ENEMY'S PROPERTY | ES:2

Kabanata 28

ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 28
''Someone''

February had already started about two weeks ago. Mas pinagtuunan ko pa nang mabuti ang pag-aaral at ang mga gagawin dahil mas lalong dumadami iyon. Aside from our individual papers, we have also been asked to make a decision about where we will have our internship, which will last for two and a half months.

The school has provided us with a list of companies, both local and out-of-province, where we can choose to have our internship. And as I was going through the options, I came across Javier de Leon's real estate company.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked at it. I feel a sense of pride for him, knowing that he built this real estate on his own. And despite being busy with the De Leon family businesses, he still manages to handle this venture.

Naitawag ko ang tungkol doon kay Javier. We talked about it, and then he suggested that I have my internship there. Although I haven't really made a final decision yet.

It took me a lot of contemplation and weighing before I made a decision. I wanted to work with my cousin . . . I also miss my father . . . And somehow I'm not really feeling good here in Santa Monica the past few days. These things led me to believe that perhaps having my internship in Manila is a perfect opportunity and will be beneficial to me.

Pero sympre ay kinausap ko rin si Mama tungkol sa internship ko. Hindi naman siya tutol kahit saan ko gusto. Aniya, hindi rin naman daw ako mawawala o maliligaw sa Maynila dahil halos buong buhay ko ay tumira kami doon. However, she did ask me where I would be staying during those months.

Javier and I ended up having another lengthy conversation on the phone, and when he told me he'd just buy me a condo near his company, I almost choked on my saliva.

''That's too much, Javier. I'll just find an apartment somewhere nearby!'' agap ko.

Ang gastos talaga nito! Pero siguro ay nasabi niya lamang iyon dahil alam niya rin kasing malayo ang bahay ni Papa. Javier's company is based at Taguig—Bonifacio Global City, to be exact.

''And where will you find such a place?'' he asked, his voice was a bit mocking.

Marahan akong natawa. Grabe naman!

"Just stay with me then if you don't want me to buy you a place. I have spare rooms here.''

I pursed my lips. I don't want that, either. Mamaya ay makita ko pa si Vernaise doon . . . I mean, I don't have anything against her, but I don't know what to feel. Baka bigla silang magkaayos tapos bumisita siya doon. We haven't even met officially yet.

''Pag-iisapan ko, Javier. I haven't fully decided on that matter anyway. At next month pa naman ang simula.''

''Aright,'' he sighed. ''Pag-isipan mo lang kung saan ka titira. But make sure to send your name as soon as possible to your dean. I will be waiting for you here.''

I chuckled once more. "I don't want any special treatment, Javier. Don't let anyone know that we're cousins. I simply want to gain experience and work like any other employee. I won't be there to waste time."

"Okay, I understand. You don't need to worry."

Ilang minuto pa nang pag-uusap ay binaba na rin namin ang tawag.