Most Wanted [To Be Published]

Chapter 1

"You know that you can continue that tomorrow. Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses ka nang tumatanggi sa akin, you should loosen up a bit, Best." Naghalo ang pagkadismaya at concern sa boses nito. She even called me using her endearment. Naramdaman ko ang paglapit niya sa akin kaya lumingon ako sa kanya. "Sige na. Sumama ka na kahit ngayon lang."

Ipinatong niya ang dalawang kamay sa pagitan ng laptop ko, bahagya siyang yumuko at inilapit ang mukha sa akin. Napatingin ako sa mga mata niya. Her eyes are full of life and emotions. Mabilis kong mabasa sa mga mata niya kung masaya siya, malungkot, o galit.

That's what I like about her, although at the same time, being that transparent is what I don't like about her either. It's just sort of an irony.

Binawi ko rin ang tingin hindi katagalan. I saved the files I was working on before I turned off my laptop. Niligpit ko ang mga papeles at isinilid sa bag ko ang ilan sa mga tatapusin ko na lang sa condo. I was satisfied after sorting everything.

Late na rin, nakauwi na lahat ng mga tauhan ko ─ except for Vanessa. Inaantok na ako.

Tumayo ako at nilagpasan siya. I turned my head a bit to check on her. "You go ahead, yeah?"

Napapitlag ako nang bigla siyang yumakap sa likuran ko ngunit mabilis din naman akong kumalma. Vanessa was just clingy, she likes hugs, and apparently I was always at the receiving end ─ which I gave her permission to do so. We're friends after all, and I like her company.

"Killjoy ka talaga kahit na kailan, Ma'am Trajico," bulong niya sa tainga ko.

Umalis ako sa pagkakayakap at hinarap siya. She was looking at me again with those expressive eyes. "It's already late. Sasama na lang ako sa susunod."

"Is that a promise?"

Naglakad ako palapit sa pinto at binuksan ito. I smiled apologetically though hindi niya ako nakikita. There's a glint of hope in her voice.

"You know I don't make promises." I walked away and left her alone. There were guards anyway, sila nang bahala kapag wala na talagang tao.

Sumakay ako ng sasakyan pagkalabas ko ng gusali. I wore my headphones to both my ears, shuffled some music to play, and then I started driving right after. It's already 11:30 in the evening. I was so exhausted and I really wanted to feel my soft bed and sleep.

Vanessa's words slowly echoed in my mind. She's right. When was the last time na sumama ako sa kanya para magpalipas ng oras? Kailan ba ako huling nag-enjoy kasama siya? I don't know. I can't remember.

Masyado akong nalulunod sa trabaho. Pero mas gusto ko 'yon. I didn't mean to reject her. I just really value my time alone, I like the idea of solitude. It's way too calming and the silence was nice.

Mas nag-e-enjoy ako na magtatrabaho ako pagkatapos ay diretso uwi, iinom ng kaunti, at matutulog. Sa mga araw naman na wala akong pasok ay lagi nang may nakaplanong trip sa akin, whether I'll go out to have some fun, or stay home and relax.

Sanay na naman sa akin si Vanessa pero once in a while ay nagtatanong pa rin siya, nagbabakasaling lalabas ako sa comfort zone ko. I know she just wanted the best for me ─ to explore and enjoy and get a life outside the four corners of my office.

She's just concerned about me, I get that, and I get that she won't get tired anytime soon. That was the reason she got my attention anyway, she's not the type to easily give up.

Mabilis din akong nakauwi. I parked the car and hurriedly went to the elevator, tapped the button, and waited ─ appreciating that I was alone inside.

Pagkahinto ay mabilis ko ring tinahak ang hallway papunta sa unit ko. Saka lang ako nakahinga ng maluwag nang nakapasok na ako sa loob. Ibinaba ko ang mga gamit ko at mabilis na nagpalit ng mas comfortable na damit matapos makapaglinis ng katawan. I wore an oversized shirt and cotton shorts.