A Soldier's Misery

Chapter 8

Months passed. I am enjoying and being grateful about my work. Work, shopping and home is my daily routine. One fine Monday morning I was getting my way to enter the hotel when I saw guy waving at me. At first I didn't recognized him but when he started walking nearer. I put my hand on my mouth in shock. It's Michael my childhood friend.

"Michael "I shouted his name and ran to him. I was really happy seeing him again. The last time I have news on his whereabouts is definitely on I'm still a soldier.

"How are you? Long time no see" he said with a smile on his face. Michael features is soft.

"I miss You Michael " ani ko at yumakap sa kanya. Na-miss ko talaga siya. "Why are you here by the way? "

"I ask your Dad kung saan ka nagtatrabaho. I miss you too that's why I'm here " anito.

Busy kami sa pagkwekwentuhan ng may tumikhim sa gilid. Guess what it's my boss. Skyler.

"You have work Ms. Mendoza. "anito at nilagpasan kami. Nagkakatitigan pa nga sila ni Michael. Parang may namuong tensyon sa pagitan nila.

'Mukhang may karibal ako ahh'

"What are you saying Michael?"Kumunot ang noo ko ng narinig na bumubulong bulong siya.

"I mean can we met after your work. Please Sarriene dating gawi"sabi ni Michael dahil noon palang lumalabas na kami. He hates my shopping habits but palaging namang sumasama.

"Sure"we exchange numbers so that he can call me when his here already.

After what happen last time I've noticed that the manager would give me a lot of workloads kahit hindi na sakop sa akin ay binibigay niya. Wala akong magawa kundi bumuntong hininga. I just let her do that. I keep silent.

"Ahm, Miss Lopez, the boss ask you to accompany him on the conference meeting today"imporma ng assistant ni Skyler.

"Mga anong oras matatapos "tumingin ako sa aking relo. It's 4 already. Malapit na ang out ko.

"It's probably midnight Miss " sagot nito. Tumingin ako sa manager ngunit striktong tiningnan niya ako na parang hindi ako pwedeng tumanggi kaya dahan dahan akong tumango sa assistant ni Skyler na bigla biglang dumating. It should be him right. He should be the one who accompanied his boss on that meeting. Why me?

"Why midnight? "I ask unbelievably. What kind of meeting is that?

"Some shareholders are out of the country. Timezone is different Miss Lopez and it usually happen "ani nito na parang napansin yata ang tanong sa expression ko.

"Susunod ako "tugon ko at hinagilap ang phone sa mesa. I texted Michael that I couldn't meet and he shouldn't wait for me outside because I'm going  late but as Michael as he is, he insisted to wait.

Nagtagal ang conference ng alas dose. I can't really believe it pero nang dumating ako doon totoo. When you're out of the country iba iba ang timezone. Nagmamadali akong pumasok sa lift hindi ko na pinansin ang boss ko dahil sa sobrang tigas ng ulo ni Michael malamang nag-aantay na iyon.

"Ihahatid na Kita "It doesn't sound like asking my approval.
Pagbaba ko sa ground-floor at inaasahan ko na nandito si Michael.

"Hey! Sarriene "bati nito at kahit hating gabi parang fresh parin ang hitsura. Binigyan niya ako ng jacket dahil napansin siguro ang panlalamig ko. Manipis ang tela ng aking damit kaya sobrang lamig lalo na at magmamadaling araw.

"I can drive her home "pareho kaming nagulat ni Michael nang magsalita si Skyler. He's still here. I thought he left when I didn't answer him.

Tumikhim ako at magsasalita na sana nang naunahan ako ni Michael.
"No need bro, I can bring her home safely "ani Michael at hinawakan ang aking siko pagiya sa kanyang sasakyan. Pero hinawakan ni Skyler ang kabila.