PARADISE OF THE DEVIL (GONCALVES 1)

Chapter 3

I was staring at the cup of matcha tea latte Jair gave me for over 5 minutes now when I got a chance to have my break. It was with a lunch box and I hadn't touched it either.

When I was busy I often forgot to eat and when it was past time already I lost my appetite. Wala pa akong kain simula pagkagising kaya ay pinilit ko ang sariling kainin ang lunch box. I didn't know the name of the food but it tasted good. His cook was excellent.

I still had 15 minutes before I resumed working when I finished eating. I tried to open and refresh my account on the website to check if new slots for the internship program of this famous brand in France had opened.

It had been my dream. I wanted to experience it even if it was only for an internship, it was like a one-step ahead to a castle in the air. They opened last year but I neglected to avail and apply. This time I'd check from time to time so I could obtain a slot.

I was scrolling down the page when I heard a couple of knocks on my door. "Come in."

"May magpipick-up ng dress. Umalis si Ms. Frida at Clover," sabi ng isang sastre namin dito.

Tumango ako sa kanya at sinabing paghintayin ang magpipick-up ng dress. Pumasok na muna ako ng bathroom para ayusan ang sarili. Mag-aalas dos na kaya sobrang haggard ko na ngayon sa sobrang dami ng ginawa.

Hinarap ko ang client na dumating at tinawagan si Ms. Frida tungkol dito. Mabilis lang naman ang naging transaction dahil ready na naman pala ang mga dresses na pinadesign at pinagawa nila. Nasa lobby ako nagssketch at nagtatambay nang biglang may dumating.

Nagliwanag ang mukha ko. "Savin! You stopped by."

He smiled. "I have news for you."

"How important is it to have you come here in person?" nagtatakang tanong ko.

"Clear your schedule tomorrow," aniya.

Nanliit ang mga mata ko. "Why?"

Hindi nawala ang ngiti ni Savin habang may kinuha sa bulsa ng suot nyang tuxedo. He was a corporate lawyer and he always wore formal dresses. Mas busy sya sa akin kaya hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit kailangan nya pang pumunta dito.

"What is this?" tanong ko sabay tanggap ng card. Hindi ako nakatanggap ng sagot kay Savin kaya binuksan ko ang nakatilop na card. International Conference on Fashion Studies, Design and Creativity. One of the speakers was from France!

"I heard about this months ago but I didn't tell you since it was only tentative but here you are. I managed to secure a seat for you. Masyadong biglaan. That invite is for tomorrow."

Sa sobrang saya ko ay hindi ko mapigilang tumalon at yumakap kay Savin. "Thank you!"

"Sure. I know how much you want this."

Honestly, I heard about this conference last month but I didn't know how to secure a seat since it was too exclusive and expensive. I was lucky that Savin was working in an International Division. I couldn't thank him enough for this opportunity.

Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at binasa ulit ang nakasulat sa invite. "How much is this? I will pay you."

"It's nothing."

"No, I should pay you," I insisted.

He grinned. "How about a dinner tonight?"

"Whatever you want," I answered without taking my eyes off the card.

"Sure thing. Let's message, may pupuntahan pa akong meeting."

"Thank you again." Niyakap ko ulit si Savin. "Mag-ingat ka. See you later."