Tahanan | Caitbea

04 I'd be happy to

Once we returned to our department floor, Ma'am Evelyn's secretary informed me that our boss is waiting for me in her office kaya nag-mamadali akong pumunta sa opisina niya.

"Ma'am, you asked for me?" I enter her office after knocking, walking straight to her desk.

"I've been waiting for you" she motioned for me to sit down on the chair, which told me that we'd be having a long conversation. I'm guessing it's something important because of the tone of her voice.

I started out as Ma'am Evelyn's secretary, but after a couple of months, she appointed me to become a part of her department until I got promoted to become a communications manager.

"Bakit po, Ma'am?" I asked, sitting down on the black chair in front of her desk.

"A memo will be sent later to the whole company. But before the announcement reaches other people, I believe it's only right that you know about it first" she informed.

I didn't respond. I just waited for her to continue, anticipating what news she's about to say.

"I'll be transferring to the main office in Singapore as part of the board of directors in 5 months" she blurts out.

"Po?" I muttered in disbelief. Ma'am Evelyn will transfer?

"I also have good news for you." she excitedly added. "The main office is also looking for new employees, preferably from here, para alam na nila 'yong pasikot-sikot sa kumpanya, so I'd like you to join me in Singapore. I'd be happy to endorse you to them together with Ralph and Claudia"

I was taken aback by her offer. I still haven't processed the fact that she's leaving. Now she's offering me another job?

All I could think of was how my life would drastically change if I were to take her offer. Working abroad isn't part of my plans. "I'm sorry, Ma'am but I can't" I quickly declined her offer.

Kita sa mukha niya 'yung gulat sa sinabi ko. "Caitlin, it's Singapore. Your salary will double; if not, baka triple pa nga. Magandang opportunity 'to for your career"

"Pero malalayo naman po ako sa mga taong mahal ko" I answered. Paano na sila Mama? Paminsan-minsan na lang ako umuuwi sa Cavite, kaya madalas ko silang na m-miss ni Clarkie. Paano na kaya kung nasa ibang bansa ako? Paano na si Churro at si Bea? I can't just leave them behind. "Maayos naman po 'yung nakukuha ko rito, and may ipon pa po ako from playing before."

"Pasensya na po, Ma'am. I appreciate the offer, but Bea and I are already starting to settle. Working in Singapore will only delay our plans"

With the mention of Bea's name, Ma'am Evelyn seemed to already understand why I'm not taking her offer. "I understand, Cait. You're prioritizing your relationship, and I respect that"

Ma'am Evelyn isn't married, nor is she in a relationship. She is too devoted to her work to have time for anyone. That's one thing she doesn't want me to get from her.

She would always remind me to balance my work with my personal life, so she's very supportive of my relationship with Bea. Pinadalhan pa nga niya kami ng regalo during our anniversary last year.

"Anyways, I have a favor to ask" singit niya. "Sasha will be taking my position once I'm gone, so I'd like all my work to be done before I leave, para maayos ang pagtransfer ni Sasha bilang CCO. Baka sabihin na lang niya na tinambakan ko siya ng trabaho" she says, rolling her eyes, which caused me to slightly laugh.

"I'd ask my secretary to do them, but she's new, and you know how important the work I'm handling is. You're the only one I trust to get them done right" She probably is still mad about how her new secretary mixed up the files last week. She was so close to firing her, but I've managed to convince her to give her secretary another chance. 

Ang hirap kaya maghanap ng bagong secretary. This is her second secretary of the year, and it's just March!

"I'd be happy to do them for you, Ma'am. Just send me a copy of the files so I can work on them"

"Are you sure you're fine with it? They're quite a lot" she clarified. One thing she thought me is that I shouldn't be scared to decline work, especially when it's too much for me.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure that you'll get paid for the extra work you'll do"

"Ma'am huwag niyo na pong isipin 'yon. I promise to get it all done before you fly to Singapore. Kakatapos lang din naman po nung project na hina-handle namin ni Ralph, so I have extra time to do them. There's no need to pay me naman po"

"Iyan ang huwag na huwag mong sasabihin, Cait" she points at me as if she's a mother lecturing her kid.

She stood up from her swivel chair to tower over me.

"Listen to me" seryosong sambit niya habang dahan-dahan na inabot 'yung mga palapulsuhan ko. "You are here to earn and build a future for yourself. Caitlin, you are a very skilled employee, kaya huwag kang papayag na hindi binabayaran 'yung mga trabaho na ginagawa mo"

"I heard you've been doing some extra work to help Claudia. Alam kong mabait ka, but never let anyone abuse that" she said, giving me a look of disapproval.

It's true. Claudia recently handled a very important project, and I saw the mountains of paper work on her desk, so I offered her some help, which she gladly accepted. Although I wouldn't call it abuse because it only happened once and she made sure to treat me to coffee the day after. Nevertheless, I understand why Ma'am Evelyn is telling me this.

"We've been working together for years, Caitlin. Don't tell me you still haven't learned a thing from me. Paano ka na lang kapag wala na 'ko? Who'll look after you?"

It's very touching to know that your boss cares about you.

I've considered Ma'am Evelyn to be a mentor. She taught me everything I needed to know while I was still adjusting to the corporate world. 
She was the one who pushed HR to increase my salary because I was doing more work than expected.

I've also come to consider her a friend who I can talk to. She also gives me good advice, whether it's regarding finance, family, or relationships.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, probably wondering why I'm smiling like a crazy person.

"I'll miss you, Ma'am" is all I've managed to say.

I can't believe that in a couple of months, we won't be working together anymore. I'm very grateful for everything she's done.

She rolls her eyes, turning around to sit back down on her chair. But I was able to catch her smirk before she could even hide it.

"Itigil mo nga 'yung drama na 'yan. Sige na, get back to work" mataray na pagpapanggap niya habang tinuturo 'yung pinto.