Once Fooled

Chapter 2

Xia's POV

Iniwan ko muna sila sa living room para akyatin ang mga binili kong pasalubong para sa kanila. Syempre bago ako umuwi dito ay pinaghandaan ko talaga ang mga regalo ko sa kanila. I've been away for 4 years, though nagpapadala naman ako ng mga regalo dito every year especially birthdays, Christmas, and new year.

Busy ako sa pagkuha ng mga pasalubong nila nang biglang magring ang cellphone ko.

I answered it without knowing who's the caller. Konti lang naman ang nakakaalam ng business number ko, actually I also have my private number for personal use.

"Hello?"

"Miss Xiantal."

It's my secretary, Damie (Dey-mi), this must business concerns. Miss ang lahat ng tawag sa akin sa kompanya. I don't want to be called Ma'am or Madam, that's too formal. As much as possible I want my employees to get along with me without having thoughts of me being a terror employer, that's too cliché.

"Yes Damie?"

"The board of trustees wants to have an urgent conference with you Miss." Seryoso niyang sabi. Well, I really like her attitude because she's too dedicated with her job.

Napakunot-noo ako. A conference with me? Why so sudden? I just came back and I bet nobody knows yet except Damie, of course she has to know, and my family, I am talking about nanay Merced.

"Why? What's with the urgency?"

"Wala po silang nabanggit Miss but they want to talk with you as soon as possible."

I heaved a sigh. Kakarating ko lang like seriously?! Oo nga't pupunta ako ng Manila but not this early, my God!

"Fine. Tell them I'll meet them tomorrow at 1 in the afternoon."

"Yes Miss. Noted." Napatango naman ako na akala mong makikita niya. I ended the call with a frown face. Trabaho ang inatubag ko sa Europe pagdating dito trabaho pa rin. I own a clothing line that's also known in Europe, the XLC Tee's, where it was wear by different international model. I am the current President and Shannon is the CEO. Nasa Europe pa siya ngayon at sabi ay susunod lang siya dito pero I bet umiiwas lang yun kay kuya Drew. Even ang kambal na Francine and Franchesca na parehong fashion designer ay halatang umiiwas din kay Johann at Yohann. Yes, tinalikuran ako ng lahat pero hindi ang mga bestfriend ko.

Anyway I have to call them. Hindi sila pewedeng mawala sa conference bukas. Whether they like it or not, uuwi sila. Business is business.

Una kong tinawagan si Shannon.

"Hello." Garalgal pa ang boses niya, halatang kakagising pa lang ng bruha.

"Wake up sleepyhead." Malambing kong sabi.

"Cee it's too early." Cee ang tawag sa akin ng mga bestfriend ko sa akin, they want to be unique daw kaya ayaw nila akong tawaging Xia. Mga pauso nilang tatlo.

"Bumangon ka na diyan and book a flight going back here Shan. We have an urgent conference tomorrow together with the board of trustees."

"What?! Ano bang meron?"

"Walang sinabi."

"Aish! You're the President pero 'di mo alam?"

"Stop that. Basta umuwi na kayong tatlo dtto, pakisabihan na rin ang kambal. Tama na yang pag-iwas niyo ah! Para na kayong mga timang!"