He Was My Cousin

Chapter 36

HWMC 45 chapters + epilogue pala :)

Chapter 36
Defeated

Days later, I decided to come back to work. Almost three weeks of resting and babysitting Eugene and Danica was more than enough to at least distract my mind from some pressing thoughts. At isa pa, kakapasok pa lang ng Disyembre ay marami na ang kailangang ayusin sa school dahil sa nalalapit na bakasyon.

"The kids' Christmas party is set on the twentieth. So, kayo, do you prefer our Christmas party evening ng December 20 or you choose what time on December 21? I'm fine with both dates," sabi ko sa kalagitnaan ng meeting namin kasama ang faculty at admin staff, Martes ng hapon.

"I'm fine with both dates as well," ani Lance. "I think the faculty has a say on this since you're in-charge of the kids' Christmas party..."

I looked at them, waiting for a response. They talked with themselves. Iyong faculty at mga admin ay parang biglang bumuo ng bilog para magdiskusyon. Paolo was left on the side, not caring much. Tumingin siya sa akin.

He motioned something on his neck, as if cutting his imaginary long hair as he looked at me.

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I like it," he mouthed to me.

"Oh..." I muttered. My cheeks heated up, realizing he was talking about my newly trimmed hair. Pumunta kasi kami ni Ella sa salon kahapon para sa Linkage Meu treatment sa buhok niya. I decided to have my wavy ends trimmed while waiting for her. Nagulat nga siya dahil bino-blower na ang buhok ko nang matapos siya. Straight, layered, medyo lagpas sa balikat. This was my usual haircut back in high school and college.

I didn't know what to say or how would I acknowledge what Paolo said. He just smiled at me. Sakto naman na nagsalita na iyong isang pre-school teacher at umusad na ang meeting.

"I think it's better if we'd use codenames... para may thrill naman," sabi ni Lance no'ng malapit na matapos ang meeting. We're just finalizing some details regarding the party, the exchanging of gifts being one of them.

I didn't like the idea of using codenames, really. Nahihirapan kasi akong mag-isip ng codename. But I support Lance's proposition. Napag-usapan na rin namin 'to kanina sa opisina niya; it's not really merely about the thrill. It's better to have codenames because we didn't want to burden our faculty and staff. If we won't use codenames or such, staff who'll draw my name or Lance's will probably be forced to exceed the 300 budget, as discussed but not yet finalized, simply because we're administrators. They'd think they'd have to make sure we'll like the gifts or that they're expensive. And of course... para may thrill na rin.

In the end, they voted for using codenames with wish list in the drawlots and raising the gift budget to five hundred. Meeting was then adjourned past six in the evening.

"Uuwi ka na?" Paolo asked as we exited the admin lounge where the meeting was held.

I scowled, "Where else am I supposed to go?"

He chuckled. "Drive safely, Princess. I'll see you tomorrow."

--

"Busy ka ba?" tanong ni Paolo Huwebes ng umaga. I looked at the wall clock. It's ten in the morning. He usually offers me coffee around this time.

"Not really..." Tumingala ako sa kanya. "Bakit?"

"Tara?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Where to?"

He grinned, "ABF Cafe."

"Bakit?"

"Huh?" sabi niya na parang naguguluhan sa tanong ko. He shrugged his shoulders, "Wala lang. May bago kasi kaming frappe, baka gusto mong i-try."