"Valbuena!"
Napatalon ako sa sigaw ni Architect Medina, she's shouting first thing in the morning!
"I told you to pass the file today, anong ginagawa mo?"
Pinakita ko ang cup of coffee ko na bagong kuha sa pantry. "I went out of the office to get my coffee, Architect---"
Ibinagsak niya ang folders sa cubicle ko. Halos lahat ay napatingin nanaman sa akin, nagbubulungan. I bit my inner lip to stop pouting.
"Ayusin mo ito, print another copy and send me the revision."
"Okay po, Architect."
She's really not in favor of me, ako lang ang babaeng intern sa architecture department and I always love going to the office na maayos ang damit. Palagi kong pinag iisipan ang susuotin ko dahil tatlong beses na nga lang ako pumasok sa isang linggo.
"Palaging kita ang pusod, hindi man lang mahiya!"
Rinig ko ang pagpaparinig niya at kinakausap ang ibang seniors. Ngumuso ako, hindi naman kita ang pusod ko sa cropped shirt ko, kaya lang nakita dahil inutusan niya akong tanggalin ang light bulb sa hallway.
Pag angat ko ng braso, shempre tataas ang damit ko. That's why she's complaining of my outfit.
Wala din naman kasing designated clothing dito, si Sir na mismo ang nagsabi na feel free to wear anything as long as ginagawa ang trabaho.
"What happened here?"
"Sir, si Valbuena, pinagalitan nanaman." Sumbong ni Dean. Gusto ko siyang irapan, hindi naman na dapat isumbong iyon. I can handle myself.
Lumitaw ang pagmumukha ni Seth at mas lalo akong nairita, baka mamaya tanggalin ako dito.
"What happened?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Your name's mentioned in the engineering department for a few days now."
"Sorry, Sir." I sigh, this is so stressful. "It's because of my clothing. I should have never worn anything that is sleeveless."
"What is wrong with that?" Turo niya sa damit ko. "Do you feel comfortable?"
"Opo, Sir." And I always have a denim jacket or cardigan kapag malamig. Hindi naman kasi ako lumalabas ng office ng wala iyon.
"Then why are you sorry about it?" Seryoso niyang tanong.
Tumahimik ang buong office, his presence is too powerful that everyone silently listens to him.
"Are you late?"
"No, Sir. I'm here at exactly 7:30." Sambit ko, 8 am kasi ang start ng trabaho and 5 p.m ang out ko.
Lunch break is not included in internship hours so in a day, I already have eight hours. If multiplied thrice a week, that's twenty four hours. I have to be in the office for thirty eight day to complete my three hundred hours.
Kakausapin ko na din si Seth na mag aaraw araw ako dito para mabilis akong matapos. The environment is getting toxic with Architect Medina's attitude.
"Palagi bang tapos ang trabaho mo?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Then why is Architect Medina always complaining about you? Honestly, I review your files everytime you are finished and it's close to perfect."
Hindi ako kaagad nagsalita. Is he complimenting me? Aware ba siyang naririnig siya ng buong opisina?
He shakes his head in disappointment, as if forming a solution to this problem.
BINABASA MO ANG
SAUDADE: A Warrior In Every Inch
AléatoireSeñorita. No, that's not a title, pangalan ko iyon. It was just an ordinary day, I woke up and went to my graduation and delivered my valedictory speech. But coming down the stage was the biggest plot twist in my life. I am not just an ordinary girl...
