Not That Intricate Love Affair (COMPLETED)

2x08: Workweek

"This project is really important. We're going to give birth to a word-class next-level hotel here in the Philippines and I want everything to be in place. I want everyone's 200% effort. Personal-wise, this is the hotel of my long-time friend so...don't disappoint me. I hope everything will go smoothly" Alam niyo ba yung feeling na na gusto kong gumamit ng earphones ngayon? Grabe. Grabe ang gulo talaga ng buhay ko. Who would've thought that I will be sitting here, on this long table, listening to my ex-boyfriend expectations? Who would've thought I'd be spending months with him for a project...a project of my current boyfriend.

My eyes were locked on the LCD screen behind him. Fordel Construction Companies. HEOL. This man is a CEO of a construction company. WHAT A COINCIDENCE! Dati, COO ng real estate company tapos ngayon, construction na. Well yeah, he's an engineer, anyway.

"Ms. Julia?" bumalik ang katinuan ko nung bigla na lang tinawag ang pangalan ko nung parang EMCEE ng opening program na ito. Hindi naman literal na opening program. Yun bang introduction.

"Yes?" Walang ka-alam-alam kong sagot.

"A few words?" Hay nako. May mga ganito pang kaek-ekan. Tumayo ako at ngumiti.

"I'll keep this short. I really wanted to work well with you guys. And I am looking forward to your PROFESSIONALISM..." I glanced to Daniel's side. Kasi oo, sana naman matamaan siya doon. But...he's not looking. He's busy playing with his pen.

Nagpalakpan na sila at napaupo ako. I kept looking at Daniel which seems uninterested. Ugh Julia, you just need to survive.

"Sir Daniel...Mr. Maniro wants to.." bumukas ang pinto sa meeting hall at pumasok ang isang babae...isang babaeng kilala ko.

"Ms. Julia!" Napasigaw siya nung nadaanan ako ng tingin niya.

Tumahimik ang buong hall. JUSKO. SI RACHEL. Anong sinisigaw-sigaw niya? I feel so awkward with everyone's stares. Eh siyempre naman sino ba naman ang hindi magtataka na bigla-bigla na lang akong tinatawag ng secretary ng boss dito like we've met before?

Pinilit kong ngumiti at itinaas ang kamay ko to wave hi.

"Rachel, lead us into the working office, now" tumayo si Daniel. Oh thank, God. Na-realize niya na yung sitwasyon.

"Ah, yes sir. Everyone, please follow me..." sabi ni Rachel bago siya tumingin ulit sa akin at ngumiti ng alanganin, like telling me she's sorry for doing such a stupid move.

Nakalabas na ang lahat at nahuli si Daniel. Nagkataon na magkasabay kami palabas ng pinto. I paused to look at him.

"After you" he smirked and gave me the way. Eh? Ba't niya ba ginagawa iyan?

Habang naglalakad, nasa likod ko lang siya, nakasunod.

"Rachel remembers you, hindi niya mapigilang sumigaw nung nakita ka niya" bulong niya sakto nung bumukas ang elevator. Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin at sumakay na. Nasa harap kaming pareho habang nasa may gilid ko naman si Rachel. I glanced at her and she smiled. Ngumiti rin ako. Siyempre naman, kahit na kunwari may amnesia ako, kung may taong ngumingiti sa iyo, dapat sinusuklian mo rin ng ngiti. And besides, Rachel and I were really close. Dati nga eh binabackstab pa naming ang boss niya. Lalo na sa mga panahong naghihintay ako sa office niya. I can't help but to really smile while remembering these things. Humarap na ako nang masaya.