Hey, It's Me, Karma (Manileño Series #1)

Chapter 5

Hey, It's Me, Karma

Determination

That was suffocating...

My knees were still wobbling. Isang tulak lang siguro sa akin at babagsak ako sa kinatatayuan.

That person was very dangerous. I felt my knees turning jelly while I was under his demeaning gaze. It's not because was handsome. He was handsome... in fact, very but that's the last reason I would feel weak against someone.

He just stood there, all powerful. I felt so helpless against that person realizing the gap between ourselves. The air he was emanating was dominating. Para bang isang titig lamang ay gugustuhin mo mang lumapit ay hindi niya iyon papayagan.

I remembered seeing the man for the first time. He was remarkable that you would be able to spot him amongst the crowd. When my eyes brushed passed him, I had to look back and stare until my heart burns.

That very first time... I found out the embodiment of terror. I knew then that he will be dangerous.

I was intimidated just by looking at him from afar. When I had to speak to him and stand by him close, I thought I'd lose my mind.

Kaya hindi matatakpan ang sayang nararamdaman ko nang malampasan ang sitwasyong iyon. It was probably true when they said that the hardships will make you stronger because I feel stronger. I was more determined after facing what I considered the most difficult opponent and thought I could go against anything now.

Paulit-ulit kong binabalikan ang pakiramdam ko sa pagkakataong iyon at hindi pa rin mawala-wala ang naipong determinasyon sa gitna ng takot.

Our Head Chef probably felt the happiness seeping from me that he was even looking more joyous than usual. The old man greeted me with a beam by the doorway of the kitchen and guided me inside like a host to a guest.

"It seems like there's a good change happening with Mr. Saltina since you sent his meal, Miss Usoro."

Sumulyap sa amin ang mga abalang cook pagkarinig ng sinabi ni Chef Wong. As if Mr. Saltina's eating habit was enough to entice them from stopping on their tracks and like things about him were news worthy.

"He used to eat his lunch when the food's already cold," rinig kong bulungan ng ibang cooks.

Chef Wong cocked his head to the side and shrugged.

"Well, yes, that is true," tango niya.

Nagsibalikan ang mga cook nang mapagtantong para sa kanila rin ang sagot na iyon. Sumusulyap pa rin naman nang kaunti dahil kuryuso.

"That child was busy to even think about eating his meals on time."

Tinalikuran ako ni Chef Wong para ihanda na ang magiging pagkain ni Mr. Saltina. I just stood there awkwardly and not knowing how to feel about that revelation. It doesn't seem to be confidential but it seemed too personal to someone like me.

"Here, Miss Usoro. You are already familiar with the place, right?" Tumango ako rito. "Will you be fine, then?"

"Yes, Chef," Tinanggap ko ang inilahad nito sa akin.

I traveled to the distance with all the extra determination I had gathered. Pakiramdam ko ay magiging buo ulit ang araw ko sa determinasyong ito.

Pagkarating ko ay pinagbuksan ulit ako ng sekretarya niya ng double doors. He did not even looked up for a little while amd continued with his laptop.