untouchable

39

The year couldn't end sooner.

Everyone is buzzing about the upcoming fancy company banquet taking place to celebrate a milestone. Everything is already finalized, from the venue down to the carefully planned program. Most departments have already discussed it during their own respective general meetings, and now you and your team are about to do that as well.

The conference room is packed to the brim with excited chatters. December is one of the best months, mostly due to the Christmas bonus and double pay during holiday shifts, but also because the workload is somewhat lighter as a "present" for the employees. Everyone is also excited for this quick general meeting to end as soon as possible for the department Christmas party is about to commence in an hour or so.

"Okay, okay. Bilisan lang natin 'to, people. Discuss lang natin 'yung banquet next month." You announced as you walked to the front of the room.

Eager faces are looking at you.

"So, wala namang main theme 'yung event. Pero formal clothes, established naman na 'yon. Wala ring color or motif, whatsoever. So anyone can wear whatever color they want to. Though I would assume na darker colors are preferred since "formal" nga. Kahit hindi business, basta formal lang, oks na. Like I said, parang corporate JS prom lang siya. Char." You joked, making some employees chuckle. "Uh, you can show some skin siguro? Depende naman 'yun sa mga fashion style niyo. Pero sana not too much skin, please. Okay? I'm not a prude, pero formal event pa rin kasi po ito, hindi casual party lang. Sinasabi ko lang sa'yo, Danica Palma." You pointed at your troublemaking subordinate.

Dani gasped in shock and commented, "Grabe, bakit ako lang? Sobrang judger ka mamsir ha!"

Fits of giggles erupted from the banter. A hand shot up in the air, stealing your attention. "Yes?"

"P'wede kaya akong mag-suit d'on, boss? Kahit na babae ako?" Emman asked.

You took a deep breath at this question. You were already expecting such query, as most, if not all, of the employees working under you are queers. "Everyone can wear whatever clothes they're comfortable in, Miss Tullao." You happily answered. "Kung gusto niyo mag-dress, go! Suit o barong, go! Just as long as it's formal, it's fine. Hindi ba ito 'yung matagal nating nilaban? Kaya 'wag kayo mag-alala, walang discrimination kung ano man gusto niyong suotin."

Your confirmation made your employees smile.

"Kabog!" Someone piped up.

"Alright, ano pa ba. Uhm, the program flow and invitation will be sent out to your work emails, so just check it. Don't forget to RSVP, and to download the invitation kasi you have to show it on the doorstep para makapasok sa venue. The guest list will be strictly followed, kaya unfortunately, no plus ones. Alam niyo, just take each other as your dates or something. Para lang hindi kayo mag-isa n'on. Usap-usap na lang kayo."

You scan the crowd before you, the established cliques already conversing amongst themselves.

"Malalaki naman na kayo, so I guess magca-carpool na lang mga magkakakilala rito? But if may extra money naman, check-in na lang kayo sa hotel to get ready and para hindi kaagad haggardo. Your choice." You said. Your eyes scanned the room just in case there are confused faces. "Alright, siguro na-cover ko na lahat? I've informed everyone about everything I know so far. Uhm, any questions? Clarifications, maybe?" You asked, while raising your hands.

Most of your subordinates ignored you, still busy with their own planning, but some have shook their head and/or verbally answered, "Wala naman na po."

So you clapped once to steal everyone's attention for a moment, just long enough to dismiss all of them.