You Belong With Me

One.

"Mrs. Hojas, I am sorry but it is stated on the will. Binabasa ko ito sa inyo ngayon para makapagdesisyon kayo," ani ng family lawyer namin na si Mr. Alegre.

"Attorney, I cannot manage Divesta Corporation! You know I am a doctor!" Mommy exclaimed. She massaged her temple and let out a loud sigh. "Sana naman binigyan mo ng advice si Mama noon!"

Daddy held her elbow and caressed it. Tahimik lang ako sa tabi niya. I am trying to think of a solution to her problem.

My grandmother, Corazon Divesta, died last week. I was devastated as hell. Siya na ang halos nagpalaki sa akin dahil sa pagiging abala ni Mommy at Daddy sa kani-kanilang career. My Lala, as what I liked to call her, taught me everything from fashion to business. She is my best friend, too. Ako lang kasi ang nag-iisang apo niya dahil only child si Mommy. We are very close that's why it shattered me when I saw her in her room, lifeless.

Now, my Mommy is problematic dahil Lala stated in her last will that Mommy will inherit everything, including Divesta Corporation, Lala and Lolo's beverage company. It has been in the market for more than 3 decades now. Mommy is a doctor kaya hindi siya pwedeng mamahala nito. My Daddy naman is a criminal lawyer kaya hindi rin siya pwede.

"What if I appoint Portia as the CEO? Pwede ba 'yan, Attorney?" Tanong ni Mommy, medyo kalmado na.

Ako naman ang nagulat sa suhestiyon niya! Ako? CEO? Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Nanatili lang na nagtatanong ang aking mga mata. Daddy only sighed while Attorney Alegre gave a hearty laugh.

"I was just going to suggest that. Madame Cora taught her well and Portia is working under Divesta Corp. Besides, she's on her late twenties. She can do it," nakangiting sambit ni Attorney.

I shook my head and turned to Mommy.

"Mom, a CEO position is too ideal. Why can't we appoint someone from the board?"

"Iha, this is Mama's company. Hindi dapat ibang tao ang mamahala nito. Isa pa, you are already managing your own clothing line! Ano ang pinagkaiba no'n?"

Aalma na sana ako pero nilingon niya na si Attorney. I sighed.

Yes, I am working under Lala's company pero hindi ganoon kataas ang posisyon ko. I am the current Human Resources Director. Marami-rami rin akong alam tungkol sa kumpanya dahil naging secretary din ako ni Lala noong katatapos ko lang mag-kolehiyo hanggang natapos ako sa aking masters. I put up my own boutique named Ragazza and so far, I already have 2 branches. Utang ko lahat kay Lala. If this is how I can give back, I will do it.

"She is capable, Sonia. I trust our daughter," narinig kong sabi ni Dad.

"I know, Gary!" Mom rolled her eyes then turned to me. "You will take the CEO position. No buts."

I closed my eyes for awhile before I nodded. When I opened it, malaki na ang ngisi ni Mommy at ni Attorney sa akin. Dad's face was serious, though.

"I will do this for Lala," I bravely said.

I miss you, Lala...

Wearing an all-white pantsuit and white stilletos, I graced the lobby of Divesta Corp. It has been a week since Mommy decided to appoint me as the company's CEO and today, she will tell everybody. Nakakatawa nga dahil hindi naman siya pamilyar sa mga tao rito at sa mismong board kaya baka siya pa ang ipakilala ko.

"Good morning, Miss Portia!" Sabay-sabay na bati ng mga employees na nag-aantay ng elevator.

I turned to them and gave them a sweet smile. "Good morning, guys!"

"Miss, totoo bang ikaw ang magiging bagong CEO?" I arched my brow at Cecil and bit back a smile. I don't want to spoil the surprise!

"Hmmm, malalaman natin mamaya!"