Adamantine

Chapter 4

Kalingkingan

"This is Lyon, my son," pagpapakilala ni Tito Leo sa kanyang anak.

Pormal na nakipagkamay si Lyon sa aking tiyahin at tiyuhin.

"Maxwell na maxwell. Manang-mana sa iyo," ani Tita Lyola. "Wala si Carmen at Zeus?"

"Unfortunately, my mother and brother can't come. They're busy in Manila." Lyon said casually.

Ibinaling ni Lyon ang tingin sa akin. "What a surprise that you're here, Miss Alvia?"

Plastik ko siyang nginitian. "I am also quite stunned to see you here, Mister Maxwell."

"Pinag-aral mo rin pala ang anak mo sa USPF?" Tiningnan ni Tito Joey si Tito Leo.

Tita Lyola beamed. "Now, this is getting nostalgic. Doon tayo naging magkaibigan at nagtapos." Bumaling naman ang tingin niya sa amin ni Lyon. "Mabuti at magkakilala na kayo."

"We are classmates. We are very much acquainted," Lyon said. Napatingin ako sa kanya. In all fairness, bagay siya sa kanyang formal attire. His hair looks neat, too. Nakadagdag sa kagwapuhan niya.

"Not really," sabi ko. "Liar," I muttered  but nobody heard the latter.

"That's a good thing," masayang saad ni Tita Lyola. "Shall we announce it now, Leo?"

"Sure." Tito Leo nodded.

Pumunta na sa harap sina Tita Lyola, Tito Joey at Tito Leo. Habang kami naman ni Lyon ay umupo na sa mesang nakalaan sa amin malapit sa platform sa harap.

"Hindi ko alam makikipag-merge pala ang Alegre Liners sa kompanya niyo," sabi ko kay Lyon.

He just smiled at me.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Tita Lyola greeted everyone with her warm smile. "We would like to say thank you for allotting your time just to be here, tonight."

"This occasion has been called to announce you..." Now, it's Tito Leo's time to speak. "Alegre Liners is merging with our transportation company. From now on, Alegre Liners and Courtier Transportation Incorporated will be under each other's care."

The applause of the people echoed in all sides of this large room.

"We hope that this merge will lead to greater opportunities and success in the future. Let's cheer for the continuous prosperity of both companies," Tito Joey said as he raised his glass.

"Cheers." The people raised their glasses as well.

After that, the food was served and everyone seems to have fun while eating.

"I'm really glad that the both of you are now familiar with each other." Tita Lyola talks like she has been relieved.

"Hindi na tayo mahihirapan sa susunod na mamamahala ng kompanya," dagdag ni Tito Leo.

Natigilan ako sa pagsubo ng aking pagkain. Agad kong binaba ang aking kutsara. "Mamamahala ng what?" Hindi ko na natikom ang bibig ko. Kuryoso ako. This is getting intriguing.

Napawi ang ngiti ni Tita Lyola at saka tumingin kay Tito Leonardo. "Hindi niya pa alam, Leo."

"This is the perfect time to tell her."

My expression perplexed. My brows knitted. "Tell me what?"

"Hija," panimula ni Tita Lyola habang inaayos ang nalihis kong buhok. "Joey and I decided that you take over our Liner Company."

"Wait, what?" Bakit ang hirap yata magsink-in ang sinabi nila? "Pero, teka... ano... Paano si Kuya Jeff?" May anak sila. Bakit hindi ang anak nila ang maging tagapagmana? Speaking of which, their son is not even around!