Sa Wakas

Chapter 12: All That Matters

Nagmamadali akong bumaba ng sasakyan ng maipark ni Gab ito sa harap ng building.

Nakasalubong ko si Tine na nag-aabang sa akin na may hawak na pamalit kong damit pero umiling lang ako sa kaniya habang patuloy na naglalakad.

"Bossing hindi ka na magpapalit ng damit?" Tanong niya sa akin ng makapasok kami ng elevator.

"Hindi na, Tine."

She leaned in and sniffed. "Medyo maasim ka kasi."

Tinapunan ko siya ng masamang tingin at inamoy ang sarili ko. "Hindi naman ako mabaho ah. Tandaan malapit lang ang bibig sa ilong. Baka kumain ka ng maasim kanina."

Natawa ako ng hampasin niya ang braso ko. "Ewan ko sa'yo, Bossing."

I smiled as we walked out of the elevator. 

She opened the door for me and when I entered the room, my smile dropped because the conference room was in full chaos.

"Why should I believe you? Do you have factual evidence for your claim? How can we believe that the manufacturing quality of goods is a greater service to the people than hospitality? Shouldn't it be equal?" Mr. Mercury asked, the owner of Aesculapius Pharmaceuticals Corp.

"You know, ganito lang kasi kasimple. If we raised the quality of our goods, magiging patok ito sa masa ang kailangan ay pera. Don't mind about how your employees will treat the people. Ang mahalaga, more manpower, more will be produced and more quality of products." Sagot ni Mr. Adlawan, owner naman siya ng isang Food Factory Company.

"So, what is it that you really want?" I suddenly asked and all eyes looked at me.

Nang makita nila ang suot kong damit, halo-halo ang expression ng mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. Nakapink lang naman akong polo-shirt na may tatak na Leni-Kiko dahil nga kagagaling ko lang mag h2h.

"Why are you wearing such ridiculous clothes? Myghod, Lucian!" Mr. Adlawan exclaimed. "Is that what you're going to wear at our meeting?"

Nakapamulsa akong naglakad patungo sa table. "Is there any problem with my clothes? The last time I checked it was supposedly my free time today. I was not supposed to be doing office work but still, here I am, isn't my attendance enough for you?"

"Yes!" He shouted and pointed at me. "Your pink polo shirt preferably is my problem. Why did you wear it? Don't tell me you are favored with that bobo and lutang na Leni na yon." He said without hesitation, and I heard some of them gasp. Biglang kumulo ang dugo ko sa narinig. The nerve of him to call VP Leni bobo and lutang?! Wtf?

Kumuyom ang kamao ko. Bumuntong hininga muna ako para kahit papaano mawala ang galit na lumulukob sa puso ko. No one shall badmouth my family.
"Our business endeavors shouldn't be touched by our political biases and views, our alliance must be focused on getting the manpower to have a greater future for everyone. If you insist on invalidating my choice of the presidential candidate, the door is open. If I were you I wouldn't hesitate to leave." I said firmly and gritted my teeth.

He was stunned for a couple of seconds but he regained his composure. "Without a doubt, I will. I did not like you in the first place naman. There are so many Holding Companies that could shoulder what I need better than your company did." He huffed at me with a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He avoided my gaze by looking around the room and said. "To those who favored me, do not be reluctant in coming with me." Umupo ako sa swivel chair while I observe the people in the room.

A moment of silence ensued until someone stood up, isa-isa na ring tumayo ang iba sa kanila. Ang iba naman ay nananatiling nakaupo sa kanilang upuan at walang imik.