Her Inevitable Fall

KABANATA 2

After ending that call, I continued reading another three sets of articles. I'm not even a single bothered at Abellanosa's concern. His problem is his. But I need to meet him as needed, or else I might see my name on tomorrow's headline.

I'm sure whatever he has under his sleeves I can overcome it. And I never got affected by any unexpected events because they're never permanent. But my job and magazine are something permanent.

Just like my routine, I ended my job at 6:00 in the evening. Thanks to my phone alarm, it never failed me.

Everyone in the publishing house already left, as expected. But whenever there's a need for rush work, they never hesitate to work overtime.

I closed my computer and fixed my tables. Then prepared for my 6:30 in the evening meeting. I retouch my foundation and lipstick. An extra effort this time because I'll be meeting someone. Abellanosa and I agreed to meet at Alavar's, my choice since it's the closest to the office.

When my reflection in the mirror looked better, I left the building and drove to the agreed destination. I was 5 minutes early just me being punctual. I chose a table for two at a secluded part of the restaurant to avoid being seen by anyone. I sat comfortably on my chair and called a waiter. Since I missed snacks at work, I ordered a light one while waiting for Mr. Abellanosa.

Papaubos na ang orange juice ko pero wala pa ring Mr. Abellanosa na dumating. Higit kumulang 22 minutes na akong naghihintay sa kanya. Ibigsabihin 12 minuto na siyang late sa aming meeting. Tingnan mo naman ang mayamang lalaking ito naturingan pa namang head ng isang kompanya pero 'di alam ang salitang punctuality.

"Eight minutes more, Thyian. If wala pa rin 'sya, umalis ka na," sabi ko sa sarili. Huling kagat ko na sa aking chicken sandwich ng may nagsalita sa aking harapan.

"I'm sorry Ms. Valiente. I was caught in the middle of the traffic at ang layo nitong napili mong restaurant mula sa aking office," he started.

Umupo 'sya sa bakanteng upuan na nasa aking harapan at tinawag ang waiter na kaniyang nakita.

"Malayo? Bakit saan ka ba galing?" tanong ko nang nangigigil sa inis.

Hindi niya ako sinagot agad, kinausap 'nya muna ang waiter na dumating. Nung tapos na 'nyang ibigay ang kaniyang order ng hindi man lamang ako tinanong kung ano ang gusto ko.

Basto talaga ang lalaking ito, 'di man lamang ako tinanong kung ano ang gusto kong kainin. Pero infairness masarapang napili niyang pagkain pero 'di ko ipapahalata na gusto ko iyon. Kasi bastos pa rin siya sa loob-loob ko. Besides that, paano niya nalaman na ako ang kikitain 'nya? Tanong ko sa sarili. Ay baka nag-research, besides I had several pictures online. Tinitigan niya ang aking buong anyo bago tumingin ng deretso sa aking mata.

"Sa Navarro pa," sagot niya.

"E 'di dapat umalis ka ng mas maaga para hindi mo ako pinaghintay ng 12 minuto," hindi ko maiwasang magtaray.

He gritted his teeth, galit sa paraan ng pagsagot ko. Kasalanan naman talaga niya siya ang nagschedule ng meeting na ito dapat 'sya ang unang dumating.