The Devil's Twin

Chapter 17

Triple scheisse! I'm super mega ultra late na for my first day at the firm! It's the wine from last night's fault.

"Grabe, you're THE girl," wika ni Sofia nang malaman niya ang tungkol sa amin ni Inigo.

"Yes, I am. Pero, you're his girl na kaya no worries," sabi ko at kumain ng main course. Narinig ko namang binuksan ni Inigo ang wine na nakahapag.

"To new beginnings," he said as he raised his glass for a toast. We all replied and cheered. One glass was followed by several ones. I told myself to stop but the wine kept flowing. 

I don't even know kung paano ako nakabalik sa condo ko. Maybe Vier took me back... Pero, right now, kailangan ko talagang magmadali dahil kung hindi, malalate talaga ako sa trabaho!

Scheisse!

Dali-dali akong bumaba ng condo at kinuha ang sasakyan ko sa parking lot. Buti na lang hindi traffic!

Pagkapasok ko sa firm ay dinala ako ng guard sa office ni Mr. Limcuando, ang may-ari ng firm. I was told to report to him muna on the first day para masabihan niya ako kung anong gagawin. Pagkapasok ko sa office niya, I saw a woman, about the same age as me, and on some angles, may pagkakahawig kami. Wait, is this inception or what? Pero nang makita ko siya nang maayos ay nakita ko ang pagkaka-iba namin.

"Hey there. Are you Ms. Santos? Dad just went outside but he'll be back. Upo ka na lang d'yan," wika ng babae at tinuro sa akin ang sofa na nasa gilid. Sinunod ko naman siya, not because she's the boss's daughter, but because my feet are killing me.

"By the way, I'm Nadine Limcuando. I work here as Dad's secretary, well mostly to check on his diet pero, you'll usually see me here kaya if you need anything just talk to me. I am also capable of becoming a friend," sabi niya sa akin at ngumiti. I smiled back.

"I'm Kathryn Santos. Nice meeting you," sabi ko then shook her hand.

"So, tell me about yourself. I really need a friend around here. Halos matatanda na kasi ang nagtatrabaho for Dad," sabi niya at umupo sa tabi ko.

"Well, I am 22 years old. Six years akong nag-stay sa US para mag-aral ng architecture."

"Any boyfriends sa US? I heard matinik ang mga lalaki doon e."

"Well, I've had flings but nothing serious. I don't want romantic involvements interfere with my studies. Ikaw, meron kang boyfriend?"

"Yes, engineer siya dito sa firm actually. Dito na rin kami nagkakilala. You should meet him one time."

Ngumiti naman akong muli at bigla ko namang nakitang pumasok si Mr. Limcuando.

"Good morning, Ms. Santos. I am very glad na sa amin ka nag-apply, considering your qualifications. Mabuti naman at pinili mong sa Pilipinas na magtrabaho and I know you're going to be a very great help to the company," sabi ni Mr. Limcuando at kinamayan ako. "Nadine, please lead her to her office and direct her," dagdag pa nito.