Words I never Tell

Chapter 29

Candice

"I think this will be okay?" Napabuntong-hininga ako.

Hindi ko alam kung papasok ba ako ng building o tatawagan ko na lang si Ate Grant na sunduin ako dito sa labas.

I just took a cab on my first day. Nauna na si Ate Grant kasi ang usapan nila ni Ate Louella ay maaga sila. Pero dahil nga late na ako nagising, running late ako sa supposed meeting nila na may mga ime-meet na Chinese investor. Actually, this is Ate Louella's business na sinusuportahan ni Ate Grant. Lalo pa at nakabili na din pala ito ng stocks sa business ng mga Calvry.

I glance once more on my jeans and plain plaid button down shirt.

Sabi naman ni Ate Grant, just dress comfortably.

Lumunok muna ako ng tatlong ulit habang kinakalma ko yung sarili ko sa sobrang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko.

It's okay, Ice. Your sister needs your brain and not your physical appearance. You can't beat her naman talaga in that department.

"Fine."

Nagdecide na ako na pumasok sa loob ng lobby. Pagkapasok ko pa lang ay halos umurong na ako at mas gusto ko na lang magback-out.

Lahat kasi ng tao doon, even yung mga receptionist ay mga nakaformal suit. Kuntodo blazers pa. The guard is even wearing a long sleeves na pinatungan ng black na coat.

Wandering employees are wearing three piece suits, dresses, and skirts. Pag naglalakad pa nga ay rinig pa yung tunog ng takong ng mga sapatos nila. Nakakaintimidate pa yung mga tingin nila sakin na para bang naliligaw ako dito.

"Ma'am, to whom are we visiting?"

Ngumiti ako sa receptionist na mukhang masungit dahil tinataasan ako ng kilay. Though, maayos naman sya magsalita.

"I am here for Ms. Louella Calvry."

Lalo yatang tumaas pa yung kilay nito ng marinig kung sino yung hinahanap ko. Bawal ba hanapin yung taong hinahanap ko para magkaganyan sya?

"Do you have an appointment with her?"

"Uhm. Yeah?" Hindi ako sure. May appointment ba na sinet si Ate Grant? Maybe I should just really call her.

"She's currently in a meeting. May I have your ID please for verification purposes." Sagot nung babae habang mukhang may chinecheck sa screen ng monitor nito.

Kinapa ko naman yung bulsa ng suot kong pants. I pulled out my wallet and gave her my identification card. Candice Schaffhausen pa yung pangalan ko na nandoon dahil hindi ko pa nakukuha kay Ate Grant yung bago kong cards na inasikaso nya.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Schaffsen—"

"That's Schaffhaussen, Miss." I corrected her.

Naiinis na talaga ako sa pagtataas nya ng kilay sakin. Is that how she usually treat people? Lalo na pag hindi nakaayos na gaya ng inaasahan nila?

"Look, Miss. You're not in the visitor log. May I please get your contact person here so I could confirm?"

I took a deep breath. "I already told you, I am here for Louella Calvry. I am directly coordinating with her. Why don't you phone her to confirm?"

"I'm sorry, Miss. She's currently in a very important meeting right now. Let me phone her secretary after their meeting. Please have a seat first in the lobby area and wait. I'll just call you when I have already confirmed your appointment."

Napatingin naman ako sa suot kong relo. I am almost an hour late in the supposed meeting. Tiyak na magagalit sakin si Ate Grant.

Ano naman gagawin ko kung ayaw nga ako papasukin? Aantayin ko na lang sya dito siguro hanggang sa matapos sya.