Chasing Possibilities

3 - Of a Crazy Blind Date

I checked my phone on the way out of the house and found messages from Rye.

Message 1 (9:00 AM): Sorry late reply. Just got off from an important phone call. Have you eaten breakfast?

Message 2 (12:00 PM): I think you're still asleep but just in case you aren't, don't forget your lunch.

Message 3 (6:30 PM): Hey don't forget your dinner :)

My lips formed into a huge smile at the sweet messages I received from Rye. Somehow, the haunting bitterness of my dream this afternoon was forgotten.

Me: Hey! Thanks for all the reminders! So thoughtful of you!

I didn't expect a response for my message but somehow I did get one.

Rye: No biggie. Going to work?

Me: Yup. You?

Rye: Call Center? I just woke up actually.

Me: Yeah. You too?

Rye: Sort of. :D

Me: Text you later. ;D

I put my phone back into my bag and hailed a jeepney. 30 minutes later I was already at the locker room fumbling with my keys. My stupid lock was acting up again. I had a really hard time getting the lock opened.

"Hey girlfriend!" Sydney greeted with her usual peck on the cheek. "Problem?"

"Just my key, it won't open the lock." I tried adjusting the key and finally the lock opened. "Uh thank God!"

"So, any updates about your stalker?" Sydney asked, her face wary. She was still convinced that Rye was a nutcase.

"Syd, he's not my stalker. I still had to figure out who he really is but I'm positive he's not psycho." I told her.

I saw her smile and wave at someone behind me. I turned around but all I could see was the guy's back. "Who's that?"

"The new guy, I forgot the name. He looked friendly, greets everyone he meets. You haven't seen him yet?"

"The payroll or accounting person something? Nope. I didn't even know there was a new hire. What happened to Manuel?" I asked Sydney, totally clueless at the office's whatabouts.

"I heard he went AWOL. Some said he got hired somewhere else so he left. Don't know the real score. Anyway, you are so out of date. Manuel left like three weeks ago."

"You know me, I don't mix well with all this office gossip. Well, if you think the new guy's hot, maybe I'd check him out sooner or later." I said trying to sound more aggressive than I liked.

"That's the spirit. I think you should check him out. You totally need a boyfriend."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" I asked sounding a little defensive.

"I love you but you're old! You need to settle down soon!" She said laughing hard at my protested look.

"I am not old! I'm only 28, for your information!" I closed my locker harder than intended which made Sydney laugh harder.

"Guilty as charged!" She said still laughing. She followed my lead and we headed to our work stations.

* * *

The week dragged on at a normally boring pace as usual. Nothing much happened that was worthy of my attention. On Wednesday, I went to my mom's house and brought her groceries. I also gave my younger brother money for his tuition. On Thursday, I had dinner with Perry and Sydney. I told Perry about Rye and he was totally okay with it. Sydney, on the other hand, was still insistent on her "Psycho Serial Killer" theory. We had to cut our dinner get together short because Sydney and I had to get to work. On Friday, the HR announced the winner of the Mad Day Monday Dress up Your Station Contest. And the winner was our team. Charlie was super ecstatic! P3000 wasn't really that much of a prize but I guessed Charlie was more excited on the bragging rights than the cash. The HR also gave out some brownies and cupcakes as consolation prizes.