Chapter 33

"Miss Gillespie?" My name was called and raised my head to see who it was. When I saw that it was the secretary, I stood on my feet. "Sir Mercondia called you in his office. Please come with me."

She said and I immediately followed her. Dala-dala ko naman ang mga documents ko na kailangan kong i-present sa office upang i-report ko rin sa kanila ang nangyaring internship ko sa London. They became my sponsor for my internship so one of the agreement that I should be getting a passing grade in return.

Nang marating naman namin ang isang bubble office, muli naman akong hinarap ng secretary.

"I would just like to inform you that you will be meeting Sir Zonico Mercondia. He was the one who took the director position for internship roles and sponsorship. You can go inside na."

I bow my head. "Thank you, miss."

As I walked inside the bubble office, I meet Sir Zonico's eyes.

"Good afternoon, sir," pagbati ko sa kanya. Tumuloy naman ako papalapit sa desk niya.

"Good afternoon, Miss Gillespie," bati rin nito sa akin. "Please you may sit." He ordered and then I sat on the chair just in front of his desk. "It's nice to see you again, Miss Gillespie. It's been a long time, right? When we met?"

"Yeah, I believe it was late February? It was the event for those who will have sponsorship."

"Time flies so fast, right?"

I nodded. "I agree, sir. I was only dreaming it before and now it's over. I'm back in the Philippines and preparing for the real world. I just can't believe how fast everything had happened. It still feel like a dream for me."

"Really? So, tell me your experience in—what country you've been again? I'm sorry, I've been meeting a lot of people lately. It seems like graduation is quite near and these students are already complying to their requirements."

I chuckled. "That's alright, sir. I understand. Well, it's London."

"Oh, wow! We were there like last year for a month of vacation."

I nodded. "Yeah... I remembered Seilaverne mentioned it to me before. She told me to enjoy it and I did. How was she though?"

"Oh, she's in Tokyo with her fiancé."

"Oh... I didn't know she's getting married?"

He laughed. "I know, me too. It was quick, but she's fine. She's happy with Hu. And I'm glad your enjoyed your experience in London. That's what matters, 'di ba? Gusto naming nakikita ang mga member namin na may positive feedback sa kanilang internship abroad. It's how we know kung worth it ba ang pag-approve namin sa isang member or not and based on what you said, every penny was worth it."

I smiled and I didn't know how light it would be to talk with Sir Zonico. I thought it would be nerve-wracking or whatever, but it's making me feel good. He's like Connagh. Madaling kausap at hindi nakakatakot like the other bosses na papunta ka pa lang sa office ay manginginig na ang tuhod.

"May I see your report now, Miss Gillespie? Do you have it?"

"Yes, sir."

I handed over to him the brown envelope which contains my report grades, a summary of my experience in London, and other stuff. Hindi naman nila papakialamanan 'yong salary na nakuha ko sa company, they intend for us to keep it at pinaghirapan namin iyon. I even got my 3rd allowance before I went back in the Philippines so I've got a pocket of money when I came back home. As I went back, I immediately celebrated with my parents and I think that's the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.

When he review my report, he's nodding his head that I'm sure could be a good thing. Well, it didn't take him too long to review it, I mean he was just scanning it this time.

"You actually have a good credentials, Miss Gillespie," he said. Hearing that from him makes me happy. "If you're going to work for me, I'll hire you immediately. No hesitations."

I giggled. "Wow. That's wonderful, sir."

"But where do you think you'll be working, Miss Gillespie? May mga pinag-apply-an ka na ba?"

"As of now, wala pa po, but I'm going to start sending resume this week din po."

"Good, do that. You'll probably get hired immediately. I believe that."

"Thank you, sir," I smiled.

A moment later, he received a phone call and he excused himself to answer it quickly. When he accepted the call, he put it down and shifted his attention.

"Hey, Miss Gillespie, I think we need to our discussion here because I have an important call. If you don't mind about that."

Umiling naman ako. "Of course, sir. Thank you for your time po."

"Likewise, Miss Gillespie. I'll further look into your report and then if we needed you, we'll contact you once again, alright?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir, got it."

Saglit lang din naman ay dumating ang kanyang secretary at tinawag na nito ang atensyon ko. Sir Zonico attended his call kaya hindi ko na tinawag ang pansin nito. I stood on my feet and left the office following his secretary out.

Dahil wala na rin naman akong gagawin, I left the building and I decided to go to the near fast food restaurant. Malapit na lang din naman 'yon kaya nilakad ko na lamang ang daan papunta ro'n.

I've been out all day and it's actually exhausting. I wore a facemask dahil sa usok at alikabok ng paligid. This is the thing I hated in Manila, too much air pollution at parang suminghot ng ilang box ng sigarilyo dahil sobrang usok. Though there are still areas na walang amoy, but still place like this exhausted me. Gusto ko na lamang umuwi sa bahay at magpahinga.

I felt my stomach grumbled and good thing I finally reached the fast food restaurant. Pumasok naman ako sa loob at tumungo sa counter. I was greeted by the crew staff in the counter. I took my face mask off and ordered my meal. I haven't had my lunch so I think it's quite right to treat myself.

"Ate?" Lumipat naman ang atensyon ko nang tawagin ng babaeng nasa counter ang atensyon ko. Nakatutok kasi ang mata ko sa menu board habang namimili ng kung anong o-order-in ko. Nanlaki rin naman ang mata ko nang makilala ko kung sino itong nasa harapan ko. "Ate Kiersten! Ikaw nga!"

"Isel!" tawag ko sa kanya. "Nandito ka pala?"

Dali-dali naman niya akong tinanguan. "Yes po, ate. Pero mamayang unti na tayo chika, ate. Malapit na rin ako makapag-out. Anong order po, ate?"

I gave her my order and she quickly encoded it to the screen. I ordered chicken with rice, burger, large fries—I almost bought a bucket of chicken and I hesitated because I know I wouldn't be able to finish it. So, I just add peach mango pie and chocolate sundae as my dessert. Hindi naman halatang gutom, hindi pa lang talaga ako kumakain.

She place the meal on the tray and gave me a number because what I order will be served to my table. Iniwan ko muna siya sa counter saka ako naghanap ng table upang masimulan ko nang kumain.

I frequent check my phone to see if there are messages from my blockmates. Nang magkita-kita kami kaninang umaga, they couldn't believe na nakapunta ako ng London and then Las Vegas which no one even expected it. Hindi ko naman sinabi ang ilang detalye. Iilan lang din kasi kaming nakapag-intern sa ibang bansa. It's either some failed to get sponsorship and those fortunate of us who were given a chance.

While munching my food, natigilan naman ako panandalian dahil naalala ko na naman ang bawat umaga ko sa London. Every routine I did and meal I have eaten made me missed the place so much.

A moment later, Criselda, my cousin came to my table serving my food. She's already out of her uniform so maybe she just finished her work for today.

"Ate!" she exclaimed, couldn't contain her excitement. Binaba namn niya ang tray na hawak na naglalaman ng sundae ice cream at cheeseburger. Sinamahan naman niya ako sa table ko at umupo siya just across me. "Ate! Hindi ako makapaniwala! Nandito ka na pala?"

Tumango naman ako sa kanya. "Yes. I'm home for a week na."

"Oooh," she swooned. "Isang linggo na pala. Hindi ko na-realize. Super busy rin kasi, e."

"Pansin ko nga," komento ko pa. "But I think you're doing a great job. Nagulat nga ako na rito ka pala nag wo-work."

"Yes, ate. Umalis ako ro'n sa dati kong work kasi medyo hectic sa schedule at naghanap ako ng mas malapit lang sa dorm ko para hindi na ako bumiyahe all the time. It saves me up a lot. Pero let's go back to you, how was London? I saw your pictures on Instagram and it was perfect! Nakita mo rin ba ang mga royal?"

Napahagikgik naman ako sa tanong niya. She was like me. Sabik din sa mga katanungan at malaman kung anong mga ganap ang meron sa London. I can see myself to her. I was also a working-student before, but I had to stop dahil conflicting sa schedules ko at hindi na kakayanin pa ng katawan ko and I admire my cousin for working so hard.

Umiling naman ako to answer her last question. "No, unfortunately, I didn't get to see or meet the royals and that's fine. I believe babalik din naman kaagad ako ng London sooner."

"Oooh, sooner? Pa'no mo nasabing sooner, ate?"

Napakibit-balikat naman ako. "Wala... nasabi ko lang and I guess, there's nothing wrong to assume naman. And maybe after a year, I can go back there after getting a stable job here."

"True, wala namang imposible. But how was it like?"

"It was... very dreamy. Everything I wanted to do, I actually got to do it. I thought it would be hard for me to be alone there. Si Tita Gina nando'n so it actually helps me."

"Oo nga pala, nando'n din si Tita Gina," aniya.

"The place, the life I had there, and all the experiences I had was meant to be treasured. Hinding-hindi ko makalilimutan 'yon. I really had a quite wonderful experience in the company I had work there and the people there were so professional and all. I made friends and..."

"And what, ate?" Taas ng kilay ni Isel. "I think may idea na ako..."

Natawa naman ako ng bahagya sa sinabi niya. "And what could that be?"

"Nagka-jowa ka ro'n 'no?"

I scrunched my face. "At pa'no mo naman nasabi 'yon?"

She shrugged off. "Hindi ko rin sure. Nanghuhula lang din talaga ako. Pero baka tama ako, 'di ba? Nakita ko sa IG story mo na nagpunta ka ng Las Vegas tapos kung saan-saan ka rin pumupunta sa London."

"Of course, it's part of it, Isel. Kailangan talagang mag-explore. Ano ka ba."

She chuckled. "Sabi 'ko sa 'yo ate, nanghuhula lang talaga ako. Pero 'yon nga... pa'no ka nakapunta ng Las Vegas? 'Di ba, America 'yon? Tapos London ka lang? Pa'no nangyari 'yon?"

"Well, sa totoo niyan, isinama lang ako ng boss ko na pumunat sa Vegas. We went there for a celebration. Iyong kaibigan niya kasi, if you know Devin Carrington, him and his wife were pregnant and so I was there to celebrate with them even though I'm not related to them."

"Ang galing," komento ni Isel. "Pero teka, if I'm not wrong, 'yang Devin Carrington na 'yan ang Billionaire, 'di ba?" Tumango naman ako sa tanong niya. "Hala! Omg! Napaka-swerte mo naman, ate!"

"Swerte ka r'yan. Hindi rin 'no."

"Sus! I hope I can be like you! Sana makapag-intern din ako sa ibang bansa."

"Well, I'll refer you to the Mercondia Sponsorship kung bet mong mag-intern sa ibang bansa. For sure, ma-a-approve ka nila ro'n, maganda ang grades mo and status mo sa school niyo. You just need to believe in yourself. Mangyayari 'yan, Isel."

"Sana all." Hagikgik pa nito.

"4th ka na this coming semester, right?" tanong ko sa kanya. Tinanguan naman niya ako. "Then apply for the Mercondia Sponsorship na so they might find you a company. If ever, anong bansa ba ang gusto mong mag-intern?"

"Hmm... probably South Korea o kaya naman Singapore. Siguro kung saan mang bansa, okay lang sa akin basta may jowang maiuuwi."

Natawa naman ako sa rason ni Isel. "Gaga ka talaga. 'Wag umasa, masasaktan ka lang."

"Oooh! Why do I feel like it's coming from an experience?" She squinted her eyes as if judging me with that kind of look. "Feeling ko may iba pang nangyari sa London, but I wouldn't ask for more and let you have your privacy na lang din. But, I'll try to send an application na din para if ever mang makapasa."

"Right, saka wala rin namang mawawala," pagpapalakas ko ng loob sa kanya. "And oh! I have been keeping this gold bangle in my purse for a week na dahil hindi ko alam kung pa'no 'to napunta sa bag ko." Kinuha ko naman sa loob ng bag ko ang bracelet na tinutukoy ko at pinakita ko sa kanya 'yon. "It looks like a men's bracelet pero do you like ba? Wala naman akong paggagamitan nito. I don't really wear bracelets."

"Sure ba? For free?"

Tumango naman ako. "Yes, of course. Sa 'yong-sa 'yo na 'yan. Hindi ko talaga alam kung pa'no 'yan napunta sa bag ko. O baka nalagay ko at nakalimutan ko lang o baka naman may nagpatabi pero nakalimutan kunin sa akin? Not sure... pero tiwala naman akong iingatan mo 'yan, e."

"Thank you, ate!" Niyakap naman niya. "I won't keep you busy na. Hayaan muna kitang kumain. And I think I have to go na. Mama might be waiting for me na."

"Of course! Thanks, Isel. I appreciate you being here with me today."

"No worries, ate."

She left me alone in the table and I continued eating my meal. I'm just a year older than Criselda. Her mother is my father's sister. She's a Gillespie, too, though that's just her middle name.

Nang matapos na rin naman ako kumain ay umalis na rin ako. Umuwi na rin naman ako at pagdating na pagdating ko sa bahay ay sinalubong ako ni mama ng isang balita.

"May pumunta rito kanina... hinahanap ka."

Naningkit naman ang mata ko sa sinabi niya. "Sino naman?"

"Nakalimutan ko kung pa'no bigkasin 'yong pangalan niya pero matangkad siya, may golden brown hair. Matangos din ang ilong at gwapo. Manliligaw mo ba 'yon 'nak? Kay gwapo naman. Ibang lahi pa."

"Ibang lahi?"

Tumango naman si mama. "Oo... kano ata 'yon? Ah! Natatandaan ko na ang pangalan niya. Kona raw. Tama ba ako?"

Nanigas naman ang katawan ko nang sabihin niya iyon. "Seryoso ka ba, ma?"

Muli namang tumango si mama.

"Babalik daw ba siya?" tanong ko. Umiling naman si mama.

"Walang sinabi, e. Tawagan mo na lang baka bumalik 'yon."

"Sige po, ma... I'll try..."

Pumanik ako sa kwarto ko na puno ng pagtataka. I'm not even sure if I'm hearing it right or not. Pero anong ginagawa ni Connagh dito? Did he really came here for me? Para saan? And how he knew where I live?

Did he just follow me all the way here? Oh sheez.

***

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

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