CRISANTA
"PRIMO, come back here!" Makailang ulit na akong nagsisigaw rito pero hindi ko talaga masaway-saway ang anak ko.
Ayun takas nang takas kasi mapapagalitan ko nanaman. He's playing with Celes and he keeps on teasing her. Nakailang sumbong na rin tuloy ang inaanak ko sa akin.
"Ang anak kong ito talaga ay napakapilyo, di ko alam san ba siya nagmana!" Medyo napipika ko nang sambit.
"Hahahaha, hayaan mo na, ganyan talaga ang mga bata." Aba, at talagang kinampihan pa ng Tito Gideon niya.
"Di naman masyadong makulit si Primo, Ate. Pikunin lang din talaga ang anak namin, hahaha." At isa pa tong si Tine.
Kung di lang talaga unang pinanganak si Celes ay iisipin kong pinagpalit sa hospital ang anak namin, mas kampi kasi sila lagi kay Primo kesa sa sariling anak, kaya di na rin ako magtataka kung sa akin madalas magpakampi si Celes, eh. Kahit noong nasa US pa ako ay madalas tumawag sa akin ang inaanak ko, just to share her little problems.
Actually kasi, iniwan ko muna si Primo sa mag-asawang ito for these past few months, since I got so busy finishing my goals and quotas at work, so I can finally go home. I'm afraid I can't take care of him in States if he stays there with me kaya iniwan ko muna ang anak ko sa kanila the last time we had our vacation here.
That is also why I'm alone when I arrived yesterday because Primo was already in their home when I got here.
"By the way, what's your plan for his birthday?" Suddenly, Gideon asked out of nowhere.
"Oh! It'll be next month, right?" Pasegunda naman ni Kristine.
Yes, my child's birthday is a month later than Celes', and they will turn three this year.
"Honestly, I still don't know. I have to go home first to my Mom's so we can have the final decision." I suddenly realized that I still don't have my own place after saying those.
After so many years of hardwork, I still live with my parents. They couldn't just let me go after having lots of flaws, and I can't blame them for that.
"Oh, right! You really need to go home now and meet her. I bet she misses you a lot and is excited to see you by now." Gideon agreed.
Tumango-tango din si Kristine bilang pagsang-ayon sa kanyang asawa.
"You know that I miss her a lot, too." I sighed with the thought. "Always...." dagdag ko pa.
And then, they both looked at me with worried faces.
"Anyway, thank you so much for taking good care of my son," bago pa man kami magkadramahan ay iniba ko na ang usapan.
"No need to thank us for that, mabait na bata si Primo, di man lang kami nahirapang alagaan siya." Oh, really? I chuckled with the thought.
"I don't believ----
*Phone ring....
I was about to disagree with Kristine when my phone suddenly rang. It's an unregistered number. Nagtatalo ang aking isipan kung sasagutin ko ba o hindi.
"Excuse me, sagutin ko lang to." I informed the couple before finally deciding to answer.
"Hello?" I greeted as soon as I picked up.
Caller: Hello, is this Ms. Crisanta Adria Ferrante?
Not a wrong number, I guess.
"Yes, speaking. Who's calling?" I replied politely.
Caller: Hi Ms. Ferrante, this is Fausto of NS Ventures. I'm pleased to inform you that you've passed the initial screening, and we'd like to invite you for an in-person interview at our office. Are you available now?
Ha? Teka, ano daw? Did I just got a call from NS Ventures? The f-famous NS Ventures?
"H-Hold on, did you just s-say NS Ventures?" Waves of excitement crashed over me, leaving me momentarily speechless.
Caller: Yes, Ms. Ferrante, you heard it right.
Omg! I'm screaming at the back of my mind.
"Oh, yes, I can make it! I can totally make it!" Joy flooded my soul as I hurriedly answered with a big yes.
Caller: Perfect. We'll email you the details shortly. Looking forward to having you in our company, Ms. Ferrante.
"Thank you, thank you so much! I appreciate the opportunity." I couldn't help but smile at the news.
The caller ended the call.
"Woah!" I let out a sigh of shock while still holding the phone.
"Why? What happened?" Agad na tanong ni Kristine nang makalapit na muli ako sa pwesto nila.
"I can't believe I just got a call from NS Ventures!" Halos mayugyog ko ang aking pinsan dahil sa tuwa.
"Wow! Congratulations, Riri! Dreams do really come true." Bakas ang saya sa mukha ni Gideon nang batiin niya ko. He knew that it's my dream company since then.
A grin spread across my face, and I could feel the world shifting beneath my feet. The invitation for an in-person interview hung in the air, and in that moment, the possibilities seemed endless.
NS Ventures is my dream company because it's not just a business; it's a vision realized. They've created an innovative space where collaboration fuels creativity. Their team is a powerhouse of talent, and their products are changing lives. The impact they've made in such a short time is beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Their company isn't just successful; it's a testament to what dreams, determination, and a dedicated team can achieve.
The company also rarely announces hiring catalogs because they prioritize loyalty. Their employees are long-time workers who have been with the company for an extended period. Sino ba naman kasi ang gugustuhing umalis sa ganon kalakas na kumpanya, diba?
And now, I am invited to have an in-person interview with that very same company? It's such a blessing.
"Kristine, Gideon," hinawakan ko ang parehong kamay ng mag asawa, "iistorbohin ko muna ulit kayo, pakibantayan ang anak ko, I have to prepare this instant, they want me to go there now, as in now na, so please----
"No need to ask, ano ka ba! Bilis na agad!" Halos ipagtulakan na nga ako ni Kristine para makapag-ayos na.
"Thank you, thank you! Babawi ako, promise." I thanked them, teary eyed.
And with that, I called my son to let him know I have something important to do and that I will be back as soon as possible. After all, this is also for him and the rest of my family.
Let's do this! Fighting!
To be continued...
©Makireimi
