Unlikely You

Chapter 3: Collaboration

"Ms. Fernandez, the heads officially announced our company's collaboration with the Del Real. These are the Engineers and Architects who will join us in Baguio this saturday." Jian handed me the folder, smiling suspiciously.

"Why? What is it?" I raised a brow at her as i slowly opened the folder to look at the list.

Oh hell nah! I knew something's up!

I sighed heavily. "Does it really have to be that bitch's company? This just doesn't make sense at all!" I massaged my temple in disbelief.

"I thought you're professional?" I looked up to see her grinning. I rolled my eyes at her. "For how long would you be the one running away from them, Martine?" My world stopped at her question.

She's right... Why do am i always the one acting guilty for all what happened?

"You're making yourself like a motherfucking idiot who can't let go of her fuck up past. You know Martine, you're looking so stupid everytime we talk about him" I felt my heart being step on.

"Do you really love that asshole that much?" Jian's eyes screams worry and love. "Please, Martine, it's been ages. Don't make this hard on yourself.." She left the room in silence.

I took a deep breath. Jian's right. I'm making myself look like a fool everytime we began talking about him. It's always been like this for me, nothing new actually. But now, he's actually here, i'll be seeing him each day and also have to work with him.

"Please come in." I looked up and saw Tyrese and the other Engineers enter. I arranged the files on my table and got up from my swivel chair. "Take a sit." I let out a smile.

"So we have gathered all of you here because we're now having a collaboration with the Del Real. These are the names of the Engineers and Architects who'll join us visiting the site in Baguio this weekend." I distribute the list to them and i can see through Tyrese's face that he's surprised.

Ofcourse, who wouldn't be? It's his first love afterall.

"Omg! Is this really the Cyrene Trixie Fuentas i know?" One of the Engineers gasped. My eyes met Tyrese's. "You okay?" He whispered into the air. I looked at him confused. He's now smiling innocently.

After the meeting, they all bid their goodbyes and one by one left. I was about to sit again when the door slammed, i looked up to see Tyrese walking towards me. "Engineer, can i talk to you for a second?"

I clenched my hand. I don't know but his look; its hypnotizing me.

"I just want to give you this." He fished out something in his pocket.

"I wanted to give you this, but..." He couldn't continue what he wanted to say when he saw how teary my eyes is already. "Where did you...." I immediately sneak the necklace from his palm.

"It was..." I left him there not even giving a chance to explain why my necklace is with him.

I walked towards the elevator and picked the rooftop floor. My head's all empty, and i feel my chest tightened. And at last, the tears who's lingering since a while ago started to flow non-stop. I found myself in the veranda admiring the view, still holding the necklace. The necklace my mom gave before she died.

It was already 3 months ago when i lost it. It was the only thing mom's thing remains. All were burnt, nothing left.

"Hey..." I came back to my senses when someone showed up beside me. "Here.." It's him. Tyrese handed his handkerchief without looking at me.

"I'm sorry it took me a while to give this back to you." The cold breeze dampens our skin, it's making me feel more emotional. I can feel the tears building up in my eyes again.

"Thank you.. This is very important to me.." And that's it, my eyes started raining again. I can't stop myself from sobbing, and he's still not looking at me.

"You will be okay.." I broke down more when he started caressing my back slowly. I don't know, but i feel comfortable showing him this side of me. I've always been soft-hearted but since i became the Chief Engineer in our company, i changed myself when i'm with other people. I cannot show them i'm vulnerable, i need to pretend that i always have the answers to every problems. I have to show them that i'm strong, i can't have weakness. Only Lian and Jian is the one who knows what's behind this mask.

"Where did you go?" Jian welcomed me with her eyebrow raising. "I just went to get some fresh air." She looked at me in the eye. "You okay?" I sat and immediately get my pen to continue the paper works i've been doing earlier.

I thought she's already leaving when she came back with an ice cube, towel and ice cream. She really knows me well. "Thank you.." I pouted and immediately hugged her. "You know.... crying not really suits you. Fix yourself, idiot." She loosen the hug and rolled her eyes at me before leaving.

"Okay, everyone! Del Real's Engineers and Architects will be riding on Van 1 and our company will be on Van 2. I hope we'll all have a fun and safe trip! Let's go!" Everyone was about to walk towards their designated van when someone talked.

"Engr. Fernandez, can we just chose where to ride. I actually wanted to get closer to your company's Engineers and Architects. Right, guys?" That fucking fake smile again, Cyrene.

Hmp! I know she just wanted to be with Tyrese. Majority agreed, so what power do i have to ignore their opinions right? As expected, she went on the van we're both Tyrese and i riding. They're even sitting side by side, while i'm on the shotgun seat.

I keep on hearing her childish laughs and it making my blood boil too much. I decided to just mind my own business and was about to wear my earphones when she surprisingly asked a question.

"Do you have a girlfriend now?" A silence arises, everyone was waiting for him to answer. "Him?" Tyrese's Architect friend insert himself to the conversation. "You all want to know a secret? He never had a girlfriend after you!" He laughed while everyone gasped.

Well i guess, first love never really dies. I put my earphones on and fell asleep.

Tyrese's POV

"You all want to know a secret? He never had a girlfriend after you!" I looked at her who's sitting in front of us. She must be listening. "I never had a girlfriend after her, because the someone i love until now did not say yes to me before." I saw Cyrene's death stares.

"Should i reveal who's the lucky girl is?" Tim, my friend looked at me smirking. Cyrene sulked and just stare outside. I leaned forward and saw Martine already sleeping. Seeing her face this close making me feel things in my stomach.

When has she ever been this cute?

I immediately got my blanket from my bag and covered her. How i wish i can explain the truth.