Triumphs (Book 2 of Trials End)

Chapter 14

The meeting continued and now we're on our future projects that are in need of the board and stockholders permission. My father want to branch out kaya't marami akong narinig na angal. Hindi naging stable ang performance namin last year dahil sa mga pakulo ng competitors namin.

"The construction, transportation and hiring will cost us a lot of money! Our financial performance didn't surpass the last 2 years' performance." A director raised his hand.

"Exactly! You're planning to also brand out in a not well developed country!"

"This is not advisable."

"I object to this idea, we need to keep our performance raising first!"

A lot of comments were thrown at my father. My mom's secretary sent me this idea and it gave me time to research more about this country.

I want to side with my dad.

I pushed the button for permission to speak but nothing happened. Ilang beses pa ang pindot na ginawa ko pero hindi rin bumubukas ang mic ko.

What's happening? Sadya ba 'to?

My mom must have seen me eagerly pushing the buttons and leaned on me closer.

"What do you need to do Aiby?" My mom questioned me.

I looked at her."Mom, I want to speak. I want to side with dad. I have a lot to say." I looked at her straight to her eyes.

My mom took a deep breath and moved to the other side. Tinapat rin niya sa'kin ang mic para mas madali sa'kin.

I pushed the button.

"Permission to speak." There, I can hear my voice.

I saw how everyone looked at me. They looked at me, not delighted with my interruption.

"Go." My father looked at my mom.

Calm down Aiby. Speak.

"I side with Mr. Raoul Rei Flammia with his project to branch out in that country. If you allow, I can state my reasons."

"I allow, state your reasons." I heard my father's voice.

I looked at the man who first objected to my father's idea. "Firstly, we all know that the country is not well developed. Its land is still lower-priced than the land of the other countries, it will save us a lot of money."

I looked at the other man. "Second, yes it's still undeveloped but a lot of companies are eyeing that country to build their other branches. Example, TP company is starting to roam the area to provide more detailed directions. Another example, Azzi car manufacturer submitted plans to promote their trucks in that country."

Thank God Claud and Graig told it to me. I asked for Echo's opinion about this and they told me their company's plans. It's not hidden so it's okay, it's just that a lot of people don't know about it.

"Third, our country wants us to build outside our country to give more opportunities to our workers."

"Lastly, this will give us a headstart to our competitors."

I turned off my mic. I breathed in, that's nice Aiby.

"Are you a risk taker, Ms. Takibi?" An old woman questioned me.

I immediately shook my head.

"No ma'am. I'm not a risk taker, I'm a meticulous person. The life of the people is in my hands, it's selfish to think that you can handle it while not thinking about the capability of the people beside you."

"Think, plan carefully, or do it slowly if time will allow. If everyone says it's dangerous, then I'll keep my eye on it and observe the situation first. That's.... how I will lead someday."

I didn't sound so proud and arrogant but rather, I want to appear confident in what I'm saying. I waited patiently for their comments or violent reaction but there's none.

My father cleared his throat after waiting for how many seconds. The meeting continued and my father distributed the business plan for the project. A team presented it part by part to give everyone more details.

The meeting ended and everyone fixed their coats and seats. Onti onti ay tumayo na ang lahat para mag kamayan. I stood up with my mother and faced the man on my other side. I waited for him to look at me dahil makikipag kamay ako pero naglakad siya palayo.

My mom is greeting someone so I stood beside her, I'm trying to greet them too. After talking with my mom, I opened my mouth to say something but they turned their backs.

I walked on my own at naghanap ng pwedeng batiin. Mga dati ko ng kilala at lagi ko nakakasama, still no one talked to me. Kapag nakikita nila ako ay agad tumatalikod o pinapatagal ang pag uusap nila sa iba.

I took a deep breath and forced a smile for myself.

Nag lakad ako palapit ng pinto, doon ko na lang sila babatiin. I waited beside the door at pasimple at pinapanood ng iba. If they don't want to talk to me, then fine.

I'll just stand here as a child of the Flammia couple.

"Thank you for attending the annual meeting, have a nice evening ma'am." I bowed my head slightly when an old woman went out.

"Mr. Derek, thank you for coming."

Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagbati nang mga lumalabas ng meeting room. Iilan lamang ang ngumingiti at tumitingin sa'kin.

I can't help but sighed. It pains me seeing that they're treating me like this. Hindi naman sila ganto sa'kin noon kapag sumasama o nagkikita kami.

Did they change their behavior because I'm already a candidate? Candidate din naman sa kuya ah? Ano ba pinagkaiba namin?

Is that because I'm a woman candidate?

No no Aiby, Keith told you to never question it. First meeting 'to na kasama ko, for sure mga nagulat lang sila. Hindi pa sila nagtitiwala sa'kin kaya ganito.

"Aiby, sa'min ka ba sasabay pauwi?" My mother asked me when the meeting room was almost empty.

"Ye-" I was cut off.

"Pwede po bang sa'kin siya sumabay?" Napalingon ako sa bagong dating na lalake. He's still wearing his all black suit and red tie.

Nakatingin siya ng diretso kay mom at hinihintay sumagot.

My mother smiled. "Yes, of course Keith. Just drive safely."

"Yes, tita. Have a safe drive too with tito." Keith nodded, then my mom's smile widened.

"Let's go?" Keith faced me then I nodded.