Because I Love You

18| Welcome Back, Love

Brandon got this huge smile on his face while I am frowning at him.

After I confronted him about the flowers, he never showed up again. Ngayon na lang ulit. Ang akala ko pa naman ay sumuko na s'ya at na-realize n'ya na nagsasayang lang s'ya ng oras sa akin.

Apparently nagustuhan ng big boss ang performance ko at ngayon ay trainee ko ang anak ng CEO. According to the CEO, since I'm around the same age as his only son, I can communicate effectively with him. In addition, being classmates once is a connection already.

"Before you think of anything, I would like to state my intentions," Brandon said then he cleared his throat. Naging seryoso s'ya tapos tumikhim. "I am serious on this training, miss Tia. My old man is aging and I know that I have to be prepared once he decided to retire. This company has been passed down for six generations. Ayaw ko na sa akin 'to matapos. I need your help."

Mariing tinitigan ko s'ya. Tinitimbang ko kung seryoso ba s'ya. I cleared my throat when I saw the sincerity of his expression.

"I may not be a great help since I'm just starting as well," I said then I motioned for us to sit.

A new table has been placed beside mine. Just last week, I was given my own office. Hindi ko naman alam na para pala dito 'yon. Para pala talaga sa anak ng may-ari ng kompanya.

I expected a promotion, not an apprentice.

The day started with me telling Brandon the company profile. He's the owner's son but he's not familiar with it. Ano ba'ng pinagkakaabalahan nitong tao na 'to? If I am the child of a businessman, baka bata pa lang ako hasa na ako sa negosyo. Just like Trav and his brother Terrence.

"Lunch?" Brandon offered. "My threat. Pa-thank you sa pag-orient sa akin."

"No thanks. I have my lunch with me," pormal kong sagot.

He shrugged then he left.

Mabuti. Akala ko ay mangungulit pa s'ya. It's a good thing that he matured already.

Ten minutes before one in the afternoon, Brandon returned to our office. I decided to do my usual work and let him watch me with what I am doing. I told him to ask questions and I answered everything.

I was expecting for him to ask personal or senseless questions but he didn't. All that he asked were work-related questions or something about the company.

A week passed by and I am starting to get used to him. Sinabi ko kay Trav ang tungkol sa kanya.

"Mag-resign ka na, Hestia," mariing sabi ni Travis. "I don't like that man being around you."

"Love, napag-usapan na natin 'to. I like it here. And he's not the same guy anymore. He matured already. Hindi na n'ya ako kinukulit at siguro ay 'di naman s'ya magtatagal sa pagiging apprentice ko."

Trav wants me to resign, pero hindi naman n'ya mababago ang isip ko. Masaya ako sa trabaho ko at hindi naman maganda 'yong rason para umalis ako sa trabaho. That's too childish for my taste.

"I know that you'll say no, kaya pina-deliver ko na lang dito ang foods, miss Tia," Brandon chuckled after placing the packed foods on his table.

"May baon ako," nakataas ang kilay na sabi ko.

"This is my thank you. You've been a great help," he said then opened the containers. "I cooked everything. I got help from my yaya but I was the one who cooked these."

Brandon will be graduating next month. Sabi n'ya ay malaki daw ang naitulong ko sa kanya, pero sa tingin ko ay s'ya lang naman ang may gawa n'on. He's been focused on his studies.