Chapter 15: A Golden Deal

Like a roller coaster, me and Prince riding on the same boat everyday. He sent me to Carlo and he went to his office which is just two meters away from Carlo's office. No one knows what me and Prince had. I don't know either. We're just... friends helping and respecting each other every day.

As far as I know, Rasie—Prince's brother went to France for business purposes. That's why I didn't see him for almost one month and one week. However, I am thankful because I had Prince during my life in hospital.

Prince wore a blue long sleeve paired with a white pants. His hair ir was fixed so as his necktie. He will start duty again while I am waiting for Carlo's approval.

I arrived in Carlo's office at exactly twelve in the afternoon. Nadatnan ko siyang may kausap na babae kaya umupo na lang muna ako sa waiting area sa labas ng office niya. Bukas lang ang pinto kaya nakita ko sila sa loob.

"You didn't pass the evaluation, okay? But I can help you find another available position so that you can work and start a new life, Myrtha," Carlo said and tapped her shoulder.

The girl named Myrtha sniffed. "Carlo... it's just a few mistakes during my interview. Puwede ko namang baguhin 'yon, 'di ba?"

"Liar won't last, Myrtha. I am sorry for disappointing you but...we don't accept applicants who lied at first. That's our rules," mahina ngunit makahulugang wika ni Carlo sa kaniya.

Gusto ko pa sana talagang makinig sa kanila but Prince suddenly called that's why I caught their attention.

"I'm sorry..." I said and felt embarrassed.

Carlo shook his head to Myrtha. "You can leave now, I have a new applicant."

That's the last words I heard from them before I went outside of his company. Kawawa naman 'yong babae, hindi binigyan ng pagkakataon ni Carlo. Pero labas na ako ro'n. Chismosa lang talaga siguro ako.

"Hi, napatawag ka? Are you home?" A question that always comes first from my mouth when he calls.

I heard him giggled. "Nasa opisina pa ako. What time is your out? I mean...nakapag-usap na ba kayo?"

Akala ko nakauwi na siya. Nag-abala pa siyang tumawag sa 'kin kahit na alam kong marami siyang ginagawa. This is how Prince made me feel secured. He always gave me updates where he is or what he doing. I have a feelings that I... shouldn't let him go now. I should grip on him.

"I don't know. May kinausap pa kasing applicant si Carlo kaya lumabas muna ako," I said, and pressed the phone on my ear to make sure I can hear him well.

"Hintayin mo na lang ako. Pupunta ulit tayo sa Flora's City mamaya at doon magpahinga saglit," aniya sa kabilang linya.

"Okay. I'll update you na lang. Bye!"

"Don't forget my reminders, Sky. Take care and have a nice day!"

I was not the one who end the call, it was him. I felt a relieved after he called. Kahit papaano, naging masaya naman ako na sa loob ng isang buwan at isang linggo naming pagsasama, living on the same roof, eating on the same table and mostly, exchanging greetings each day always reminds me that everything are beautiful. So.... beautiful!

Parang nawala sa isipan ko ang umuwi sa amin. My mind is so traitor! Sabi ko noon, ayaw kong manatili sa kaniya buong buhay. But why it suddenly end up here? I am now riding with him! Sa ngayon, wala pa sa plano kong ituloy ang pag-alis at bumalik kina Tito Valir. I might die if I'll do.

Bumalik ako sa opisina ni Carlo matapos tumawag si Prince. Baka umalis na rin 'yong babae ro'n. Sana pumasa ako sa evaluation niya kuno para naman makauwi na ako at mabayaran ang utang nina Papa. Balak ko rin ang buuhing muli ang pamiya namin. That's one of my goals—to be with them.

"Good morning, sir!" fortunately, he went outside and we just meet on the lobby.

His smile widen when he finally saw me. He played the key of his car on his fingers and confidently went to me. His eyes twinkled while his hair jumping. Some of them almost covered his eyes.

I just smiled back and waiting for his response. Carlo still looks young and... presentable. Hindi lang siguro trabaho ang maiibigan ng mga applicants niya kundi pati na rin siya. His beauty is beyond measure. I was attracted but...no one can beat my Prince Dale Sandoval.

"I am really looking for you. Come'n!" he said and gestured me to follow him.

Suddenly, Prince voice echoed on my mind.

"Carlo wanted to talk to you. I know it's about business. So...as a handsome, I will drop you on his company before I will head home. Be friendly."

While following him, I bit the bottom of my lips to suppress my smile. I know that Carlo will be going to overthink if he found me smiling while following him.

"Is my application's approved? Or...not?" I said and made him stopped. He turned his looks to me but no answer so we keep on walking until we reached to his office.

Finally, he sat and so was I. We just mirrored each other. Habitually, I played my fingers again while waiting for him to speak. He was been silent for the whole moments.

"Uhm...how are you?" he asked me suddenly that's why I am now mentally cramming to find some answers.

Should I say... not fine? Then what next? If I say not fine, he'll going to investigate me more. If I say...

"I'm fine," I answered after I finally made my decision.

"How about your Daddy Calisto? Are they fine?" He played the pen on his fingers.

Sa sandaling ito, hindi agad ako nakasagot dahil ibang usapan na 'to. Are they part of my interview? Siguro kung sasabihin kong...ayos lang sila, what if he found out that my Dad is a gambler? Will Carlo believe me? I should tell the truth not until he will the one to discover. I shouldn't lie because I guess he's not just a business man, but he is also studied in Psychology. Can he read my mind? He shouldn't.

"I don't know if they're fine. I..." I trailed off. I don't know if I will going to continue or to shift the topic. "I think so."

Sa wakas, may nahagilap na akong dapat irason sa kaniya. That's God's help, though.

Remember Sky, you're here for job. For money. I always reminding myself about my purpose so that I won't lose. Baka kasi mabulol ako sa harapan ni Carlo at iisipin niyang katulad ako ng babaeng na-interview niya kanina.

"Our interview just started. Don't be shy to answer Sky. We're classmates before," he said snd chuckled.

"You're now successful and I'm still riding on my boat. I still have a long journey to go." I forced to smile. Tama namang malayo pa ang dapat kong lakbayin para maging katulad nila ni Prince.

Pangarap lang nila ito noon pero naabot na ngayon. Sana...maaabot ko rin ang para sa 'kin.

How long it takes? Years? Well, life isn't easy. We can't achieve our dreams in just one snapped of our fingers. We will never get what we dreamt if we will just going to sleep all day, dreaming without working, and wishing without doing something. The definition of success cannot be claimed if we will just going to stay on the same position.

Chasing our dreams is like roaming around the City to discover what the beautiful views lies there.

"Are you living with your parents?" Carlo caught my attention again. Nakangiti pa rin siya habang kaharap ako. Muntik ko na nga'ng sabihan na hindi naman ako camera para ngisi siya nang ngisi.

I shook my head as an answer.

"Do you have... boyfriend?" He out his pen down and took his phone. What is he doing? That's too private! Kailangan pa bang sagutin 'yon?

I forced to smile. "That's too private, Carlo. Is that part of this evaluation? It didn't sound complaining but... that's private. I'm sorry, you won't hsve my answer."

Bahala na kung hindi ako matanggap. Litong-lito na nga ako kung anong meron sa 'min ni Prince tapos dagdagan niya pa! Tsk.

"You didn't changed. You're still the Levina I know before." He laughed.

My phone was vibrated but I never took it. It was not silent but vibrate only. I think Prince is calling. I ignored it and focused to Carlo's words.

"People don't need to change in order to make someone accept the real you." I answered without even thinking if my andwer is correct. Maybe...yes!

"Tama ka riyan. You still the Levina ‘Astig’ Cordovan." Naalala niya pa 'yong kadalasan nilang tinatawag sa 'kin noon.

"Because It's just me. Poor." Honestly speaking, I need to accept who really I am. "That's why I am here for work. So that I can feed my family, my self and lived in a peaceful place."