Loving The Light [Cosmos Series#4]

Kabanata 6

I went out of the elevator as I heard the synchronized sound coming from my stilletos as I walked.

Napangiwi ako nang nahuli ang nagmamadaling pagtayo ni Shea nang makita ako.

This is just my first day working for the company. Archer went out of the country for a few days. Sinabi niya na saka na ako magsimula kapag nakabalik na siya, aabisuhan na lang daw niya ako.

Last day, I was in front of my laptop, talking to Prestin and my son when Archer came in Prestin's condo.

He sent me home after we went to Dasher's wake that's why he knew where I'm staying. I don't know how he got Prestin's unit number but I remember he's Archer so it's really possible that he can.

Then he personally told me that I can start my work the next day.

"Good morning, ma'am," nakangiting bungad niya sa akin.

"Good morning," alanganing bati ko.

I saw the cubicle across Shea's table. Almost in the middle of the two cubicle is the door of Archer's office.

I glanced at Shea as I pointed the cubicle. "Is this..." I trailed off, hindi alam kung paano itutuloy ang sinasabi.

"Para raw po sa bagong secretary ni Sir."

I nodded as I slowly walked near it. I frowned when I saw an elegant bouquet of flowers on the table. Is this my cubicle?

Nasa ganoon akong sitwasyon nang bumukas ang pinto ng opisina ni Archer.

"Shea, is Aurie still-" he stopped when our eyes met. "There you are." A smile immediately crept in his face.

"Sir, kadarating lang po ni ma'am," Shea spoke and I almost gestured her to stop.

Arch nodded as Shea. "I expect you to guide her..." He trailed off as he glanced at me. "Though I know it'll be easy for you, you can do it, Aurie."

My lips parted at him. Seriously, Arch? The way he encourage me sounds like I'm a kid. I bit my lower lip when I felt like I am about to smile.

"Wait." Napabaling kami kay Shea dahil sa sinabi niya. "Sir, she's not your girlfriend?"

Archer tilted his head. "No, but soo-"

"I thought he's your boyfriend?" Nangaakusang bumaling sa akin ang sekretarya ni Arch.

Namimilog ang mga mata ko siyang tinignan. "Wala akong sinabi! Hindi ko naman alam na siya pala ang iniisip mo nang sabihin ko iyon."

Her jaw fell opened. "You're implying-"

"Hindi, huh!"

"Then who's your boyfriend?"

"Wala! Wala! Imagination mo lang!" I spat.

Itong Shea butter na 'to, balak pa 'kong ibuking!

"Alright. Are the both of you done?"

Sabay kaming natigilan, para bang nakalimutan na nandito si Arch at ngayon lang muling naalala.

Napatuwid ako ng tayo. "Is..." I cleared my throat. "Is this my cubicle?" I asked as I pointed the vacant cubicle beside me.

"Hmm," he hummed.

"The flowers-"

"That's from the management."
Marahan akong napatango sa agarang sagot niya habang ang aking mga mata ay nasa bulaklak.

"Welcome flowers..." tumatango tangong sambit niya bago nagpatuloy. "From the management, yeah."

"I'll go back inside," he said after convincing hisself that the flowers' from the management.