First and Last

Chapter 37

“May we call Engr. Elle Amara Cilla to go up on this stage.” Tawag ng emcee sa pangalan ko. Agad akong tumayo at pumunta sa stage. 

Tonight is the celebration. The employees, business partners, and clients are on the rounded table. The lights were dim when I was walking but when I’m on the stage it went light, and graceful. Nakasuot lang ako ng simpleng black glittered gown, and a high heel. I curled my hair on its tips. I tied its half on top with white fabric strip. 

I hold the mic, and greeted them a good evening. I took a deep breath as I calmed myself. Everyone are turned around at me, waiting for my words. I felt a sudden coldness on my hand. 

“This kind of profession was not on my list when I was a kid. Even though, I came from a family of Engineers.” I started.  “I was inspired by my Lolo. Sobra akong napahanga sa kanya. I witnessed how he managed this company. To become purposeful over the years. To be known. To be on top.” 

I paused. Ang laki ng pagbabago ng kumpanya. My Lolo did his best. “Hindi ko po pababayaan ang kumpanya. I will do my best just what my grandfather did. Makakaasa po kayo sa akin. I will make this company a place where great construction comes, where strength is founded by hard work, and where all engineering projects are made of compassion. So, let’s hope this company the success it always deserves!” pagtatapos ko. 

The night was fun. It was full of guests. Pagkakataon na din kasi ito para mag-imbita ng mga clients at para makilala nila ang kumpanya. My teammates were proud. Panay sila bati sa amin at biro. Theres a glistening smile on their eyes. My heart overwhelmed because of their support. 

Hinanap ko ang pwesto nila Lolo at Abuela. Nasa harap iyon at masaya silang nag-uusap. Katabi din nila ang batang si Hachi at si Manang. Tumabi ako sa kanila. I hugged my grandparents. It was a feeling to be in home. Payapa at magaan. 

“Congrats, apo!” Abuela kissed my cheeks. Kita sa mata nito ang kasiyahan. Ganoon din si Lolo na kanina pa ang palakpak sa akin habang nasa stage. I sat beside them. We talked, and ate. Nakaramdam lang ako ng kalabit sa gilid ko. It was Hachi. 

Punong-puno ang bibig at plato sa harap. Nakasuot ito ng kwelyong damit. Si Manang naman ay panay aang punas sa kamay at bibig nito ng wipes. 

“Ate!” malinaw na bigkas ng bata. Hinihila niya ang damit ko at tinatapik ang braso. “Hachi…” turo nito sa sarili na para bang nakalimutan ko na siya. 

I smiled at him. Hinaplos ko ang buhok nito at iniupo sa kandungan ko. “Hello there, little boy.” I pinched his nose. Mamula-mula na iyon kakapunas sa kanya ni Manang. I kissed his cheeks kahit na may kaunting icing ng chocolate cake ang naroon. 

“Buti nakapunta ang Hachi namin.” he nodded. “Ang gwapo-gwapo naman talaga oh!” gigil ko sa bata. 

“Isinaman ko na at panay ang tanong niyang sa akin.” Nakangiting sabi ni Abuela sa akin. “Kailan ka daw ba babalik at nagiliw na sayo ang bata.” 

I giggled. I took a picture of him and I. Ang mga mata ay halos hindi na nagpakita sa pagngiti. Paano niya nagawang abandonahin ang batang ‘to?

“Na-miss ba ako ni Hachi?” tanong ko sa bata. 

“Opo! Miss na miss!” 

If he can be a father to this child, then we will take care of Hachi. I did not know his reason at all. Hindi ko din naman ka-dugo ang batang ito but I am willing to take good care of him. In the short span of time, I know this kid is a precious. Bagay na kahit alam kong nahihirapan na si Manang sa pag-aalaga ay wala akong narinig mula dito na reklamo. This kid is loveable. Madaling mahalin at makasundo. She said that Hachi is not into social. Hindi madalas makihalubilo maski na sa mga ka-edad nito.