Bad Times at Sunrise (La Fortuna Series #3)

Kabanata 30

"Our data says that you don't have a criminal record, Miss Vega." Tinaasan ako ng kilay ng head ng HR. "However, there are issues and articles about your past... adventures?" 

I fidgeted on my place. Pinisil-pisil ko ang kamay ko dahil sa pagkailang. That was many years ago! Gusto kong isatinig 'yon pero hindi ko nagawa. Hilaw akong napangisi. I wore a classy pencil skirt and white chiffon top for this interview para naman tumaas ng kaunti ang self-esteem ko. But the way the HR head was looking at me took all the courage away.

"Uh, yes... Pero limang taon na ang nakalipas simula no'n. I don't do those things anymore."

"Really?" mapanghusga niyang tanong. 

I know it's her job to make sure everyone they hire is deserving, pero hindi ko naman alam na kailangan niyang ungkatin ang nakaraan ko. The old Sunny Vega would've snapped by now. Pero ang nagdaang mga taon ay nagpakumbaba sa akin. I am used to this. Wala rin naman akong masisisi dahil ako ang nagdala sa sarili ko rito.

"Yes, I assure you, Ma'am. That was many years ago. 'Tsaka ipinapangako ko pong hindi magiging sagabal sa trabaho 'yong nakaraan ko. I learned from them. They are not my proudest moments, but they made me who I am today."

"And who are you today, exactly?" pangingilatis niya. "Can you please describe the new Sunny Vega?"

Napalunok ako. "I have now learned the value of hard work. 'Tsaka kung sakaling matanggap ho ako rito, naipapangako kong magiging mabuti akong empleyado. I have loved cars since I was young. Hence the articles about me crashing sports cars. I like the process behind creating vehicles that people love. I am passionate about what I do, Ma'am. Kaya... sana ho mapagbigyan niyo ako."

Shit. Was that too desperate? Normal ba 'to sa mga job interview? Siguro normal naman. But this is La Fortuna. I'm sure other graduates wouldn't beg like that. 

"Hmm." Tumango-tango siya 'tsaka nilagay sa gilid ang resume ko. Simple niya akong nginitian. "We'll call you when you're hired, Miss Vega. Good luck, and thank you for coming today."

Medyo matamlay akong bumaba mula sa palapag kung saan idinaos ang interview. I knew they wouldn't call me. Ganoon naman ang usual na linyahan kapag hindi tanggap sa mga job interview, e. 

I was applying for an internship. May background ako sa pagmemekaniko 'tsaka marami na rin akong naging trabaho. Life humbled me, but I know my skills and work ethic. If I was her, I would have accepted me! O baka masyado ko lang pinangungunahan ang sarili ko. I'm just desparate to get this job kasi naririndi na ako sa lahat ng sumisingil sa amin ng utang.

"Sunny?" Nagulat ako nang makita si Levi sa lobby.

Kararating niya lang sa kompanya. He's wearing a sleek corporate attire. Naka-necktie din 'tsaka malinis ang gupit ng buhok. Napanguso ako dahil naalala ko 'yong ginawa ko sa kaniya sa CR ng country club noon. I stripped him naked! I really was a wild kid before. I don't know if I can do those things again now that I am older, though. Matagal ko nang iniwan ang bersiyon ng sarili kong iyon.

"Lev..." I greeted.

"What are you doing here?" he asked boyishly.

"Job interview."

Namilog ang mga mata niya. Magsasalita na sana siya nang may isang babaeng naglakad-takbo papunta sa kaniya. She was wearing stiletto heels, so I could clearly hear them clanking against the tiled floor. She was wearing a floral dress na mukhang vintage. I think I saw it in display in one of the branded boutiques in the towncenter. 

"Lev! Why did you leave me in the car? Gano'n na lang ba 'yon? Kapag nag-aaway tayo, iiwanan mo ako?" she complained.

Levi looked at her a little longer before sighing. "Annie, you were being unreasonable. You keep telling me I have other girls. E wala nga. Anong gusto mong gawin ko? Manatili sa loob ng kotse at pakinggan kang husgahan ako?"