Alice's Point of View.
"Ms. Requias, I'm afraid I have to fire you," sabi ni Mrs. Palima.
Nandito kami sa opisina niya. She called me for an important talk.
Napabuntong-hininga naman ako. What is it this time?
"Did I do something that is unpleasant to this company, Mrs. Palima?" giit ko pa. "Look, I am so tired right now. Please wag mo nang dagdag—"
"It's not about your performance and contributions here, Ms. Requias".
"What do you mean?"
"It's about your past," she uttered bluntly. No. This can't be. How?
"P-Paano mo n-nalaman?" utal kong sabi. Kung alam na niya, alam na ba ng iba?
"How wouldn't I? Remember, I'm the CEO of this company. I know everything. I mean, the thought of you faking your identity is expected from a pure faker," she raised her eyebrows and smirked annoyingly.
"I did nothing wrong".
"Really? Faking your identity isn't wrong, is it? Syempre, nasanay ka na sa mga gawaing yan".
I clenched my hands. Naiinis na ako na nalulungkot na ewan. Bakit naman ako nagagalit? Kasalanan ko din naman 'to. I don't have the right to confront her. She just wants me to leave para hindi masira ang reputasyon ng kompanya.
"We don't need a conman in this establishment. You may now leave," she said and guided her left hand on the door.
"But, Mrs. Palima—"
"Ms. Requias, don't you think it's quite ironic? Trabaho natin ang ihayag ang mga TOTOONG balita. Tapos malaman ng mga tao na may isang editorial writer tayong PEKE? People won't trust this company if you stay here. Don't be insensitive. Huwag mo idamay ang ibang employees sa scheme mo. Get out!"
Ang sakit sa pandinig yung mga binigkas niyang salita. I went outside her office and went to my table. Liniligpit ko na 'yong mga gamit ko. Picture frames, pens, notebooks pati na din 'yong plant box ko. I feel awful. I didn't realize na tumutulo na pala ang mga luha ko.
"Hoy," bulong sa akin ni Niea. "A-ano ginagawa mo, ha? Bakit ka nagliligpit? Pinarusahan ka na naman ba ng bruhang iyon? Ililipat ba table mo? Hoy, tabihan kita. Wait... " she paused, "Hindi kaya?".
"Beh, I have to leave na," sabi ko sa kaniya. I wiped my tears. Ayoko nang umiyak sa harap niya. Ilang beses na kaya ako umiyak in front of her? Madaming instances na.
"Did she fire you?!" gulat na gulat siya.
"Hindi. Ako 'yong nag-resign," I lied again.
"Ha?! Hoy beh, bakit ka naman magreresign? Akala ko ba masaya ka sa trabaho mo? Hala, nagsasawa ka na agad? Grabe ka naman, beh".
Ang dami namang tanong nito.
"Hindi. Ano kasi eh..." Wala akong maisip na rason sa kaniya.
"Ano? Anong ano? Bakit ka ba kasi magreresign? Dali na, i-share mo."
Quickly. I have to think of a reason. Hindi kasi ito nasa-satisfy kapag hindi naman reasonable 'yang lusot mo.
"It's because I found a better job, beh. Better salary. And I guess a better CEO," I think mauuto ko siya dito. I feel bad lying talaga.
"Paano naman ako?"
"Anong ikaw?"
"Haller! Hoy, kapag lilipat ka doon, wala ka ng bestfriend?" giit niya with matching puppy eyes.
