When the Flower Blooms

Chapter 1 - New Normal

*alarm clock noises*

"Damn. What a dream." After some time, I realized that I was lying on the floor. I must have fallen out of my bed. I reached out to grab my phone from the bedside drawer and the time 8:30 am was displayed on the phone clock.

Ha? 8:30? eh?

"PUSANG GALA! MALELATE AKO, TEKA!" I hurriedly stood up to grab whatever clothes I'd get out of the closet and went straight to the bathroom. I didn't have time to eat breakfast so I just grabbed a piece of bread from my stash and went out.

Before rushing to work, I checked my bag and made sure I got the right ID. Baka di ako papasukin mamaya.

I wore a maroon-colored blouse partnered with denim jeans and black flats. I let my hair flow out and wore glasses. Because of personal reasons, I've been living in "Masipag Ville" for almost 7 years now so I know the shortcuts in this place. Guess I'll parkour then.

After some jumps and strange looks I received from my neighbors, narating ko na din yung building ng agency. I stopped for a while to catch my breath and I instinctively looked behind me. Feeling ko may mga nakamasid sa'kin. Ano pakay nila? Ilan sila lahat?

Ah, whatever. At least nakatapos ako ng dalawang season ng anime at hindi pa rin ako nalate. Pinakita ko sa guard yung ID na binigay sa akin nung agency ilang days bago ako pormal na magsimulang magtrabaho.

"Ah, Miss Devie Raymundo. Good Morning po", bati sa'kin ni Kuya Guard.

"Good Morning din po", sagot ko sa kanya habang medyo tinutungo ang ulo.

Pagkapasok ko ay napansin ko yung mga mukha ng mga nagtatrabaho doon. Stressed at laging may kausap sa phone, or may dala-dalang sandamakmak na documents. Nginitian ko lahat ng nakasalubong ko at nagsabi ng "Good Morning". May mga ilan na ngumiti pabalik at binati din ako, pero yung iba iniignore lang ako at nilagpasan.

Sorry na kung pilit ha, hindi rin ako palangiti. Kaya kung ayaw mo ngumiti, edi don't.

Dumeretso ako sa front desk at nagtanong ng direksyon patungo sa office ng department na member ako.

"Magandang Umaga, po. Pwede ko po ba itanong kung nasaan yung office room for Fuji Month-- Aray!" sabi ko ng may lalaking bumangga sa'kin at nahulog yung documents na dala niya.

"Takte naman eh! Pahara-hara sa daan! Malelate na ako dahil sayo, bwisit!" Sigaw saken ng lalaki habang pinupulot yung nahulog na documents.

"I am so sorry, sir." sabi ko habang tinutulungan ko siya na pulutin yung documents na nahulog.

"Tsk, intern ka? Baka isa ka don sa mga useless na errand chuchu dito. Dagdag palamunin." sabi niya saken habang palayo na siya.

Huh? Ako? pahara-hara? Eh nandoon ako pumunta sa may front desk para magtanong. Malapit ako sa counter, kulang na lang idikit ko buong katawan ko sa counter.

"Ikaw nga tong bumangga sa'kin, hmp." pagbulong ko.

"Ha?! May sinasabi ka?" Luh, narinig niya yon? 

"Ah wala po, sorry po ulet, hehe." Tumalikod na lang ako saglit at baka masapak ko pa yung mukha niya. Nang umalis na ang lalaki ay saka ako kinausap nung babae sa front desk.

"Sorry about that, miss. It happens all the time. Anyways, can you follow this person right here? She'll lead you to the office." sabi sa'kin nung babae sa front desk.

A woman in her 20s appeared when I turned to my right. Singkit ang mga mata nito pero she looks flawless and fresh. Sana lahat smooth ang skin.

"Hajimemashite! My name is Scarleth, a photographer from Fuji Monthly. It is a pleasure to be working with you, Miss Raymundo." said Scarleth as she extends her hand to shake my hand. "I am also looking forward to work with you, Ma'am."