OS #1: Chain Of Restrictions

30th Restriction

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"Hija, This is Vaughn Hugh Noriegez. He is an on-the-rise engineer. Nasabi na ba sayo ni Eurika ang kanyang mga naging achievements?" Tito as we head towards a table.

Habang patungo roon dama ko ang matiim na titig sa aking likuran. Patago akong umirap sa hangin, alam kung kanino iyon.

"Opo, Eurika suggested him to be our candidate engineer sa meeting."

As I take my seat, I naturally leaned down much more than usual.

Nakita ko naman ang pagtaas ng kanyang makapal na kilay habang nakatitig sa biyak na kita sa suot kong damit.

Eyes up here, mighty.

May lumapit na waiter kung saan may dalang red wine. Patago akong natuwa ng makitang paboritong inumin ko 'yon.

I gestured for him to fill my glass where he immediately carries out. Filling my glass, I deeply stared at it in awe. While pouring, It was in a shade of pink then it turned into dark red.

How wonderful.

Pumunta naman ang waiter sa kabilang banda at nilagyan din ang kani-kanilang mga baso.

"Vaughn, Ms. Salvernon, and I would like to talk to you about this deal."

Kinuha ko ang aking baso at sumimsim roon habang tinatanaw si Eurika.

Nakaupo ito sa kabilang banda ng mesa na parang linta kung makakapit sa braso ng katabi. Napatingin naman ako sa kinakapitan kung saan ang mga abong mata nasa akin, pinapanood ang aking galaw.

I slightly scoffed at him. "Yes. We are currently looking for an engineer for our hospital's expansion." Staring at his eyes, I uttered.

His eyes move towards my hand where I calmly swirl my wine around before parting my lips to take a sip.

"Hijo. Marami ka ng offers 'di ba?" Tanong ni Tita.

Napatingin naman ako sa aking harapan. Watching his face turned to face Tita where his long nose is visible in my view.

"Yes."

It was a simple answer but it gave me goosebumps.

His deep and serious voice just made me remember how mature he has now become.

How ten years made us change into someone who's now more capable and independent.

How we are now... distant.

"May naplanuhan ka na bang kukuning proyekto sa mga nagraramihang offers?"

Nilingon niya si Tito at seryoso ang tingin na sinagot ito. "I still have a project that's currently in progress. Thus, I don't have plans yet to receive jobs from... 'anyone'."

Bumalik ang kanyang tingin sa akin kung saan agad kong sinalubong, nagpapahiwatig na ako ang tinutukoy.

Hindi ko naman mapigilang maitaas ang aking kanang kilay, questioning that particular 'anyone'.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa baso bago muli akong uminom roon. Mahinhin akong napatawa at binalik ang mga tingin sa taong nasa harapan na matiim pa rin ang tingin sa akin.

"Hmm. I don't think, I'm just... 'anyone', Mr. Noriegez."

I saw his jaw slightly clenched as he looks away, avoiding my eyes.

Kita ko rin kung paano naging alerto ang mga tingin ni Eurika, may ibang nahagip na kahulugan sa pagsabi n'un.

Napatigil din ang mag-asawang Veñiosa at binigay sa akin ang buong atensyon. Relax, people.