AGTML

Chapter 20

Choosing

Curtin Business School, 1966

“Ms. Peñaflorida Congratulations, for four years you’ve maintained yourself as being the top of the batch.” The professor greeted.

“Thank you Sir!” Anna Marie humbly said.

Cherry poked Anna Marie’s hip “Hey! Let’s Celebrate!” Cherry whispered.

“Shh keep quite! Prof. Birch might see us.” Anna Marie scolded.

“C’mon! Don’t be such a kill joy Marie! Let’s go to your house and celebrate!” Bianca butted in.

“Ms. Ludovice, Ms. Salvosa what’s the matter? Would you mind sharing it with the class?” Prof. Birch scolded.

“It was nothing Sir, Sorry” Cherry explained.

***

At Anna Marie’s Abode

“Way to go Marie! Number 1! Yeah!” Cherry shouted.

“Cheers to A.M, the queen!” Bianca seconded.

“Hey pipe it down! Don’t let the wine get into your heads.” Anna Marie exclaimed.

“Oh Marie we are so proud of you!” Bianca said.

“Yeah, a good future awaits you Marie! After Business school, a lot of firms are crawling their asses off just to hire you!” Cherry stated.

“Nah! I plan to put up my own business.” Anna Marie shrugged.

“Well, the top one has always a choice! Cheers to Marie’s future business.” Cherry cheered again.

The three laughed.

“By the way Marie, How is it going with you and Friedrich?”

“Ahmm…Fred and I are dating, and I think I am going to give him my yes soon.” Anna Marie giggled.

“But how about Cesare? He’s been dying to court you right?” Cherry interrupted.

“Oh don’t mention him. He is too dominant and very demanding. I don’t want bossy guys.” Marie said.

***

A Year After

“Cherry! Bianca! Long time no see!” Anna Marie excitedly screamed.

“Marie!” Cherry and Bianca said in unison “How are you? Why did you call us here?” Cherry asked.

“Well I wanted the two of you to be the first to see my new business. It’s PSJ Insurance Corporation.” Anna Marie proudly exclaimed.

“Wow, Marie you really made a good fortune! In just one year you were able to put up your own. You are amazing!” Bianca praised.

 “Nope it’s not mine alone because I wanted the two of you to be part of it!” Anna Marie exclaimed.

“What?! Us? Don’t play jokes on us Marie okay?” Cherry said.

Marie said nothing but remained grinning.

“Oh my God! Shut up! Are you serious?” Cherry excitedly exclaimed.

“Yep! Very serious.” Marie answered.

“Oh my thank you!” Cherry embraced Anna Marie.

“Marie, I can’t accept your offer. You know that among the three of us I am the weakest link. I wouldn’t graduate business school without your help.”