Dandelions in the Wind

25

Isang babae ang pumasok sa opisina ni Charlotte, hindi man lang nag-abalang kumatok at binuksan lang ang pinto. Maikli ang kaniyang buhok na abot tainga, matangos ang ilong, morena ang kutis at mestisahin ang mukha. Sa unang tingin mapagkakamalan siyang latina dahil sa mahahabang pilik mata at bilugan din ang mga mata. Nasa 5'4 ang taas at balingkinitan ang katawan. Elegante ang suot na puting long sleeves na V neck ang kuwelyo na binagayan ng itim na blazer, grey slacks at brown high heels.

"You got a minute?" Bungad ni Georgia at nakangiting inilapag ang brown folder sa harapan ni Charlotte.

Napaangat ng tingin si Charlotte, muling ibinalik ang mata sa harap ng laptop at kunsumidong umikot ang mata na napailing. "This better be important, for you to come here in my office at my working hours," saad ni Charlotte, sanay na rin siya sa pang-iistorbo ng nakatatandang pinsan.

Tumawa lang si Georgia at umupo sa bakanteng upuan na nasa harapan ng mesa. "I've reviewed the contract, and it seems there are a few clauses that could potentially be ambiguous. Specifically, the indemnification section doesn't clearly define the scope of what is covered." Marahan niyang inusog ang folder sa dako ni Charlotte.

"Interesting point. My client intended that section to be comprehensive, covering all forms of liability related to the services provided. Perhaps we should add a definition of 'Services' to ensure clarity," walang anumang pahayag ni Charlotte nang binasa ang folder na nasa mesa. "I see your concern. Would the client be open to modifying it to 'for cause,' with a defined list of what constitutes cause for termination?" dagdag na tanong nito.

"That sounds like a reasonable compromise. I'll discuss it with my client. Also, regarding the dispute resolution mechanism, I propose adding an arbitration clause to expedite any potential disputes." Tila nababagot na tugon ni Georgia at pinagtuunan ng pansin ang bagong nail polish na kulay dark blue at may glitters pa.

"Did you just put on glitters on your nail polish?" Natatawang tanong ni Charlotte.

"Mario's date is working in nail salon. He recommended it to me. Besides, I've seen a lot of beautiful girls, lurking in the hallway, he just like to brag his flings before you decided to fire him." Binigyan ni Georgia na nakakalokong ngiti ang pinsan. "What's up with you? Is there something wrong? You're always annoyed lately," nakitaan din ng pag-aalala ang mata nito nang tumingin kay Charlotte.

"I've been more than fair with him, giving him chances he hardly deserved. But let's face it; he couldn't win a case to save his life. He's become more of a liability than an asset." Itinuon ni Charlotte ang pansin sa pagtipa sa keyboard. "Incompetence irritates me more than anything," pagbibigay niya ng sagot sa alalahanin ni Georgia. Saglit na inangat ni Charlotte ang kaniyang tingin at binalik ulit ang atensiyon sa laptop. "Maybe I should send memo to everyone working in this firm. I will tell them to stop feeding you gossips." Napailing na turan nito. "Kung hindi lang talaga kita pinsan, puro ka tsismis," nagmukhang nanay na sinermunan si Georgia at napabuntong hininga.

Tinawanan lang siya ni Georgia. "Ha-ha, you're funny," sarkastikong wika nito. "Let's not forget, I'm the older one here. I used to babysit you, remember? And this is the thanks I get, Charlotte Marie Del Pierro?" pang-aasar ni Georgia.

Napaikot ang mata ni Charlotte. "Then act like one, why do I feel like I'm your mother? Lagi kitang pinagsasabihan. Lagi rin ako napapaaway sa ex-lovers mo. Do you really need to state my full name, Georgia Margielyn Salazar?" ganting panunukso rin niya.

Napangiwi ang labi ni Georgia sa narinig. "God, I hate my name. Why mom have to call me Margielyn?" Napakumpas pa ito ng kamay sa pagkadismaya. "Like seriously, is she drunk?" Napasandal na lang siya sa upuan. "You know I met a girl a while ago. She has this smokey eyes, she's so attractive and I can't stop looking at her," pagbabago ni Georgia ng usapan.