Catalina Konan

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Napatingala ako sa taas ng gusali ng Protegé Incorporation. Heto na naman at papasok ako rito ngayong araw. Matagal-tagal din noong huli kong punta rito bilang producer, pero ngayon, papasok na 'ko rito bilang event coordinator.

Sabi sa 'kin ni Tiara, ngayon na raw ang umpisa ng trabaho ko. Like the usual scenario, I will be having a briefing this morning before I proceed to my actual work.

Geez, kinakabahan ako. I will finally meet the CVA members!

Nasa 11th floor na 'ko at nakita ko agad si Tiara at Zen sa isang gilid. Muntik na naman sana akong ma-starstruck pero mabuti na lang, lumingon si Tiara sa pwesto ko at nginitian ako.

"Ipapakilala na kita sa iba pang members, nando’n din naman si Hailey. ‘Di ba nagkakilala na kayo noon?" litanya ni Tiara pagkalapit ko sa kanila.

"Oh, her former boss was the trust fund kid Claudius?" nakataas ang dalawang kilay ni Zen at natawa, "Well, how unlucky you are to be his co-member and boss again. But I’m telling you, be careful with him. Sometimes--- or most of the times, he’s acting like a robot," anito sa 'kin.

Tinignan siya ng seryoso ni Tiara, "Zen, don’t scare her, you’re telling that again."

Mahinhin akong natawa sa kanila at maliit na kinaway ang dalawang palad ko, "It’s okay, I’ve known him for so long."

Dahil sa Dwellsmith ako nagta-trabaho dati, syempre kilala ko na si Sir Claudius. He's a business minded person, he's always serious and all-- pero hindi ko pa rin maiwasang magtaka sa 'robot' thingy na sinasabi ni Zen.

What? Is he really like that? I mean, robots are lifeless and emotionless.

Saka, nakita ko na kayang ngumiti si Sir Claudius noong meeting-- sobrang minsan nga lang.

Tumuloy na kami sa isang silid, pagpasok ay bumungad agad sa mata ko ang apat na katao. Tatlo ro'n ay pamilyar na sa 'kin-- si Sir Claudius, Seven at Hailey.

Nakaramdam ako ng matinding hiya nang mapunta sa 'kin lahat ang atensyon nila. Inalalayan naman akong maupo ni Tiara sa single sofa kung saan ay nasa gitna.

"H-Hi, I’m Catalina Konan Nievez. Nice meeting you all," mahinang sambit ko sa kanila.

"I can’t believe that you’re going to be our event coordinator. I heard you were offered by Betina, is it really fine to you? How about your other job?" litanya sa akin ni Hailey.

"Actually, it’s fine by me."

"You accepted so easily unlike Betina. She went berserk back in the days," humalakhak si Seven na paikot-ikot sa swivel chair.

Kaagad siyang kinontra ni Zen, "That’s because you were harsh at first! You were forcing her too much!"

"We forced her because she entered without anyone’s knowledge so of course that’ll automatically happen. She’s a stranger back then," nakahalukipkip na usal naman ni Sir Claudius.

"Seriously guys, that was in the past. We’re not here to talk about me," napailing si Tiara sa kanila saka ako hinarap, "Sorry about that. Anyway, first, tell me if you feel uncomfortable, okay? Ngayon na rin ang araw mo sa trabaho pagkatapos nito."

Tumango-tango ako sa kan'ya kahit na alam ko sa loob ko na kinakabahan ako. The first day of work will always make you feel nervous. Tsk!

"Then, I will explain about this organization to you, Konan." inayos ni Hailey ang salamin niya at tumingin sa 'kin ng pormal, "So this room will be your office starting today. This organization was created by Silvanna, four years ago. The meaning of CVA is ‘Charity Vision Association’. The information of companies or person you will successfully invite to the party will be input in that computer," turo niya sa table kung saan nakaharap si Seven, "Once you completed the guests list, you will get their classified informations alphabetically and will be kept in your laptop in your apartment that was connected on Seven’s computer--- that is to secure their information."

"Bago iyon, kailangan mo munang ma-kumpleto ang mga dadalo sa event natin. Atleast 10 completed guests, bago mo kopyahin at ilipat sa laptop na nasa apartment," dagdag ni Tiara.

Napalunok ako. Okay, nando’n na tayo. Pero paano ako mag-i-imbita ng guest? Sa paanong paraan?

Bago pa 'ko makapagtanong ay nagsalita na muli si Hailey, "That apartment has a lot of classified information from all different type of companies from previous parties by Silvanna. That information cannot publicly released, so it’s prohibited to just enter inside that even us--- cannot enter--- except for Seven and Betina."

"Now that you’re starting to live in there, be careful not to spill information outside. Remember, we are a private charity organization," malalim na bigkas naman ni Sir Claudius.

Ano namang ipagsasabi ko sa iba? E, hindi ko naman alam ang mga impormasyon na 'yun. Saka kahit alam ko, hindi naman ako gano'n.

"Pwede ko bang itanong kung saan na nilagay ni Tiara ang mga natapos nang guests? Nando’n din ba sa apartment? Nabanggit kasi kanina na nando’n ang mga nakaraang ginawa ni... Silvanna ba ‘yon?" tanong ko.

"The things from there was exclusively from Silvanna so we didn’t bother to kept it at the same place as hers," Tiara answered, "Lahat ng ginawa ko ay naka-save sa laptop na nando’n at naka-back up sa computer ni Seven."

"Would it be possible to invite the same guest as before?"

"Unfortunately, it’s not possible."

Hindi ko alam kung madadalian ako o mahihirapan. Iniisip ko kung saan ako mag-uumpisa, saan ako maghahanap at paano ako mag-i-imbita.

Tama ba 'tong desisyon mo, Konan? Shemay...

"Nasaan na si Silvanna?" I asked again.

"She’s not with us anymore," si Zen ang sumagot na siyang tinanguhan naman ng iba, "I hope you get what I mean."

"She’s dead---" napatakip ako sa bibig ko dahil sa gulat, "S-Sorry..."

"That’s alright!" tumayo si Seven mula sa swivel chair at lumakad palapit sa sofa, "Now we’re going to formally introduce ourselves to you. I’m Seven, call me God Seven. My favorite food is pringles and I like night sky with full of stars! Actually, I love outer space--- if I would be given a chance to---"

Nagsalita si Tiara dahilan para maputol ang sinasabi niya, "And this is Zen, I’m sure you know him," pagtukoy niya sa katabi niya.

Mabilis akong tumango-tango, "Yes! I’m a fan!" nagagalak kong sabi.

Zen chuckled at me, "Wow thank you, Konan. I’m Zen Wright. 25 years old, Betina’s handsome boyfriend."

"Hey! I’m still talking!" walang pumansin kay Seven.

Tinuro naman ngayon ni Tiara si Hailey, "You guys already met each other, right? She’s the chief assistant of Claudius--- Hailey Flores."

Inayos ni Hailey ang salamin niya at ngumiti, "I’m glad to have a co-member that has the same idol as me."

Malawak akong ngumiti at sumang-ayon dito, "Oo nga pala ‘no? Hindi ka na nag-iisa," saka ako humagikgik.

Pero natigil din ako agad nang maalalang nandito nga pala si Sir Claudius at seryosong nakatingin sa akin. Kung hindi ko pa nakitang tumapat si Seven sa likuran niya ay hindi ko pa maaalala.

Doon na nagsalita si Seven, "And this is the CEO of this building. Claudius Lefebre, 27 years old."

Woah? Isang taon lang ang tanda sa 'kin ni Sir Claudius? Akala ko ay mas bata siya sa 'kin dahil na rin sa mga features niya.

I'm telling you, he looked like a young boy! Perks of having a baby face...

"And lastly, this college boy is our Gavin Jace Quijano, 21 years old. He’s taking up doctor of veterinary medicine, he wants to be a vet doctor someday like Betina," pakilala ni Seven sa lalaking kanina ko pa napapansin na tahimik. Mayro'n itong pa-krus na clip sa gilid ng buhok niya.

Ngumiti ako rito, "Hello, Gavin."

Nakita kong nag-iwas siya ng tingin, "Hi..." saka bumalik ang paningin niya sa 'kin.

"Didn’t you remember him?" biglang tanong sa 'kin ni Tiara, "He was with us last valentines day when we met in a coffee shop. Nakalimutan ko siyang ipakilala sa ‘yo."

"Talaga? Hindi ko siya namukhaan..."

"He even said you looked like---"

"B-Betina!" Gavin cut her offed and pouted like a cute puppy.

Mahinhin akong natawa. Hindi naman siguro pang-iinsulto 'yon ano? I looked like what? I hope it's a compliment.

Inakbayan siya ni Seven mula sa likod, "What is it, buddy? She looked like what? Say it, say it!"

"Seven..." napakamot ito sa ulo, "It’s nothing. I didn’t say anything."

"Betina can’t be lying. Hmm... let me guess, she looked cute, that what’s you said, yeah?" panghuhula ni Zen kaya naman naramdaman ko agad ang pamumula ng pisngi ko.

Bihira lang ako makarinig ng papuri mula sa iba kaya gano'n. Can't help, e.

"I---I did not! Stop telling things, Zen!"

"So what is it? Bulong mo," lalong nilapit ni Seven ang tenga niya rito.

Napukaw ang atensyon nila nang malakas na bumuga sa hangin si Sir Claudius. Masungit itong nakatingin sa kanilang tatlo, "You guys are really shitting around, aren’t you? We’re in the middle of Konan’s briefing. Please be serious."

"Seven’s fault," saad ni Gavin.

Lumayo naman si Seven, "No! It’s Betina. She opened about that!"

"Huh? You dare to blame her?" nakangiwing anas naman ni Zen sa kan'ya.

This time, it's Tiara who blew a loud sighed, "Guys, enough already. Fine, that was a joke. I was just teasing Gavin. No need to be carried away, Claudius’s right."

Tumikhim naman si Hailey, "Konan, to continue, we only have 7 members. Light is our head but he’s always away for work."

Ah, kaya pala pansin ko kanina pa na wala nga siya. Naalala ko na pinakilala nga siya sa 'kin nina Tiara bilang lider nila sa grupo.

"He’s a painter, so he always travel," Tiara added.

Sir Claudius followed and looked at me seriously, "Do you understand the purpose and the rules of this organization? The rules are simple; do not try to betray us. The classified information you will be having from guests are not a joke. These people may be a political government, celebrities, big businessmen and all. They put trust on the event coordinator so you better keep it sincerely--- like what Betina and Silvanna did," he said firmly.

I blinked in awe and quickly nodded, "Y-Yes, Sir!"

"So if ever you are not effective worker as event coordinator... I have no choice but to terminate you and bring Betina back," he says as further remark.

Kinuyom ko ang kamao sa ibabaw ng mga tuhod ko at napalunok sa sinabi niya. Tama siya, napag-usapan na ito noong nasa restaurant kami. Ilang beses ko rin itong pinag-isipan pero... gagawin ko talaga ang makakaya ko.

I'll... believe in myself this time. I have to!

"Yes, Sir! Noted."

"Damn... scary," rinig kong kumento ni Seven.

"Don’t think about it too much, Konan," baling sa 'kin ni Zen, "Betina’s believing in you, so I will. Even if he’s your boss, don’t let him stress you like he did to Hailey."

"Excuse me...?"

"I’m not wrong, am I?"

"I can’t believe you’re telling something like that, Zen." humalukipkip si Sir Claudius at inilingan siya, "Why, you don’t want that to happen again? Are you bothered to see me and Betina again together outside while you are having lunch with my assistant?" ngumisi pa ito.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zen sa narinig, "What are you implying, jerk?"

Hindi na nagsalita si Sir Claudius at mas lalo lang ngumisi habang nakikipagtitigan kay Zen. Ramdam ang tensyon sa kanila pero parang wala lang sa iba. Nagawa pa ngang tumawa ni Seven.

"Hahaha! Our Zenny is being jelly~"

"Shut up, Seven. I don’t like it when that jerk talk like that," saad ni Zen saka bumalik sa pagkakasandal sa sofa.

Ano kaya 'yung sinasabi ni Sir Claudius? Ibig bang sabihin ay lumabas na silang dalawa? Si Tiara kasama si Sir Claudius at si Zen kasama si Hailey? Gano'n ba iyon?

Bumuga ng hangin si Hailey at napahawak sa sintido, "These guys..."

"Oh, before I forgot!" dumukwang bigla si Seven sa likuran ko kaya naman napaatras ako sa gulat, "You better be a good event coordinator, Konan. So that Mr. CEO would not terminate you because--- I already did a background check on you. Catalina Konan Laparan Nievez, a 26 years old former of Dwellsmith Production," lumapit siya sa tenga ko at bumulong, "Got terminated by your boss because of your lack of performance. You even worked for 9 days at a steak house in Montego Hill and... I knew a bit of your families treat on you, too."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko lalo na sa huli niyang sinabi. Lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko. W-What kind of guy is this Seven...? Bakit pati ang tungkol doon ay alam niya?

Sinabi ba ni Tiara? Pero sandali, wala akong pinagsasabihan no'n! Paanong...

Dahil hindi ako makapagsalita sa gulat, narinig ko ang boses ni Tiara, "He’s a bit creepy but... you need to used yourself to him. He’s a hacker," bulalas niya na lalo kong kinagulat.

This guy... is a hacker?

Did he hacked in my life? Did he knew how sucked I was?

Lumayo si Seven at natawa sa reaksyon ko, "I know you’re having thought if I have super powers but... sadly, I don’t have."

"B-But how did you...?"

"Aren’t you comfortable by it?" tanong ni Hailey kaya napatingin ako sa kan'ya.

"Hindi naman sa... sa gano’n. Actually oo---"

"Don’t worry, your secret is safe in my head," putol sa akin ni Seven saka ngumiti ng malapad.

Oh boy. Actually, hindi ko talaga pinagsasabi ang estado ko sa mga magulang ko. Kahit sa mga kaibigan ko ay hindi ko 'yun sinabi pero itong taong 'to... nalaman niya.

Hindi ako kumportable. Gusto ko iyon kwestiyonin pero sa ibang araw na lang. Sa dami namin ngayon, mahirap at baka lumabas lang 'yun dito.

"So are we done?" tanong ni Sir Claudius.

Mabagal akong tumango sa tanong niya, "Yes... naiintindihan ko, Sir Claudius."

"Then, welcome to our group, Konan!" masayang bulala sa 'kin ni Seven.

"T-Thank you," napangiti na lang ako.

Tumayo si Sir Claudius at nakapamulsang humakbang papunta sa pintuan, "I gotta go, we have a meeting at 10 am, Hailey, right?"

"Ah yes," saka sumunod sa kan'ya si Hailey, "I must check the list and the room first."

"And," gumilid ang itim at seryosong mata ni Sir Claudius sa akin. Napalunok ako ro'n, "Since you’re now officially a member, drop the ‘sir’ and just call me by name like the others."