Clouded Memories

Chapter 1

As time passed by, I slowly knew how to be thankful that at least, after everything that has happened in the past years, I'm still living prosperously.

That may be, contentment matters more than happiness.

Because now, I can finally say that there are more important things than happiness.

And I've learned to accept the fact that I could never be happy, in this lifetime. But at least, I am contented with my lifestyle and what I have.

And contentment equals happiness right?

Why am I even thinking about this while working?

Umiling ako at saka umupo sa swivel chair. Hindi rin masyadong hectic ang schedule ng boss ko ngayon kaya pwede akong magrelax ng kahit konti.

I rested my back on the chair while staring at the ceiling blankly.

Nakakapagod, bawat araw parehas lang ang nangyayari. Paulit ulit, gigising, maliligo, kakain, papasok sa trabaho, uuwi, kakain, matutulog.

It's a never-ending cycle, but I have learned to live with this kind of lifestyle. I've gotten used to it in the past 5 years. Syempre nung una medyo nangapa ako, pero kalaunan ay ayos naman na.

I've learned to love being alone and talking to my family through a laptop or phone.

If they're happy then I'm happy. That's what always matters.

Naputol ang pagiisip ko nang biglang tumunog ang telepono ko. Mabilis ko 'yong sinagot dahil alam kong si Ma'am Hannah 'yon.

Ma'am Hannah Chelsea Romero. My boss who's an interior designer, the dream I've never reached.

Kaya ito ako ngayon, secretarya niya.

"Hello?" Magiliw na panimula ko.

"Hello, This is Elizabeth Stravinsky's secretary. She's asking to set a meeting for her and your boss. Ma'am, I believe you're her secretary?" Napanganga ako, that's Adrian's mother!

Alam ba niya na secretarya ako ni Ma'am Hannah? Anong mukhang ihaharap ko sakanila?

"Uhh, w-what exact d-date?" Panay ang lunok ko habang nanginginig na nagtatype sa computer.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" I licked my lips, bullets of sweat forming on my forehead as I calm myself.

"Yes, uhh so what date?" Pumikit ako ng mariin at saka isinandal ang likuran ko sa upuan. Relax, Elaine. Adrian's probably in another country, don't expect anything.

"She wants to do it as quickly as possible, Ma'am. If possible, can it happen tomorrow? Like in the afternoon?" Shit, bakit? Bakit bukas agad? hindi ba pwedeng next week para man lang makapag handa ako?

"Sure, umm I'll tell my boss right away. We'll schedule a meeting, thankyou you!" Nagthankyou din siya bago niya binaba ang tawag.

Ako naman ay problemadong tumayo para pumasok sa loob ng opisina ni Ma'am Hannah.

I am sure as hell his mother is gonna kill me!

Magpaiwan nalang kaya ako rito? Pwede naman sigurong kumuha nalang ng ibang secretarya si Ma'am Hannah pamalit sa'kin.

Magpapaiwan nalang ako at hahanap ng pansamantalang trabaho.