One Great Love (COMPLETED)

24: The Local

JAY

I put on my newly ironed navy blue long sleeves, partnered with a slim-fit black slacks and brown leather belt. I wore on my wrist watch and fixed my hair for the last time. Tinignan 'ko ang oras, 6:51 AM. Isang oras pa bago ang oras ng aking pasok. I got my bag and left my place.

Vacation is finally over and now I am heading to work. Nervous? Sort of. Sino ba naman ang hindi kakabahan sa unang araw ng kanilang trabaho. Many things are occupying my head but I had to stay focus. I had to take the Grab as I cannot bring my car yet. Kailangan pa yata ng permit para makapag-park ako doon.

I went off the car after a 67 minute ride. Makati is merciless. Traffic is unforgiving. I rushed off to the building and hit the elevator immediately. I fixed myself preparing for the first day. When the elevator doors opened, I walked straight to the office.

"Good morning, sir!" The receptionist greeted. "For interview?"

I smiled. "No, I'm here for my first day. My name is John Paul Sanders."

She went through something and went back to me after. She went out of her booth and led my way. "This way, sir."

It was the office where I did my final interview. And the head was already there. The receptionist left us and I respectfully greeted my boss.

"Mr. Sanders," Firm, but gently. "I'm glad you made it on time. Welcome to the family, Mr. Sanders." He is the head of the department I will be working—Mr. Mark Quilalang. Bald, short, stern. But I can sense humor in him.

"Are you nervous?" He asked smiling.

I breathe heavily without him noticing. I brushed it off with a smile. "Hindi po maiwasan but I am excited."

"Great!" His voice raised as he also did. "That's the attitude I want my employees to have. Confident. I'm starting to like you now, Mr. Sanders."

Nahihiya naman akong ngumiti sa kanya. "Maraming salamat po."

He sat back on his sit, fixed his tangled black suit. "Now, there will be a lot of adjustments. You will be trained under Mrs. Castro." Someone knocked and came in. He called. "Mrs. Castro!"

A short-haired woman in her 40s entered, in a blue dress and blazer. "This is your mentee, John Paul Sanders. She is Mrs. Corina Castro."

I stood and reached for her hand. "Please to meet you, ma'am."

A sweet smile formed on her face. "Sir Mark, hindi mo naman sinabing ganito pala ka-gwapo itong bago nating empleyado." She complimented. I blushed, I guess. "Don't worry, sir. Let me handle this young beautiful man."

"If that's the case, you can start your job now."

ANDRES

It's the start of the new week. A bittersweet Monday is bound to happen as my Mom's about to fly back to Canada. Habang patungo kami sa Laoag Airport, binabalot ako ng lungkot. I was just beside her, clinging on her arms. Gino left at midnight after our day trip in Abra. Tired but he had to catch his afternoon duty later.

She was holding my hand as we went on to the departure area. Her luggage and balikbayan boxes were placed on a trolley. All I can feel now is severe sadness. Yinakap ni Mama ang Lolo Jose, Uncle Nacio at Auntie Bernadette. And when it's my turn, agad ko siyang yinakap. The tighter, the wanting her not to leave.

"Be back agad, okay?" In tears, I said. She nodded and wiped those tears. Siya rin, namumula na ang mga mata sa pag-iyak.

"I promise, I will. Mag-iingat ka dito, anak."