Theo
I came in early to prepare for my presentation to the Board of Directors.
I needed to do well in explaining the project to them because this digitization would save the company a lot of money and was a sure way to get the promotion I've been aiming for. If that happened, I would be the youngest Vice President of this company.
"Anak, you know that I am proud of you and I will always support your plans. But, have you ever thought of relaxing a little? Live life! Have fun!" My mother said during last Sunday's lunch. This was always her advice to me, especially when my father got sick and had a heart attack when he was young because of the stress of work. Thankfully, my father recovered but since then, my mom constantly reminded me that life was short.
I knew it was. For most of my life, I always felt like I was in a hurry and had to get things done as early as possible. I skipped a couple of grades in school and was put in advanced learning programs. I was taking college subjects in high school and breezed through University. I graduated when I was just 19, so I was able to study abroad and take more courses.
I started working as soon as I got back and was on every fast track for every program and rank in the office.
That meant, I wasn't the most sociable human being. I had one girlfriend in University, but because it took so much time to make work, I broke it off. I had flings yes, but that was all I had time for.
"Bawal ka pumasok. Wala kang ID."
I looked up to see this new lady guard. She took my breath away. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met, but what stood out the most was her hair that was a shade of black that I had not seen before and one of her eyes seemed to have a conspicuous glow to it.
"Ah.. ano?"
"ID. Wala kang ID. Bawal ka pumasok."
"Miss, may meeting pa ako. Hayaan mo na ako umakyat para makapag-prepare na ako."
"Six o'clock pa lang o. May choice ka naman na umuwi muna at kunin mo ang ID mo o i-log mo dito na naiwan mo yung ID mo tapos bibigyan kita ng guest pass."
Peeved at having to deal with this so early in the morning, "Hindi mo ba ako kilala?"
She looked at me from head to toe. "Hinde. Artista ka ba? Sabagay, pogi ka."
I rolled my eyes exasperated. "Anong pangalan mo?"
"Aya Del Cielo."
"Ms. Aya, I am Theo Montenegro, AVP sa Systems Group ng company na ito at more than ten years na akong nagtatrabaho dito."
She raised her eyebrow. "O, eh ano ngayon?"
"Miss! Importante yung meeting ko!"
"Imporante din yung rules dito. Kung yang oras na nagrereklamo ka ginamit mo na lang sa pagsusulat dito sa logbook, kanina ka pa nakaakyat."
I conceded and started writing but continued to rant. "Hay nako. Irereport kita sa Boss mo. Sino ba ang head ng Security Agency niyo? Anong pangalan niya?"
"Yung Kuya ko. Si Aki Del Cielo. Sige, magreport ka sa kanya."
Ugh. This morning wasn't starting out right.
*
The presentation didn't go well.
The Board noted that there were several key items that were not yet done and was passed the timeline approved. "I understand, Sir. But, we have had difficulty getting permits for the infrastructure we need. My team keeps on following up with our Government contacts but that is our of our hands. As soon as they give us the papers, everything will be ready and we can launch this."
Back at my office, I asked the team to work on the items that the Board cited. "Kailangan mag-double time tayo guys. Next month, dapat daw may progress na ito."
Just then, the annoying female from this morning entered my office with my Immediate Supervisor. "This is Mr. Montenegro's office. Theo, this is our new Security Head, Aya Del Cielo."
"We've met," she said. "He was the stubborn person who didn't want to log his name earlier."
I was horrified and looked pleadingly at my boss. "Sorry, Sir. Nagmamadali lang kasi talaga akong umakyat."
"Pasensya na, Ms. Del Cielo, sobrang sipag kasi nitong si Mr. Montenegro kaya nagmamadali makarating sa office. Anyway, do you need to inspect the entire floor?" From what I gathered, Ms. Del Cielo was going around to check the CCTV and other security features and hazards of the building.
"Not today. I may do it sometime during the week, but thank you for showing me around. I should get going," she said, stepping away.
"Are you sure? How about lunch? Samahan kita to show you the good places around here?"
The woman stared at the hand my boss placed on her arm and made it clear that it was not welcome. I silently cheered.
"I have my own food. Thank you. I will see you around." She briefly turned to look at me and I could swear she whispered, "Bye, Pogi."
But how would I have heard that from that distance? And why did I feel annoyed at my boss touching this woman's arm?
I shook my head to clear it.
Gutom lang ito.
Gutom.
Yup, gutom.
Pero ang ganda nung bago naming Security Head.
