Ricochet (COMPLETED)

Chapter 12

She came from the washroom after freshening up back from lunch. She's going through her calendar when she heard it. J raised his voice but she couldn't make out what he's saying.

There's another man's voice, more hushed & controlled. She could almost see J pacing the floor while huffing & puffing. Then she recognized the other man's voice. Mr. F!!!

She quickly went to the pantry to get some tea & scones, his favorite. It'll be her excuse to enter J's office & to dissipate the tension obviously brewing inside. After knocking, she didn't wait for a response.

"Mr. F!!! You're here!!! You're looking good, really good!

"Maine, iha! Naku, thank you, hiyang sa retirement."

She went to hug the older man after she put down the tray. J just stood there, observing them intently. They both looked fond of each other, undoubtedly a father-daughter close relationship. J noticed how M is so attentive to his dad.

"Tamang tama po yung pagbisita niyo, may scones po sa pantry. Perfect with your tea."

Then she glared at J. Makuha ka sa tingin. He frowned at her and took a deep breath. She ignored him.

"Naku salamat, iha. Kaya ka nami-miss ni Mrs eh, yung pagka-thoughtful mo. Kamusta ka, ayos naman working for RJ?

"Ok lang naman po."

"Pagpasensyahan mo na kung masungit, tumatandang binata eh." He roared in laughter.

She joined in his laughter, enjoyed it way too much.
J leaned in front of his table facing them, arms crossed & frown deepening. Making them laugh even harder.

"Yup, very funny." He said shaking his head.

"Inaalagaan nyo ba sarili niyo? Mga gamot po dapat sa oras iniinom. Bawal po ang stress." She pointedly looked at J when she said this, who avoided her gaze. Serves you right.

"Of course naman, iha. Ngapala, ba't ba M ang tawag sa yo nitong anak ko?"

"Ah eh, short for Maine po, baka nahahabaan sya sa Maine."

"Kala ko pa naman may something-something na, ikaw kasi J din ang tawag sa kanya eh." He teased, much to her embarrasment.

"People call me J in the States."

"Sabi mo nga. Sya, di na ako magtatagal. Salamat sa tea & scones, iha. Bisita ka minsan sa bahay."

"Sure po."

J & his dad shook hands, like strangers & her heart ached for both of them. Ano ba ang problema nitong dalawa? They obviously love each other pero may something eh. Mabigat.

She followed Mr F out the office, when she was about to close the door behind her, J said,

"Leave the door open, para makita kita, I mean, para marinig kita."

Anu daw? Ang gulo ni kuya. She gave Mr F another hug and promised to visit him & the Mrs soon. She went back to her desk and saw J eating the scones.

"Ba't ako di mo inaalok nitong scones, ang sarap ah?"

"I didn't know gusto mo yan."

"Uhmm, if you're not doing anything, can you come inside, I want to discuss some things."

A cold hand clutched at her heart. She inhaled & exhaled slowly, trying to keep calm. Then she started praying.

Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka, Sambahin ang ngalan Mo..