Enter Me, Engineer ✅

CHAPTER 23

"Manang, alis po ako!" Paalam ko habang nagsusuot ng sapatos.

"Saan ka ba tutungo? Sasabihin ko ba kay sir Art?" Tanong nito.

"May kliyente po akong nagtatanong tungkol sa isang painting ko! Sayang naman po at mapagkakakitaan din iyon. Itetext ko nalang po si Art," Saad ko at nagmamadaling lumabas ng bahay at sumakay sa kotse.

While driving, I can't help but reflect on how my life has changed. After four years of pain, disappointment, agony, and sorrow, I can finally say that I am content. My dream of becoming a painter came true, of course, with the help of Artikulo.

I remember my mother's acceptance of me when I came to her in tears. When I was down, I met Art. How they help me to find my self. How they made me happy again. And I am grateful to them.

Hindi na rin ako nakibalita tungkol sa buhay niya. It's part of my moving on. And that helps me to forget the pain.

Nakarating ako sa restaurant kung saan kami magkikita ng kliyente ko. I'm excited about this because they offered a big amount on my painting.

"Ms. Rivera po?" Tanong ko sa waitress.

"Celestine Figueroa? This way, Ma'am." Iginaya ako nito sa mesa patungo sa isang babae.

I murmured my thanks to her and sat infront of the woman. I smiled before putting my bag on my lap and looked at her.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Rivera. Do I need to sign some contract?" I asked with a smile.

"Uh, Yes! Just sign it here and I will give it to my boss," Sagot nito at iniabot sa akin ang papel.

"You're not the boss? I thought it was you..." Nagtataka man ay binasa ko ang contract at pinirmahan.

"Thank you for accepting this meeting. My boss really want that painting and he also wants to see you personally but hindi niya pa alam kung kailan dahil busy pa siya.."

I nodded and smiled.

"No problem! Anytime naman ay pwede ako pero huwag lang tuwing friday dahil may pinupuntahan ako," I said and I saw how her eyes widened.

"Anong pinupuntahan mo?" Tanong nito.

Even I'm confused why she's asking it, I still answered. "It's usually my break and I'm meeting someone."

"Who?"

"Artikulo De Vega. Do you know him?" I asked.

"Mr. De Vega?! I know him! He's the lawyer of the corporation where I work!" She exclaimed that made me chuckle.

"What corporation ba?" Tanong ko.

I saw how she became pale for a second as she looked at me.

"Ah—Hindi ko daw po kasi dapat sabihin sa inyo, utos ni boss. Siya nalang daw po ang magpapakilala kapag magkita na kayo..." She smiled awkwardly.

Tumango-tango nalang ako kahit patuloy na pinagtataka ang kinikilos niya. She seems awkward to meet me but however, I needed the money.

Nagpaalam na ako bago lumabas ng resto. Gaya ng nasabi ko kanina ay itinext ko si Art.

To: ArtSupot
Hey! I meet some client kaya wala ako sa bahay pero papauwi naman na ako.

I hid my phone and ride my car. Nasulyapan ko pa si Ms. Rivera na may kausap na lalaki at tila ba'y seryoso ang pinag-uusapan. I just shrugged it off before I went home.