"HARRIET, you are out of your mind if you think I'll agree to this."
Napapikit ako nang mariin nang marinig ang sagot ni Archer sa kabilang linya. I knew I don't have a chance at grabbing the opportunity of signing with Star Talents but I still wanted to try my luck. Alam ko naman ang sagot ni Archer pero ngayon ay malungkot at dismayado pa rin ako na marinig mula mismo sa kanya na hindi siya papayag. Ang tono pa niya'y tila ba nahihibang na ako.
"Can you at least think about it?" I gently pushed. Kahit wala na akong lakas para makipagtalo o makipag-bargain, I still want to try harder.
"I don't have to think about it. It's pretty obvious and forward. My answer is no. I need to go because I have a meeting to go back to." He really sounded like he's in a rush. But in my mind, I know he's doing that para hindi ko na lalo pang pahabain ang usapan.
"Archer, please. Just..." I let out a sigh. Medyo nanginig na rin ang boses ko dahil naiiyak na ako sa frustration. "Just think about it." I pleaded softly. I don't sound like the usual Harriet who will stand her ground bravely and will take no for an answer. I sounded so weak. And I think that was what made Archer silent on the other line. He's not used to a soft Harriet who sounds like she's about to cry.
"I really have to go, Harriet."
"Archer, please..."
"I'll talk to you soon."
I silently cursed when the line went dead.
"Well? Did he say no?"
Pagod na hinarap ko si Gideon pagkatapos ibalik ang telepono sa loob ng aking bag.
"Of course he said no." Hinilot ko ang sentido. I need a drink, so I called the waiter to order a glass of wine.
Marahas na nagbuga ng hangin si Gideon, frustrated na rin sa sitwasyon. He wanted to be the one to tell Archer about the news, but I told him it will be better if I do it. Hindi niya kilala si Archer. And for some reason, Archer don't have the same patience he have for me with other people. Maikli ang pasensya niya sa 'kin pero mas maikli ang pasensya niya sa ibang tao.
"Harriet, do you know how big this is? Do you even have any idea?"
Tiningnan ko si Gideon. Alam ko naman kung gaano kalaki ito. Tanga na lang ang palalampasin ang ganito kapambihirang pagkakataon. But what can I do? Archer have my neck. He pulls the string.
"We have to do something about this. We have to make him say yes." Gideon suggested, not giving up.
I rolled my eyes. He really doesn't know who he's dealing with. "You can't break that guy's word."
"Harriet, this is bigger than you think it is. This could be your biggest break. Don't be stupid to let it go."
"What do you want me to do?"
Gideon straightened his back. Without batting an eyelash, he said, "break up with him."
I almost choked from a laugh that escaped my mouth. "Are you kidding?"
"Do I look like I'm fucking kidding to you?"
Muli kong minasahe ang sentido. I'm honestly tired. "Honey, I can't. It's not the kind of relationship I have with Archer." And frankly, I wish we're in that kind of relationship for a bit there so I could just really break up with him easily like what Gideon had asked me to do, but I can't because we're not in a real relationship. We're tied by a freaking contract.
"What do you mean? Care to enlighten me?"
I explained to him the whole situation kahit na talagang pagod na ako. There's just so many things that happened today, idagdag pa ang lolo ni Archer na nasa ospital pa rin, it's just all too overwhelming. Gusto ko na lamang mawalan ng malay sa kama ko at magising na ayos na ang lahat bukas.
