Sofia
After a couple of jobs that I really didn't like, I finally landed work in the back office that I had great interest in: tax. Yeah, yeah. Not the most fun thing in the world, but I wanted to learn so much about this field in our company. A few months into the role, my boss called me in for a catch-up.
"Sofia, there's a training program I'm nominating you for. It will be in our New York office and will last for two months. I hope you can clear your calendar for July and August this year?"
My eyes widened at the news. "Talaga po? Yes, Ma'am. I don't have plan pa naman."
"Good. We'll find out next week."
I got in! And soon enough, I was caught up in the visa processing, training my back-up to perform my role while I was out, packing... "Naku guys, sorry wala ako dito sa birthday niyo," I told a few of my friends celebrating their birthdays while I would be out.
"Uy! Pwede pala humingi ng favor?" Donna asked.
"Ano yun?"
"May ipapabigay lang sana ako kay Kuya John while you're there."
My brows furrowed. "He's there?"
Donna nodded. "Yup. A few years na. He was assigned there after years of working for his company in Manila. I'll ask him na lang to meet you kung saan ka pinaka-familiar."
"Oo nga. Baka maligaw pa ako dun."
Soon enough, I was New York bound. I was so excited because I had never been to the US and I heard great things about the city. I couldn't wait! Upon arriving there, I was first intimidated by how grand everything seemed - buildings, people - everything. Things also seemed faster and I had to learn to catch up.
A few days in, I wanted to give up. "It's scary here, Mommy! Ang susungit nila if I walk slowly."
But I had to suck it up.
I was enjoying the learnings I got in the trainings, and I found a food cart where the cook was an older Filipino man who was kind to me. "Kakayanin mo yan, hija. Tapangan mo lang loob mo at wag mong ipapakita na papayag kang apihin ka nila." He also gave me tips for my safety or places that I needed to see while I was here.
About a week in, I received a text message from Donna. "Hi! I forgot to give you Kuya John's number pala. Here it is! I told him you'd text him when you could meet. But no rush ha? Have fun there!"
I got to it immediately. "Hi John, this is Sofia, Donna's friend. I have your package from her. When are you free to meet?"
A few minutes later, he replied, "Hi Sofia! I'm travelling this week. Would you mind meeting up some time next week?"
"Yes, that's fine. Friday night? My training hours are erratic the rest of the weekdays and I'm only sure of my time on Fridays. I'm out by 5pm."
"Sure. Let me know where you want to meet and I'll go to you. How are you liking New York so far?"
I didn't expect the conversational question so I smiled. "Slowly liking it! I'm still intimidated though." I proceeded to tell him about a cafe near the park.
"Alright. That's pretty far from me so it might take me awhile to get there. Don't worry about NY intimidating you. You'll love it soon. If you have time on Friday, I can show you around a little."
I told him I didn't mind waiting there. "The view is nice. I can read while waiting. AND I would love to go around a bit on Friday."
*
During the week, I randomly sent him a message and said, "I just realized I don't know how you look."
"Maybe you could ask Donna for a photo? I feel weird if I'd send you one."
"I was thinking the same. Let me ask her. Do you know how I look?"
"No. But it's okay. I'll figure it out."
After that, I asked Donna for a photo. "Para naman alam ko kung sino yung dapat kong i-meet." What I didn't tell her was that my curiosity was already piqued by this John Rivera.
When she sent the photo showing her tall, moreno, lean framed cousin with glasses, my first thought was: Patay. Tipuhin ko eh.
Next thing I did, check his socmed profile. Ayun, single.
Don't jump the gun, Sofia. Relax ka lang.
Friday arrived.
I was reading a book and sipping my coffee when someone called out. "Sofia?"
"John." I asked him to sit then handed him the package. "How did you know it was me?"
He held up the books I handed him. "Donna told me these were the items I should expect. And..." He pulled his earlobe. "I checked Donna's wedding photos and asked who you were."
"Oh my god! Bakit yun pa?!"
"Why?"
"My blue eyeshadow..." I said, hiding my face. When he was silent, I looked up to see him trying to hid a smile.
"Yun naman yata yung uso nun."
"Sa sobrang uso, ako lang ang meron?" I said, sarcastically, which made him laugh.
"As much as the blue color thing was amazing, this look suits you better... if you ask my opinion."
I narrowed my eyes. "Wow, smooth. Pagkatapos mo ako pagtawanan, bumabawi."
He laughed again. "Before I say the wrong thing again, do you want to go around? Let me show you some of New York?"
We walked around that night, where he showed me some tourist spots and local joints. My feet hurt when I got home at midnight but fell asleep with a smile on my face.
Yey to happy crushes.
