Kabanata 4
"Just fucking send me the contract right now or else I'm going to fire you all!"
That was the last thing he said on the phone as he was met with a barrage of excuses from the employees.
He couldn't accept it. That document should have been given to him a long time ago, and hell, it was incredibly important! Kung hindi pa naulit sa kanya ng representative ng supplier ay hindi niya malalaman.
And that's the reason why he was so infuriated on that afternoon.
Sa totoo lang, hindi dapat ito ang ginagawa niya. Naroon lang dapat siya sa bar, nagpapakasaya at walang problema.
This was all his mother fault! Kung hindi lang siya nito binantaan ay hindi niya muling tatanggapin ito.
Apat na buwan na rin ang nakalipas nang magsimula siya. Wala man lang magandang nangyari sa mga nagdaang panahon. Masyado siyang abala sa kompanya. Ni para sariling oras ay wala siyang mailaan. Pati appointment sa isang sikat na magazine na gustong i-featured ang brotherhood nila, nakaligtaan niya. Tuloy ay hindi siya nakarating.
At that time, he was in China negotiating with Lim Tech. Thankfully, he was able to secure the deal, so his disregard for the appointment didn't turn out to be in vain.
Mabuti na lang at naintindihan din siya ng mga staffs, pati ng mga kaibigan niyang ilang oras yata siyang hinintay. And to make up for his mistake, he sent a gift to the company as soon as he got home.
Narinig niya kapagkuwan ang pagbukas ng opisina. Hindi siya nag-angat ng tingin o binigyan ng pansin ang taong dumating. He's busy with his work. Wala siyang panahon para tapunan ng atensyon kung sino man iyon lalo na kung hindi maganda ang ibabalita ng taong maririnig niya.
Noong isang araw pa siyang nakakarinig ng masamang balita kaya mainit araw-araw ang ulo niya. At ang huling ibinalita ng mga ito ang lubos niyang ikinagalit.
Isa pa niyang isipin ay ang delay ng production at delivery na ngayon ay kasalukuyan niyang pinagtutuonan ng pansin.
Biglang nasira ang makinang ginagamit. May isang linggo nang naka-tengga at hindi pa rin natutugunan. Nasisiguro niyang maraming mawawala sa kanila dahil doon. Kaya naman tumawag siya sa taong in-charge para itanong kung anong status na noon, ngunit nanatiling hindi iyon maayos.
He requested to immediately buy the new one kung talagang wala ng pag-asa at mahirap na iyon gamitin, and he also asked for the best engineer if they can do something about it.
Sinunod iyon ng empleyado. Binigyan niya rin ang mga ito ng palugit na dapat sa panahong iyon ay ma-reach ang quota na sinabi niya. Na kung kakayaning higitan pa iyon ay gawin nila.
Iyon lang ang tangi niyang magagawa sa ngayon. Hihingi na lang siya ng palugit sa dealers. At sisiguraduhin niyang magiging maayos iyon. He'll just deal with the expenses later. He's already under too much pressure and can't afford to just let it be.
He called her secretary. Pumasok naman ito.
"Return all of that to the respective department. Tell them to work on it immediately since we are running out of time. I am expecting results next week. Please emphasize it to them." Seryosong aniya.
"Noted po." Tanging tugon nito at sinikop ang lahat ng iyon, agad ding umalis.
The next thing he went to check is the newly submitted designs for the next model he requested a month ago.
Unang pahina pa lang, salubong na ang mga kilay niya.
He didn't know whether to laugh, feel annoyed, or get angry at the contents of the document.
Are they treating him like a joke?
Those designs lacked innovation and seemed like mere replicas of previously released products. Some even had elements blatantly copied from other brands.
"What a waste!" He hissed as he violently crumpled the document disappointedly shaking his head.
Kaya naman agad ibinasura niya ang papel na iyon at nagpatawag ng meeting sa susunod na linggo.
He's really done!
He rested his head on his chair, frustrated and annoyed. This is not what he expected when he accepted this work.
How the hell did Irhia and his father make it on top when his employees were not that efficient and productive?
He glanced at the stack of papers piled up in front of him, feeling overwhelmed. He didn't want to resume his work again.
Wala na siyang pag-asa. Tiyak niyang hanggang matapos ang linggo ay puro stress lamang ang makukuha niya.
Nahilot niya ang sintido. Literal na pumipitik iyon, stress sa mga gawain, na ngayon niya lang naranasan sa tanang buhay niya. Hindi naman siya pwedeng magpahinga.
Hangga't hindi niya naaayos ang mga problema, wala siyang karapatang tumigil lalo na at lahat ng nasa harapan niya'y kailangan na at hindi maaaring ipagpabukas.
Hindi naman siya basta na lang pipirma. Kailangan alam niya ang lahat ng naroon dahil hindi siya pwedeng magkamali.
One mistake from him could mean a significant loss of money for the company. He wouldn't allow the past to repeat itself. He was done with that phase; he had learned his lesson. So, he would do everything to keep his family's business name at the top.
Pumikit siya at pinilit irelaks ang sarili.
Sandali lamang ay nakarinig siya ng yabag palapit sa direksyon niya.
He didn't pay attention to that because his full focus was on getting some rest even for just a few minutes. Besides, he was already used to random people entering his office which are often women he couldn't even remember. He was also accustomed to the slamming of his door. He was sure he had offended those women who tried to approach him but didn't bother to give any of them attention, so in the end, he just shrugged and sighed at those scenes.
He had no enthusiasm. He didn't care anymore. There was only one reason he became distant from women. It was because of that gorgeous woman who captivated his body and soul!
"Kuya!"
Gulat ang rumehistro sa mukha niya nang sipatin niya ng tingin ang taong nasa harap niyang may malapad at matamis na ngiti.
"What are you fucking doing here?" Nakakunot noong asik niya rito.
Umupo ito sa harapan niya.
"You're so funny, kuya." Halakhak nito.
Nagtaas siya ng isang kilay. "I've been here for a while now and watching you while you work. Didn't you even notice me opening the door earlier?" Nangunot ang noo niya. He couldn't accept the fact that he was so busy and didn't notice what was happening around him. "I even heard you cursing non-stop at various employees here. It seems like you're scolding everyone."
Pinagkrus nito ang mga binti at ngingisi-ngising pinagmamasdan siya, tuwang-tuwang pinapanuod ang ekspresyon niya. Meanwhile, he was torn between heaven and earth due to extreme stress. He only became more irritated seeing her and being visited by her in such a state.
He would never forget how she abruptly left him, how she handed over the company to him, and now it's making things difficult for him like this.
But now that his sister is here, perhaps it's enough to hand back the position to her. Because, honestly? He has no intention of staying here for the rest of his life. He can't handle it.
The business he worked so hard to build, that should be his priority. That should be where he focuses his attention. But what happened? He left the care of it to the manager of his bar, whom he trusts deeply!
"It's good to know you're back. You can now replace me here then, little brat." Mariing sabi niya at dinampot ang papeles na naroon.
"Na-uh! You're now the president, Kuya. It was officially announced, right? You can't give it back to me now. Especially, Dad—"
"Will you just shut up and leave if you're not going to take this from me?" He cut her off irritated.
"I'm sorry, Kuya," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
"In fact, you've been the heir to our business since the day you were born. I never wanted to run the company... and you know from the very beginning that I wanted to pursue my own path." Inabot nito ang kamay niya habang marahan na nakatingin sa kanya. "I only took over the company temporarily while you were still struggling with your guilt. Please, Kuya... just accept the fact that this is your destiny," she pleaded, squeezing his hand gently, leaving him with no choice but to sigh heavily.
"I don't think I can still do this, Irhia." Tanging aniya.
"You have to embrace everything you have now, kuya. You deserve this." Sabi pa nito habang nililinga ang kabuoan ng opisina na pinabago niya ang disenyo.
Tumayo ito at naglakad lakad sa kalawakan ng opisina. Sinundan niya ito ng tingin.
"By the way, congratulations for reaching the quota within just this month." Nakangiti nitong sinabi sabay binalingan siya.
"Everyone here likes you. Their salaries are increasing because of what you're doing, and despite you being a ruthless boss, they love you because of the positive impact of your decisions and hard work for this company," she added. "I will never regret leaving the company to you. You really did a great job. Thank you, and all I want for now is to make you accept all of this. This is all yours, dear brother."
"And you think I don't need you here?" Nakataas ang isang kilay na tanong niya sabay pinirmahan ang pangalawang papeles na binasa niya habang nagsasalita ang kapatid.
"Of course!"
Bumalik ito sa harapan niya. Nagulat siya nang higitin nito ang ballpen sa kamay niya pati ang papeles na binabasa.
"What are you doing?" Naguguluhan niyang tanong.
"You know what, Kuya? I missed you so much. Take a break for now. You've done a lot for today. Besides, I just got home from Amsterdam, so it's best if you treat me to dinner. It's getting late, and most of your employees have already gone home. You might be the only one left here."
"So, you just came here to ask me out for dinner?" he asked with a puzzled expression.
"Uh-huh! I know you can't resist your beautiful little sister," she said with a grin as she quickly pulled him up, leaving him with no choice but to grab his cellphone, coat, and keys from the table and let himself be dragged out by his sister.
"Damn you, Irhia Fabregas." He said under his breath as his sister pulling him out.
"And I love you, Kuya." Sabi nito sabay kinindatan siya kaya napangiti't napailing na lang siya dahil sa totoo lang, namiss din niya ang kapatid niyang minsan lang yata magpakita.
"No, Irhia! I can't." Protesta niya sa paanyaya ng kaibigan.
Kababalik lang nila galing sa isla ni Reeve. After three days, babalik na rin sila sa U.S. at sa halip na manatili sa isla sa naturang araw, wala siyang nagawa kundi manatili sa condo na pagmamay ari rin nito.
Wala sana silang balak umalis doon, inanyayahan lang sila ng tita ni Brix sa isang dinner kahapon.
Their Tita Vara was particularly upset at them because they didn't even inform her that they were on a vacation in the Philippines. Nahiya naman siya kaya nagpasya silang mag-asawa na paunlakan ang mga ito. Masaya rin naman siya dahil nagkitang muli sila ni Raia. Ito ang pinaka-close niya sa pinsan ni Brix, kapatid ni Reeve. Medyo marami rin kasi silang pagkakatulad sa mga hilig. Kaya naman naging close niya agad ito. Gano'n din ang Tita Vara niya na sa edad nito ay mukhang bata pa rin kung tingnan at hindi nalalayo sa kanila.
Nag-enjoy din talaga siya sa mga ito. Marami ring mga kwento tungkol sa mga nangyayari sa Pinas.
She was even invited to stay in here permanently. Tempted siya pero hindi pwede at hindi niya gugustuhin. Ayaw niyang habulin siya ng sariling multo sa bansang ito dahil dito siya unang nagkasala kay Brix.
"Luna, pagbigyan mo naman na ako, nakakatampo ka na talaga."
Nagbalik siya sa reyalidad nang marinig ang pagmamaktol ni Irhia sa kabilang linya.
Muntik na niyang makalimutan na kausap niya nga pala ito kaya agad doon nabuhos ang atensyon niya.
Niyayaya siya nitong sumama sa party na gaganapin sa mansion ng mga ito. It was her grandparents anniversary at taon-taon, they celebrated it kaya alam niyang kapag gano'ng petsa ay umuuwi ito ng Pinas.
Kung tatantyahin niya, malaking party ang magaganap dahil alam niya kung gaano kayaman si Irhia.
Being a Fabregas, she knew how extravagant it would be. At kahit na gusto niyang sumama sa kaibigan, hindi niya kaya.
Kung pwede niya lang ikulong ang sarili sa loob ng condominium na ito, gagawin niya. Huwag lang magkrus ang landas nila ng estrangherong lalaking iyon.
She assumed it was possible to meet him at any moment because they were in the same place. She knew how small the world could be, so it was indeed possible. She also knew how fate could play out so she decided to avoid it.
She would preempt it and not let herself become a victim.
"I don't think Brix will let me out. Besides, I really don't want to, Irhia. Please, just come here if you want. I don't even have clothes for that occasion. Let's just hang out here for the whole three days if you want," she reasoned.
"What do you mean he won't let you? After hiding from me that you're here in the Philippines, you're going to refuse me? I should be angry at you! And if clothes are your concern, give it to me 'cause I will bring you party dresses as much as you want!" she said angrily, insisting persistently, which left her with no choice but to close her eyes tightly in response.
"Irhia, hindi kasi pwede." Pabulong niyang sinabi, kagat kagat na ang labi.
Hindi niya alam kung paanong pagtanggi ang gagawin niya. Nagi-guilty na rin siya rito pero wala naman siyang magawa kung hindi tumanggi dahil hindi pa siya baliw para lumabas sa lungga niya.
"Ano bang hindi pwede? Brix even told me I'm free to give you a tour here. If I hadn't called Auntie, I wouldn't have known that you and Brix are in vacation here!" she continued, her resentment evident in her tone, leaving her to sigh heavily, unsure of what to say, so she remained silent.
"Can't you pay me a visit just once?" Pagsusumamo pa nito. "Gusto lang din naman kitang ipakilala sa pamilya ko, since you're my only best friend!"
"Irhia, you can ask or invite me in US anytime you want, but not here! Kahit mag-club pa tayo, fine. I'll go with you." Tanging nasambit niya.
"Teka nga! Bakit ba parang takot na takot kang lumabas o umalis? Did anything happ—"
"Wala! It's just..." Nakagat niya ang labi niya, hindi maituloy ang sasabihin dahil hindi niya alam ang idudugtong doon.
Narinig niya ang buntong hininga nito. Alam niyang nauubos na ang pasensya ng kaibigan at wala siyang magawa kundi tumanggi rito.
"I'm losing my patience, Luna. I have no idea why you're being like this. You don't even tell me what's going on!"
Hindi siya umimik. Nagtatalo na rin ang isip niya kung pagbibigyan ito o hindi pero nananaig ang takot niya para sa sarili.
"I'm warning you for the last time. If you won't come with me, friendship over."
Nagulat siya.
"Irhia naman... don't do this to me, please." Pagmamakaawa niya.
"Kilala mo ako, Luna." Pagbabanta pa rin nito.
She bit her lip.
Irhia wouldn't utter a word if there wasn't substance behind it. Her friend's threat held weight, and she was afraid because, truth be told, she couldn't afford to lose Irhia as her friend. Gaya nito ay ito lang din ang tanging kaibigan niya na itinuring na rin niyang kapatid.
Why is she always like this? She's always being cornered, with no choices and not allowed to refuse, always the one who gets manipulated and gives in because she has no escape.
This woman really always gets what she wants!
"Decide, Luna. The time is ticking."
Napalunok siya sa tono ng pananalita nito.
She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping as she shook her head.
"Fine! Just come pick me up. I'll forward you my exact address," she said reluctantly.
She heard her friend's cheerful laughter from the other line, excited and pleased with her decision.
Meanwhile, she felt like the weight of the world had descended upon her, contemplating what might happen, filled with nervousness and fear even though it was still tomorrow.
"Okay then, Mrs. Madrigal. See you," she said before quickly ending the call.