Catalina Konan

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Walang paglagyan ang pagmamadali ko nang matapos ako sa duty. Kaagad akong nagpalit ng damit ko at lumabas ng restaurant, hinihingal pa 'ko nang makarating sa shuttle bus. Patingin-tingin din ako sa suot kong relo na nagsasabing mag-a-alas siyete na.

Kung bakit naman kasi sumaktong o.t. ako ngayon, e!

Pagdating ko sa isang coffee shop, mabilis kong nilibot ang paningin sa loob para hanapin ang dahilan ng pagpunta ko rito.

"Tiara!" bulalas ko ng mamataan siya. Pero agad din akong napahinto sa paglapit nang makitang hindi siya nag-iisa sa table na iyon.

Tatlo silang nando'n, kaharap ni Tiara ang isa pang lalaki na hindi pamilyar sa mata ko at katabi no'n ay si...

Wait, si Sir Claudius?!

Parang kailan lang ay panay ang pangungulit ko sa kan'ya tungkol sa budget ng production tapos ngayon ay makikita niya 'ko rito? Alam na kaya niyang wala na 'ko ro'n? Hindi naman siguro nakarating sa kan'ya ang balitang tinanggal ako.

Tama, Act normal!

"Konan," hindi ko namalayan na sinundo na pala ako ni Tiara sa kinatatayuan ko, "Tara na?"

"W-Wait," pigil ko sa kamay niya saka napapahiyang ngumiti, "Why are you with Sir Claudius? You didn’t tell me. E ‘di sana pinagpa-bukas na lang natin ang pagkikita," daing ko.

She blinked somewhat confusedly, "Why, what’s the matter?" she asked.

"Anong--- anong what’s the matter? Nahihiya ako kay Sir Claudius! Hindi ba nga, na-terminate ako sa trabaho? He’s the big boss," I hissed in a low voice.

Pero imbes na pakinggan ako, natawa lang siya at hinatak ako sa kamay palapit sa table nila. Argh!

Natigil sa pagku-kwentuhan sina Sir Claudius at ang lalaking katabi. Sabay silang napatingin sa 'min nang makarating kami sa pwesto, pinaupo agad ako ni Tiara sa upuan-- kaharap pa ni Sir Claudius, kaya heto, iniwasan kong mapatingin sa kan'ya. Ewan, ngayon pa 'ko dinapuan ng hiya kung kailan ilang beses naman na kami nagkita.

I mean, of course it's embarrassing to think if ever he does know that I got terminated.

"This is the girl I’m talking about," umpisa ni Tiara sa kanila, "Her name’s Catalina Konan Nievez. I believe you guys already knew each other?"

Shemay!

"She’ll be the one who’ll take over your place?"

"Yep!"

Wait, what? I will what?!

"Well then, hello. Nice to meet you, I’m Light. The head of Charity Vision Association."

Dahan-dahan dumako ang paningin ko sa lalaking nag-abot sa 'kin ng kamay. Kalmado ang boses niya at malamig iyon sa tenga, tipid itong nakangiti sa akin.

Tinanggap ko naman 'yun, "H-Hello."

"I remember you," bulalas ni Sir Claudius, "You’re a producer from Dwellsmith."

"H-Huh?" hindi ko alam ang tamang reaksyon. Ibig sabihin, hindi pa alam ni Sir Claudius, "Ano po kasi..."

Hindi ko na lang sasabihin. Tama! Umiwas ka ng tingin, Konan. 'Wag mo siyang sagutin! Wala naman siyang pakialam do'n, e.

So I shifted my gaze away from him.

"She’s not a producer anymore, Claudius. She was replaced by someone and Konan--- is now working as a waitress in a steak house somewhere in Montego Hill," Tiara stated so casually, as if it's not embarrassing on my part!

Sir Claudius stilled and slowly nodded his head, "Oh, is that it?"

"That’s why you wanted her to take over your place as event coordinator?" the guy named Light asked, "Normally I would shake my head on that idea because you have started to invite a guest already for our second party, it would be confusing to the guests, but I think, I can consider that since you’ve been doing plenty of job."

Ngumiti si Tiara sa kan'ya, "Thank you for understanding, Light."

"But I guess, Betina can still handle the job perfectly. If she can’t, then why does she already have a successful guest? It’s been three weeks since the party has ended. She is so productive, no wonder why I like woman like her."

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa narinig kay Sir Claudius, habang naubo-ubo si Tiara dito kahit hindi naman siya kumakain. Si Light naman ay napailing at napangiti na lang.

"What’s the matter?" Sir Claudius's brow knitted as he asked Tiara.

Inabutan ko ng tubig si Tiara na siya namang ininom nito.

What does this mean? Does he have feelings for Tiara? Pero... may Zen na ito, 'di ba?

"Ah," parang nabasa ni Sir Claudius kung bakit naubo si Tiara sa sinabi niya. Sumandal siya sa upuan at humalukipkip, "I mean, I like how business-like she is. She’s a smart girl and a professional as well. I can’t believe you misunderstood my word."

"Hindi, nasamid lang ako, baka naalala ako ni Zen," tugon ni Tiara saka umayos ng upo, "Anyway, back to the topic... I would like Konan to take over my position as event coordinator for the CVA. I cannot handle anymore job, I need to breath."

Muling nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya, "A-Ako? Bakit ako? Anong mayro’n?"

"Because I know you can," aniya.

Umiling-iling ako. Hindi ako makapaniwala na ito pala ang dahilan ng biglaang pagkikita namin ni Tiara ngayon. Akala ko ay makikipag-kwentuhan lang siya pero...

I suddenly felt sad. Knowing how she wants to trust me about the position, made me crushed for some reason. Una na doon ay dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko kaya ang maging event coordinator. Considering I sucked at being a producer, for sure I will just cause disappointments from them.

Lalo na at member dito si Sir Claudius. Mapapahiya lang ako lalo sa kan'ya.

"Ano... hindi ko sigurado ‘yan. S-Saka bakit pa?" ngumiti ako ng pilit, "May trabaho na ‘ko. Hindi ko naman kayang---"

"Did you resigned?" pagsingit ni Sir Claudius.

Umiwas ako ng tingin at nahihiyang umiling, "I’m... I’m sorry but I guess I have to refuse to work as your event coordinator. Natanggal ako sa trabaho dahil sa ilang ulit ko nang pagkakamali, Sir. Nitong huli, nabigyan ko ng malalang stress si Sir Bobby dahil sa kinuha kong investment counsilor. I-I messed up the whole production," pagsasabi ko ng totoo.

Sabi ko hindi ko na lang sasabihin, e. Pero dahil binuksan ni Tiara kanina, ano pang magagawa ng pagtatago ko?

I've been trying to hide the fact that I messed up a hundred times at work to anyone. Kaya nga nagulat ako nang tanongin ako ni Iya tungkol diyan. Pero nailagay din pala sa diyaryo, kaya natural lang na may magtanong sa 'kin.

Tumingin ako kay Tiara at nginitian siya ng totoo, "Thank you for the gesture, Tiara. I really appreciate you, wanting me to replace you but... I’m not deserving. Ito lang ako o, sa maliliit na bagay nga pumapalpak ako, e. Sa gan‘yan pa kaya?"

"Konan, don’t say that. Maybe you aren’t really meant to be a producer? Kung ilang beses ka na palang nagkakamali, baka hindi nga ‘yun ‘yong para sa ‘yo?"

Lalo akong napangiti. Hindi lang siya maganda at matalino, mabait pa ito. Zen is really lucky to have this woman. Kaya hindi na 'ko magtataka pa kung magugustuhan ito ni Sir Claudius. Sana hindi na lang niya binawi ang sinabi kanina.

"And for sure I ain’t meant to be your event coordinator as well," usal ko.

"And you’re meant to be a waitress?" Sir Claudius can't help but asked.

I looked at him. All I could give him is an embarrased smile. Mukha naman siyang walang pakialam sa nangyari sa 'kin sa Dwellsmith, pero sigurado, kapag nakita niya kung paano ako magtrabaho at magkamali, madidismaya lang siya.

And I don't want to increase the people whom I disappointed in my life.

"Hey, Konan..." Tiara called my name softly, "Are you looking down to yourself? Just because you failed your job doesn’t mean you failed in life. Look, I’m not misjudging your work now--- I bought this idea because I know you can do it. We’ve met how many times and I felt like I can trust you with this job. One more thing is that I really need someone to take over my position because I have three works with me, I need to focus more to Zen as his manager and as a vet doctor to my clinic and to Elizabeth. Could you imagine how many job I’m working?"

Natigil ako habang nakatitig sa mata niya. She has three jobs? And she's a veterinary doctor? The manager of Zen Wright?

Is that even possible? She's amazing...

Samantalang ako, isang trabaho na nga lang nagkakamali pa. I always made mistakes at work and at home. That's why I made people around me disappointed at me.

My heart felt like it was about burst from her kind words, "T-Tiara..."

Sir Claudius heaved a sighed whilst watching us, he looks very much serious than before, "Now what? If I’m going to be selfish, I wouldn’t want to let go Betina as our event coordinator."

Napalunok ako ro'n at nagbaba ng tingin. He seemed to be really enthralled by Tiara's skills.

Ano kaya ang feeling ng gano'n? 'Yung ayaw kang bitawan ng boss mo dahil magaling ka sa trabaho? I never experienced that even once.

Marahang uminom sa tasa si Light at pagkatapos ay tinignan ang katabi, "You’re still the boss, Claudius. You are the one who’ll pay their salary so your decision count."

"But you’re the head of CVA and you still have my respect, it still up to you whether you’ll accept this girl or not," sagot niya, "You were the one who brought Betina as our event coordinator by accident--- and you did well on that. If you accept this girl, I just hope it’ll turn excellently as well," seryosong bulalas niya.

"Claudius," tinitigan ni Tiara si Sir Claudius, "Let’s give her a chance. I choose her."

Sandali pa silang nagkatitigan pero kalauna'y napabuga na lang sa hangin si Sir Claudius at umiwas ng tingin.

I've know him as a strict and confident boss. He's a high-respective dominant one, it's ubelievable how Tiara's words and stares would made him cease like that.

And I can see how close they are from the moment I first saw her.

"Well, whatever." naiusal na lang niya.

"Don’t worry, we’re here to help you. Hindi ka naman namin hahayaan gayong alam naman namin wala kang alam sa trabahong ‘to. Especially me, I’ll support you," bulalas sa 'kin ni Tiara kaya naman nakaramdam ako ng hiya sa kan'ya.

Napaglapat ko ang mga labi ko, "I-I don’t see a reason why you’re offering me this job. Natatakot akong magkamali sa inyo."

"It’s alright, Konan. It’s normal to make mistakes."

"But---"

Naputol ang sasabihin ko nang marinig ang kalmadong boses ni Light, "It’s clear how Betina wants you to become a member. I’m hoping that you’ll join the CVA and if you take over and continue Betina’s work, you may stay in my apartment."

My eyes suddenly widened at what he said, "S-S-Stay in your... apartment?"

Ano 'to? Titira ako sa bahay niya kapag pumayag akong maging parte ng CVA? For what reason I have to stay with him in the same house?!

Shemay... what am I thinking?

"No it’s not like that---!" kontra agad ni Tiara.

Mahinhin naman natawa si Light at umiling sa 'kin, "Don’t make the wrong idea. What I meant is the apartment I own. Since you’re going to be our newest event coordinator and provide you an apartment--- please stay under the terms that you’ll take care of Betina’s work."

Phew! That was close.

I shook my head vigorously, "B-But I haven’t agreed yet! Sabi ko nga, ayoko ma-disappoint kayo sa 'kin at hindi malabong mangyari ‘yun. Gusto mo bang tulungan kita sa paghahanap ng papalit sa ‘yo?" I asked Tiara.

Naalala ko si Iya. Kumpara sa 'kin, alam kong mas may kakayahan siya rito.

But Tiara just held my hand. She's looking at me intently, "Pag-isipan mo ‘tong mabuti, Konan. Stop pulling down yourself and accept this job. Ganito, kapag na-dismaya kami sa ‘yo, sige paaalisin ka namin at babalik ako sa posisyon. How about that?"

Hindi ako nakapag-salita.

"Sounds fine with me," Sir Claudius gave a nod.

Are they serious? Kahit pa may gano'ng kasunduan, parang ayoko yata makita ang mukha nila na dismayado sa 'kin. Ang dami ko nang na-dismayang tao, tapos idadagdag ko pa sila? Lalo na si Sir Claudius at Tiara?

Isa pa, kung titira ako sa apartment na tinutukoy nila... paano sina Mama? Maiiwan ko sila.

Hindi ako makapag-desisyon. Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot. Ang daming negatibong ideya ang pumapasok sa isip ko, nangingibabaw do'n ang kahinaan ko.

What should I do? Even if I turn them down, Tiara won’t give up. Ano bang nakita niya sa 'kin?

Ah... alam ko na. Nagkita nga pala kami noong isang araw at nakita niya 'kong umiyak. Siguro, naawa siya sa lagay ko.

But that's not enough! I have now my work!

Napahilamos ako sa mukha ko habang hindi pa rin makaisip ng isasagot. Magagalit kaya sina Mama kapag nalaman nilang aalis ako? O matutuwa sila dahil mawawala ako sa bahay?

"Babe!"

Sabay-sabay kaming napatingin nang may biglang lumapit kay Tiara at hinalikan siya sa ulo. Umalingasaw ang matamis at panlalaking amoy niya-- and I was starstruck. It's Zen, one of the most handsome celebrity in showbiz and the boyfriend of Tiara.

"How’s the meeting with your director?" Tiara asked.

"It went absolutely fine. Anyway, I haven’t eaten anything during the meeting because I want to take you somewhere. I decided to date you tonight," Zen winked at her.

Nagtaasan ang balahibo ko ro'n. Not because I feel cringe but because of giddyness.

Tumayo si Sir Claudius at inayos ng kaunti ang vest na suot niya, "I guess our appointment is over," bigla siyang tumingin sa 'kin, "We’ll be giving you 24 hours chance to think about the offer. If you decided not to accept, then be it."

"Wait, so she is the new event coordinator?" tanong ni Zen.

"Not yet," sagot ni Tiara, "But I hope you consider, Konan."

"Light, aren’t you going yet?" baling ni Sir Claudius kay Light. Bahagya siyang nagpunas ng bibig gamit ang tissue at tumayo.

"Sasabay na ‘ko sa ‘yo."

Humarap si Light kay Tiara, "If ever she accepted the job offer, please let her know the rules of our organization and gather without me. I’ll leave tomorrow for work," aniya.