At Last, Him

Chapter 10: To Start Fresh

After a delicious breakfast, I got ready for my first day at the studio. Habang tinitingnan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin, nagdadalawang-isip ako kung ano ang dapat suotin. Pero sa huli, nag-decide akong magsuot ng chic na blouse at slacks, hoping na ito ang tamang balance ng professional at casual.

As I stepped out of the house, I saw East waiting by his car. "Ready ka na?" tanong niya, tumingin sa akin na parang nag-aalala.

"Yeah, ready na! Pero, hindi ba malapit lang naman yata dito 'yong studio?" I asked, pointing at the studio.

"Oo malapit lang," he replied, "pero kahit malapit lang, isasabay na kita. Madadaanan ko naman eh. Papunta kasi ako sa construction site."

I felt a mix of gratitude and surprise. "Oh, okay. Thanks," I said as I hopped into the passenger seat.

"It's no big deal, Shan," he said with a reassuring smile as he started the engine.

As we drove, I thought about how comfortable it felt to be with him. "Thank you for the breakfast, by the way. It was really nice of you," I said, wanting to express my appreciation.

"Anytime," nakangiting sagot niya. "And hindi ka naman ibang tao sa 'kin. Anyway, good luck sa first day mo. I know you'll be fine," East said, glancing at me before focusing back on the road.

"Thanks! I'll do my best," I replied, feeling a wave of nerves wash over me again.

As we got closer to the studio, I couldn't help but think about how my first day would go. The building loomed ahead, a reminder of the exciting challenges that awaited me.

As East parked the car, he turned to me with a friendly grin. "And remember, just breathe. Briefing pa lang today," he encouraged, as if sensing my anxiety.

"Right, kalma lang," I echoed, trying to channel some of his confidence.

Before I stepped out of the car, he said, "I'm sure you'll impress everyone."

"Thanks again, East. I really appreciate it," I replied with a smile, feeling more at ease.

Upon entering the studio, I was enveloped by a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it—the beginning of my adventure in Bali. I waved at East as he drove off, feeling grateful for his kindness. As I took a deep breath, I prepared myself for whatever lay ahead.

Pagkapasok ko sa studio, agad akong na-impress sa interior design nito. Ang mga pader ay pinalamutian ng mga lokal na sining, habang ang mga bintana ay malalaki at nagbibigay ng natural na liwanag sa buong espasyo. Ang hangin ay may halong sariwang amoy ng mga halaman sa paligid, at naramdaman kong parang nabuhay ako sa isang masiglang kapaligiran. "Wow, ang ganda dito," I whispered to myself, taking in the stunning surroundings.

Habang naglalakad ako sa loob, sinalubong ako ng isang guard na Balinese na nakatayo sa entrance. Nagbigay siya ng ngiti at nakipag-usap sa akin. "Rahajeng semeng! Sapunapi antuk titiang nulungin ragane?" he said cheerfully, at napansin kong tila masaya siyang makausap ako.

Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang ngiti, naguluhan ako sa mga salitang lumabas sa kanyang bibig. "Uh... excuse me?" I said, unsure of how to respond. Ang mga salita niya ay mahirap intidihin dahil sa mabilis niyang pagsasalita.

"Oh, ragane wawu rauh iriki?" he added, at kahit sa tingin ko ay binabati niya ako, nahirapan akong makasunod. I tried to respond with a smile, but my heart raced with anxiety.

"Sorry, I don't speak Balinese," I admitted, hoping he would understand. "I'm new here."

Ngunit tila hindi siya naintindihan. He continued to speak, gesturing warmly as if to welcome me. Isang bahagi sa akin ang nainis dahil sa language barrier, pero sa kabila nito, ang kanyang mga galaw ay tila nagpapakita ng kabutihan.