John
Okay, challenge 'to ha.
I distracted myself but checking work emails and noted a document for review. A concept paper for an upcoming project in our company this coming year. I decided to work on this first and hoped my mind clears up enough to think of how I would solve a problem like Sofia. (Alam ko sa Sound of Music 'to)
*
"You want to go out for dinner tonight?" I asked the next day.
"Nope," she texted back.
"Coffee? I can drop by your office."
"I already got mine."
"Sige na, please? Kahit makita lang kita ng 5 minutes? To see your face?" I tried to smooth talk my way into it.
Sagot niya, "Naka-maskara ako eh."
Kainis.
Okay, walang kalokohan. Hindi ako seseryosohin nito if I acted like I wasn't serious either. So, ito na. "I wanted to present a paper to you."
Fortunately, that piqued her interest. "Paper? Ano 'to? Baka naman stationery layout lang yan ha."
I laughed. Ang kulit talaga eh. "Concept paper and I would like to get your input."
She agreed to meet. "Ok, where is it?"
I handed her a couple of pages.
—-
The Sofia Morales Says Yes Concept Paper:
How to get Sofia Morales to trust John Rivera
Background: John Rivera screwed up big time and now wants a chance to get to know Sofia Morales and eventually have her trust him enough to enter into a partnership that would benefit mankind.
Purpose: To achieve the happiness of both parties
Expected Outcome: Sofia Morales' agreement to the partnership
Steps:
1. Data required
A. Getting to Know Sofia Morales
- what food, snacks, cuisine, drinks does she like
- music she prefers
- sports she likes to engage in
- other interests
B. Introducing John Rivera
- similar items to the above
2. Data Gathering Methods
A. Dates
B. Email or text message exchanges
C. Phone calls
D. Interview with family and closest friends
E. Social media account updates
3. Data Analysis Methods
A. Content Analysis
B. Narrative Analysis
C. Hypothesis Testing
—
Sofia looked up. "This background needs work."
"Really? How so?"
"I think you need to include some already known facts."
I took the paper and wrote her comment. "Go on."
"Like, maybe, how you were mean and how you screwed up TWICE."
"Sofia, sorry." I suddenly felt horrible.
"No, no. Walang sorry sorry dito. Business meeting ito. Write that and edit your paper. Also... I'd like more creative methods in this getting to know Sofia Morales data gathering phase."
I looked up, hopeful. But she was just looking at the paper I was writing on.
"Emails... Does this mean that for the scoping period... a long distance approach is expected?"
"Yes. There's no other option at the moment. Statistically, it doesn't look good for the project but I still propose to push through."
She nodded. "There is one big hole in this concept paper."
"What?"
"The why. Why are you doing this?"
I waited for her to meet my eye. "To get to know each other again, then take it from there. I want to be careful about false promises. If I talk about long term stuff now, before everything, would you believe me?"
She shook her head. "Good call."
"But just so you know, THERE IS a long term goal, okay?"
"Alright. Submit that by 12noon tomorrow or else your paper will be rejected."
"Teka! Ito na! Mageedit na. May shop ba dito sa mall na pwede ako magpa-print?"
She laughed. "Acceptable naman yung soft copy."
*
Dinner was nice.
After that talk (dahil sa concept paper), Sofia asked to keep topics light. "I already had a long day at work. I want to relax before the New Year comes in."
We shared stories about how we spent the holidays, how things were in our parts of the world and what our plans were for the coming New Year.
Too soon, our meal was done.
"Anong gusto mo gawin after dinner?"
"Walk around."
"Sige. Gusto mo bang samahan kita? Or do you want quiet time?"
She thought about it. "I'd like to go alone."
I hesitated because it was already getting late but didn't want to mess up her plans. "Sige... pero dun ka lang sa maliwanag ha? And call me as soon as you get home."
"Uhm... will you head home already?"
"I was thinking of looking for a shop where I can get this paper printed or go home. I haven't decided yet."
She nodded quietly. "No need to print nga. Email mo na lang." She smiled. "Good night then?"
"Good night." I started heading to where my car was, still unsure about leaving Sofia so I kept glancing back. On the third time, I noticed that she had stopped walking. Then, she turned and looked at me.
It seemed like she was struggling with something but then, she shook her head, waved and went on her way.
I was sad but I understood. I hadn't earned my way back yet.
But I will.
