Bukas ang araw ng alis ko para sumakay ng cruise ship. Huling araw ko na ngayon sa trabaho. Mamaya pag-uwi ay aayusin ko naman ang mga damit na dadalhin ko sa pag-alis. Sinigurado ko ng hindi matatambakan ng trabaho si Archer kapag sya na ang pumalit sa aking pwesto.
I heard a single knock before Portia entered with a cup of coffee in her hand. She placed it in my table near me.
" How long will you be gone? " Mababatid ang kalungkutan sa tono ng kanyang pananalita. Maikli pa lang ang oras na aming pinagsamahan ngunit itinuring ko na itong isang kaibigan.
" Almost a month, I guess? " I smiled after simming my coffee.
" Don't worry, Archer will replaced me for the mean time. " I comforted her.
" I'm bothered baka kasing sungit ng kuya mo yon. " I laughed with her remarks.
" Well, he's a little bit serious about work but don't worry, I know you can handle it. " Mababakas naman ang pag-aalala sa kanyang mga mata. I'm her first boss kaya siguro sobra ang pag-aalala nya. Though it is her first time working as a secretary, she is really reliable and responsible when it comes to working.
Hindi nagtagal ay humapon na rin at kinailangan ko ng mag-paalam sakanila.
" Mag-iingat ka doon, Nova ha. " Natawa naman ako at niyakap sya. Nakita ko kasing naluluha na ang kanyang mga mata.
" I will. Be good to Archer, okay? One month is just a short time. Before you realize it, I'm already back. "
I waved her goodbye as a I walked out of my office. I decided to pay Kuya Dawn a visit before I leave. I smiled as his secretary greeted me.
Dire-diretso na akong pumasok sa kanyang opisina at naabutan ko syang lunod sa papel na kailangan nyang basahin at pirmahan.
" Kuya, mukhang ikaw ang kailangan ng bakasyon at hindi ako. " natatawa kong saad. Napatawa naman sya at hinilot ang kanyang noo.
Umupo ako sa upuan sa tapat ng kanyang desk.
" Bukas na ang alis mo ah? Nagtrabaho ka parin ngayon? "
" I needed to make sure that everything's fine before I leave. Baka singhalan ako ni Archer. " biro ko.
" As if he can do that. By the way, did you already packed your things? " he asked while scanning the files infront of him.
" Not yet. I'm planning to do it tonight. "
" Be careful there Nova, alright? I know that you are old enough to be away but this is too long. You are all alone. " mababakas ang sinseridad sa tono ni Kuya Dawn kahit na ito'y seryoso. Napangiti naman ako.
" I know kuya. I'll take care of myself. Mabuti na rin na itoang ini-regalo mo saakin nong pasko. I need time to think. "
Tumayo naman si kuya para gawaran ako ng isang mahigpit na yakap. Tumagal pa ng ilang minuto ang naging kwentuhan namin ni kuya. Daig nya pa ang aming mga magulang kung magpa-alala na mag-ingat at alagaan ang aking sarili habang nasa malayo ako.
The night came and I already finished packing the things that I needed for this trip. I made a checklist for me to not to forget anything. I glanced at the three large luggages infront of me. I would be gone for a month and I'm doubting if this would be enough.
Siguro'y bibili na lamang ako kung sakaling magkulang. Inihanda ko na rin ang aking susuotin bukas sa pag-alis. I bought three bags with me, including the one I'll be using for tomorrow. A hand bag, shoulder bag, and a mini backpack. I also planned to bring my camera with me. Paniguradong maraming magagandang tanawin roon.
