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Chapter 24

Mace Alquiza

True to his words, I was assigned to another department the day after that encounter with him. Engineer Rebecca told me that I will be assisting in the Quality Control Department where I will be working on assessing the performance of their technicians in diagnosing and repairing cars. Wala namang kaso iyon sakin dahil mas malaki ang posibilidad na mas matuto ako rito. Isa pa, kung tutuusin ay ginusto ko naman na makalayo dahil sa mga maling akusa ko kay Kysler na wala naman palang katuturan. Pero nang dahil sa nangyaring ito, mas binaha ako ng konsensya.

Hindi ko nagawang humingi ng dispensa sa mga nasabi at pang-aakusa kong nagawa dahil tinamaan ako ng hiya at hindi ko rin alam kung paano siya kakausapin lalo nga at nalipat na ako. Imposible rin na makita ko siya dahil mukhang mas mahigpit ang gawain dito at focus ang lahat sa trabaho kaya hindi ako basta-basta makakaalis. Hindi ko na talaga maintindihan ang sarili ko at kung anumang nararamdaman ko pero ang malinaw lang sakin ay makahingi ako ng dispensa sa mga nasabi ko. Kasalanan ko lahat kaya ako dapat ang kumilos ngayon at magsorry. 

I was at my workstation today and busying myself with some tasks assigned to me when we were called to gather for a hands-on task today. Si Kuya Gavin na isang mechanic ng kumpanya ang sinundan namin papunta sa workshop.

My eyes lighten up with the sight. It is filled with car models, tools, and various equipment. Para akong nasa langit.

I've always admired cars – their sleek designs, powerful engines, and the feeling of freedom they represent. But now, working as an intern in this field, I realize that there's a labyrinth of complexity beneath the surface.

“Today, interns, you’ll be joining us in some hands-on work related to cars.” One of the engineers named David led us to the area where the engine prototype was mounted on a stand.

"We'll be testing and fine-tuning our new engine prototype. It's a vital step to ensure that its performance meets our expectations."

Ngumiti kaming lahat nang marinig ang sinabi nito. It seems like we’ll finally have our chance to get our hands dirty and learn by doing.

“Anyone who would like to volunteer to do the job first? You’ll be assisted by our engineer, don’t worry.”

Lumagap ang tingin niya samin at halos matawa nang mapansin ang pag-iiwasan ng ilan sa mga kaklase ko na makatitigan siya. Well, we all have read about engine tuning but never had the chance to actually do it. Iba sa libro kaya naiintindihan ko kung may kaba kaming nararamdaman na mag try nito ng hands on.

“C’mon, everyone. Don’t be shy. We encourage mistakes and problem-solving in this work, remember? Tuturuan namin kayo kaya huwag na kayong magtago sa likod ng mga kaklase niyo at huwag niyo nang subukan na umiwas sakin ng tingin.” The other mechanics and engineers laugh. Halata ang entertainment sa kanila habang nagkakahiyaan pa kami sa kung sino ang gustong mauna.

“If there’s no volunteer, then I will pick.”

Mas lalo kaming nataranta. Ang hindi ko lang inasahan ay ang pagtulak sakin ng kung sino pauna kaya sakin nabaling ang atensiyon ni Engineer David.

“I think Mace would like to try, Sir.” Boses iyon ni Monica. Binilingan ko siya at agad na umiling. Balak ko pa sanang bumalik sa likod nang pandilatan niya ako nang mata.

“Are you up to the challenge, Miss?” he smiles at me encouragingly. Napalunok ako at pilit ang ngiting lumapit sa direksiyon nila.

“Y-Yeah. I . . . I guess?”

“Alright then. Come here, iha.”

I walk closer to the mounted engine prototype and examine it. The feelings I have inside are a mixture of joy and nervousness. This is the first time I’ll be doing this and I hope I won’t mess up.