and those eyeglasses? it doenst fit her at all. Her hair is black and its shoulder level. i think its best if she tries to wear contact lenses...

" Sir Are you ok??? " - i was stunned on how close she was to me. and that made me hear drum beats from somewhere i dont know.

" Hey!! w-what are you doing !! " - i shouted at her and i didnt mean it. Oh God!! why did i stutter?!

" Im s-sorry Sir. " - she bowed her head while saying sorry and her voice cracked a bit. she gently massage her chest and her breathing became bigger and bigger.

" hey, ! " - She kept on massaging her chest.

" Hey Ayen .. " - she loses her strength and that made her fall.

i was stunned by that moment and i dont know what to do. i wanted to call mr. sanchez but i cant even open my mouth. what i was just witnessing is her on the floor, unconcious.

" Ayen, wake up. Ayen !! whats wrong with you .. " - i kept on tapping her shoulders but still unconcious.

" Ayen if this is a prank, then its not funny. !! "

" MR. SANCHEZ !! " - I called him as loud as i can.

"Yes. S--sir --- anong nangyare ? " - dalidali siyang tumakbo kung saan nakahiga si ayen at pinagtatapik ang pisngi niya. nakita kong may kausap siya sa phone, i cant even ask who it is and i dont have strenght to stand up and do something for her.

" Mr Louie will be here in a few minutes, He's your family doctor. Ms. Eunice was just unconcious, she's still breathing. Are you ok? . " - He held my hand and helped me stand up. I i took Ayen and laid her on the sofa, she was so light, baka naman gutom siya or hindi pa siya kumakain kaya siya nahilo.

" What happen sir? "

" i dont know. i just shouted at ----"

" sinigawan mo siya sir? That isnt you. and its her first day. "

" I know! i know, i was just stunned on how close she is to me while asking if im ok. " Thats all, wala naman akong ibang ginawa sa kanya. unless, nagulat siya sakin.

" will she be ok? " - i murmured. Then suddenly a guy entered the room with a stethoscope on his neck. Its probably the doctor.

" Good Morning Mr. Prieto, You must be the son. anyway nice meeting you. " - He checked Ayen using his stethoscope.

" What happen here ? " - Mr louie asked.

"He shouted at her. Pero hindi niya sinasadya Doc. " - He's now my spokesperson.

" She's in shock. "

" Is that serious ? "

" Yes it is, this may lead to commatose. I think she has this phobia where in pag nakarinig siya ng sigaw it doesnt matter who it is, natatakot siya. feeling niya siya yung sinisigawan. Actually, hindi naman talaga siya sakit, maybe she had this because of some experiences before. " - Commatose? seriously?

" Anyway, her breathing is now stable, let her rest. Anyway is she your girlfriend? "

" Yes, she is " - mr. sanchez confidently answered with a smile on his face.

" Mr. sanchez you may now leave this room. " - i commanded. he's saying nonsense. Girlfriend? siya? Im just a fake boyfriend.

" Okay Iho, i have to go. i have another appointment with a client. Let your girlfriend rest, ok? " - And He leave without me, saying anything, i didnt even say no when he says that she's my girlfriend.

I starred at her face, its kinda cute, ang liit kase ng mukha niya. I took her resume, and she's just 26 and I am 27. I wonder if this girl, is the same little girl i knew in kindergarten.

I took a blanket and cover her coz she's wearing a dress ..

" Sir ! 5 mins, before we go to the conference room for your announcement as the new chairman. " - It took me a while starring at her and again, i didnt notice mr sanchez, being on my side.

" How long have you been standing there? "

" Actually sir, i didnt leave at all. you just didnt notice me because you had your eyes fix on your GIRLFRIEND. "

" shut up Mr. Sanchez! someone might hear you, they'll get the wrong information. anyway, come on lets go. let her rest. " - And we headed to the conference room.

As i enter the room, Pinauna ko na si Mr. Sanchez dahil kinuha ko yung folder sa room, every single employee is in there waiting for that announcement Mr. Sanchez has to announce. Yung iba mukang hindi mapakali, naririnig ko pa nga yung sinasabi nila .

" Anak daw nila Mr. Prieto yung bagong CEO "

" Babae ba? o Lalaki ? "

" Sana kasing bait din nung mag-asawa "

Umupo ako sa may gitnang bahagi ng mga bleachers, ayoko nang pumunta sa harapan mejo nahiya nadin ako ng konti.

" Good morning Bro. parang ngayun lang kita nakita dito, bago ka? " - this is wat it feels like to be just an ordinary employee. and i like it. Do i have to speak in english? kung magtatagalog ako baka pagtawanan lang ako.

" Yah :) " - tipid kong sagot.

" Im Brandon nga pala, HR Department, parang hindi kita mamukhaan na nag apply, anyway enjoy your stay here, sayang nga lang at hindi mo na meet yung mag asawa. They're very kind bro. " - theyre my parents. I wasnt suppose to smile but i cant help it when very single employee here talks about how good my parent are.

I was busy browsing the folder i took earlier when Ayen just suddenly came out of my mind. Is she ok? How is she now? Does her breathing stable? Shall i go to her?

" Mic Test ... "

Whats the real reason of her situation? Is she hungry?

" Everyone im glad to introduce to you our new CEO ... "

Gising na kaya siya? wait! Nag-aalala ba ako? Do i like her? Definitely No! Maybe because she's my secretary. thats all thats it. Nothing more. And one more thing ---

" Sir? Sir Xander .. " - i was startled by that moment when Mr. sanchez is in front of me tapping my shoulders.

" Y-yes ? "

" the stage is yours, you may now procede with your speech. " - at yun na nga, As i look around everyone is looking at me with such amazement in their eyes. I stand out straight and followed mr sanchez.

" ahm Mr. sanchez? Can you please go to ayen, make sure she's ok. " - I whispered to him. I just wanted to make sure that she's ok.

" So its Miss Ayen thats bothering you Sir. ok i get it, i'll go to her, i'll make sure that she's ok and i'll report to you later on. She's your girlfriend--- "

" She's not my girlfriend--and could you please lower your voice, i told you someone might hear you. " - Im just a fake one. And i dont think if she remembers me.

At tumawa lang siya. May maipang aasar na naman sakin, i just hope na hindi malaman ni ahbie, she might get jealous. I look around and everyone is still starring at me, i just smiled and then i headed to the stage.

" Good Morning everyone. " - everybody is so silent, at nabibingi ako. Its so strange to be with this people na kanina lang ay parang close na close ko tapos ngayon halos lahat ng respeto ay nasakin na. Lets consider na im the new CEO, pero hindi ako magmamagaling. i need teachings from them, simula sa pinaka mababang empleyado hanggang sa may posisyon.

" Mr. Sanchez told me that this will be the proclamation of Me being the new CEO of this company. I know that no one knows me except for Mr. Sanchez because ive been in canada all my life managing my parents businesses. Please dont consider me as a boss, instead lets consider everybody as a leader. I cant depend on myself because i know i still had a lot of things to learn thats why we need to help each other. I can be a friend to you and a mentor and thats a two way street, You can be my friend and you can also be my mentor. Anyway, have a meaningful day every single day. You can approach me everytime, lets learn from each other. Thank You and have a great day. " - Everyone is clapping. they even stand out and as i look on their faces, its a look of a person full of respect.

Im starting to like my life in here. And i think im going to add some spices.