My Boss is a Freak (Published under Pop Fiction)

19: Mira

"Hi, Ma'am Custodio!"

Lumingon ako para tingnan kung sino ang first colleague ko rito sa accounting department na personal na pumunta sa opisina ko para bumati. And what I saw made me smile.

It's a guy.

Matangkad, payat, maputi. Naka-slacks at pink na polo. He looked very formal sa suot niya — until you notice his lips. Makintab at mamula-mula, nire-reflect ang matingkad na ilaw sa office.

May lipgloss.

And there's something about his voice — it's much higher than the normal speaking voice of males.

"Uhm, hi!" I greeted him back. "Sorry ha, I don't really remember all of your names yet. May I know who you are again?"

"I was named Alessandro Pinpin by my parents. But Alessandro is dead, and from him, Alexia was born — now an accountant in one of the most prestigious companies in the country."

I gaped at him, and he chuckled.

"Alexia's the name, Ma'am."

"Oh, yes. Alexia." I giggled. "Thanks for welcoming me. Call me Ma'am Mira na lang — masyado namang pormal kung surname ko pa ang gagamitin niyo."

"Okay. If you say so, Ma'am Mira." Alexia beamed at me. "Wait lang po ha? May ipapakilala pa po ako sa'yo."

Sa gulat ko ay rumampa palayo ng office ko si Alexia. And before I knew it, hatak-hatak na niya pabalik ang isang babaeng naka-long skirt at plain white blouse. The woman wore oversized glasses, and her hair was up in a messy bun.

"Ma'am Mira, this is Mary Eve Alegre, a.k.a. Mavi — born a princess, grew up a nerd."

Binatukan naman ni Mavi si Alexia. Then she turned to me and said, while looking apologetic, "Welcome to the company, Ma'am Mira. Sorry po, ha? Sinaniban na naman po ng espiritu ng kakulitan itong si Alessandro Pinpin."

"What did you just call me?" pag-alma ni Alexia. "You nerd... how many times do I have to tell you that Alessandro is dead? I'm Alexia, Miss Universe 2020!"

Mavi rolled her eyes. "Shut up, you ugly creature. Nawi-weirdo-han na sa atin si Ma'am Mira." She once again gave me a regretful look. "Pasensya na po talaga sa abala, Ma'am. Aalis na po kami ng malanding nilalang na 'to."

"No, it's okay! Type ko nga kayong kasama — I'm sure you're fun to be with." I smiled. "Pwede ba akong sumabay sa inyo for lunch?"

"Of course, Ma'am!" they replied in unison.

"Gusto niyo nga po, sabay rin kayo sa dinner, midnight snack, pati na rin sa breakfast kinabukasan," dugtong pa ni Alexia.

Tumawa naman ako. "Kung pwede lang ba, eh 'di go!"