XIX

57 2 0
                                    

"Love, you have a meeting with KBC at 11, right?" sabi ni Phil pagpasok ng office ko.


Philip Lermann is the co-founder of Dreamers Initiative, or Dream-I, the international NGO I am currently affiliated with. He's technically my boss, my mentor, but more importantly, my friend.

"Yes, addendum on the signed partnership." I say distractedly, finishing up a presentation.


I feel him occupy the seat sa harap ng table ko and opened up the newspaper he was holding. One of his morning rituals.

"Does it feel good to be back?" He asks after a while. I stilled.


It's been five years since I left San Vicente. Limang taon. 

I've been out of the country for almost all of it—finishing up my Masters in Social Work Development in Europe for 2 years, where I met Phil. He was a guest professor for one of my classes, and we developed a sort of connection when he found out I was Filipino. Pinoy din kasi ang late husband niya. He was also the one who encouraged me to join Dream-I, and I've been working with them for 2 years and a half already.

I returned back home three months ago, reluctantly. 

Dream-I wanted to open up an arm here in Asia, something I've always been lobbying for. But it will only be approved, if I agree to head the expansion. 

I was hesitant to return, but I've fought for this for a long time, kaya pumayag ako. Si Phil, being one of the co-founders and my friend, flew back with me to help me establish Dream-I Asia.

I didn't plan on coming back, so this question is not valid.


"It's just for a little while. I'm coming back with you to London after." I answer.

He smiles, "You didn't answer the question, love." Pagsita niya.

I pause and sigh. "It's familiar, but I'm not comfortable here anymore."

"I wonder why," he whispers habang nang-aasar na ngumiti.


Phil knows everything about me. 

Lalo na ang naging dahilan bakit ako umalis ng Pilipinas. He was my rock. Kaya he knows about everything, and everyone. Even him.

I've always told him that I'm okay. I've moved on. Everything is as should be. 


"Do you think partnering with KBC is a good idea?" Phil randomly asks, still reading his paper.

Kapit Bisig Center (KBC) is one of the largest NGOs in the country. We've partnered with them for the launch of Dream-I Asia. If Dream-I partners with KBC, all parties will benefit: KBC from Dream-I's international network, and Dream-I from KBC's local connections. Win-win scenario. If this pushes through, Dream-I Asia will be successful and I can finally go back to London. The sooner, the better.


I stop what I was doing and looked at him, "Yes, I gave you detailed report of my research on why I recommended them. Why?" 

I worry a little. "We've already signed the agreement with them, Phil."

He smiles. "I know, love. It's just that, there's something I discovered that was not on your research." I frown.

"KBC's newest board member is Elizabeth Sion." Phil said. I stilled.

He folds the newspaper, and hands it to me. 

"And a certain Governor Genrio will be working with KBC for majority of Layara's projects." Pagtatapos niya.

Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig. I looked down at the page he's opened.


It was a feature article about Governor Javier Elizalde Genrio. Dubbed as the nation's son. The golden boy of Laraya. The man of the hour.

Hindi naman ako hipokrita, kaya ko nga aaminin na masokista ako. Alam ko pa din ang mga nangyayari sa kanya.

Javi won the elections five years ago. Landslide victory.

He's currently the governor of Layara province, the biggest province in the country. 

Each and every one of his projects have been applauded nationally. His biggest and most controversial win was abolishing the corrupt processes and systems of the region, and jailing the officials involved.

There are nothing but praises for him and his leadership. Just like in San Vicente, he won over Layara. 

Actually, the whole nation. Malakas na ang bulung-bulungan na kapag tumakbo siya sa Senado sa susunod na elekyson, walang dudang mananalo siya.

Governor now, Senator next. President soon.

Everything is going according to his plan. His dreams. I smile bitterly. It was worth it. I convince myself.


>>>>>

Everything is also going according to my plan.

The fact that Javi's mom is part pf KBC was a minor issue. I will not be meeting up with the members of the board, and if there's a need to, Phil can take over. Para saan pa naging kaibigan ko siya kung hindi niya ko kaya saluhin diba?

The fact that Layara will be working with KBC is also something I need not worry about. By the time that projects are rolling for Layara, Dream-I Asia will be officially launched and I can finally get out of here.

See? All according to plan.


Nagpunta ako sa isa nilang quarterly activity, the Livelihood Camp, so I can get a feel of how they work, and what we can do from Dream-I.

Philip was in Singapore for the week, so I was by myself and with a few members of the KBC team nung mapansin namin na may biglang nagkumpulan sa bandang entrance.

Mukhang dumating ang isa sa mga celebrity promoters nila. Lia, the rep from KBC who was touring me around, exclaimed.

"Ah, baka si Gov. Gen na yan!"

Natigilan ako. Gov Gen is the media's new nickname for him. 

The crowd parted a little, enough for me to see who it was that arrived.

It was Javi.

Akala ko okay na ako. Akala ko nakalimutan ko na lahat. Akala ko kaya ko.

But everything is different when you're in the same city, walking on the same road, under the same sky. It's different when he's standing in front of you, even if it's 10 feet away, even if he's surrounded by a lot of people, even if he isn't aware that I'm here.

Hindi ako makahinga. Everything seems to be rushing back all at once. The memories. The feelings. The hurt.

I can't help it. My eyes are drawn to him, studying him.

Hindi ko maipaliwanag, he looked the same, and yet something is different about him.

The same aura, albeit a bit stronger and more powerful. The same stance, still standing tall like he's always facing a crowd. He was exuding every bit of his character as a leader. The same clear and straight gaze.

But his eyes seem different. Hooded. Closed-off. Cold.


He suddenly turned to my direction and our eyes met.


The smile fell off his face. His gaze hardened. His stare turned colder. His eyes fill with hatred and rage.

He looked away when someone approached to talk to him. He gave them a smile and started walking away with them.

Back to strangers once again. See? Still according to plan.

>>>>>

@ajnotawriter (Twitter)

The DreamersTahanan ng mga kuwento. Tumuklas ngayon