The Moon On Watch (On Going)

Almost Forgot

CHAPTER 15

ENZO'S POV

I almost forgot about the business tour.

I forgot to set my alarm but I managed to wake up at 8:00 AM then I started to take a bath.

9:00 am dapat nasa hotel na tayo bukas, Enzo.

It took me 20 minutes to get ready and when I was done, I jogged downstairs to have breakfast.

I saw my parents having their important meal of the day together and I sat down to join them.

"Good morning, Enzo." My mom greeted me and I smiled at her, sweetly. She smiled back at me and we had our breakfast in silence.

10 minutes had passed, we were heading to our hotel, smoothly. It seemed like there was no traffic at all. Our driver, on the other hand, was driving like it was the last day of his job.

We were at the hotel at 8:55 AM and the moment my parents and I got out of the car. Facing the big building in front of me, I whispered,

"Let's do this."

It took us an hour for our first business tour. It wasn't that bad but it was boring.

I had already known the basic information about the hotel. Some were very new to me but I got it right away since it wasn't that hard to comprehend what my parents taught me.

We were getting far away from the city and I realized this was my father told me about going out of town.

I started to get nervous. Not because of the business stuff but because of Cynthia.

When she texted me last night, I asked her what time we were going to meet to talk about the activity and she said,

"Ikaw bahala. Free naman ako anytime."

"Well, maybe 2:30?"

"Okay. Sa café nalang tayo bukas."

"Got it."

Okay. I don't know why I waited for her to reply at that time but stopped myself from waiting any further. So, I put my phone away and drifted off to sleep.

I didn't expect the two-hour drive to go to our next business tour. I started to think about why my parents were so busy going out of town and to another.

I wouldn't be surprised if they would have an international business trip or business of their own in the other country.

In that two-hour drive, we were passing different cities and I saw a big sign that we were at the place named Praxedes. Suddenly, my dad said,

"Are you familiar with this place?" he said, while his eyes were focused on the road. I looked out of the window but not quite familiar with the place.

City. A literal city. The huge building standing not near the road. Wide road. I was surprised that there was no heavy traffic despite a dozen of cars traveling along the road.

I wonder if this city was only for business.

"I'm not sure, dad." I said, still trying to familiarize the place.

"Nakapunta ka na dito when you were 4." He said, coldly.

How am I supposed to remember, dad? 4 years old ako noon.

I didn't say anything. I stayed quiet until we had reached our destination. Our driver drove off to the parking after we got out of the car.

The building I was facing was much taller than the other one we first visited.

Green plants surrounded the tall structure and two fountains displayed inside and outside of the building.

Villa Nueva, the first hotel we visited was beautiful, has 20 floors and the ambiance was great. Not to compare, but when I read the cursive letters "El Hotel Paraiso Real" I knew that this hotel was one of the fancy hotels in town.

A pair of hands gripped my shoulders, gently as I gazed at the one-of-a-kind hotel in front of me.

So, all these years, lahat ng business meetings ng parents ko, ito ang resulta?

I can say, it was worth it.

"Lovely, isn't it?" My mother whispered in my ear. I looked at her and seeing the wide smile spread on her face, I could tell she was too satisfied with what I was staring at.

"Mhm. So, lahat ng business meetings have paid off huh?" I asked her with a smile on my face. I can't help it.

And the first time in my life, I started to love all these business stuff.

She giggled at me and patted my back, gently. She started to walk towards the lobby where my dad was.

And when my eyes met his, I could tell he was too happy to see me staring at this marvelous hotel.

Following my parents inside the hotel, the people who worked there greeted us with a welcoming voice. My mother greeted them back, sweetly as my dad and I nodded at them.

Some stared at me as if they were wondering who was the guy following Mr. and Mrs. Villanueva but then smiled brightly at me when I heard some employees told the others who I was.

My parents and I entered the elevator and my mom pressed the floor number 30th. We waited for a few minutes to be on the top floor.

As the elevator door opened, I noticed the hallway has only three large doors. Two separated offices— dad's and mom's and a conference room.

Let's get this over with.

Time flies so fast.

Two hours. The whole two hours, all I did was to walk around with two female employees.

The first employee around her mid-'30s was giving me enough information about the hotel. While the other one, around her mid-'20s, all she did was stare at me.

At least, she also provided some information—personal information.

I looked at the clock hanging on the wall and it was 2:15 PM when we were done for the hotel tour.

I was in my dad's office, too focused on reading some business papers. Didn't even bother to check the time.

Then suddenly, someone popped up in my head and pulled out my phone.

Trying to turn it on, my phone's screen stayed black and I said,

"Shit." I curse, loudly. Luckily, my dad was in my mom's office probably talking about business and personal stuff. Unluckily, I forgot to charge my phone last night so now, it's dead.

I didn't waste a time asking for a connector or charger. My mind was too occupied about my own 'business meeting' with someone.

I hurriedly ran to my mom's office, I opened the door and saw my parents talking to each other and I said,

"Dad, mom, alis na 'ko. I have something important to go to." I said while I was at the door.

"More important than this?" my dad asked me with his one eyebrow raised.

"At the moment. Yes. Pahatid nalang ako kay kuya Fernan." I said, looking directly at my dad's eyes.

"Just go, sweety. Ingat kayo!" my mom waved her hand at me, with a smile. "Hon, tapos na trabaho ni Enzo, for today. Hindi lang naman ngayon ang last na pupunta siya dito eh." She winked at me.

I looked at my dad, waiting for his answer and finally, he nodded.

"Okay. Tawagan ko si Fernan para ihatid ka." He said while he took out his phone from his coat.

"Thanks! I gotta go." I said hurriedly and entered the elevator door after pressing the ground floor.

My phone is dead. And, I guess, so am I.

~ ~ ~ 

Friendly reminder: Gaya ng isang phone, always re-charge yourself if you feel so tired. Do not ever hesitate to do so.

ily, truly.

- J