"The character and events in this story are entirely fictional and should not be interpreted as factual."
Theresia's POV:
The day felt a little rainy and gloomy today. I woke up to the cool breeze, a gentle reminder that it was time to rise. But I wasn't feeling it. I wanted to sleep more. This weather was practically begging you to stay tucked in all day. It was already 6 am, though, and I had an important meeting with the mayor. I hurriedly fixed my things, the perks of living alone meaning I was the one who had to handle the chores.
"Stop it, Theresia," I muttered to myself, "You want to be independent, right?"
I quickly prepared breakfast and took a bath, slipping into a formal outfit for the day's meetings.
I arrived at the Bamban Tarlac Municipal Office, exactly at 8 am. The ride had taken almost 2 hours.
As I walked down the hallway, I saw Ate Gie talking to some staff there.
She noticed me and walked towards me. "Magandang umaga, Attorney. Ang aga niyo naman po ngayon," she greeted me.
"Magandang umaga din po, Ate Gie. May importanteng meeting po kasi ako with Mayor Alice. Nasaan na po siya?" I asked curiously.
"Alam ko po may event siyang kailangang puntahan ngayon but it won't take that long. I will inform her that you're already here," she assured me.
"Salamat po, Ate Gie," I replied gratefully.
"Eto naman si Attorney, napakagalang," Ate Gie said while laughing. "Ako lang 'to, Attorney.
"Upo po muna kayo while waiting kay Mayor. May gusto po ba kayo kape or tubig?" she offered.
"Hindi na po, salamat, Ate Gie," I said, tapping her shoulder to signal that she didn't need to worry about me.
She left me in the Mayor's office. While waiting, I read some documents about her case.
It was almost 11 o'clock, and the mayor had yet to arrive. Frustrated, I look for Ate Gie and ask.
"Hindi ko rin alam, Attorney," she replied, a hint of concern in her voice. "The event already ended kanina pa. She should be here."
"Does she know that I am here?" I asked, trying to keep my tone calm.
"Yes, Attorney," Ate Gie confirmed, her expression mirroring my growing impatience.
I returned to the office with a feeling of disbelief. "This is getting ridiculous. How long does she expect me to wait? I have a busy schedule too."
"This delay is throwing off my entire day."
Just as I was about to reach for my cellphone to call her.
Siya namang pagdating nitong mayor na ito.
Mayor's POV:
I was in the midst of attending a business event when Ate Gie called me.
"Mayora, andito po si attorney, may meeting daw kayo," Ate Gie informed me.
"Yes, I know. I will just finish my speech and will head over," I replied.
Fast forward, the event ended. I was about to make my way to the municipal office, but a mischievous idea crossed my mind.
I had made a calculated decision to keep the attorney waiting. So, instead, I decided to visit another place first. The thought of the attorney growing impatient couldn't help but bring a sense of satisfaction. I chuckled teasingly as I went and do some stuff.
Lost in the moment, I hadn't realized how late it had gotten; it was already 11 o'clock. It wasn't my initial plan to be this late. Perhaps I had taken it a bit too far. It was time to head to the municipal office.
"Mukhang nasobrahan naman yata," I mused to myself as I grabbed my keys and prepared to leave.
Fast forward, I arrived at my office. Ate Gie approached me.
"Saan ka ba nagpunta, Mayor? Kanina pa nag-aantay si attorney," Ate Gie asked.
"May pinuntahan lang ako, Ate Gie," I replied, She give bad look. I know she's not convinced.
"Sinasadya mo, Mayor, 'no? Bakit?" Ate Gie's question hung in the air, but I didn't let her finish.
I entered my office and made my way straight to my chair. I could sense the attorney standing as I entered the office.
I tried to push away any doubt or guilt creeping in. I had to maintain composure and act as if nothing had happened.
Theresia's POV:
The door opens, and there she is, the mayor.
I had expected that she would offer an apology for being this late, but to my surprise, she walked past me, heading straight to her chair without a word of greeting or acknowledgment of her being late. I couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and frustration, knowing that there was someone waiting for her.
I followed her with my gaze, my anger bubbling beneath the surface. I struggled to maintain my composure, determined not to lose my cool.
But I couldn't stay silent any longer. Out of frustration, I spoke up.
"Mayor, next time, could you please arrive early or inform me if you're going to be late so I'll know. I understand you have other responsibilities, but a simple heads-up would be appreciated."
"I am a mayor. I have other things to do," she replied, her tone only fueling my agitation.
Her dismissive response struck a nerve. "And what do you think of me? Am I just nobody? I have other duties too," I retorted, struggling to keep my emotions in check.
"Calm down, attorney. You're overreacting. Besides, this is your job; you're not doing it for free. I will compensate you for waiting, " the mayor stated, attempting to diffuse the tension.
"Mayor, let me tell you this. I am trying to understand you and act professionally towards you, but please, I am asking for your cooperation," I pleaded, feeling a wave of disrespect wash over me, tears welling up in my eyes.
"It's not about money, Mayor. You don't understand. I know you don't like me from the moment we met," I continued, my voice quivering with emotion.
"I am not forcing you to be kind to me, but please let me do my job." Tears streamed down my face, a mix of frustration and hurt clouding my thoughts.
I gathered my bag and belongings, and walk out.
Mayor's POV:
As I heard those words from her, I felt a sense of regret. I hadn't expected it to be this way.
What have I done? Perhaps I've gone too far.
Ate Gie entered my office.
"Anong nangyari, Mayor? Bakit umiiyak si Attorney, my loves?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
I left Ate Gie in the office, intending to follow the attorney and apologize, but I failed as she had already left.
Upon returning to the office, Ate Gie gave me a scornful look.
"Oo na, Ate Gie, kasalanan ko. Nakokonsensiya na nga yung tao eh," I admitted, feeling remorseful.
"Alam mo, Mayora, lagi akong kampi sayo. Pero this time, mali ka eh," she expressed, disappointment and tap my shoulder.
Left alone in the office, contemplating what happen.
