THE BREADWINNER

2.4

——,

“Thank you for joining us today, stockholders and of course, to the owner of 'The Rise' company who had just arrived all the way from Spain. Ms. Paloma Evangeline Ortega. I sincerely thanking you for attending this meeting”

I nodded and gave the finance a simple but a huge smile.

“Thank you also mister for your warm  welcome. I highly appreciate it”

Then every minutes passed went smooth. Nagkwentuhan lang halos kami dahil ayaw daw nila akong is-tressin sa unang araw ko.

Despite the joyful atmosphere in this four sided room, my heart couldn't help to ask for a help. It badly need a rescue 'cause right now, it's drowning.

I tried to ignore his presence but when I'll Caught him starring at me, it gave me shivers like seeing a haunted ghost.

“She's only 26, I wonder if she had a lover. Do you?”

I was stilled after hearing that topic. And I know they are asking me.

Nagdadalawang isip pa 'ko sa isasagot ko pero malaya ko ring naitanggi ito.

“I'm single Mister, and relationship isn't in my vocabulary”

Nagtawanan ang iilang mga matandang babae pati na rin ang mga lalaki, kaya natawa na rin ako. But when the moment our eyes met, I could see longing and anger in his eyes which made my smile swamp.

I gave him a 'what are you looking at' look.

He just shrugged and finally cut our gazes.
What is his problem?

“But why is it Ms. Ortega? Nako gusto mo rin atang tumanda ng dalaga”
There, they laugh again.

Why is my love life is big deal to them anyway? Kung kaibigan ko lang siguro itong mga 'to ay maiisip ko na lang na sinasadya nilang lovelife ko ang puntiryahin.

Kinalbit ako ni Miran at tyaka may ipinakitang papel saakin. It is my schedule. She pointed out the 'Orientation of employees' which is scheduled around 11 am. And it's already 10:47 am right now.

I fixed my belongings and bid goodbyes to my companions.

“I'm really sorry but I have to go. How 'bout let's spend lunch at the fancy restau nearby later? They highly recommend it what do you think?”

I didn't expect that they'll agree in my invitation.

Nang makalabas kami ni Miran sa conference room ay nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Parang nailabas ko lahat ng na stuck na hangin sa baga ko.
It's not suffocating in there if he's not in the picture.

“Eva ganda, kunin ko muna cellphone ko sa car, naiwan ko sa bag ko, back seat”

“Okay, just be faster, I don't memorize this building. Maliligaw ako”

She showed her thumbs up.

“Oa mo kahit kelan, be right back”
And then she ran into the elevator.

What am I suppose to do now? I don't also know where is my office. Miran haven't told me yet.

I deeply sigh and sat on one of the bench in a quiet hallway. I put my AirPods and play the music that has been with me since my heart Broke into pieces.

{play the music for imaginary purpose. 'Broken' by Sub Urban/Dnmo}

I don't even want to watch it last..

I just wanna bask in shattered glass..

Pick each fragment up one at a time..

Shards inside my skin,