P A R T O N E

I walked at my desk, the heel of my nude stilettos clacking against the smooth cemented floor of our contemporary four-story building.

The building, an architectural masterpiece of sleek gray walls, posh black accents, and clear glass walls, is build around lush foliage and green trees. More than standing out, it blends in with its surroundings. A perfect spot for a modern art gallery.

I swiftly sat on my desk and spread my catalogues on the table. Sa wakas nakahanap din ako ng pwedeng idagdag sa collection na ilang buwang ko ding pinaghahandaan. It's an exhibit I couldn't fail on, especially if we have to outsource the fund from sponsorship of these events.

For hours I reviewed the content of my catalogue, arranging and rearranging them by significance and types. I still have to have two or three sculptures, maybe a statue. The paintings are nearly complete.

After a while, I stretched my arms and decided to take a break. As much as I love my job, being a gallery curator is a busy and demanding job, that takes a lot of time and decision making.

My teammates were talking and having coffee at the office pantry when I came. Dumerecho ako sa coffee maker. Tinanong nila ako sa progress ng collection na hina-handle ko.

"An exhibit might be on the way soon," ngiti ko sabay upo sa tabi nila.

"Good! I'm excited with this project!"

We talked about work stuff for awhile then someone brought up about one of our teammates getting married at the end of the month. Tumigil ako sa pag-sip ng coffee nang mapansin na nakatingin sila sakin. There's a teasing smile on their faces.

"How about you, Denise? Any plans?"

I shake my head. "I'm still twenty five."

"You gotta start somewhere or someone you know," said our senior curator. "I remember I started dating my husband when I was twenty two."

One of the them nudged me before sipping her tea. "Or did you already gave your promise to someone?"

Natigilan ako bigla. Isang bagay ang pumasok sa isip ko.

"I need something to hold on to when the time comes."
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes."

I shake my head at the lost memories and just smile at my teammates' teasing inquiries.

That night, I was back at my condo unit, talking to mom through video call while preparing dinner at my kitchen.

"Yes. Olive oil, I already had. Of course I'm eating healthy mom. Are you?" I chopped some broccoli for the brocolli and cheese bake.

"Oo, anak. Lenda here is very helpful," tukoy niya sa kasama niya sa bahay at katulong sa flower shop. Nitong nakaraang taon, nagkaroon ng bagong pwesto ang shop at mas lumaki ang customers nito kaya nagdecide ako na kumuha ng tutulong kay mama habang wala ako.

"Hindi ka naman nagpupuyat?" Tanong niya, the typical worried mom.

"Lately. Pero maaga akong matutulog ngayong araw. We have a big meeting tomorrow with the sponsors."

"I know you'd do good."

"You think so?" Tanong ko sabay harap sa screen. I was actually worried about this meeting because the following projects, like my exhibit, rely on this.

Mom paused from folding laundry to smile at me. "You always do your best in everything, of course it would turn out okay. And oh!"

"Yes?" I perked up.

Mom caught herself and laughed a little. "Nothing. Just a silly dream."

"What dream?"

"That my daughter is finally dating someone."

I leaned in the very front of the camera to show my frowning face. "Mom!"

She was still giggling when we ended the call. It's our mom and daughter moment, to check on each other after our long day. To call each other for almost anything. From food storage, meal prep, grocery list, and actually pushing me to meet someone.

I planed to go to bed at nine in the evening. But before I did, I checked my emails for the latest update of the possibly sponsors and guests for tomorrow's meeting.

Biglang sumetro ang tingin ko sa isa sa pangalan ng company sa listahan. Monaghan Realty and Co. Natigilan ako. Bakit hindi ko ito napansin agad?

I tried searching for the company through the internet and I wasn't mistaken. Landon's face was in it, gray suit and black tie, looking professional with a curt smile- the CEO.

I couldn't sleep. The plan to prepare and sleep early went out of the window. Of course. Bakit hindi ko naisip yon? This is a big city, but everything in the art, realty, and architecture industry are interconnected somehow.

Hindi ko na nakita si Landon mula noong gabi ng graduation two years ago. But I always see him around, in brochures, publication, through interviews and magazines. His company, though young, has been creating names in the industry, especially for having such high end projects and clientele. Yllona and River must be very good too in handling the management and marketing.

I laid on my comfy bed for hours. I didn't even know if he's the one coming or he's just gonna send a representative. But the prospect of seeing him again, for a reason, makes my heart unsteady.

I woke up early the following day to prepare. I already prepared my attire for this specific day. But somehow, the clothes I prepared seemed bland. Is white and maroon a good combination? I should have get my long bob trimmed.

After an hour of preparation, I grabbed my handbag and car keys and head outside. Am I going to see him today? Why am I being conscious?

Maaga kaming dumating sa conference room para sa meeting. We prepared everything, from the materials, presentation equipments, supplies like folders, pens, food and snacks. Everything is ready before the first guest even arrived.

By ten in the morning, isa isa silang nagdatingan. Some companies send representatives and executive secretaries and department heads. But there are also owners and presidents and CEO who's very hands on with their company. And one of them is Landon.

I was neatly stacking the papers needed for the presentation when he arrived. Of course he would stand out, with his tall built, intriguing handsome face, and successful young disposition.

He's wearing dark gray business suit, white polo and checkered gray tie. Very clean yet equally eye catching. He entered the double doors at dumerecho sa nakalaang silya para sa kanya. Napupuno na ng tao ang conference hall. I didn't know if Landon knew I work here.

Bago pa namin mapansin ang isa't isa, lumapit sa kanya ang babaeng kasama niya. I thought she's a secretary that would stay during the meeting. She's pretty, wearing a nice color blocking dress of brown and white down to her knees, and a medium lenght hair in waves.

The girl leaned in when Landon told her something. And I just so happened to be just steps away from them to hear it.

"See to it that you and the baby arrive home safe."

For a moment I was out of air. It took me a good minute to bring myself back. Kung hindi pa ako tinapik ng isa sa mga kasama ko, hindi pa ko matatauhan.

"Mag-start na ang meeting."

I stood on my spot, firmly, on my stilettos, waiting for my time to stand in front and present my exhibit project. But my head is somewhere else.

When Landon and I set our gaze at each other, there was no shock or surprise. We both knew of course, this is a small industry. We remained professional. I presented my piece, he listened and took notes and clapped even. But in our eyes, there's this strange electricity, a friction. A  connection of fate for something that's been long gone.

The baby. Home. Is this his life now?

Matapos ang meeting, binati namin ang isa't isa for a job well done. There's so many people in the room I barely had a glimpse of everyone.

"Congrats on the good presentation."

I turned around to see Landon standing in front of me, just a step away from me, after two years. I breathe in.

"Thank you."

"Someone's also here to see you."

I gave him a confused smile. Naglakad siya palabas sa mataong kwarto hanggang sa marating namin ang hallway kung saan palabas or sinusundo na ang ibang mga bisita.

"Human girl!"

My face beamed with glee. "River! Yllona!"

I run to the both of them, standing at the hallway, looking posh and professional, like two partners in business and crime. Yllona wearing a black dress topped with purple blazer, giving her a regal look. And River, the charming as ever, with sleek shorter hair, black polo and navy blue suit. I've missed them! Like Landon, I've been seeing their names and pictures around, pero iba parin na kasama ko sila at nakaka usap ngayon.

I was lost in catching up with the both of them. We sat on a cafe inside the building and it's like seeing your crazy college friends once again! Landon was just watching us with a smile, and checking his phone every now and then.

"I'm so sorry you must be busy," I said.

I checked the time. We've been catching up for almost an hour and I'm sure madami pa silang kailangang gawin.

"We all are. And I'm freaking glad that finally, nagkrus na ang mga landas natin." Yllona gave Landon a knowing glance. "Finally," ulit niya. "It's so hard when you're CEO is a workaholic freak."

The twins snickered. They never changed.

"Well, I have to let you guys go then. It's really great meeting you here today."

River extended a hand. "Consider this as a start," he said. "Looks like we'll be seeing each other alot now that our companies are connected."

I held his palms. "It's nice having business with you then, Monaghan Realty and Co."

They had to leave after a while. I shake hands with Landon. He held my hand firmly. He seemed like he has something to say, but eventually, they all had to go. This left me a question that remained unanswered. Landon... is he keeping something from me?

***

Part 2 will be posted at 6PM today.