“EXCITEMENT is that exhilarating emotion; the kind that ignites our enthusiasm for something eagerly anticipated, causing our hearts to race and, on occasion, even robbing us of a night’s sleep.”

 ***

Walter was met with an unexpected sight in the living room when he got home - a set of pink luggage that clearly did not belong to his sister. It struck him as odd, knowing Senthie’s aversion to all things too girly. He couldn’t resist the urge to investigate further, cautiously unzipping the bag, only to hastily zip it back up when he discovered pink underwear within. It must be Cecile’s, he thought.

Standing up straight, Walter’s eyes wandered around to find his cat. When he spotted her, he crouched down, gently called for Nana, and scooped her up into his arms. Cradling her close, he sighed softly. “I’ve had a terrible day today, Nana.”

With each stroke of his hand through her fur, he made his way to his room. The feline responded with a contented meow, coaxing a smile to his lips. Nana, his cherished companion, had an uncanny ability to alleviate his stress.

As Walter sat on his bed, deep in thought, he pondered if Senthie could ever truly appreciate Kenzo, the way Kenzo did. He’d sensed the pain in his eyes, the result of a situation too complex for Kenzo to confront. So, Walter had taken it upon himself to voice the frustrations on his behalf. What made Kenzo fall in love with Sen so much, anyway?

Admittedly, Senthie possessed beauty, but Kenzo’s affection ran far deeper. Walter witnessed how much Kenzo loved her, how much he sacrificed, and how many times he had been hurt by her. The pain he experienced outweighed the joy.

 ~

Beyond 10 PM, voices drifted into Walter’s room from the living area. Confirming his earlier suspicion, the pink luggage indeed belonged to Cecilia.

With Nana nestled in his arms, he decided to greet his sister but was halted as Senthie’s voice raised an octave. “Have you lost your mind? We can’t afford to waste time. No sleeping tonight; we need to finish the design!”

His gaze shifted to Cecilia, who sat ramrod straight, saluting comically, only for Nana to leap from his grasp onto her lap before darting away.

“Roger tha-- hell?” she exclaimed. “I nearly had a heart attack!”

“Oh, sorry about that. Were you two fighting?” Walter inquired and they answered no in unison.

Cecilia turned her attention to Senthie and questioned why Walter was at her house, to which Senthie nonchalantly replied, “Because I am kind-hearted enough to let him live in my house.”

“Yes, she’s an angel,” he replied, his tone unintentionally carrying a hint of sarcasm. He crouched down, coaxing Nana to him with a gentle call. When his cat obediently leaped into his arms, he muttered, “Good girl,” before making his way back to his room.

As he settled into bed, he set an alarm for the following day. The summon to GMC’s head office had confirmed his gut feeling—he and perhaps his superior would be transferred to the Sta. Rosa Branch. However, sleep proved elusive. He wasn’t sure whether it was due to the clamor from Senthie and Cecilia’s ongoing activities or his excitement to see his superior. He immediately dismissed the latter when Senthie and Cecilia’s voices grew louder, perplexing him.

“What in the world are they doing?” Walter uttered under his breath. Their racket had escalated to the point where it resembled an ambulance siren, leaving him to question whether they intended to annoy him completely.

 ~

Walter awoke earlier than expected by his alarm, despite the late-night commotion caused by Senthie and Cecilia, which had abruptly ceased. He silently congratulated himself for his early rising. His anticipation to see his superior was constant, and today, his timing was impeccable as he now found himself sharing an elevator with her. He glanced to his right and chuckled. “I knew it! We are meant to be!”

She turned her gaze toward him, her expression quizzical. “What are you talking about?”

He crossed his arms playfully and flashed a smile. “I mean, this is the third time we’ve been summoned together by the VP. What’s even more amusing is that we always seem to bump into each other in the elevator, like right now.”

Chuckling, she raised an eyebrow. “So, what?”

Exiting the elevator as it reached its designated floor, she started walking briskly, prompting Walter to take long strides to keep pace. “Hey, wait for me, madam.”

Georgia San Juan held the position of a regional manager at GMC, and he served as her trusty assistant. When she made a face, Walter found the expression she wore rather endearing. Her small brown eyes and a charming mole just above her right cheekbone were defining features of her delicate appearance. She had a petite nose and lips. Her pixie-cut hair framed her face, with bangs elegantly swept to the left.

She wasn’t only pretty but also competent. She consistently excelled in her role, yet she remained her own harshest critic, always striving to do better. Walter, understanding her relentless pursuit of excellence, stood as a steadfast pillar of support by her side.

As they neared the office of the Vice President, his secretary approached them, appearing as though he had been waiting for their arrival for quite some time. “Good morning, Georgia, Walter,” Liam greeted them with a warm nod, and they reciprocated the courtesy.

The floor for the vice president’s office exuded opulence, resembling a high-end hotel. A lush red carpet covered the entire floor, and the golden elevator doors were an intricate masterpiece, unlike anything else.

Liam asked for a moment of patience before announcing their arrival to the Vice President. After receiving permission, he guided them into the expansive and tastefully appointed office.

Inside, a chic black sofa set awaited guests, and the Vice President’s desk commanded attention at the opposite end. A large painting of autumn trees graced the wall behind him, while glass walls to the right offered a breathtaking view of the sky and clouds. To the left, a cabinet filled with books added a scholarly touch to the decor.

Both Walter and Georgia approached and extended their greetings. Jimhuesh gestured for them to sit. He wasted no time in getting to the point. “I’m assuming you both know why I summoned you here,” he began, leaning forward with clasped hands.

They nodded in agreement, waiting for his next words.

“Both of you will be temporarily transferred to oversee our newly opened mall in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.” He paused briefly, shifting his gaze between Georgia and Walter before adding reassuringly, “Please don’t view this as an inconvenience. You are well aware that I would entrust such tasks only to those who have already demonstrated their capabilities.”

Walter held great respect for Jimhuesh, as he was not only competent but also a considerate boss who valued his employees. Jimhuesh’s ability to recognize and appreciate his team’s efforts resonated with Walter. Remarkably, despite his young age of twenty-two, he displayed a profound understanding of how to manage the company.

Throughout the conversation, they remained silent, nodding occasionally to signal their attentive listening. Jimhuesh emphasized, “A new branch needs top-notch management, and that’s where you come in, Ms. San Juan . . .” He extended a hand toward Georgia, then gestured to Walter. “. . . Mr. Salvador.”

“Understood, sir. We will do our best not to disappoint you,” Georgia affirmed confidently.

Jimhuesh punctuated the decision with a single clap, reclining in his swivel chair. “That settles then. Tomorrow will be your first day there. You may leave now.”

Walter expressed his thanks and rose from his seat. He waited for Georgia, expecting her to join him, but she remained seated.

“You may go first. I have something to discuss with the VP,” she informed him.

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” he agreed, nodding before heading outside. He waved farewell to Liam, who occupied an office with glass walls that allowed Walter to maintain visual contact without the need to step inside. It was the only office with such transparency; the rest were constructed with concrete walls.

“O’right! I knew it! My gut feeling is correct! I won’t have to pay for rent, now that I’m staying at Sen’s house,” he muttered cheerfully to himself as he strolled with carefree hops.

 ~

“What do you want to discuss with me?” Jimhuesh inquired.

Georgia lowered her gaze for a moment before responding, “Have you made up your mind?”

Jimhuesh, leaning back in his chair, locked his gaze on her. Their history proceeded way back to their childhood when they were neighbors and inseparable playmates. However, she had abruptly moved away and changed schools, severing their connection. It wasn’t until college that their paths crossed again when she enrolled in the same university he attended. They had since rekindled their friendship, which Jimhuesh viewed purely as such.

“My answer remains the same,” he responded firmly.

Georgia, her back straightening, brows furrowing, replied, “I knew you would say that, so I’m giving you more time to think. But if this is because of my parents--”

“Look, George. My answer will never change.”

She finally met his eyes. “Please, don’t say that. It sounds like you’re telling me that I’m unlikeable.”

Jimhuesh hastened to clarify, “No, that’s not what I meant. You’re amazing, and I know you’ll soon meet the man who will love you back.”

She shook her head, frustration etching her features, but he still continued, “However, that man is not me.”

She stood abruptly, her hands slamming the table with a resounding thud. “No! That should be you!”

“I’m really sorry, George.”

Her tears flowed freely down her face. Once again, he had brought her to tears.

“I have to go,” she said, before turning and making her exit.

Watching her depart, Jimhuesh muttered to himself, “How can she like me? She’s crazy.” He sighed deeply, grappling with the complex emotions that had been stirred within him. “I really can’t handle this.”

He closed his eyes and leaned the back of his head against the chair. He rested his hands on the armrests to ease the tension in his shoulders, taking slow, deep breaths. Several minutes passed, and then his phone vibrated.

Earlier, he had sent a message to Rychie, inquiring about his high school yearbook, and now he was calling. Jimhuesh chose to let him start the conversation.

“Why do you need my high school yearbook?”

“Just let me borrow it. Come to my place tonight.”

“Wow, I never thought you were straightforward, babe,” Rychie teased.

Jimhuesh, slightly irritated, gritted his teeth. “Stop that. You’re grossing me out!”

Rychie chuckled. “Oh, sorry about that, babe. Sure, I’ll come to your place tonight.”

Jimhuesh felt a shiver of discomfort. “Gross,” he mumbled, promptly ending the call. What’s wrong with him?