𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐀𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐞

CHAPTER 2

The night was young, and the clinking of glasses echoed through the restaurant as the team gathered for an impromptu after-work celebration. Nawala rin sa isipan nila na kasama na ang boss ngayong gabi puro tawanan at kwentuhan ngunit walang pakialaman na nangyayari between Justine and her employees which is good kasi nawala ang tension. Justine, known for her stern demeanor at work, found herself caught up in the revelry, fueled by the spirits of the evening. She, herself does't understand why did she go here.

Aoife, curious about Justine's unexpected presence, approached her amidst the festive atmosphere. Tinabihan niya ang kaibigan na mag-isa lang sa kaniyang table.

"Why are you here? Akala ko ba ay meron ka pang tinatapos?" Aoife inquired, studying Justine, who was calmly sipping champagne.

"Well, someone had the audacity to exceed the company card's maximum allowance" Justine replied, casting a pointed glance at Aoife, who cleared her throat uncomfortably. She knew she was the reason for this financial mishap.

'As if naman ikakalugi mo yon ante' sagot nalang nito sa isipan.

In the midst of the celebration, Camille, Justine's reserved secretary, appeared to be embracing the liberating effects of alcohol. Hindi naman siya magaslaw at makulit tulad ng ibang lasing. The once-shy secretary transformed into the life of the party, dancing and laughing with her colleagues. Parang naging extrovert bigla.

Justine shot Camille a piercing gaze from the side.

'This girl knows no shame' Justine thought, continuing to sip her drink.

"Hey, Camille, stop drinking, you have to go home later" Aoife advised with concern. Nakakarami na kasi ang babae at mamaya matagalan pa bago ito maging sober.

"What kind of secretary gets drunk before her boss?" Justine sneered, observing Camille's intoxicated state. Napapailing nalang siya sa behavior ng kaniyang secretary.

As the night progressed, Aoife, feeling a sense of responsibility, decided to stand up and bring an end to the dinner. Lasing na rin kasi ang iba sa kanila mahirap na dahil lumalalim na rin ang gabi.

"Guys, let's go home now. We still have work tomorrow."

The employees, now sobering up, agreed. Monday pa nga lang pala, kakaumpisa palang ng week na ito. However, Camille, still drunk, remained sleeping at the table.

'Iinom inom pa kasi' Justine murmured

"I'll take her home" Aoife volunteered, attempting to help Camille stand. However, the two became unbalanced, and Camille ended up leaning on Justine. Medyo natigilan pa sila dahil baka magising ang babae but Camille opened her eyes, looking at Justine as if she were the most beautiful person she had ever seen.

"Wow, a goddess" Camille mumbled in awe.

Justine blushed, caught off guard.

'Tsk, kung ano ano namang pinagsasabi nito' she was ready to push the girl

Unexpectedly, Camille pulled her close, wrapping her arms around Justine's neck. Biglaan nalang ang mga sumunod na nangyari.

"What the-" Justine began, but before she could utter more words, Camille claimed her lips in a deep kiss. The moment was met with stunned silence, even Aoife was taken aback by Camille's bold move.

"H-hey lady... I received a call from NASA earlier *hik* and they say you're out of this world"

Justine, flustered, pushed Camille away, brushing her lips. Napaupo naman tuloy ulit ito.