From A Distance

Kabanata 4

I prepared the best breakfast for today, hot delicious mojos dipped in my self-made gravy, cheddar cheese and peanut butter flavored waffle and a hot chocolate. I rushed to the refrigerator to pack my strawberry pie for a snack and a penne pasta for lunch.

This is my first day in Manila Epistles, my first job and my first work! I am super duper excited.

Maliit lang ang magiging sahod ko sa pipitsuging online magazine/newspaper na iyon pero to think that I was accepted regardless of who I am, it makes me excited.

Blood rushed to my veins with fervor as I entered their building with a smile. My rose gold suit complimented my inner white spaghetti-strapped top and my boyfriend black jeans. The jeans accentuated my curves but is loose at the bottom. My beige stilettos make a clicking sound in the hallways as I smiled to the guard.

Dumeretso ako sa front desk and asked for details. The lady doesn't seem to be a morning person but nonetheless, she showed the directions patungo sa opisina ko and my identification card. She even raised a brow habang pabalik-balik niyang tiningnan ang ID at and mukha ko.

I grinned triumphantly as I raised to see my ID, kung ano ang nasa resume ko iyon ang inilagay nilang larawan sa aking ID. It was taken after I graduated, short-haired unsmiling and well-groomed Ellie. Malayo sa mukhang hinaharap niya ngayon, palangiti at walang kaarte-arte, I lost my jewelries and golds dug unto my skin.

Well, I really smile a lot only that I don't gather friends with my smile now. I smile for people to accept me.

I saw Manila Epistles' logo while strolling through the second floor. Pumasok ako doon and I saw a spacious room with few cubicles. All cubicles are messy in their own way.

I certainly have to introduce myself kahit na may kanya-kanya silang ginagawa.

I cleared my throat and saw no heads turning my way. I decided to just maximize my tone. "Hi guys! I am Ellie Adriano and..." An awkward greeting came out from my mouth, trying to weigh their reactions.

I saw them turn their heads to me, some went back to their work and some stopped to do another one. I guess I just have to walk to my cubicle.

A small vacant table welcomed me. I carried my box and bag to put them on my table. Well, I guess this is fine. I looked around to observe what everybody is doing.

Sa pinakadulo, I saw a woman who I think has the same age with me, doing her makeup. Her dark red mac lipstick colored her lips. Magaling din siyang manamit, I guess I can get along with her since I know the fake Fendi she is wearing. A faker, but regardless of that, she carried the cropped coat well.

Malapit naman sa table ko ay isa ding babae, I think she's older. Sporting a bun, a formal wear and her eyebrows meeting at the center of her forehead, I just think she doesn't care about my presence. Hindi kami magkakasundo nito. She turned her head to me and showed an emotionless face. Right, she won't vibe with me.

Facing my northeast, a guy probably younger than me is busy doing his work. He wears a suit, properly ironed and slacks furnished screaming 'i-can't-go-outside-without-being-ironed-well'. He paused for a moment and looked at me. Ngumiti siya at kumay, ngumiti din ako pabalik. We're friends already, right? Siguro nga.

Sa gitna naman ay isang matabang lalaki, his hair is curled naturally. He is eating a large bag of chips while typing something in front of his desktop. His colorful but dull clothes hurts my eyes. He looked my way and smiled. Tinanguan ko lang siya.

I turned my head to face my cubicle pero laking gulat ko nang sumalubong sa akin ang mukha ng isang lalaki. Parang we are in the same age bracket. He stands there effortlessly. His stoic flawless and fair face looked at me, arching his perfectly trimmed and thick brows. His thick red lips complimented his small eyes. His unsmiling face just gave me the motivation to smile more.