While I'm Here

Chapter 1: New beginnings

I got in. Unfortunately.

Ms. Anne smiled as she took the papers that I've signed. "I'll see you on the 23rd, Ms. Olongapo."

But that's the thing: I don't want to go back here.

I picked up the blue portfolio as I reached out her hands. "See you on monday", she smiled as we shake hands.

I gave her a warm smile.

"One monday just look for your immediate supervisor, Ms. April De Blanca. She will introduce you to your workstation okay?"

I nod as I pack my things and left her office. That's it. It's official. I'm working in a corporate office.

As soon as I got into the elevator, I couldn't help but to let out a heavy sigh.

I got in.. unfortunately.

I'm so excited to get out of this building. I want to cry my heart out.

This isn't what I wanted to.
This isn't where I wanted to.

But I need this job. I just need to a little background experience, that's all. I keep on repeating it to myself as the elevator slowly goes down.

You need this Kel, you need this to reach your dream.

The elevator suddenly stopped at 14th floor. I immediately wiped off my tears as the door opened.

A tall, formal-looking guy walked in and stood beside me. He stared at me for a few seconds before composing himself back and pressed his desired floor.

"Never thought I'd see you here, Ms. Olongapo"

I gave him a shot. He's talking to me?

"Oh, you probably won't remember me", he fixed his posture and offered his hand, offering me a handshake, "I'm Inke Cerna. We were classmates in highschool."

Highschool..?

Shit. One thing that I hated the most is everything related to my highschool life.. except of course to my friends.

I realized he was waiting for my response, so I offered back my hand. "Kel-- I mean, Circle Olongapo. I'm sorry, were we classmates in highschool?"

"You don't remember? We were blockmates for almost 4 years", he said. I could feel the disappointment in his voice, "But I understand. You were.. very busy back then"

I feel bad that I don't remember him.

"So", he shrugged. Trying to change the subject, "Marketing huh? Looking back I thought you'd pursue modelling or pageantry"

"It's all in the past", I said abruptly. "I don't do those stuffs anymore."

He looked at me, confused. "Did something happen?"

A lot, in fact.

"Nothing much. I just got bored.", I replied. "What about you? Was marketing really your field of interest?"

"I took a major on it and am currently taking my Master's degree so yeah. I like marketing", He let out a heavy sigh, ".. and I was the group leader of our business project in 10th grade if you can still recall."

My jaw dropped as soon as he mentioned the business project. Back in 10th grade, there was a student who suddenly stood up when our teacher asked who wants to lead the project. He was the quiet one, the student who prefers to wear a headset on breaktime and skip clubs after class.

"Oh my god", I covered my mouth. Finally being able to remember him. "Ah shit, this is embarrassing! I'm sorry!"

He laughed at my reaction instead.

Suddenly the elevator door opened, it was the cafeteria. Inke walked out and winked at me, "Guess I'll see you around, Kel."

Great. This will be pure nightmare.