Secret Song

Track_06

SOL

OKAY OKAY by Alessia Cara

The last time I came home, the capital city wasn't even in the top 10 most congested cities in the world; now it's second to Bengaluru, India. Looking out the car's window, I could see endless lanes of roads full of both public and private vehicles, although private cars seem to overcrowd the roads more than the PUVs. The last decade when it was less dense and congested seemed like a distant memory now. One really can't expect things to stay the same after several years, huh?

"So, have you decided yet, sis?" Winter smirked after asking me. He's seated beside me as mom and dad sit in front of the car. Dad is in front of the wheel.

I looked back at my brother and shrugged. "I am yet to review the contract. Don't get your hopes up," I answered smugly. He clicked his tongue and pouted like when we were kids. I snickered at his reaction. I hugged his left arm clad in a business suit and rested my chin on his shoulder. "What? Are you gonna go cheap on me?"

Winter raised a brow and looked down at my face. "Since when did I go cheap?"

I shrugged and let go of his muscly arm. "We'll see about that."

Today, I am meeting with the Human Resources Department head for my employment at the company. I'm family and I'm basically part-owner since dad gave me five percent of our family's shares, but I didn't want to go through the shortcut. I want to be hired because I am needed, not because I am my father's daughter.

"God bless you, honey," Mom kissed my cheek.

"Thanks, mom," I replied and smiled.

Dad held my back. "We'll meet you at lunch. Come to my office when you're done, okay?"

I nodded. "I want seafood, please?"

"Anything you want, honey," dad replied and kissed my head before saying bye and leaving with mommy for his office. Lovebirds.

"Don't be nervous, okay?" my twin teased. I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Why don't you stop slacking and go to your office instead?" I stuck my tongue out and giggled.

Winter pouted and pinched my cheeks. "Ow! Winter!" I slapped his hands away from my face. The brute had the audacity to laugh at me and run away. My cheeks hurt. I pressed my palms on my cheeks to ease the pain and in an attempt to reduce my skin's redness.

I went to the HR's office after a while. The interview and tests went well. I was with two other candidates for the position I was invited to apply for. We chatted a bit, but I didn't give away that I am the founder's daughter. I wouldn't want them to get the wrong idea. I finished all the HR stuff before lunch, so I had time to freshen up at the restroom before heading to dad's office.

I was washing my hands when my phone rang suddenly. I grabbed two paper towels hurriedly and dried my hands. I unzipped my hand bag I placed on the countertop and took out my phone.

"Hey, Jiao!" I answered.

"Hi, Sol! Sorry for calling without prior notice. Is it a good time to call you?" one of my closest friends, Jiao, said on the other line. She's polite as ever.

I picked up my bag and went out of the rest room. "Yes, it's fine! Why?" I walked to the nearest elevator and pushed the arrow up and watched the number above diminish.

"Do you have plans tonight?"

I thought for a second. "No, I don't," I answered and paused. "Wait, are you back in the country?"

Jiao laughed. "Yes! Actually, We arrived last night. Andy and I are thinking of having a mini reunion over dinner. Are you game?"

"Of course! I missed you guys!" I replied excitedly. The elevator dinged. Good thing nobody's inside. I entered and pushed the hold button. "Oh. I'm riding the elevator. Let's talk about it after lunch, okay?"