Why - a Macolet au

Chapter 3

Maloi

I was finishing up on an article I was working on when our Manager called me to her office.

"Good morning! You called for me?" I said, knocking on the glass door. "Ah yes. Please sit," she answered gesturing at the seat in front of her desk.

Ayan, she's here agad. I hope this will be quick, I think I'm getting hungry. Our manager thought as she busied herself in fixing the stack of papers at her desk. Lalo akong kinabahan.

"I need help," she started as she clasped her hands in front of her. "So, I know your internship will be ending in a few months. And, I'd like to write a glowing recommendation for you," she explained. "But," she quickly added, "I need you to do one last project with us."

Hala. "Ay sure po. No problem," I answered and tried to smile kahit grabe na yung kaba ko.

This is a big deal, I haven't even published anything I've ever written, let alone write for one of the biggest media companies in the country!

She discussed the details soon after and assured me that I will be under her mentorship. She explained that the research, photography, writing and designing the final layout will be handled by me. She wanted me to work with different teams so I could have an overall hands on experience on this. She also gave me liberty on what to write about—which I am greatly thankful for.

I was still in daze when I went back to my desk. I didn't even know where to start! How do I even prepare?

I was starting to panic when I noticed the time. You know what? Good ideas come when you're not hungry. Food first. I got up, took my wallet and laptop, then headed down to the cafe.

My mind was on autopilot, distracted on which topic to feature as my project.

I placed my order and headed straight to the corner to start on my research.

I was about to give up, head resting tiredly on the table, as I saw a cup placed in right front of me.

I lifted my head while Colet continued placing food right beside it.

"Ang ingay pala no? I don't know how you got used to this," Colet said, her head tilted in curiosity.

Huh? I thought.

"I mean, you know, listening to other people's thoughts" she clarified in a low voice so no one would hear. I didn't even noticed she's working today.

"Uhm, ouch?" her eyes glinted as she teased.

"Ah shit. How am I supposed to..." I trailed, lost in thought as I finally figured out what my article could be about.

Gears turning as an idea slowly forms in my head, the perfect opportunity given by fate. Thank you Lord!

"Oh no. No. No. No." she said, slowly backing away, as soon as she heard what I was thinking.

"Hey! Sabi mo kahapon 'okay' when I told you 'you owe me one'?" I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest. It was the perfect topic! I could already see how the interview would go. Yes!

"Technically, I didn't say 'okay'. Also, you know one of the key points of my art is anonymity right? Its graffiti scattered all over the metro, don't even get me started," Colet rolled her eyes as if featuring her art was the most ridiculous idea.

I started sulking—thinking of all the ways I'm gonna fail at this project. I don't know what to cover, if I don't start now, I might end up not meeting the set deadlines. Oh, I have to look for a photographer! I don't even know where to get one. Am I gonna pay for it out of pocket? What if it ruins the entire piece? Our manager's gonna be super disappointed in me. Ayoko na, I give up. Why did I even say yes? What if wala nang kumuha sa—

"Okay!" Colet interrupted my thoughts, surprising me. "I'll do it," she added.

"Talaga?" I replied in disbelief, about to cry from utter happiness.

"Oh, iiyak ka pa." Colet said, shaking her head.

I laughed and jumped down the stool to hug her "Thank you," I said, relief flooding my emotions.

Ang bango, I said internally as I took a deep breath and sorta accidentally smelled her.

Ah shit. I said as I realized she can hear me. I quickly stepped back and saw her blush. I should probably be more careful when I'm around her.

"I gotta go but if you need me, nandon lang ako sa counter" she said, pointing behind her.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later" I replied, biting my lip to keep me from smiling. "What's your number? I'll send you the details," I said as I handed her my phone.

She took it and quickly typed her number.

I told her "Thanks" as she handed back my phone.

Colet scrunched her nose then looked around, unsure on what to do next.

"Okay, bye" she awkwardly waved then walked back to the counter.

Okay! Let's do this. I said to myself, typing on my laptop, as I started to work.