CLOSER NEXT TO YOU (Completed)

Chapter 20

Chapter XX: ALARMED

Because B2 had all the free time, his father asked his help in closing some deals in their business. Isinama siya nito sa mga meetings. May beses na naiinip siya sa mga iyon subalit iniisip niya na lang na training iyon para sa pagtake-over niya ng kompanya sa darating na mga taon. At malapit na rin iyon ngayong graduating na sila ni B1 ng highschool.

Pagkatapos ng halos isang oras na pahirapang negosasyon ng gabing iyon ay naging pabor pa rin sa kanila ang resulta. Kung siya lang hindi siya manghihinayang na bitawan ang kliyenteng iyon. Sa paraan pa lang ng pagsasalita nito ay masasabi mo nang arogante.

His father kept the folders inside the case and took a glance at him, questioning his silence, "You okay, son?"

"Yeah, Dad," he lazily replied. "What I don't get is that you holding on to that deal."

His dad just smiled.

"He must be someone important," dagdag niya.

"All clients are important," sabi ng kanyang dad, zipping the case. "Pero tama ka, anak, iba ang taong iyon."

The man was into their proposal the very first quarter of the hour, he sensed it. Gusto lang silang pahirapan at umabot nga ng isang oras.

Madami pa siyang dapat matututunan at nakakatulong ang kanyang pagiging salin-pusa. Ngayon pa lang mas mabuti nang makaharap na niya ang iba't-ibang klase ng taong ayaw niya para kapag siya na ang may hawak ng kompanya ay alam na niya ang gagawin at kung paano ang mga ito pakikitunguhan. All of them were experienced and wiser but he had to be more wiser.

"What now?" sabi niya.

"We still have to meet Mr. Chikuze and that's it for the night."

He nodded.

They drove to La Giorgina, a few blocks away from that restaurant. Kinse minutos lang ang byinahe nila at tama lang ang kanilang pagdating. Pagkahatid sa kanila ng babae sa pinareserve nilang mesa ay di nagtagal dumating din ang kanilang sadya.

Tumayo silang mag-ama para salubungin ang mga ito.

And B2 tss-ed in his mind when he saw his classmate walked to them.

Wearing a smile, Ranwell greeted them.

"You're with your son," sabi ng kanyang Dad kay Mr. Chikuze.

"He dropped the school's trip," sagot nito. "I'm not surprised. After all, they should have gone abroad."

Ngumiti rito ang kanyang ama. "Maybe they're more into discovering our own culture. Ours' beauty is timeless."

"I have to agree with you," smiled Mr. Chikuze. Tumingin ito sa kanya at nag-bow siya. "I suppose your twins are here."

For a busy person, Mr. Chikuze had a sharp memory to remember them in only one meeting.

"The other one went to the trip," sagot ng kanyang Dad.

"I see," sabi ni Mr. Chikuze.

Nagkaroon ng kunting discussion tungkol sa negosyo ang mga ito saka iniwan sila panandalian at meron daw kailangangang pag-usapan ang dalawa in private.

So B2 was left alone with the least likable person on Vindleton. He took a folder from his father's case and read just anything.

"Prynston," panimula ni Ranwell, "alam mo ba kung bakit di ako sumama sa field trip?"

B2 read on.

Ranwell continued, however, "Boring naman kasing sumama run. Nakakasawa rin."

Magbibingi-bingihan na lang sana siya kaso nakuha nito ang kanyang atensyon sa sunod nitong sinabi.