Theo
Working with our Security Head is teaching me a lot. In a week, she not only gave input on helping us with our government permits but she was also able to point out the weaknesses of the proposed project plan. "Look at this, you're building this close to a mountain range. Will your cables be able to withstand landslides? Have you considered other alternatives? And your back-up plan does not look full proof."
The more I worked with her, the more I was exposed to her intelligence and beauty but more importantly I was getting this feeling like I had known her from before. But, scanning my yearbooks and old photos that I had access to, there was nothing. Still, I felt a strange affinity for this woman who kept reminding me to wear my ID. I searched her in the internet but nothing came up as well, and no one in the office really knew much about Aya Del Cielo. The other guards would not dare say anything about her unless expressly given permission; they seem to treat Aya and her brother, Aki, with some reverence that I had not seen in my life.
The more I worked with her, the more I wanted to get to know her better — partly because her mysterious aura intrigued me, and partly because I needed to understand why I felt this way about her.
I was sure I wanted to ask her out. Maybe on a romantic date, but maybe just to get to know her even as a friend. Thing is, I didn't know how. Bothered by my thoughts, I headed home and slept early. Sometime during the night, I felt like I partly awake, but was unable to move so maybe I was dreaming.
I could feel a presence around me, but I did not fear it although I did not understand. The first thing that was clear to me were giggles.
"Hihihihih! Ama is cute."
"Shhhhh Yumi he might wake up. Lagot tayo kay Ina."
"Ama... maaalala mo pa ba kami?"
"Ama, sana makasama ka na namin."
I woke up with a start. Such a strange dream, but I admit I had to smile. It wasn't often that I dream of two adorable little angels poking my nose and calling me "Ama".
But what did it mean?
And who was their Ina?
And why did I feel like this? Happy with a mixture of sadness? Longing for children I had never met?
As usual, when something was bothering me, I arrived early at work. The office was still closed so I had to wait for the Security team to open it. Ms. Del Cielo greeted me. "Good morning. Ang aga mo yata ngayon?"
"Oo... uh, weird lang kasi yung panaginip ko, tapos hindi na ako makatulog ulit kaya pumasok na lang ako sa opisina."
"Weird? Paanong weird?"
I told her of my dream and her expression was unexpected. It was a mixture of adoration and displeasure. "Sige, pasok ka na. Yung requirements mo pala siguro bukas na lang tayo mag-usap. Kailangan ko lang mag-leave today."
"Ha? Leave ka today?"
"Oo, kailangan kong mag-emergency leave."
"Pero... ano... pwede... pwede ba tayong mag-lunch pag balik mo?"
Aya looked at me strangely. "Ano?!"
"Sorry, wrong timing. Wala. Wala yun. Pasensya na. Sige na. Tawagan mo na lang ako kapag kailangan mo ng tulong ha?"
Way to go, Theo. May emergency na nga yung tao nakuha mo pang manghingi ng date.
The following day, Aya walked into my office. "Ito na yung final recommendations ko. Nakausap ko na din yung contact namin. Kung masu-submit mo daw yan, irerelease na nila yung permit na kailangan niyo for the project."
I jumped and gave her a hug.
Sparks.
I pulled back. "Oh my god. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Sobrang saya ko lang."
"Do you hug everyone you're with when you're happy?"
"No... Ikaw nga lang yung... Sorry. Sorry. It was inappropriate."
And for the first time, I saw Aya smile. My heart skipped a bit. "I forgive you. Halika ka na."
"Huh? Saan tayo pupunta?"
She raised her brow and gave me a smile. "Didn't you ask me out on a lunch date yesterday?"
"I.... uh... Oo. Wrong timing. Sorry —"
"I'm saying yes. Halika na. I-date mo na ako."
I blushed but hurriedly escorted her out before she changed her mind.
