My Boss is a Freak (Published under Pop Fiction)

18: Vren

In the end, I still led Ms. Custodio to the company clinic. Mahirap na, baka masisi pa ako kapag lumala ang kondisyon niya.

Tatanggi pa sana siya, pero nang ipaalala ko sa kanya kung sino sa aming dalawa ang boss, well... of course, she had to relent.

"Good morning, Sir Vren," bati ng nurse na naka-duty nang mapansin niya ang pagpasok ko. She looked mildly surprised, actually. Napakadalang ko lang naman kasing mapadpad sa parteng ito ng building.

"Good morning. Can you please attend to our new accounting department head's needs?" I gestured to Ms. Custodio. "She injured her foot last week — it's still a bit swollen."

I watched as the nurse made her sit on a chair, then proceeded to inspect her foot.

"Nurse, okay lang po bang mag-wedge na ako? Kaya ko na naman po."

"No, ma'am." The nurse shook her head. "Mamaya niyan, mapasama po ang hakbang niyo. Imbes na pagaling na siya, baka ma-injure na naman."

Ms. Custodio glanced at me, and I gave her a what-did-I-tell-you look in return.

"Ganoon ba?" She sighed. "Paano kaya ito? Hindi naman ako pwedeng magyapak dito." This time, she gave me a reproachful look. Like it was my fault she chose to wear those shoes?

"Wala po ba kayong baon na mas komportableng footwear, ma'am?"

"Wala, eh. Imi-meet ko pa naman ang mga taga-AD ngayon. Ano na lang ang sasabihin nila kapag napansin nilang walang sapatos ang bagong department head nila?"

The nurse chuckled. "Don't worry, ma'am. Ako po, may extra doll shoes dito. Mukha namang magka-size tayo. I see no danger if you wear flats."

"Talaga? Naku, hulog ka ng langit!" Kulang na lang ay yakapin ni Miss Loudmouth ang nurse. "Pahiram muna, ha?"

****

"This is Ms. Mirathea Custodio, our new accounting department head," I told the people of AD, by way of introducing their new colleague.

They greeted her in friendly manners, yet it was evident that they were surprised — first time na may bagong empleyado akong sinamahan para ipakilala sa mga kasamahan niya, on her onboarding.

Kung bakit ko iyon ginawa, hindi ko rin alam. I admit, there are really times when I don't understand myself — and I hate it when that happens. Sarili ko na nga lang, hindi ko pa maintindihan?

And what's even more irritating is that of all people, right now, it's the annoying woman beside me who's giving me these mixed-up feelings.

What's with this Mirathea Custodio?

****

Later in the day, I was to be found inside my office, already engrossed with work. I finally left Miss Loudmouth to her own devices — malaki na siya; siguro naman ay kaya na niyang asikasuhin ang sarili niya. I've been sidetracked more than enough.

I should've known better than to expect peace for the rest of the day, though. At some point ay sumulpot naman si Vince sa aking opisina.

"Hey, bro," bati niya sa akin na animo'y wala lang sa kanya na nakakaabala siya.

It's no use asking kung ano ang ginagawa ng abnormal kong kapatid sa Medialink. Ganyan talaga siya — parang kabute na bigla na lamang lilitaw.

"Hey bro your face," I answered him, lifting my gaze off my laptop. "I'm busy, Vince."

"Wow." He sniggered. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Vren."

"Stop fooling around — marami akong ginagawa. Fuck off if you only went here to waste my time."

"Nope. Not here to waste your time, I'm afraid. I'm here to claim payment, actually."

"What? Payment for — oh." Natigilan ako nang mapagtanto ko kung ano ang ibig sabihin niya. Tapos ay sarkastiko akong tumawa. "What the hell... Seryoso ka talaga na sisingilin mo ako sa paggamot mo sa babaeng 'yon?"

Vince chuckled. "Of course I am."

"Fine. Name your price, then."

"Gusto ko lang namang tulungan mo akong mapalapit kay Mira," my brother replied with a grin.

"Come again?" I gaped at him. "Ako, tutulungan kang mapalapit sa babaeng 'yon? Jesus." I let out a disbelieving laugh. "In case you haven't noticed, we hate each other's guts. So tell me, sa paanong paraan kita matutulungang mapalapit sa kanya?"

Vince shrugged, his grin widening. "The opportunity will present itself in due course."

"Go away, you fuckwit. Tantanan mo ako sa kalokohan mong 'yan." I gave him a contemptuous look. "Kung gusto mong ligawan ang babaeng 'yon, 'wag mo na akong idamay."

Ako, magiging tulay para mapalapit ang siraulo kong kapatid kay Ms. Custodio?

No. Freaking. Way.