continuation...
"Ah, excuse me." I excuse myself while we're having our lunch.
I stood, leaving my food dahil ang tagal bumalik ni Katherine. I don't know what's taking her so long. I was so closed to the area's door when Katherine bumps me.
"Ay, Sir Deej! Ahhh, s-sor-rry po. M-medyo natagalan po. Ah, t-tapos na po kayo?" She said stammering.
I put my hands inside my pants' pocket. "Sabi mo, mga interns ang kasama mo kaya hindi ka umupo sa amin." I asked her. I wanted to know the real not reel reason.
"Po? Ahhh..." She avoided my gaze as she breathed out quickly before facing me again. "Ahh Sir Deej, ano po kasi–"
Napasulyap ako sa nilabasan ni Katherine and I saw that man, Finn Robinson. Talking to someone over the phone.
Katherine looks at what I'm looking as well and I saw how that man smiles widely, waves hi, and winks at Katherine. He's flirting, I know. I'm a man too.
"Let's go back inside." I commanded in my disappointment.
Bumalik na kami sa table namin after that. Naabutan namin sila na kumakain na except for Ina who's waiting for Katherine.
"John Valle, where's Jane?" Dianna asks Katherine's intern friend.
"Ahh, si Jane po? Ahm, nasa cr po." He answers nervously conscious.
"Katherine, what took you so long?" She whispered but I still heard it. She's just beside me and beside her is John and beside John is Katherine.
"Eh kasi po Ma'am Ina, may nakausap po ako sa labas, kanina." Katherine answered.
"Really? Who??"
"Ahhh—" She was about to answer when Finn sat boast at the empty chair beside Katherine.
"Hi, guys! Oh, bakit ang tahimik dito? Magkulitan naman tayo. Energy! Mamaya ang boboring na naman ng mga speakers natin eh."
"Haha. Sir Finn, I thought you—"
"Left, Ina? I just want to make sure na ginagawa mo yung tamang tinuro ko sa'yo." He forwarded his gaze at Katherine who's just beside him.
Katherine stiffs in her position and Finn's statement made my brows knot. So, I am correct that kaya nagtagal an usapan nila because they chitchat sa labas nitong dine in the hall.
Katherine looks at me nervously before talking to Finn. "Ay, ang alin po?" She asks plainly.
"Yung inhale-exhale." Finn stated st parang wala lang sa kaniya na siya lang ang maingay.
"Ahh, so you already know each other?" Ina asks them and Finn was the one who answered.
"She was my seatmate earlier at intern. Intern natin siya!"
"Saka po Ma'am Ina, siya rin po yung nakausap ko sa labas." I knew it.
I was just here, seating. Watching Katherine be tense and nervous in my presence. She should be.
"Hindi, ang totoo Ina, alam niyo naman ako diba? Ang bilis kong ma bored. Pero itong dalawang ito."
He pointed out Katherine and John.
"Because of these two people, napa stay ako."
I arch my brows.
"Really Sir? Why is that?" Ina interviews.
"Wala silang ibang ginawa kundi magbulungan." Katherine raises her brows nung sabihin yun ni Finn and she looks shocked.
Hmmm. I wonder who's their topic.
"Kaya ako, nakinig na lang sa pinag-uusapan nila. Pero dahil sa kanila, dalawang speaker na pala ang lumagpas."
"Ehh, ahh, S-Sir... S-siguro po mas mabuti po kung—"
"Katherine, relax." Finn said when Katherine seems to be bothered. I'm enjoying this moment so far. "Hindi kita ibubuking.
So, it must be confirmed then that I was Katherine's topic that Finn overheard.
"Ibubuking? Bakit??" Ina asks.
"Secret! Hahaha." Finn is laughing while Katherine is just having no reaction, glued in her position. Guilty?
"Ma'am, Sir, sorry I am late." Another intern joins our table. While Finn is having his beastly hype attitude.
"Well, hello there sleeping beauty, Jane." Nakatulog yata sa mga speeches kanina.
"Hi, Sir."
"Hello, have a seat. Join us." Finn motioned the seat unoccupied beside him. Left side.
"Naku, kasi naman. Umidlip pa, ikaw tuloy ang topic!" Ina jokes making the intern embarrassed.
"Ahh, excuse me. I have to go to the restroom." I excuse myself. I don't really need to go but I just don't like Finn's atmosphere there.
After a few minutes, I go back to our table and Finn is distributing, more on sharing the Italian food he picked at the buffet table.
"You should try, I think nakuha nila yung lasa nung isa sa mga dishes sa Italy. I think I tasted the same during one of my layovers in Italy."
"Hala, talaga pong okay lang?"
"Huwag ka ng mahiya, Katherine. It's okay."
I was just standing there, watching Katherine taste the Italian food that Finn is boasting proudly.
"Uhm." Katherine reacted when she doesn't like how it tastes.
"Oh, you don't like it?" Finn asks as Katherine drinks her water.
"Parang hindi ko po gusto kasi po hindi po sanay yung dila ko sa mga sosyal na pagkain eh."
Finn laughs it out and I just shrugged as I sat at my chair.
"You know what Katherine, I like you." He stated that made Katherine looked away and that made me breathe out hard, getting his attention as well.
"And why are you here? This is our table." He said in a boastful manner, disrespecting me that made everyone's eye widens.
"But Sir, I invited him." Ina answered.
And I didn't introduce myself. He may already forget who I am. But I don't want to boast my name. He's not on my level.
I just remain in my seat, not reacting either wearing with just my stoic face.
"Ina, you should be gullible. Loko lang hahaha!" He jokes but that doesn't sound jokes to me. He's offending and disrespecting me at the same time. I don't like that attitude showmanship.
"Hahaha! Sir naman eh. Alam niyo minsan ay may pagka-weird talaga kayo. Anyway, I invited Mr. Ford because he is the boss of Katherine." Ina introduces.
"Teka." His reaction is puzzling. "If Katherine is working for Mr. Ford, then bakit siya nag-i-intern sa atin?"
"Ahh yes, Sir Finn. Nag-i-intern siya sa atin but at the same time, she is also the nanny of Mr. Ford's children that make him the boss of Katherine."
"You're a nanny?!" He said in surprise.
"Opo." Katherine confirms but Finn just shakes his head.
"No way! Hahaha." I didn't like the act when he just insulted Katherine's job. How dare is he!
"Opo. Yaya po ako ng mga anak ni Mr. Ford at saka mababait po sila ah. Saka wala naman pong masama sa pagiging Yaya eh." Katherine defended herself.
I wipe my mouth with my table napkin before I stood harshly. "Lunch break is over." I commanded.
My temper just boils up high at baka ano pa ang masabi ko. You don't insult someone you just met an acquaintance. I don't know why Katherine still talking to a disrespectful guy.
***
NAGSITAYUAN NA kaming lahat para sumunod kay Sir Deej na nauna nang umalis.
"Katherine, siya ba si Sir Deej?" Tanong ni Sir Finn bago pa ako makatayo.
Napakunot-noo ako sa tanong niya at napatingin nung hawakan niya ako sa braso at tapikin ito. Close kami?
"But hey, don't worry. It's our secret." Paninigurado niya at medyo naging uncomfortable ako.
"Katherine." Napatingin ako kay Sir Deej na hinihintay ako sa may pintuan. Iniwan ko na si Sir Finn at sumunod kaagad.
Grabe naman kasi si Sir Finn sa akin pero baka hindi lang niya in-expect kasi ang labo nga naman kasi. Kaya hindi mo nga naman siya masisisi.
***
NAKASALUBONG KO si Kuya sa hallway. I was going to wash area kasi we just finished our parlor games. I need to wash my hands dahil lunch time na namin.
"Snow, good mood ka ba ngayon?" Kuya blocks my way.
I stop and face him kind of annoy. "If it's about Knight Hunter Cortez, then fine. I won't be mean to him na."
"Actually, it's not about Hunter." Kuya spoke in doubt if he's going to say it.
"Okay. Then what?"
"Ahm una, gusto kong malaman mo na it's Christmas. Gift-giving, Christmas spirit, and forgiveness—"
"Kuya, will you just please tell me? Duhhh! Marami pa akong gagawin."
"Huwag kang magagalit." He said.
Nagtaka ako. "Bakit ako magagalit? It's not as if—"
"I-invite-in ko si Remo sa Christmas party natin."
"What?! Are you sure?? You gonna invite your karibal???" Hindi ko i-ne-expect yun na gagawin niya kaya ipinapaalam niya sa akin ngayon.
"Oh My G!" I stump my feet. "There's gonna be two basag-ulo freaks in the house!"
"Snow, relax. Pasko. World Peace.✌🏻"
"Well, he is not involved in my world so technically I don't have to make peace ✌🏻 with him."
"Sige na Snow, please? Basta, kalimutan na natin lahat ng away this year ha? Okay?👍🏻"
"Fine! Pero, I won't talk to him." I demanded.
"Ako ang bahala." He even winks at me before unblocking my way. G-R-R-R!
***
PAGTUNGTONG NAMIN sa floor ng Summit room, hinila ko si Katherine para magpahuli at makausap ko muna ng masinsinan.
"Katherine!"
"Oh?"
"Sandali." Pigil ko nung hahakbang pa siya kaya tumambay muna kami rito sa gilid ng grand staircase.
"Bakit??" Nakabusangot ang mukha niya.
"Kanina pa kita napapansin. Aligaga ka girl!" Prangka ko na.
"Ehh John Valle, alam na niya." Ngiwi niyang kwento na medyo bothered.
"Ay alam ko na iyan." Napa hampas ako sa hangin. "Diba nga nahuli ka niya na kinikiss mo yung picture niya sa phone mo." Dire-diretso kong sabi.
"Ssshhh!" Bawal niya bigla sa akin. "Sandali, baka marinig ka na naman. Hindi lang iyun, ano kasi... napaamin ako ng h-hindi ko sinasadya. Kasi sa totoo lang, nung nangyari yun? Akala ko talaga panaginip lang. Eh, nangyari rin yun dati nung nanaginip ako tapos tinanong niya ako kung crush ko siya. Eh, run sa panaginip ay sinabi ko na oo, crush ko siya. Ganun!" Detalyadong kwento niya.
"As in?!" Kaya nagulat ako ng bonggang-bongga.
"Oo." Nakasalong baba ko sa palad niyang sagot.
"Like yes Sir Deej, crush na kita! Ganun?" Dinemo ko pa.
"Oo." Frustrated niyang ulit na sagot.
"Edi sana ay humarap ka ng parang nag-i-sleeping beauty ka tapos nag sleepwalk ka tapos nag Katherine Bernardo screw acting ka!" Nag demonstrate pa talaga ako sa harapan niya ng may pa walling effect.
Natawa naman siya sa ginawa kong biro. "Psst! Tumigil ka na nga. Syempre, hindi ko na naisip gawin iyan. Ehh, alam mo kasi John? Nauntog na akong ganun eh kaya alam kong hindi na ako nananaginip. Saka isa pa, iyang sinasabi mo, hindi ko magagawa iyan kasi honest akong tao. Alam mo, sa buong buhay ko? Isang beses pa lang akong nakapag sinungaling sa pamilya ko at malapit ko na ring bawiin yun."
"Ang taray! Haha. Honest ka pala cyst. Oh sige halika. Samahan kita kay Sir Deej mo." Inakay ko na siya papasok.
"John Valle naman eh. Kasi naman, pwede bang tulungan mo na lang akong umiwas?"
Nagbuntong-hininga ako. "Hays, kung hindi lang talaga kita friend. Oh, halika na!" Sumuko na ako sa gusto niyang mangyari. Kawawa naman at frustrated na.
***
NAGKUKWENTUHAN kami ni John Valle nung pumasok sa loob ng Summit room.
Malayo pa lang ay nakita ko ng may tinetext si Sir Deej kaya patay malisya ako nung dumaan kami sa aisle na namamagitan sa column ng table namin, at kay Sir Deej.
"Katherine." Saktong pagtapat namin sa row ng table ni Sir Deej ay tinawag niya ako lalo pa na easy access dahil sa dulo siya nakaupo sa gawi ng aisle.
Napahinto ako ng parang robot. Lalapagsan ko na dapat eh, bakit nakita niya pa ako.
"Ah sige girl, mauna na ako sa pwesto natin." Bulong ni John Valle sa akin. Hays! Akala ko ba tutulungan niya ako?
"Po, Sir Deej?" Lingon ko kay Sir Deej.
"Dito ka na umupo sa amin." Sabi niya ngayon kaya kinabahan na naman ako.
"Po?" Kako ulit at napatingin sa mga kasamahan niya sa table.
[Sir D.-Miss L.-Ma'am I.-Ma'am D.-Sir S.]
"But there's– no seat a-available." Ayaw man tumutol ni Ma'am Ina pero ganun nga ang mangyayari dahil sakto ang upuan para sa kanila.
Hay, buti na lang. Mukhang maliligtas ako.
"Oh, no-no-no-no. I can just seat beside Mr. Robinson. Tutal this afternoon session made me so sleepy. Kapag katabi ko siya, hindi ako mabo-bore." Nakangiti si Ms. Lauren sa lahat pati sa akin nung ipaubaya niya yung upuan bago siya lumipat sa sinasabi niyang upuan. Napatanga ako. Ano ba iyan, akala ko okay na.
"There." Nakataas ang dalawang kilay niya sa akin. "It's settled." Sabi niya pa at tumayo para lumipat siya sa upuan kanina ni Ms. Lauren at para ako ang maupo sa upuan niya.
Tinitigan ko lang siya pati ang upuan. Kung kailan iwas ako nang iwas, lapit siya nang lapit. Hindi na nga ako makakalma, tapos makatatabi ko pa siya. Jusme! Tapos feeling ko pa ang special ko kasi ang mga tingin ni Ms. Lauren sa akin may ano ehhh.
"Katherine, seat here." Utos ni Sir Deej at tinapik ang upuan para maupo ako.
"Okay po Sir Deej, thank you po." Sabi ko na lang at naupo na ako.
Nag-settle ako sa upuan ko pero hindi ko magawang sumandal sa backrest tapos kinakabahan pa ako, tinitingnan-tingnan kasi ako ni Sir Deej.
Ano ba iyan? Tapos kapag tinignan ko naman siya, magtatama ang mata namin tapos magugulo na naman ang sistema ko.
Very stiff lang ang upo ko at very tense ang mga braso ko. Hindi ko magawang maging normal lang. Hays!
"Katherine."
Nilingon ko si Sir Deej. "Po?" Sagot ko bago tumingin ulit sa may podium.
"Kalma lang." Bulong niya sa akin dahilan para maamoy ko pa siya ng malapitan.
Napangiti ako, at medyo nabawasan ang tension dahil linyahan ko yun sa mansion eh. Kalma lang.
"Okay po." With all smiles ko pang sabi. Nailing na lang siya. Kakalma na nga. Pero susubukan ko hays!
***
"Tol, tara! Kain tayo sa canteen. Ang pangit ng pagkain sa party. Pautang na rin."
"Hayaan niyo na si Remo. Sumesenti, parang babae!"
"HAHAHAHA! Tara na nga. Para kang ewan, Remo!"
Magja-jamming session kami sa room so lumabas ako ng classroom para sana pumunta sa music room dahil para manghiram ng guitar. Paglabas ko ng room, nakita kong nag-aaway si Remo at ang tropa niya.
"Remo! May gagawin ka ba mamaya?" Tanong ko nung malapitan siya.
"Bakit?"
"I-invite-in ka sana namin sa Christmas Party eh."
"Tss! Tingin mo ba Storm na wala akong mapuntahan? Hindi ko kailangan maki-party sa inyo."
Ngumiti na lang ako. "Pero tol, kapag nagbago ang isip mo ay text o pm mo lang ako. Welcome ka run." Pahabol kong sabi bago ako umalis.
***
"Later, we should be enlightened by one of our guest speakers on the new aircraft maintenance technology with the view towards launching the Green MRO..."
Natigilan ako run sa nabanggit nung speaker. "Green MRO???" Sabi ko sa sarili ko. Unfamiliar kasi sa akin na marinig yung term.
Itatanong ko sana sa katabi ko kaya lang, naalala kong si Sir Deej pala ang katabi ko. Nevermind.
Bumaling na lang ako ng tingin kay Ma'am Ina na katabi ni Sir Deej. Sa kaniya na lang ako magtatanong.
"Ahh, Ma'am Ina, green MRO?"
"Ang ibig sabi—" Natigil si Ma'am Ina.
"MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. The reason why it's called green is that we're using environmentally friendly technology and machinery now. But since this is a new technology, our engineers and technicians will have to undergo training para alam nilang gamitin ng tama yung mga machines. Malaking tulong ang MRO sa pagbawas ng waste production."
Hindi si Ma'am Ina yung sumagot, si Sir Deej. Nagkasabay pa sila sa pag-explain. Nakita niyo naman, detalyadong-detalyado niya ipinaliwanag.🤷🏻
***
"WOAH! HAPPY CHRISTMAS BREAK!! YES!!!" Nagsisisigaw-sigaw ang mga kaklase paglabas namin sa building.
"Oh, kayo talaga haha! Ingat kayo sa pag-uwi ninyo!" Pahabol ko pa sa kanila.
Kasama ko sina Rigel at ang tropa namin for last-minute plan para mamaya.
"Oh guys, kita kits mamaya!" Sabi ko sa kanila bago kami magkahiwalay-hiwalay.
"Ay! I'll bring fruit salad!" Sabi ni Rigel nung maalala niya.
"Ako, I'll bring spaghetti!" Sabi ni Sandy.
"Pizza!" Contribution ni Maegan.
"Ay." Na-disappoint naman ang kapatid ko.
Snow: "Walang magdadala ng kakanin?"
Hunter: "Kakanin ang dadalhin ko."
Nagkasabay sila accidentally sa pagsasalita. Natigilan silang dalawa until they spoke again.
Snow: "Favorite ko pa naman yun eh."
Hunter: "Yun ang favorite ko."
Nagsipagsitawanan naman kami sa kanilang dalawa. Naaburido kaagad ang kapatid ko. Hahaha!
"Akalain mo nga naman Noe-Noe. Parehas pa tayo ng paborito! Hindi naman pala mga sosyal yung mga trip mo eh."
"Eh papano, natikman niya yung lutong kakain nung nanay ni Katherine. Saka yung ano– puto bumbong! Kaya ayun." Sabi ko naman.
"Naku! Siguradong magugustuhan mo yung suman sa latik ng Lola ko!" Pagmamalaki ni Hunter kaya natawa akong lalo.
"Hala! Hala, yun pa naman yung pinaka paborito ni Noe." Share ko dahil ang lakas ng coincidence.
"Excuse me, Kuya! Walang tatalo sa suman sa latik ng nanay ni Katherine." Kontra niya bago nagparinig. "And besides, hindi ko na feel kumain ng kakanin!"
"Ako rin, hindi na lang yun ang dadalhin ko." Nagtaas na rin ng pride si Hunter.
Snow: "I'll order pizza na lang!"
Hunter: "Pizza na lang ang dadalhin ko!"
Tawang-tawa na kami mas lalo pa kaming natawa sa dalawang ito, mga trip nila talaga. Hahaha!
"Are you making me asar, Hunter?" Napipikon na siya.
"Aba Noe-Noe. Hindi ko naman sinasadya na gusto mo yung mga gusto ko." Sagot naman ni Hunter na cool lang. Loko, napagtripan pa ang kapatid ko.
"Whatever! Kuya, let's go. I'll bake something na lang."
"Ay gusto ko rin niyan." Asar na ni Hunter sa aburido kong kapatid.
"Guys! Kita kits na lang mamaya, tol. Ingat kayo!" Sabi ko na bago kami magkahiwalay-hiwalay sa parking.
"Snow, mukhang asar talo ka na naman ah?"
"Luh, hindi kaya!" At nauna na siyang sumakay sa kotse. Hay, kawawang Snow. Haha!
***
INAYA AKO ni Katherine lumabas pero hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin namin dito sa labas dahil naka istambay lang kami.
"Oh ano, ready ka na?"
"Saan?" Puzzled niyang balik na tanong sa akin.
"Eh diba, magsi cr ka?"
"Ah? H-hindi. Hindi." Sagot niya. Napa-ismid na lang ako kay Katherine.
"So lumabas tayo para sa ten-minute wiwi break para lang tumambay sa labas ng cr?"
"John diba nga, iniiwasan ko nga si Sir Deej. Sabi mo ay tutulungan mo ako."
"Sinabi ko yun???" Parang wala akong natatandaang sinabi ko. Nakapangako pala ako kaya siya naniningil.
"Oo kaya huwag kang mag-amnesia-amnesia-han!"
"Eh kasi naman girl! Laos na yung powers ko sa cutie boss mo eh. Kita mo nung lalapit ako? Nung pinaupo ka sa tabi niya ay hindi na ako nakalapit nun."
Pagtingin namin sa pa gilid namin ay paparating si cutie boss niya. Kaagad namang na-alerto si Katherine at nagtago kami sa may gilid, sa hindi kami makikita.
Natawa naman ako ng pahagalpak dahil sa kaniya. Nakakaloka!
"Hahahaha!"
Hinampas naman niya ako sa braso ko. "Ikaw naman, pinagtawanan mo pa ako." Sita niya sa akin. Nahiya na bigla.
"Hahaha! Kasi naman kahit magtago ka pa ay ten-minutes lang ang itatagal. Pagbalik ulit natin sa conference room, hello Sir Deej na ulit ang drama mo girl! Hindi ka makaiiwas dun. Hahaha!"
"Eh at least kahit papaano ay nagkaroon ako ng ten-minute break na mawala sa tension."
"Katherine, face your fears and survive this predicament with flying colors. And when I say flying colors, dapat pink, violet! Uhm, ano pa ba? Magenta!"
"Haha! Ikaw talaga, puro ka kalokohan!"
"Para naman mabawasan yung tension mo. Ikaw kasi!"
Naloloka na ako rito kay Katherine. Magsimula kaninang umaga hanggang ngayon hindi na siya nakapag chill haha!
***
"Our next guest speaker is the owner and CEO of the currently expanding aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul company Ford Aviation Services."
Napatingin ako sa katabi ko na tahimik lang siyang nakikinig habang in-introduce ang pangalan niya. Ang humble at hindi mo iisipin na yun yung katabi ko ngayon, isang CEO.
"This man received several awards from the start of his MRO career and he is the youngest recipient of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer of the Year Award as given by Civil Aviation Authority."
Maya't-maya ang lingon ko kay Sir Deej na naka seryoso lang ang mukha niya habang ipinakikilala ang mga achievements niya. Sobrang humble at sobrang bait niya talagang boss. Kapag nasa bahay, hindi naman ganun ang nararamdaman ko. Pakiramdam ko ay isa lang siyang ordinaryong ama sa mga anak niya.
Nakita ko rin na sinusulyap-sulyapan ni Ma'am Ina si Sir Deej, oo nga pala. May gusto siya kay Sir Deej. Mataas sa level ng pagkakagusto ko.
"He's also constantly in the top 10 businessmen of the Philippines. Honored by Aviation Business Magazines. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Engineer Daniel Ford."
Nagpalakpakan kaming lahat na narito. Tumayo na si Sir Deej dala ang speech script niya na nasa loob PAS script holder.
Nakaka proud naman!👏🏻
***
I take over the microphone as I deliver my speech after the PAS chairman introduces me.
"This year is the most promising years for the whole commercial aviation industry. As part of the MRO's contribution to this industry, come 2021, the three leading MRO's namely: Ford Aviation Services, Chua-Becket Aviation Corporation, and JJ Aviation are going to start acquiring new tools that are environmentally friendly.
The latest tools and technologies in maintaining new aircraft are at hand and we are all working for the success of this endeavor. Tagged as the Green MRO campaign. We are working as the PAS and Civil Aviation Authority.
The feasibility studies and SWOT analysis are out. The three MRO's engineers and technicians undergo in training. We will produce more dedicated, competent, and... Green technicians and engineers to continuously help the growth of commercial aviation.
Thank you."
I went down the stage after my speech as Chua-Becket Aviation Chairman greets me. My speech was the last part of the conference as we all going to move to the after-party.
"That was a great speech, Mr. Ford, even though we are all competitors, I would like you to know that I am so honored to be with you in the same industry."
"Thank you, Mr. Chua. We both share the same vision in making the Philippine MRO Industry the leading in the Asia Pacific."
"Thank you." We both shake hands before I go as I greet by the other Chairmen who I work with the same industry. Some are familiars, some are not because it's my first time attending this Summit.
I saw Katherine going out of the conference with John Valle. I was to follow her immediately but I was blocked by the men who are greeting me formally and congratulating me.
I lost track of her when I finally got outside the conference. Where is she?
I walked to the patio leading to the huge veranda.
I saw Katherine in there, at the end of the patio. "Daniel?"
I stop to look at my behind who called me. It's Ina who is rushing towards.
"Daniel!" She called me with all smiles.
"Yes?"
"You're leaving?" She asks when she came nearer.
"Oh, not yet." I answered.
"Good. Are you going to stay for the party later?" She asked.
"I'm not...sure." I answered undecided.
"You need a drink?" She offers and I just bite my lips as I sigh.
"Ahh–"
"Wait, I can get for you." She said as she goes away. Running towards the table who serves wines.
"Ina—"
I just sighed and look for Katherine again. My brows knot when I saw her having fun and laughing with Finn Robinson like something is interesting with him. The hell!
I just stood there and watch them talk the whole time.
Damn.
***
"Okay sige po, thank you."
Sinundan ko si Katherine hanggang sa paglabas niya. Hindi ko kasi siya nakatabi nung after lunch namin. Kaya ayun, na bored ako at natulog na lang the whole conference.
Nagpunta siya sa open view veranda of this hotel. I think she's looking for signal dahil may tumawag sa kaniya.
I gave her, her privacy and after her phone call ay doon ko siya naabutan at nagulat pa siya na nandito ako.
"So, how was it?" I asked her.
"Ang alin po?" She said in her drained energy. Oh, low batt na?
"Hindi ba ay katabi mo yung Sir Deej mo kanina?" I teased her.
"Sir Finn, pwede pong tama na po muna? Kasi mamaya po ay hindi na po bumalik yung kulay ko sa mukha niyan eh." She pleases and that made me serious.
"Okay lang. Ito seryoso na. I'm really sorry sa kanina. Siguro nagulat lang ako sa whole nanny thing. I'm sorry. Sorry." I apologize sincerely that maybe she got offended. My bad.
"Okay lang po. Okay lang." She replied in her small smile.
"Pero may itatanong lang ako ha?" I said opening the new topic dahil curious ako. "Bakit ka pinag-aral ni Sir– ni Mr. Ford?" I rephrased that supposed to be Sir Deej kasi napipikon na.
She did not respond and look at me questioning face intently.
"Okay once again, hindi ako nang-aasar. Curious lang ako." I cleared.
"Uhm, mahabang kwento po yun eh. Kasi po, dumating po ako rito sa Maynila tapos naloko po ako sa recruitment agency."
"Uhm, tapos?"
"Tapos po, nakilala ko po si Sir Deej. Tapos po nalaman ko po na may ari siya ng aviation company. Eh, pangarap ko pong maging flight stewardess. Kaya naisip ko po na malapit po yun sa pangarap ko kaya nag-apply po ako sa kaniya kaso nangangailangan po siya ng Yaya para sa anak niya. Ayun, nakipag deal na lang po ako sa kaniya. Sabi ko po na magyayaya po ako sa kaniya kung pag-aaralin niya po ako."
Natuwa naman ako sa kwento niya. Interesting! "So that means na magaling kang mag-bargain?" I concluded. "Parang I can't imagine that Mr. Ford taking commands from anyone. Kung ako, napikon ako nun. Siya napikon?"
"Haha. Opo napikon po. Haha." She laughs a little.
"Okay ganito na lang, if you decide to leave the Ford Family, let me know right away. May proposal ako sa'yo."
"Business proposal po?"
"Marriage proposal."
Nalukot naman kaagad ang mukha niya at nag-iwas ng tingin sabay kamot sa leeg niya.
"Okay, loko lang. Joke lang. Haha. I was just kidding but I'm sure, give me a few months at mai-in love din ako sa'yo." That's true because I found something interesting in the character that makes her be attractive.
She faked her coughs and breathes strong sighs.
"Hep. Oh, yung tinuro ko ay huwag mong kalimutan. Inhale... Hold your breath ten seconds... Exhale ng malakas." I instructed her again.
"Wuh!" She breathed out loudly.
"Okay na?"
She nodded multiple times.
"Okay na po."
Good.
"Okay, I'm gonna tell Ina to hire you as a trainee." I told her kung ano yung kanina po pa napag-desisyunan.
"Po??? Eh Sir Finn, may amnesia po ba kayo? Di po ba na kasasabi lang na intern po ako sa Time Airways."
"Trainee..." I said again, stressing the word for her to get it. "Bilang isang flight attendant."
She stamps her foot and her face turns to knots as she whined. "Ano na naman po ba itooo? Jokeee?" She said over her stress.
"Hindi. Yung marriage proposal kanina ay pwede pang joke. But this one? I'm dead serious." I stated seriously.
"Seryoso po ba talaga kayooo?" There's a hint of joy and panic in her voice.
I just nodded twice.
"Training? Hala, training. Training! Naku Sir Finn, baka mapasigaw po ako sa tuwa nito ehhhh."
"Edi sumigaw ka. Sasabayan kita! Sumigaw tayong dalawa."
"WAAAHHH HAAAH HAHAHAHA!" We jumped in the glee of joy and us shouting out our happiness.
"Thank you po!"
"Okay. You're welcome."
"Thank you po talaga."
"Si Ina na ang bahala sa'yo."
"Grabe, thank you pooo."
"Katherine!"
"Sir Deej!" Katherine greets him in her joyful voice.
"Mr. Ford!" I greet him nung dumating siya rito, calling Katherine and interrupting our conversation.
"Let's go inside." He didn't greet me back and just look at Katherine as he commanded her.
"Sir Deej, alam niyo po ba na sabi po ni Sir Finn na kauusapin niya po si Ma'am Ina para po mag train po ako sa flying school para po maging flight stewardess na po ako!" Katherine said proudly. Grabe naman ang gratitude niya but she deserves it.
"Let's go inside." That's what just Mr. Ford's reaction. Firm and plain.
"Sir Deej?"
He grabbed Katherine in her arms. "We need to talk." He dragged her out of the veranda.
Woah! Mr. Ford's too bossy. Isn't he proud of his employee?
To be continued...