"We have a problem right now, Ms. Klein." Pauna ni Mr. Quijano. "The board was calling for a quorum. Hindi maganda ang performance ng kumpanya ngayon. Ang mahirap pa dito, Mr. Ablaza was nowhere in the company. How many times was he missing in our meetings? The board of directors aren't happy about it."
Patuloy lang akong nakikinig. Of course, Leo would be missing a lot of times. He's a doctor. Nakausap ko na rin naman si daddy. Since my father's original plan which was to marry me off to Leo was not plausible, I think dad will take over again. Or if I'm fortunate, baka sa akin niya ipamahala.
I have to talk to Leo. I know he's busy. I know this must also be hard for him. Or maybe not? Dahil mukhang hindi rin naman niya ito ginusto. I really think he's doing this for his brother. Pero kapakanan ng kumpanya ang kailangan kong unahin.
"Ms. Klein, if this continues, I'm afraid there will be a backlash. Hindi rin tahimik ang union sa mga nangyayari. You need to do something."
Right. I need to do something. But I can't do anything without the chairman's permission. I need to talk to my dad.
Kinuha ko ang cellphone sa bag.
"Ms. Klein?" Patanong na tawag sa akin ng matandang Quijano.
"I will ask for my father's permission. Baka kasi may operasyon ngayon si Leo, I can't interfere with that. Let us not forget that he's a doctor." Sabi ko.
"I understand, Ms. Klein. Pero kailangan ring maintindihan ni Mr. Ablaza na hindi siya pwedeng mamangka sa dalawang ilog. It's either his profession or the company. He can't have both." Aniya.
"I know that. Bigyan lang natin siya ng kaunti pang panahon. For now, I'll call dad."
Umiling siya. "Your father has given you the permission, Ms. Klein. Kaya ako nandito ngayon to advice you what to do. As you can see, the company's not doing good."
By not doing good, I hope it's far from bankruptcy. Hindi naman siguro. Maybe a loss? Or lesser sales?
Pero teka, my father has given me what?!
"M-my dad?"
Tumango siya at ngumiti. Sa tagal na ni Mr. Quijano sa pagtatrabaho sa amin, sigurado akong alam niya kung anuman ang estado ng relasyo namin ng aking ama. Kaya kita ko ang saya sa mukha niya. He's probably happy for me.
"Thank you. U-uhm.. We'll do as you suggested." Sabi ko, dismissing our conversation. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala.
"Thank you, Ms. Klein. Mauna na po ako." He's too polite for me. Mas matanda siya sa akin ng di hamak. I feel old.
"Please, drop the 'po'. I feel like I aged too much." Biro ko.
Tumawa naman ang matanda. "I never meant it that way, Ms. Klein. In fact, you are glowing." He compliments.
I am glowing? Must be because of Eonji, eh? Nangiti na lamang ako. Must be it. Sabi nila, kapag inlove daw eh gano'n talaga.
Marami rin ang nagsabi sa akin ng gano'n noong kami pa ni Alvin. I remember being complimented the same way and how it feels. Ang tagal ko na ring hindi naramdaman ang ganito kagaan na feeling.
Kung wala sigurong problema sa kumpanya, palagay ko ay magmamaganda na naman ako ng bongga. Not that I don't feel good, lalo pa't meron akong Eonji sa buhay ko.
"Alright then, Mr. Quijano. Thank you."
As soon as he steps out of the room, pinindot ko ang intercom and called for my secretary.
"Come in." Wika ko.
Mabilis namang pumasok ang aking sekretarya.
"Call for a quorum." Nagisip ako sandali kung tama ba. But I think the board wanted this in the first place so I'll push this.
