TGIWS: Phoenix Ryler Velasquez's POV (Complete)

Part 8

Part 8

I went home after taking care of Darlene. Maayos naman na ang lagay niya kaya makakapasok na siya bukas. 

I was absent today and for sure, Laureen is mad again. Gusto ko lang talaga alagaan si Darlene kaya hindi ako pumasok.

Inaasikaso ko ang dapat kong gawin sa office. Pinauna ko na si Lala sa company para asikasuhin ang ibang dapat gawin. I have to go there too because of an important meeting.

Bumaba ako sa kotse at sumalubong naman ang guard. Diretso lang ang lakad ko. I even heard their greetings as I stepped inside the elevator.

Puno ang lamesa ko dahil sa mga papel. Someone knocked. Lumingon ako at nakita kong ang abogado ‘yon.

“Hey, Attorney. Have a seat,” I said. “Are you here for my request?” I leaned on my swivel chair.

“Don’t need to worry, Mr. Velasquez. Maayos na ang lahat at pirma mo nalang ang kailangan. Also, I have to tell you about something…” sambit niya.

“Okay then, let’s discuss that later after my board meeting, Attorney.” I looked at my rolex. “I think, around five in the afternoon. Is it okay with you? You can stay here.”

“I’ll just be back, Mr. Velasquez. May meeting rin ako with a client. I just informed you.” Tumayo siya. “Excuse me.”

“Alright, see you later, Attorney.” Sinamahan ko siya hanggang sa labas ng opisina.

Bumalik ako sa opisina para kunin ang ilang kailangan sa meeting at ibinigay kay Lala.

“Gosh, so heavy. Grabe naman, Nix!” reklamo niya. “Grabe na talaga ang paghihirap ko sa Company, mabuti nalang ay malaki ang salary ko.”

“Gusto mo ba na bawasan ko?” I sarcastically said.

“Hey, huwag, ha!” Kaagad siyang ngumiti. “Nagbibiro lang naman ako!”

Umirap ako.

“Alam mo, noong umuwi ka ay naging masungit ka. Is it because of this girl… hmm, sino nga ulit ‘yon?” She thought of something. “Sharlene? Arlene? Ha! Darlene! Darlene nga pala ‘yon! Anak ni Mr. Miranda?” 

“Shut up.” 

“Ayie, so kailan mo siya ipapakila kay Mama? Or sa amin? For sure mabait at maganda ‘yan! Halos kabaliwan mo ba naman, e.”

“Hindi ako baliw sa kaniya,” kaagad kong tinanggi.

Ako? Baliw kay Darlene? That is ridiculous.

I left my cousin coz I don’t wanna hear her teasing words. I went inside the conference room. The board members were already there. I sat in the middle of the table. 

“So, what now?” I asked them. “Are you going to start or what?”

Kaniya-kaniya naman silang galaw. They gave me a paper. I’m reading it while Mr. Arellano was discussing some agendas. 

He’s pointing at the board, talking. Sa board lang nakatutok ang mata ko hanggang sa tumunog ang phone ko. Napatingin pa sila bago mag-iwas ng tingin.

Darlene is calling me.

“Hello, Darlene?” sagot ko sa tawag. 

Nakita ko agad ang ngisi ni Lala.

“[Velasquez, may nakalimutan ka!]” Parang walang sakit kung makasigaw, ha? 

“What is it? Wait, how are you feeling? Did you still drink medicine?” I can feel their eyes on me. 

“[Okay na ako. Hindi ko na kailangan uminom no’n or something. Pero may nakalimutan ka nga! Iyong wallet mo! Ikaw, ha! Tinatago mo pa ang picture ko! Picture snatcher!]” I chuckled at her accusation. “[Bakit ka tumatawa?]”