Chapter 2

When I told to Tita Gina everything about what happened earlier, inaasar na niya akong makakatuluyan ko 'yong mentor ko which is the CEO of the company pa. I wasn't that delirious to go on that situation dahil in the first place, I was here to work and get an experience and I'm not here to fall in love with anyone lalo na sa taong dapat hindi ko pag-isipan ng mga gano'ng bagay.

But I know tita was just making fun out of my situation. Para na rin hindi ko isipin ng malala. I shouldn't also be thinking about that when it seemed fine toward Sir Macek so I think I've got nothing to worry about there.

I decided to have my dinner out somewhere—just to get myself familiarize around, but me trying to look so decisive didn't really work out according what I imagine. I tried searching on Google where to go around the area, but some places that listed up there were so casual o kaya naman, hindi ko bet ang pagkain.

Hindi naman ako choosy, but this is new to me—everything is new to me kaya ayokong magpadalos-dalos sa mga desisyong gagawin ko. Baka pagkarating ko sa isang restaurant at ang maging bill ko ay halos aabot ng isang libro and that would make me poor. Isang buwang hindi ako kakain kapag nagkataon.

Dahil hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta, I decided to walk back home and might as well magpa-deliver na lang ulit. I think that was the most convenient thing for me every dinner. I usually had coffee in the morning and that's enough for me to go on for the rest of my day.

"KC?" My head immediately turned around when I heard my name on the impossible night. Nang tumapon ang tingin ko sa boses na tumawag sa akin ay nakita ko sa kabilang building ang isang lalaki. He was waving his hands at me saka tumakbo papalapit sa akin.

"Berkeley?" I muttered. "I-I'm—this is unexpected."

"That's true," he laughed. "Bloody amazing, isn't it?"

I nodded slowly, trying to understand what was happening. "I didn't know you live here?"

"I didn't mention," he said. "You said you live in Newham, but you didn't say you live around the area."

"Oh, yes..." I muttered, nodding my head. "So you live here, too, right?"

He quickly nodded his head. "Yup. I live just right there." He pointed the building where he just went out. Tiningnan ko naman 'yon at napatango na lang muli ako sa kanya. "What are you going to do?"

"I was just heading back inside," I said, pointing the doorway.

"Before that? Where did you go?"

"I—um... I was about to grab some dinner, but I don't know where to go so I think I'll just placed an order through an app so that'll be efficient for me."

"So, you haven't had your dinner yet?"

I shook my head. "Not yet."

"Come with me," he invited.

Napakunot-noo ako. "Where?"

Hindi niya ako sinagot kung hindi ay nagsimula na siyang maglakad kaya hinabol ko na lamang siya. Hindi ko alam kung saan amin pupunta. Kahit may map ako sa phone ko, I'm still not familiar around the area. Ang sinabi pa ni tita na makukuha ko kaagad na maalala ang mga food places, parks, bus stations, at kung ano-ano pa sa loob ng dalawang linggo, but here I am, struggling to where I should have my dinner.

Good thing Berkeley was there to save the night.

Nang mahabol ko naman siya ay kung ano-ano nang sinabi sa akin ni Berkeley. That there weren't many food place around the area, but some were budget friendly—he inferred as if that's what I was looking for. He also shared that the living premises we were living has some facilities which we could use, though I haven't got the time to check on it, but I think I will if I've got some free time.

A few turns and walks of walking, we finally reached a dining place where we could have our dinner—good thing we stumbled upon each other.

We headed to the counter and ordered for our food. I was simply terrified that there was no rice on the menu board. Hindi ko na naman ipinahalata kay Berkeley na iyon ang hinahanap ko kung hindi ay gumaya na lang ako sa kanya na cheeseburger, fries, at coke. It was an unhealthy dinner for me to have.

Berkeley took the tray and we went to find a table. The place wasn't packed at all. There's a lot of vacant seats and tables around. Maybe at this time around, they don't really go to fast food and here I am, seemingly don't have a choice.

"How was it, KC?"

"Uh—" I paused, was about to bite on my burger. "How was what?"

He chuckled and bit his fries on the corner of his mouth. "Your first day? Your stay here in London? Everything, I guess?"

"Oh..." I muttered, realizing what he meant by that. Hindi ko sigurado kung bakit biglang pumurol ang utak ko sa tanong niya. "I think everything was falling into the right place. I was just getting the hang of familiarizing myself around the area so I think it'll took me some time to get used to it."

"Brilliant," he responded. "Or if you wanted to go to work together, that would be great, right? And if we would leave the office early, I can tour your around. What do you think about it?"

"I think that's nice," I said.

"Do you have any relatives or friends live in the UK?"

"Oh, I have an auntie in Richmond. She works there as a helper," sagot ko. "We've met yesterday and we went to some places, but not enough because she also needed to get back to their home so it was a quick meeting."

"Fair enough you have someone who also lives here," he said. "So, what about your first day? How would you describe it?" he asked then took a big bite on his burger then grabbed a handful of fries and put it on his mouth, biting it altogether. I laughed when he did that.

Actually, Berkeley is a funny guy. He really had a strong British accent—and some says their accents differed where they grew up. He has a blonde ash hair and his jaw wasn't that chiselled, but enough to look how manly his face is. He could be the British version of Cristiano Ronaldo

"It wasn't terrible, I must say. Sir Macek only told me about the few things my internship will be covering up to the next few weeks and months. I'm actually excited to do it all. This was a dream for me, you know?"

"I can totally see that in your eyes," he said. "Dream come true, right, KC?"

I nodded and smiled a little.

"Are you enjoying your food?" he asked. Napakunot-noo naman ako. "Do you want something else?"

Umiling ako. Ayoko namang sabihin sa kanya na alila ako ng kanin kaya kumagat na ako sa burger ko at sinunod na ang fries saka ako sumisipsip sa coke. It doesn't really made me full kung pang-snacks lang ang datingan nito sa akin.

"You don't like it, do you?" he asked, raising a brow and a sneaky smile plastered on his face.

Napangiwi na lamang ako sa kanya at umiling. "I have been craving for some heavy meals like rice. I haven't got to eat a meal with rice since I left the Philippines."

"You could've told me, I know a place that serves rice meals. Though I thought this would be nice for you so I brought you here."

"Yeah, no, this was good though. This is enough for me."

"True?"

Muli naman akong umiling.

"Alright. Let me ask you, do you have any supplies on your flat?"

"Not much," I answered.

"Great, we'll be going to grocery after this. We'll be going to buy you your rice," ngisi pa nito.

I don't know what to say to him kaya hinayaan ko na lang din naman. After finishing off our dinner, tumungo na kaming dalawa sa kalapit na grocery store. It wasn't that far away from our place kaya pwedeng lakarin at pumunta-punta if I needed something.

Pagkapasok namin ng store, he was the one pushing the cart for me.

"You know, Berk, you really don't have to do this. I think I can handle this on my own."

He chuckled and shook his head. "No, it's fine, KC. Don't worry about it."

Hinawi ko naman ang buhok na tumakip sa mukha ko at nilagay ko sa likod ng tainga ko. Tumango na naman ako sa kanya at siya na mismo ang nag-grocery para sa akin. Nahihiya ako kasi siya ang nagbayad kanina ng dinner namin and I was so embarrassed to tell it to him na hindi ako nabusog.

Sinabi ko rin naman sa kanya na I'm on a budget kaya iyong mga daily needs lang ang kakailanganin ko. Most of my time ay nasa office naman ako so I don't have to pile a lot of stocks in my apartment. Kung ano lang ang kailangan ko, and what we he would be suggesting ay 'yon lang din ang binili ko.

When we finally falling in line on the counter, I paid for it when he insisted to pay for the things he suggested for me to buy, pero pinigilan ko siya ro'n. What he had shown to me was enough and having dinner with him made my night something memorable.

Berk carried the bags of groceries for me and I couldn't ask for more. He's very gentleman and the way he care for me was out of this world. I meant not to fall for anyone at this time, wala naman iyon sa plano ko. I was never here to fall in love with someone else kahit gaano pa ka-gwapo.

Kahit katulad pa ni Berkeley yan.

Nang marating na namin ang tapat ng builing ko ay kinuha ko na sa kanya ang bags.

"Don't you want me to take it your room?" he asked.

Umiling naman ako. "I don't think that's necessary. I can carry these back in my room. It was such a great night, Sir Berk. Thank you so much for the dinner. I mean, you don't have to pay for it, but that means a lot to me."

"No worries, KC. It's my pleasure actually," he smiled. What a perfect smile, his set of white teeth aligned perfectly. He looked like a model though. But I'm sure people around London would say that this kind of beauty was normal for them. "And hey, you don't have to call me sir. Just Berk or Berkeley. We're out of the office and I'm only a year older that drop the sir, alright?"

I nodded and smiled. "Sure, Berk," hagikgik ko pa. "I'll be going then."

He nodded his head and I was about to turn my back from him when he called my attention. He lift up a finger, squinting his eyes and looked at me. "Do you want us to go to work together tomorrow morning?"

"Sure... not a problem."

"8:30 tomorrow, I'll be waiting down here."

I nodded, affirming to it. "Noted, Berk. See you tomorrow."

He smiled and then I turned around, heading inside the building. Para akong tanga na nakangiti nang tumungo sa room ko. Pagkapasok ko pa lamang ng room ko na-realize ang mga ginawa namin ni Berkeley ngayong gabi and it was something na hindi ko inaasahang mangyayari.

I thought it'll be an awkward night for me dahil kakikilala ko lamang sa kanya pero hindi niya ipinaramdam sa akin 'yon. And that kind of people ang kailangan ko para hindi ako mangulila sa pamilya ko sa pamilya. For some, three months might be short and quick, but in reality, mabilis lang talagang tumakbo ang panahon.

I started putting all the groceries on the cupboard and I think the stocks I bought tonight would last a week and a half. Hindi pa ako sigurado Berk suggested me to buy some corn flakes cereals pero kahit hindi ako cereal girl, binili ko pa rin kasi, why not?

There are other snacks na sa tingin ko ay makakatulong naman sa cravings ko. I bought some meat, chicken, and beef that might last for three to five days. I bought a five kilogram rice that might last for two weeks for me. Hinding-hindi na ako maghahanap ng kanin dahil may supplies na ako.

I started preparing to go to sleep dahil ayoko ring magising nang late bukas. Then again, I fell asleep two hours before midnight when I'm still adjusting to my everyday routine.

Next morning, I prepared so early and tried the corn flakes cereal and it wasn't bad at all. Baka mas araw-arawin ko pa ito, but still hindi pa rin ako lumakig cereal girl so I'll eat it while my stock lasts. When the clock strikes at 8:30 AM ay lumabas na ako ng room ko. When I was walking out of the building ay nakita ko na agad si Berkeley na naghihintay sa akin.

"Rise and shine, KC," he greeted.

"Good morning, Berk," I greeted, too. "I felt like you really had a great morning."

He giggled. "Never thought I would have, but yes."

"Sana all."

He scrunched his face when he didn't get to understand what did I just say. "Shall we?"

"Right up, mister!" I giggled.

Berk and I went to the bus station and waited for the bus to come. It was quite a fast ride when we finally reached the CM Enterprises which I thought meant Connagh Macek at first but it was more than that.

Berk and I headed to the tenth floor which would be our department floor. Nagkahiwalay lang kaming dalawa nang pumunta na kami sa designated areas namin. Magkita raw ulit kami mamayang snacks time which I would probably be on time. Ayokong palampasin kung anong sini-serve roon. Kung pwede lang mag-take away, I would do it every time.

I was ten minutes early and I've got the time to clean my table. Kahit malinis na naman ay inayos ko pa rin para naman hindi ako masabihan na pabaya pa rin. But then the time goes by, nakatunganga lang ako sa table ko dahil hindi pa raw dumarating si Sir Macek.

I don't think it's a great thing for me na ang CEO ang mentor ko dahil mas busy pa siya sa lahat. Miss Saunders could probably giving me some tasks na. But then, an hour before lunchtime ay ipinatawag ako ng secretary nito at pinatungo sa kanyang office.

I timidly find my way to his office and then when his sectary opened the door for me, I slowly walked inside, making my presence known. Nakita ko siyang nakatungo siya sa mga ginagawa niya. Inangat niya lang ang ulo niya nang makita niya ako. He smiled then made me get closer to him. Pinaupo niya sa upuan sa tapat ng desk niya.

"How are you?" he asked.

"I'm great, sir," sagot ko sa kanya.

"I'm sorry if I didn't get to check on you," he said. "I just needed to review and signed all the documents from the past few days."

"That's alright, sir."

"It's actually not," he sighed. "You're my responsibility and you should've been doing your tasks. I was thinking of talking to one of the marketing managers so he could lead you. What do you think?"

"Whatever you think will be good, sir, I'll be fine," sagot ko sa kanya nang naka-ngiti, but slightly sad dahil hindi na siya ang magiging mentor ko. I would probably be learning a lot from him pero kung hindi talaga kaya ng time niya, I think he needs to drop mentoring me then. "You're such a busy person and I do understand that."

"Thank you," he said, smiling. "But what about your first day, Miss Gillespie?"

"It was great," I said. "I thought I would be learning a lot from everyone especially from you. I've met some people and they were good to me. It's actually nice that I have a colleague who lives in the same building as mine."

"Who would that be?" he asked.

"Berkeley, sir," I answered.

"Mister Berkeley Jones?" he questioned and I nodded. "He's a great guy, I must say."

"Yes, sir, he is," ngiti ko pa.

"Good to know you've been meeting a few people in the company and I hope you'll be more comfortable in the next few days or months. But I've got some tasks for you after lunch, Miss Gillespie."

Napakunot ang noo ko. "What kind of task, sir?"

"I'll tell you later," he said. "Meet me at lunch."

"Ha, sir?"

Tiningnan niya ako ng diretsyo sa mata. "You'll be having lunch with me. My secretary will call you later, okay? You can leave the office now and you can go back to your area. Or you can help my secretary if you think she needed a hand."

Tumango naman ako sa kanya. "Yes, sir. Thank you so much."

Tinanguan na lang din naman niya ako at saka ako lumabas saka ko tinungo ang desk ng secretary ni Sir Macek. When I asked her if she needed anything, wala naman kaya hindi ko tuloy alam ang gagawin ko kaya bumalik na lang ako sa desk ko at kung ano-ano na lang ang kinalikot ko.

But whatever could happen at that lunch later, hoping na sana maganda ang kalabasan. There was just something on Sir Macek today and I'm not quite what was it pero kung ano mang task ang gagawin ko mamaya, I'm ready!

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I would appreciate it so much!

#FallingInLoveInLondonChapter2 #FILIL2 #WT4

Interact with me on Twitter >>> @Imjacobxoxo