Vitamin U

14-Kulangot challenge

Nicolas' POV

"I have spoken to our Project Manager last night and I insisted to start the project as soon as possible," sabi ko kina Randall at Jefferson habang nagdidiskusyon kami sa bagong project sa loob ng opisina ko.

"What about the people living in the project site?" tanong ni Randall.

"I've escalated this case to the City Government. It's their job to find these people a place for relocation."

"Precisely. But then, as I've mentioned before, someone leaked a very confidential information about a certain politician whose main intention is to press us. He's using these people to revolt against our company," ani Randall.

"Who?" kunot noong tanong ko.

"Senator Matias Salvatore."

Natigilan ako. Man, had he already find out? I remained calm in spite of being stirred inside.

"Are you sure about that?" tanong ko kay Randall.

"Relatively. However, one witness confirmed that Senator Matias appeared in the area where these people resides and had a suspicious conversation with the leader. A week after that, they started uprising in front of our building."

"It must have been a coincidence," sabat naman ni Jefferson.

"Maybe but it's odd. Why would he visit the people if he had no business with them?"

"Perhaps their leader asked for assistance from this senator?" hula ni Jefferson.

"Yeah, but why would they resort to uprising then? He could have given them assistance if they really asked for it."

Humalukipkip si Jefferson.
"But what would be his reason to oppose us?"

Hindi ako kumikibo habang nakikinig sa dalawa. I had a hunch about this when Randall told me a politician is behind the uprising before. Did Senator Matias finally discover I am Caroline's lover? If that was the case then I'm in a big trouble.

"Cole? What can you say about this?"

What can I say?
"I d-dont know." Tumayo ako, "I need to smoke, guys..." pag-iwas ko.

Kumunot ang noo ni Randall.
"Seriously, in the middle of our discussion?"

"I-I just need to take some fresh air, that's all," dahilan ko. Nababalisa ako kakaisip sa involvement ni Senator Matias sa issue ng welga.

"Let him breath, Dal," natatawang sabi ni Jefferson, "kanina pa tayo nakakulong sa opisinang 'to."

Napasandal si Randall sa upuan saka bumuntong hininga. "Make it fast, Cole. We're running out of time."

Tumango ako saka lumabas ng aking opisina. Nagtungo ako sa rooftop kung saan puwede akong mag-isip nang maigi. Tahimik doon at walang istorbo. Nang makarating sa rooftop ay agad akong nagsindi ng sigarilyo saka pinagmasdan ang malawak na siyudad sa aking harapan.

"Uy, masama 'yan!"

Natigil ako sa paghithit nang marinig ang isang pamilyar na boses. Hindi ko na kailangan pang lumingon para makompirmang 'yon ay si Lala.

Man, I just need a quiet place. Isn't that too much to ask?

"Buzz off," sabi ko.

"Buzz na kung buzz. Masama sa kalusugan ang paninigarilyo," panenermon niya.

Hindi pa siya nakontento at lumapit sa akin. Napatingin ako sa kanya. May nginunguya siyang kung ano. May nagkalat pang mga piraso ng kanin sa paligid ng kanyang bibig. Inignora ko siya saka ibinalik ang tingin sa siyudad.