Chapter 2

Back to work:

I took my car keys on my bed side table then pinaikot ko ito sa kamay ko hanggang sa bumaba ako.

"Where are you going?" my Dad asked.

"Mackie called me. There seems to be a problem so I'm going." I said habang kumukuha ng tubig.

"You're a business woman after all."

"Stop praising me, Dad." paghihinto ko sa kanya.

"What? Isn't true?" he questioned me.

"Whatevs. I'll get going, see you then." paalam ko sa kanya.

"Stay safe!"

"Bye."

Nag lalakad ako papunta sa garahe para kunin ko ang kotse ko at iniisip ko ang ama ko.

He may be strict, but he is a caring individual. He can't see us in pain because he will punish those who hurt us. He is, after all, protective.

I started the engine on the way to the company. Tahimik lang ako masyadong malalim ang iniisip ko at lalong sumakit ang ulo ko nakalimutan ko uminom ng gamot bago umalis.

Nabibingi ako sa katahimikan kaya binuksan ko ang speaker ko saka nag soundtrip.

"Hello Good Afternoon guys! This is Miguel Terenz your DJ for today! The song ended so the next one will be Leigh Nash! Enjoy listening!"

"Been running from these feelings for so long

Telling my heart I didn't need you

Pretending I was better off alone

But I know that it's just a lie

So afraid to take a chance again

So afraid of what I feel inside."

I know this song. Dad used to sing that when I was young.

"But I need to be next to you, oh I, oh I

I need to share every breath with you, oh I, oh I

I need to know I can see your smile each morning

Look into your eyes each night

For the rest of my life

Here with you, near with you

Oh I, I need to be next to you"

Saktong natapos ang kanta na makarating ako sa company. Agad akong bumaba sa kotse ang mga empleyado nag bow sila pero hindi ko ito pinansin. Sumakay ako sa elevator at biglang umalis ang mga tao don.

"Why did you leave? You can join me."

"It's alright Miss, mauna na ho kayo, we'll take the other one." sabi nung babae.

"If that's what you want, okay." nginitian ko sila at nag slide ang pinto. Pinindot ko sa 30th floor my office is there.

The door slid out when I saw my secretary.

"Hello, Mackie. You look so stressed." bati ko sakanya.

"What happened to Solis while I was away?" Tanong ko habang binabasa ko ang papel na iniabot niya sa akin.

"I've taken it smoothly, Miss."

Tsk. Something's fishy around here.

"Sure ka? Bakit binalita sakin ni Rio may gulo daw?" napatingin ako sa kanya at bigla siyang namutla.

"Is there something you want to Tell me, Mr. Mackie de Guzman?" tanong ko ulit sa kanya.

"Misunderstanding only." sagot niya sa 'kin.

Hindi ko na lang siya sinagot at tuluyan pumasok sa aking opisina. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa kabuuan at wala pa din pinagbago. Pumunta ako sa full window glass sa harap at nakatingin lang ako sa labas.

"Miss, we need to go. May meeting pa ho tayo." sabi ni Mackie.

Huminga lang ako at nauna na akong lumabas. Nakarating na kami sa Pinto na biglang tumikhim ang sektetarya ko saka binuksan ang pinto. Nag sisigawan sila pero nanahimik agad nang maupo ako sa gitang bahagi ng mahabang lamesa.

"Spill." ma-awtoridad kong utos.

"We've been receiving threats." Mr. Argin.

"That's it?" tanong ko at napatingin ako kay Mackie.

I already know that.