So It's You

Chapter 20

Darren

We're on the way to my Lolo's office and it feels like I'm inside a cell. Where I don't have anyone to talk to.

Ang tahimik kase ni Athena, hindi ko alam kung kinakabahan or what not. Well, she looks stunning in her colored pink halter dress and black 3" heels.

"Wala kang balak magsalita?" Basag ko sa katahimikan. Tumingin lang siya sakin at umirap. "Ay taray"

"Maliit na bagay" Sagot niya habang nakatingin sa bintana.

"Athena, I still love you" Bigla kong naipreno ang kotse dahil sa pagkabigla sa sinabi ko.

"Tell me those exact words sa harap ni Mindy" sabi niya ng nakangiti. At nagsuot na ng earphone.

Medyo matagal ang byahe namin kase traffic. As usual nakatulog na naman siya.

"Athena, gising na" Agad naman siyang bumangon at bumaba ng sasakyan. Sumunod na ako pagkatapos siguraduhin na nakalock na ang kotse.

Naabutan ko siya sa receptionist area.

"Hello Ann, Lolo is expecting us"

"Hi Ms. Darren. Proceed na po ako sa conference room" Nagthank you ako bago sumakay ng elevator.

"So you're not going to brief me? On how to act and what to say in front of you grandfather?" Basag ni Athena sa katahimikan. Nakasakay kami sa private elevator.

"Just be yourself and stay calm. Let's go" Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya tiningnan lang niya ako pero hindi niya tinanggal.

**knock knock**

Bumukas ang pinto at niluwa and secretary ni lolo.

"Hello Darren, your lolo is waiting inside. Come in"

"Thank you Gaile" Naramdaman kong humigpit ang hawak ni Athena. "Relax, He's not going to bite you" Pang-asar na sabi ko. "Hello Lo, This is Athena"

"No need for introduction, I know her well"

"Yeah, with all your private investigators? I bet you do" Siniko ako ni Athena.

"Hello Sir" Pormal na bati niya.

"So, what brings you here?"

"She said hello, you're supposed to respond aren't you?" Siniko uli ako ni Athena. Napipikon ako Kay Lolo. Ganito siya kacold palagi pag may kasama akong babae. Feeling niya kase gold digger.

"Again, what brings you here?"

"Ahmm. Sir, andito po kami kase gusto lang po naming makiusap" Hinawakan ko ng mahigpit ang kamay niya to tell her to stop.

"Remember the cake shop that you pulled out from our suppliers?" Kumunot noo si Lolo. "Don't tell me your memory is not working fine anymore." Sarcastic kong tanong. At umani na naman ako ng siko galing kay Athena. "Okay, yung kapatid nung lalaki na nakaaway ko." Tumango na siya it means naalala na niya.

"What about them?"

"I want them back as one of our suppliers."

"Sure. In one condition"

"What?" Galit na tanong ko. "There's no condition, just put them back"

"There is and it has nothing to do with you. Miss Hernandez I want you to be the model of our cosmetics team for this month and also I want you to organize the welcome party for my son"

"Ano to si Athena bago mong secretary?"

"Deal or no deal. I still have meetings to attend. Talk to Gaile about your decision. Goodbye" Naglakad na siya palabas pero tumigil sa bandang pintuan. "It was nice to see the girl who caught my granddaughter's love. Be wise" At tuluyan na itong umalis.

"Shit!" Sigaw ko paglabas ni Lolo.

"I'll accept it."

"What?" No way."

"Ikaw ba and magpopose at mapapagod? Hindi naman diba?" May point siya. "I will accept it. No more talking. Just go to Gaile and tell her my decision" Aangal pa sana ako. "No more talking" No choice akong pumunta sa labas at kinausap si Gaile.