One Great Love (COMPLETED)

46: Isang Halik sa Hangin

ANDRES

Looking far behind the glass walls standing right before my now-empty desk. All my things were packed in a box. Today took effect my last day as an employee. I had to come up with a decision to leave my job. It wasn't easy for me to leave the family I have created here. I had to think thoroughly for a few days before submitting my letter of immediate resignation.

But seeing the remaining time I have, bubunuin ko na lamang ang mga iyon kasama ang mga mahal ko sa buhay.

Telling my untimely resignation to my friends here poured tears out. Lahat sila nagulat. Nagtanong kung bakit kailangan kong umalis ng biglaan. They wanted me to stay. But I couldn't waste any more time.

Naiwan akong mag-isa sa kwarto habang sila ay nasa lunch meeting. Ang kaingayan ng kwartong ito ang paniguradong mamimiss ko. Sa isang kanto kung saan madalas kausap ko si Christina tungkol sa buhay, si Leren na naging mother-dear sa amin, si Patch sa mga kasalukuyang nangyayari sa paligid, si Mary Anne sa mga tsismis na nababasa niya online, si Tommy na naglalabas ng hinanaing sa problema nila ng girlfriend niya, at si Arnold na madalas ay bigyan ako ng payo.

All these will definitely be remembered. They have all secured their spots in my heart. I wish them all the best in life and am grateful for the months we have shared.

Thinking about all this made me teary-eyed once more.

Then, I heard of the sudden opening of the door slightly far behind me. Nakarating na agad sila. Mabilis akong nagpunas ng luha at humarap.

Si Miss Stella.

She calmly looks gracious in her boat-neckline plum dress up to her knees with a buckled brown-leathered belt and kitten shoes. She took steps forward with us meters apart. Her heels click on the marbled floor.

"Last day?"

Maliit akong ngumit dito. "Yes, Miss."

She walked past by me and stood behind the glass walls. Staring down on the busy street with her arms crossed over her chest. I turned to her.

"What's next for you, Mr. Rodriguez?"

I had to blink twice. She talked slightly authoritative yet with curiosity.

"H-Hindi ko pa po alam."

"You think alam mo na ang lahat? Kaya aalis ka na?"

I was quite astounded with her question. Is she trying to point something? She walked to her left. Watching how her feet steps.

"What a silly question I asked." She sniggers. "Of course, you know everything. You came here knew almost how things work and how to live in this industry. A skilled, intelligent, hardworking person, Andres, in case you don't know."

This is making a shock to me. I stood in freeze. She turns to me.

"You are made for this industry, Mr. Rodriguez. I'm sure that even without us, you'll get bigger. I have high hopes for you, mister."

I smiled trying to stop tears from forming. Nakakapanibago na marinig ang mga ganito kay Miss Stella, o sa ibang tao. Lumakad paikot patungo sa pintuan.

"Lock the door when you leave. I'll see you around." She half-smiled before leaving me.

On that same day, in the afternoon, I found myself seated on a wooden benched painted in green, my elbows rested on the long table with the same materials. May kainitan sa kwartong ito. Bawat lamesa ay may dalawa o higit pang mga taong naka-upo. Nakaharap ako sa bukana kung saan lumalabas ang mga dinadalaw.