The Boss' Nerd

Inside His Heart

Richard sat down in front of his father.  He felt that this will be a long talk.. A long overdue talk.  He knows na masyado ng matagal ang kanyang "pagrerebelde" and its about time para siya naman ang makinig...

"I was impressed earlier, RJ.  If the client was here already, we only need a few drinks with them and we will have this contract signed already.  You have pointed out every advantages we have on this project as well as the benefits for the client!" Richard Sr said.

"RJ.. Yap, its been a long time that he has called me that.  U don't want that nickname uttered coz it brings back the memory of my mom! It hurts the most when my dad, use it on me!  I only allow Paolo and Kris coz they've been there when everything went worst! I only allowed them, aside from my family, coz they served as my strength when Mom died.  Yeah! Its been awhile...!" Richard said to himself while looking at his dad.  He felt warm with his praises, just like before the "disease".  He was about to say his thank you when he heard his father's saying sorry? What??? My dad is saying...

" RJ, sorry for not being there during your mom's critical days.  Sorry for not being able to take care if her when her treatment got the worst out of her...!"

"Why?" Richard suddenly blurted out.  He was surprised as well, because he was never been this blunt when asking for the truth.  He always beats around the bush especially when he knows it will hurt him.  Well, maybe he is really ready to listen...

"I was preparing for your mom's major treatment that I need to worked my ass off to pay for her  surgery.  They were asking for two million pesos.  We have the funds but her disease were so aggressive that frequent treatment were needed to sustain her health until she is ready for the major one.  The funds were slowly draining since that time we are having a global financial crisis.  The economy has taken its toll and as one of the top companies in the country, we felt its impact by lesser client turn outs.  The client weren't able to avail our services and they were using their money to sustain their company as well.  Needless to say, we need drastic and aggressive measure to close whatever deal is being given to us.  One major deal turn out wring would mean profit loss.  As you all know, your mom was my secretary-bestfriend-confidant during those times and she knows what is really happening.  Despite her pain, she is always able to sneak out information from the business world and she perfectly understand it.  She made a promise that she will survive this dilemma after she made me a promise that I will guide RFJ Group through this "storm".  She also made me promise that I will not tell all of you her situation, hence the reason that she just wanted to tour the world coz she is getting bored.  Good thing though, during that time you were all busy with your studies and other extra curricular activities kaya madaling magdahilan.  We were almost successful if not that disease become more agressive that your mom's body was deteriorating so fast as well.  We never falter kasi regardless of our distance mag kasama kami sa laban.  We always talk to each other fave to face through face time and video calls everyday almost every hour.  I always update her of whatever and she updates me to whatever she is going through.  She did not hide her pain from me and even her detailed results until that time that we need to let you know the real reason of her not being home for a while.  She wanted to hide it from you kasi ayaw niya kayong nasaktan but the doctor told us that anytime she will succumb to the cancer.  I asked her, even beg her to tell everything to you guys but she won't even budge until her last week.  Maybe she felt she won't live longer and she wanted to hug each and one of you, or maybe to give you strength when its her time to go, or to tell you how much she love each and one of you, she asked me to take all of you to her and you know what follows! " Richard Sr can't help but cry as he reminisce his wife's ordeal and the hardships that came through. 

Richard, on the other hand, was so surprised that up until the last minute, their parents are trying to protect them from the pain.  Up until the last minute his mom are trying to hide the truth from them.  He was dumbfounded upon learning that regardless of his father's "absenteeism" during his mother's treatment is a major sacrifice! Napakalaki niyang duwag! Pakiramdam niya isa siyang malaking pagkakamali ng magulang niya.  Akala niya, he is being the best but apparently he is the worst! Of all people, siya pa ang gumaea nun sa mga magulang niya! Sa parents niya! He was a jerk, a major asshole.  His existence was a big joke! He could no longer contain his guilt upon hearing everything that he run outside the office, unsure of wherever to go.

"RJ!!!" His dad called and last word he hear before he run as fast as he can. He knows he needed to be out on that building, wala na siyang maihaharap na mukha sa pamilya niya lalong-lalo na sa ama niya!

He drove his car as fast as he can.  He just drove it around to let himself think of all his stupidity and disgrace.  He believe he knew everything but that "everything" is not even half of the "truth".  At siya pa ang nagrebelde ha? My God, how can I face every people I know? Every people who knows the truth? Ano pang mukha ang ihaharap ko?

He was driving around when he found himself in front of the orphanage again! He subconsciously got down from his car and went over the gate and knocked.

Someone opened the door and said...

"Just about time! Been waiting for you...!" And he just broke down and cried.  She hugged him and let him cry...