That Man Next Door

THREE

"Sophie pakisabi kay Mark na ayusin na yung mga upuan and table. Tapos eto pakilipat doon sa gilid. Thanks."
Isa-isa ng darating ang bisita ng kanyang kliyente na nag-hire sa kanya para sa birthday ng anak nito. It was a grand event for the son of a business tycoon. The budget is beyond her imagination. Sa tagal nyang nagtatrabaho bilang event organizer ay ngayon pa lang sya nagkaroon ng kliyente na ganto kayaman. Compare to them, she's just an ant-the tiniest one at that.

"Ms. Lewis," napalingon ako nang may tumawag sakin.
"Madam." it's my client.
"I can see that you're really doing your best right now This hall became so beautiful and elegant. I like it."

I smiled shyly, "Thank you, Madam."
"Oh wait, by the way, after finishing the preparations, go change your clothes. Natalia, samahan mo si Ms. Lewis na pumili ng damit doon sa taas." aniya sa kasama nyang babae na nakasuot ng suit. Assistant siguro ni Madam.
"Madam?" I looked at her. "Naku madam wag na po. Okay lang po ako."
"No. I want you to attend this party not only as an organizer, but as one of the guests. I won't accept a "no" as an answer."

"Amiga!"
"Amellia, you're here!" bumaling sakin si Madam. "Ms. Lewis, you can go with Natalia." she said smiling sweetly. "Dito tayo Ms. Lewis."

Matapos kong magbihis ay kaagad akong bumaba at kaagad kong napansin na parang mas madami na ang tao kaysa kanina. Nagsisimula na rin gumalaw ang staffs na umaasikaso sa mga bisita.

"Oh, Ms. Lewis! Oh wow, you look amazing!" ani Madam

"Thank you Madam Lavina." I said shyly.

"Madam Lavina, the young master has arrived." Natalia

"Sige po madam, I'll be going check ko lang po yung staffs." paalam ko at tumango naman sya. Naglakad sya palayo sakin at saka ako bumuntong hininga.

I went to the kitchen to check if the food matches the menu and I also went to the other side to check the speaker for the event, the sounds, the guestlist and I thinks everything is going on smoothly.

Lumabas ako sa balcony ng mansion na nasa gilid lang ng main hall at umupo sa upuan na naroon. I rested my back and head and closed my eyes.

"... let's give our birthday celebrant a round of applause!" Mikki said over the microphone.

Oh, is it already time for Madam Lavina's son to speak?

Tumayo ako at sumilip and I froze when I saw him. Lumingon sya sa may gawi ko at di ko alam kung nakilala nya ba ko or ano. Sht. Kaagad akong bumalik sa kinauupuan ko.

Panic is knocking and I wished that he didn't remember me. Right. Then let's act normal. He's a stranger. He's a stranger.

"Yes. He's a stranger."

"Who's a stranger?" I jumped from my sit and immediately looked at my side.

There he is. Hendrik Lindstrom.

"..." let's stay quiet.

"Fancy meeting you here. I didn't know that I'll see you again. Atleast my efforts of coming here was worth it." he grinned.

"..."

"Are you not happy to see me?" he asked.

I smiled, "Sir, I'm sorry maybe you're mistaken. Excuse me sir, I have to go back to work." I said and walked away.

Gawd. I didn't know he's Madam's son. I guess I need to go home now if I want to distance myself.

Nang makalayo ako ay nakasalubong ko si Madam Lavina. "Ms. Lewis, so you're here. My friends wants to meet you. It seems like they are interested in hiring you in the future." Madam said and I just followed her.

Maybe after this magpapaalam na rin ako para makauwi na ko.

-@apsxnthion-