The Least Compatible Signs

24: Connor

Pinabuksan ko ng maaga ang conference room kay Emily at pinaset up ang gamit na kakailanganin ni Mr. Santillana.

Yesterday, I asked Santillana for updates and if he can present his ideas to me. Hindi naman niya ako binigo. He said he has already come up with some.

Hindi ko na inabala pa si Baliw. Alam ko namang si Santillana rin ang gagawa ng reports for her. Isa pa, she's been acting weird lately.

Tuwing kakausapin ko siya ay sinusungitan niya ako. Parang lagi siyang galit.

Tulad nung isang araw, tinatanong ko siya if their team has already come up with plans. Sa halip na sagutin ako, she redirected me to Santillana, "Why don't you ask your consultant?" she was so sarcastic.

Wala naman akong atraso sa kanya. Sa katanuyan, siya pa nga itong may utang sa akin. Matapos ko siyang alagaan gan'to lang ang igaganti niya sa'kin?

Mga babae talaga.

Iniisip ko na lang na baka may dalaw siya kaya ganun. Pero hindi e, inaraw-araw na niya ang pagsusungit.

"Sir Connor, kamusta na po pala si Ma'am Caroline?" tanong sa akin ni Emily.

She's being too formal again. But, I can't blame her. Nasa trabaho kami and she's just being polite.

"Her transplant is scheduled tomorrow."

"Oh, I see. I hope she'll be fine. I'll visit her then."

Nang matapos siya sa pagsesetup ng projector ay umalis na siya.

Naiwan akong mag-isa.

Ilang sandali pa ay bumukas na ang pinto.

Nilingon ko ang pumasok, "You're just on time Mr. Santi--" natigilan ako nang makita ko siya.

What is she doing here?

I raised my left eyebrow. Bago pa niya ako tarayan ay uunahan ko na siya.

Hindi siya nagpatinag at pinagtaasan din ako ng kilay.

This crazy girl. What is she up to?

"And what are you doing here?" tanong ko. Sa halip na sumagot ay isinara niya ang pinto. Dumiretso siya sa unahan kung nasaan ang projector.

Binuhay niya ang kanyang laptop, "I'm sorry if your consultant isn't here today. He's got some errands to do and can't come to work."

Isinaksak niya ang projector sa port ng kanyang laptop. Maybe she'll use this room?

"I see." tumayo na ako at akmang lalabas nang muli siyang magsalita.

"And where do you think you're going?" masungit na tanong niya.

Natigilan ako at napalingon, "I'm sorry? Are you talking to me?"

"No, I'm talking to the door. Hey door! Where are you going?" she said sarcastically.

Wala akong panahong makipag pilosopohan sa kanya. Mukhang may sanib na naman siya.

"Look Ms. Tang, Mr. Santillana is not here. So I guess I'll be seeing him on Monday. I have more important tasks today. You can use this room if you want to so please excuse me."

Muli ay tinalikuran ko siya. Hawak ko na ang door knob nang muli na naman siyang magsalita, "More important than hearing me out? Just so you know, Nick asked me to present on his behalf."

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya, "WHAT?" I said facing her.

"Look Connor, I don't know what's your problem with me. Do you still want me here or what? You're treating me as if I don't exist. Sabihin mo lang if you no longer need my service. I'd be happy to resign."