I arrived at my office early, ready to tackle the day's tasks ahead. Weddings, a common duty as the mayor, and paperwork filled my agenda. Despite the ongoing issues surrounding me, the work continued without pause.
Upon entering the municipal office, I was greeted by my personal assistant, Ate Gie.
Ate Gie: "Magandang umaga, Mayor." She greeted me with a warm smile.
"Magandang umaga rin, Ate Gie. Let me see my schedule for today," I replied, eager to get started.
As the day progressed, I found myself officiating yet another wedding ceremony, a task I had carried out countless times. The irony of presiding over weddings while still being single did not escape me.
Fast forward to the wedding ceremony, amidst the solemn vows and joyous celebrations, Ate Gie discreetly whispered to me, "Mayor, Attorney Cruz is here."
In response, I instructed Ate Gie to have them wait in the lounge area as the ceremony would not take long.
"Ate Gie, paki-sabihan sila na maghintay lang. I directed.
Ate Gie chuckled and remarked, "Sige, Mayor. May kasama siya, maganda. Mukhang type ako, tingin ng tingin sa akin eh."
Her lighthearted comment evoked a smile from me, but deep down, I harbored reservations about the impending meeting. In my mind, I couldn't muster excitement at the thought of encountering Attorney Hontiveros.
After a brief moment of picture-taking and the completion of the wedding ceremony, Attorney Cruz entered my office.
"Good morning, Mayor," Attorney Cruz greeted me warmly.
"Good morning, Attorney Cruz," I replied, acknowledging his presence.
Following him was a woman in a white dress paired with a black blazer, and she wore shades indoors.
"By the way, Mayor, this is Attorney Theresia. She will be your legal counsel for the time being," Attorney Cruz introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Mayor Alice," Attorney Theresia said with a smile as she extended her hand for a handshake and removed her shades.
Despite feeling uneasy about her vibe, I didn't want to appear rude in front of Attorney Cruz.
"I've heard a lot about you. Hi," I greeted Attorney Theresia as we shook hands.
After a brief discussion about my case, Attorney Cruz excused himself as he had other matters to attend to. Attorney Theresia remained to discuss further details with me.
"I have to go, Mayor," Attorney Cruz stated before leaving.
"Attorney Theresia, I need to leave. He added.
I escorted Attorney Cruz outside, and as he left, Attorney Theresia remained in my office to delve into the specifics of the legal matters at hand.
After accompanying Attorney Cruz outside, I returned to my office and found Attorney Theresia holding my favorite plushies.
"You shouldn't touch things that are not yours," I said, feeling annoyed by the intrusion.
"Oh, I am sorry, Mayor," Attorney Theresia replied sadly as she placed the plushies back and sat on the sofa.
I settled into my swivel chair, observing as Attorney Theresia began reading through some documents.
I couldn't shake off the awkwardness that lingered in the air with Attorney Theresia's presence. Despite my attempts to steal glances at her, I couldn't deny the grace with which she immersed herself in reading, her hand delicately supporting her chin.
I am not aware , a faint smile crept onto my face as I watched her. The tranquility was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door, and Ate Gie entered, carrying coffee for both of us.
"Coffee for you, beautiful attorney," Ate Gie said cheerfully, her excitement palpable.
"Thank you, Ma'am," Attorney Theresia responded graciously.
Attorney Theresia's formal response prompted Ate Gie to playfully insist, "Ate Gie nalang po," blushing and making a cute turn before closing the door.
"Attorney, just call my name when you need anything. I am always right here," she added, chuckling.
"Sige na, Ate Gie, you might be disturbing Attorney," I interjected, giving her a playful look to behave.
Ate Gie, not missing a beat, teasingly remarked, "Eto naman si Mayor, napaka bitter. Kaya single ka eh," speaking in a hushed tone but still audible.
Before I could respond, she swiftly closed the door, her laughter echoing in the room.
"Ate Gie talagaa, kahit kailan," I muttered, a smile tugging at my lips.
I noticed a subtle laughter from Attorney Theresia, and as I attempted to make eye contact, she redirected her focus back to the papers, resuming her reading.
After a few minutes, Attorney Theresia mentioned that she needed to leave but assured she would return to follow up with further information.
In my mind, I couldn't help but think, "So she's coming back. Looks like I'll be seeing her more often. What bad luck."
Despite my inner thoughts, I forced a smile and called Ate Gie to accompany Attorney Theresia outside.
"Ate Gie, hatid mo si Attorney palabas," I instructed.
Ate Gie responded enthusiastically, "Ako na bahala sa kanya, Mayor. Gusto mo ihatid ko pa siya sa bahay ko? Esti sa bahay niya pala."
As Ate Gie made the offer, a sense of delight was clearly evident on her face today. (Inlove yarn ate Gie.😂)
