Bitter Sweet and Strange

Chapter 5

Beleza

"Good morning, Ma'am Arkanson. Do you have urgent meeting this morning? You should've called me prior, so I could've arranged it immediately."

Base on her schedule, she's free the whole morning. Kaya laking pagtataka ko na napakaaga niya pang pumasok ngayon.

"No. It's not like that. I really came here early because I want to talk to you  about something."

"About what, ma'am? If it's about the next executive meeting, I have already finalized everything. If you still need to add something, just let me know, ma'am." Napailing siya at agad na umupo sa kanyang swivel chair.

"Come, Ms. Quirino, I have to tell you something." Agad naman akong umupo sa kanyang harapan at nag-abang sa kanyang sasabihin sa akin.

"Ms. Quirino, I've been working here for 14 years already. I devoted my life to VS. It was actually Mr. Villasuarez III who promoted me to a CFO position after my 8 years of service. And there was a certain moment when he introduced me to his son, his successor. He trained his son very well, I'm a living witness. It was never easy for his son, so I decided to be there by his side the whole time. I'm talking about our current CEO, Buendavid IV."

"That's an interesting story, ma'am. But may I know why are you bringing this up now?" naguguluhan kong tanong. Napangiti lang siya at napabuntong-hininga.

"Buendavid is like a brother, or even a son to me. That's why I want to help him in any way I can. Maybe you already know that there is a silent war happening in VS right now. Majority of the directors don't favor Buendavid, maybe because it's just almost 2 years since he took the seat. And they already got used to how his father took the lead in an amazing pace." Nagulat ako nang kinuha ni Ma'am Arkanson ang aking kamay at pinisil ito. "Be his personal assistant, Ms. Quirino. Please do help him with his tasks. He's a confident man and he never wants to boldy ask for help, but yesterday, he did. And because I know how dedicated and driven you are, I know that you can help him."

"M-ma'am A-arkanson, w-what are you talking about?"

"The overall revenue last year declined about 1.2%, and the higher-ups are blaiming Buendavid. One factor maybe is the fact that he can't even have a proper secretary. He's an intellgent man, but he needs someone who can direct him properly. And it could be you, Ms. Quirino."

"Ma'am Arkanson, what's the meaning of this? You can't do that to me. I want to be your secretary. Did I do something wrong? Or something you didn't like, so you don't want me anymore? Or, were you blackmailed by him yesterday?"

"It's not like that, Ms. Quirino. You are one of the best secretaries I have. Even though you don't have an academic edge, you're knowledgeable enough. And I witness how hardworking you are. This is a sincere personal request from me. Please. I'm begging you."

Napapikit ako dahil ramdam ko ang pagmamakaawa ni Ma'am Arkanson. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kanya. She saved me when I was about to give up my life. And if this could repay my debt of gratitude to her, I will be willing to accept it, even though I have no idea what might happen next.

"But, ma'am, I can't help Sir Buendavid like what you're expecting me to. I don't want to get your hopes high."

"You can, Ms. Quirino."

Napakagat-labi ako at napabuntong hininga. I guess, there is no backing out now.

"When shall I start?" Nagulat ako nang napatayo siya at binigyan pa ako ng mainit na yakap.

"As soon as now. You can already leave your work in my department, I'll be the one to process them all. Just please, do your best... help our CEO."

Kaya ko ba talaga? Kaya ko bang tulungan si Sir Buendavid? O kaya ko bang tumagal sa kanyang presensiya? Kaya ko bang magtrabaho sa kanya? Makakaya ko ba ang pag-uugali niya?

Oh! Now, I'm regretting  already the decision I made earlier. But again, kung ito ang maaring maisukli ko kay Ma'am Arkanson, I'm more than willing to do this.

"Anyway ma'am, do you perhaps know why he suddenly wants me to be his personal assistant? I mean, you already knew that he turned me down once, right?"

"Oh that? It was already several months ago. Maybe he was just occupied that time with many things. Just forget about it. Things are different now."

Napatango na lang ako. Kahit gulong-gulo at gulat na gulat ako, ay sinusubukan ko pa ring maging professional sa harap niya.

"And besides, you're a beautiful lady, Ms. Quirino. I assume that you're both single... maybe, just maybe, you can bring it to another level. You know what I mean," she stated dreamingly and even winked at me.

I blushed. I never expect that Ma'am Arkanson can think such thing. Pero alam ko namang kahit kailan ay hindi mangyayari ang kanyang iniisip. Sir Buendavid doesn't deserve someone like me, he deserves better... or best. He deserves a trophy-material partner.

Napailing ako dahil sa aking iniisip. Why am I even thinking such thing also? Tumahimik na lang ako at sinimulang tanggapin ang lahat ng ito.

Napalingon kami nang tumunog ang bell ng opisina. Yes, may doorbell ang executive offices dito. Ilang sandali rin lang ay bumukas ang double door at parang naging slow motion ang lahat.

Sir Buendavid entered the room like a king. His navy blue business suit is radiating like a sun. I know that he can look good with anything, but I think he looks best with a business attire. It adds to his dominant figure and aura. He really is a boss.

And any moment soon, he will be my boss, directly.

I will be his personal assistant.