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Chapter 43

Chapter 43: VIP

I couldn't sleep. Again. This usually happens to me after reminiscing. After thinking of everything I did just to get where I am now. There were no regrets that I prioritized my family and my dreams.

Mukhang hindi ako agad dadalawin ng antok kaya bumangon ako sa kama. Kumuha ako ng sweater bago lumabas ng kwarto ko. Tahimik na ang buong bahay. Natira na lang ay ang isa nilang kasambahay na nagpupunas ng sahig.

I smiled at her. Lumabas ako ng bahay at dumiretso sa likod. Natigilan ako nang mapansin na mukhang hindi lang ako ang hindi makatulog.

I sniffed as I sat on the swing, just beside Tita Marinelle. Tulala lang siya sa malayo. Hindi siya kumibo kaya hindi na rin ako nagsalita.

Narinig ko ang mahinang pagsinghap nito.

Nahirapan din akong pakisamahan si Tita Marinelle. She does things just for the sake of being good in my father's eyes. That's also I think the only reason why she accepted me here, for my father. Nagkasagutan na rin kami, nakarinig na ako ng mga masasakit na salita sa kanya. Pero hindi niya pa ako napagbuhatan ng kamay.

It's safe to say she really loves my father.

"I felt betrayed..." she whispered with full of resentment. "That's I think the reason why it was so hard for me to accept you. My insecurities ate me whole. My regrets. My undying feelings brought by my past."

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. What does she mean?

"Your mom used to work for us. Siya ang nag-alaga kay Chester nung bata pa ito. She was one of the few people I trusted at that time. She was there when I gave birth to Amanda. She helped me with everything."

My lips trembled. Oh, my God. I think I knew where this one was heading to.

"She was... so beautiful. Sa sobrang ganda niya ay nahirapan akong tanggapin siya bilang isa sa mga kasambahay namin. I always thought she deserved better."

Umiwas ako ng tingin. Alam ko naman na dati pa na kabit ni Mr. Megardon si Mama. Na hindi sila legal dahil kasal siya sa ibang lalaki. Pero... hindi ko inaasahan ang parteng ito.

"I am still mad at her. I trusted her, treated her more than just a worker of us." Her voice cracked. I could feel the grief and betrayal in it. "Maybe it's not her fault after all. My husband fell in love with her first."

Napapikit ako nang dumausdos sa pisngi ko ang mga luha. This is the side of the story I didn't get right. Hearing it just now felt so wrong. I should have known earlier.

"Until now..." She sobbed. "Until now, my husband is still in love with her. I know what I did to your family is wrong. Ginipit ko kayo nung mga panahon na wala kayo. But I had no idea how to unleash my anger. Should have I hired people to kill her? No. I would rather make her feel what I felt."

"I-I'm sorry, Tita..."

"Ang mali ko lang ay dinamay kita pati ang Ate Sarah mo. Wala kayong alam sa nangyari. Hindi niyo kasalanan ang pagkakamali ng magulang niyo. Gano'n din naman ako. Ayokong mangyari kina Chester at Amanda kung ano ang ginawa ko sa iba."

Mabilis akong tumayo saka siya niyakap. Naramdaman ko ang sobrang panginginig ng kanyang katawan. Pareho kaming humagulgol.

"I'm sorry for everything, Riza. I'm sorry but I don't think I can ever forgive your mom. I will carry this grief until the day I die."

"Sorry, Tita. Sorry kasi nagawa 'yon ni Mama. I am not asking you to forgive her. But, please forgive yourself. Take care of yourself. Amanda's child is hoping to see you. Me too."

"I am not even invited," Tita Marinelle chuckled.

"She will. Just give her time."

I know what she did to her daughter is wrong. Naiintindihan ko rin naman si Amanda kung bakit nagrebelde ito sa kanya. Tita Marinelle was infuriated when she learned that Amanda was dating someone lower for her standard. Kahit naman maliit lang ang kinikita ni Migs ay alam kong mahal niya si Amanda.

I was honestly happy for Migs and Amanda. Mabait si Migs at maprinsipyo sa buhay. Hindi siya nakatapos ng pag-aaral kaya nagtiyaga ito sa pagtatrabaho ng mga mabibigat na bagay sa kabila ng maliit ang sahod. Nagkakilala sila sa school kung saan nagtuturo si Amanda. May bagong pinapagawang classroom kaya roon din nagtrabaho si Migs. Doon sila nagkakilala.

That's where it all started.

Tita Marinelle tried to sabotage their relationship. Pina-ban niya si Migs sa bawat pagtatrabuhan nito. Nahirapan ito ng husto. Alam niya na si Tita Marinella ang may gawa no'n. Hindi 'yon alam ni Amanda. Pero sa halip na bitiwan niya si Amanda ay mas minahal niya ito.

I've always known Amanda as the pretentious and spoiled daughter of a wealthy family. Never have I imagined her marrying someone like Migs. But that's how I find love magical. It works unexpectedly.

I could say Migs changed Amanda. He changed her for the better. They are getting married soon. I am happy for them.

That night, I've completely understood Tita Marinelle. She was also a victim of how love can be vile sometimes. I hope for her faster recovery.

Kinabukasan ay nag-aya si Tita Marinelle na lumabas kami. Katulad ng lagi niyang ginagawa sa tuwing bumibisita kami ni Sophie, binilhan niya ito ng mga damit at kung anu-ano pa.

One of my bosses also called me. He informed me about the arrival of our VIP. Mas napagtanto ko kung gaano ito karespetado. Just by how my boss talked to me, I could say this VIP is really huge.

Marami na rin kaming malalaking tao na pinatuloy sa hotel. Like huge Hollywood stars. Not to brag but our hotel is one of the finest in Asia. Hindi naman ako malimit na makialam sa mga room service pero kapag VIP ay tumutulong din ako.

Hapon na rin nung magpaalam na kami ni Sophie. Kailangan ko na rin kasing umalis mamaya dahil may pasok na ako bukas ng umaga.

Papa even offered us a driver pero tumanggi na ako. Nakatulog si Sophie sa biyahe. Binuhat ko siya papasok ng bahay namin kung saan naghihintay ang taga-alaga niya na si Tita Melly.

"Napagod yata?" tumawa si Tita.

"Maghapong gumala, eh." I laughed, too. "Oo nga pala, Tita. Keep your line active. Nasira yata kasi ang cell phone ni Sophie kaya sa 'yo tatawag si Ate Sarah."

"Ay oo nga pala. Maghapon niyang iniyakan 'yon. Sinabi ko na ngang papalitan 'yon ng Mama niya pero iyak pa rin nang iyak. May mga pictures daw kasi si Alice sa cell phone niya, eh."

"Oh... I see. Try niyo na lang muna pong ipagawa. Baka ma-recover pa 'yung files niya." Ngumti ako. "Sige po. Maliligo na ako. Aalis na rin niyan ako, eh."

"Oh, sige. Ako na muna ang bahala kay Sophie."

Naligo na ako at nag-ayos. Tinimplahan din ako ni Tita Melly ng kape. Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam kay Sophie dahil sobrang himbing ng tulog niya.

Pagkauwi ko sa condo ko ay agad kong chineck ang emails ko. Kumunot ang noo ko nung wala pa rin akong na-receive na profile ng VIP namin. They should have sent me that by now. Para alam ko kung paano ang ayos na gagawin namin.

I texted Eloisa, one of my co-workers. Sa kanya ko nalaman na binigay raw sa iba ang pag-aayos para sa VIP namin. What the hell? I should be in charge of that!

Tinawagan ko ang co-worker ko na si Pamela, na siyang aako sa pag-aayos para sa VIP. I asked her what happened, bakit sa kanya binigay ang task na 'yon.

"I am also confused, Riza," sabi niya. "Hindi ako maalam sa ganito pero sa akin pa rin binigay. Ikaw lagi ang nagha-handle sa mga VIP. How come they gave it to me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Who is that VIP?"

"Hindi ko pa rin alam, eh."

"Hollywood star? Celebrity? Another executive?" Nag-uumpisa na rin akong mairita. "Anyway... just in case you need help, I am here. Ayoko namang pakialaman ka. Also, take that as a challenge. They gave it to you for a reason."

"I'm honestly nervous. Mukhang bigatin 'to."

"I know, but don't worry, Pams. Just focus on the foods. Diyan tayo madalas nadadali. Make sure only serve foods that the VIP requested. Our head chef will help you."

"Thank you. Papasok ka ba bukas?"

"Yep..." Tinupi ko na ang laptop ko. Tumayo ako saka nagsalin ng champagne sa glass. "Anyway, sige na. Salamat. Pasensya na rin sa istorbo."

"Anytime, Miss Chavez."

Pagkababa niya ng tawag ay pumunta ako sa balkonahe. I leaned against the railing. I was sipping on my champagne while staring at the city lights.

That VIP kept messing with my sanity. On the good side of this, if something happens, I am not the one to blame. Although I am eager to serve whoever that is.

VIP huh?

Kinabukasan ay balik-trabaho na ako. Nothing special happened. Aside from the fact that the VIP will arrive three days from now. Strange. VIPs usually arrive a week after they set their schedule.

I've also known it was a man. Not a Hollywood star or a politician. I was right with my first hunch. It was a foreign executive officer. Base rin sa galaw ng mga bosses namin, alam kong mataas itong tao.

Fuck! I am so curious.

Alam na rin ni Pamela ang information tungkol sa VIP. Bwisit nga dahil sobrang confidential. Maging sa akin ay ayaw sabihin kahit na pangalan lang. Nakakainis!

Two days before his arrival, I've completely let go of my interest in that VIP. Na-stress lang kasi ako. Sana lang ay maging maganda ang pag-stay niya rito. Anyway... lahat naman ng pinatuloy namin ay satisfied sa service namin.

Okay. Kalma na. Bahala na sila.

The day before his arrival, the security has become tighter. Dinaig pa nga ang security ng mga politicians na naging guest na rin namin.

He must really be that VIP huh?

Dumagdag pa sa stress si Art. Nalaman ng mga fans niya na rito siya tumutuloy kaya dinagsa na naman siya. Nagulat nga ako pagpasok ko ng umaga dahil sobrang daming tao sa labas.

I decided to talk to him. I've called him first over the phone before I went to his room. Isang katok lang ang ginawa ko bago niya 'yon pinagbuksan.

"Good morning, Mr.  Peralez," I greeted him with my formal voice. "I just want to borrow a moment to talk to you."

He leaned on the door as he crossed his arms on his chest. Halatang kagagaling lang nito sa shower room. Basa pa ang buhok niya at nakatapis lang ng tuwalya sa bewang. I've noticed the tattoo on his bare chest. Tila ngayon ko lang napagtanto kung gaano na kalaki ang pinagbago niya.

"About?" He raised an eyebrow.

I cleared my throat. "Your fans outside—"

"Aalis na rin ako mamaya."

Oh. Akala ko ay one week siya rito.

"Babe!" I heard a woman's voice inside.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Who's that? I thought you were all alone?"

"Nonshowbiz," he smirked. "Dadaan na lang ako mamaya sa main exit para makita ng mga fans ko na umalis ako. Para alam din nila na wala na ako rito. Sorry for the inconvenience."

I shook my head. "Y-you don't need to do that—"

"Is that all?" he asked.

Napalunok ako. Huminga ako nang malalim bago tumango.

"I will give your hotel a free promotion for being excellent, Miss Chavez. You did a great job for keeping my stay here as peaceful as possible. I commend you for that."

"Thank you, Mr. Peralez. I wish you the best in your career."

"Babe..." Lumapit ang babaeng nakahubad kay Art saka siya niyakap nito. "You will leave later, right? Sulitin na natin."

I bid my goodbye and walked away with a heavy feeling.

He didn't say anything rude. He even complimented me and our hotel service. Siguro ay naapektuhan lang ako sa lamig ng pakikitungo niya. At 'yong babae. They are right after all. Art is cheating to his showbiz girlfriend.

That day, we have also arranged a meeting. Pinag-usapan namin ang gagawin para sa darating na bisita bukas. He's only one person, pero kailangan ay pulido pa rin ang lahat. He can ruin our hotel's reputation in one snap. He's that influential.

Nalaman ko rin na ang VIP namin ay isa ring may-ari ng mga malalaking hotel sa buong mundo. He will have a business deal with us. So... that's enough reason for us to shiver. Isang maling galaw lang ay maaari namin itong ma-disappoint.

Maaga pa lang ay nasa labas na kami para salubungin siya kasama ng mga bosses namin. My palms were sweating. Nanunuyo ang lalamunan ko. Mabigat din ang paghinga ko.

"He's here..." I heard a voice said.

A black luxurious car stopped in front of us. Our bosses moved forward to greet him. I remained at the back and waiting for this scene to be finally over so I can go back to my office.

A man in business attire stepped out of the car. He was fixing his wristwatch as he looked up at our hotel. A glimpse of a smirk formed on his lips. Narinig kong humagikgik ang mga babae sa likod ko.

Uhmm. He looked handsome. What about it?

"It's a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Cortez," Mr. Fernadez, our hotel manager first welcomed him. "How's your trip?"

"I want to rest," Mr. Cortez said, unfeelingly.

My frows furrowed. Wala man lang bang greetings din? We waited for him outside for almost an hour!

Hinatid na siya sa room niya. Naguguluhan man pero bumalik na rin ako sa office ko. That was quite rude and unprofessional. O baka pagod lang talaga siya?

I shrugged it off. Nag-focus na lang ako sa trabaho ko. I finally got his profile. Mr. Darryl Ruiz Cortez. 28 years old. He was one of the executive officers of their hotel chains. But he doesn't own them.

What? I thought we were going to meet the CEO?

Geez. Whatever.

It was an hour before my duty ended, Pamela came into my office. Napatayo ako nang makitang naluluha siya. Agad akong kinain ng pangamba.

"W-what happened?"

"I swear to God, Riza. I asked his secretary about the food. Sinabi niya sa akin na hindi naman maarte sa pagkain si Mr. Cortez. I even asked her if I could serve him seafood, she said yes."

"Then?"

"Mr. Cortez is allergic to seafood."

Natikom ang bibig ko. Kinabahan na talaga ako.

"D-did he eat it?" tanong ko. "Stop crying, Pamela. Pati ako ay natataranta!"

"Hindi." Pinunasan niya ang kanyang luha. "Pero ayaw niyang kumain ngayon. He called us irresponsible. We disappointed him."

I bit my bottom lip. That jerk.

I sighed. "I will talk to him."

"Thank you, please?"

Huminga ako nang malalalim. Hinatid ako ni Pamela sa tinutuluyan ni Mr. Cortez. Naabutan ko siyang nanunuod ng sports sa TV.

Tumikhim ako. "It came to my knowledge that you haven't eaten anything yet—"

"Your internet connection here is pretty bad," he mentioned, still eyes on the TV. "I was in an important call earlier and it got disrupted."

I sighed. "I am really sorry—"

"Sorry?" Humarap siya sa akin. Nakataas ang kanyang mga kilay. "Kilala mo ba kung sino ang kausap ko kanina? I was talking to our CEO!"

I nodded. "I understand—"

"And you are going to serve me seafood?" he blurted out. "Are you planning to kill me?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "Of course not, Mr. Cortez. I am really sorry. I want to make it up to you. Do you want something to eat? Anything."

"Okay. I want that seafood."

"I'm sorry?"

Did I hear it right? I always remind myself that I have to be professional even if I am engaging with an unprofessional person. Just be professional.

"I want to eat that seafood with you," he said with full of clarity.

My lips parted. Napatingin ako kay Pamela. She nodded at me. May bahid ng pangamba at pagmamakaawa sa kanyang tingin.

Huminga ako nang malalim. "Sure, Mr. Cortez."

Umalis si Pamela para kunin ang mga pagkain. Ako naman ay nanatili sa tabi ng sofa kung saan nakaupo si Mr. Cortez.

I roamed my eyes around. Everything seems good. Ang problema lang talaga ay pagkain. Pagdating naman sa internet connection, I think that's just a glitch. Ngayon lang kami nakatanggap ng ganitong reklamo.

"Wala ka bang planong umupo?" tanong niya.

I sat on the same sofa, pero sa kabilang gilid. Malaki ang pagitan namin. This is so comfortable, pero kailangan kong tiisin. Pinagdikit ko ang mga binti ko dahil naka mini skirt ako at sobrang lamig dito.

"I was kidding. Hindi ako allergic sa seafood." Marahan siyang tumawa. "I was just trying how you can handle the sudden mishaps. You know? We are going to be a business partner soon. Ayoko namang makasama ang mga iresponsableng tao."

I remained seated, not saying anything.

He just tested us? Okay. Good. I understand his point.

"Can you lower the AC, please?" he asked.

As far as I know, mataas din ako sa company na ito. Hindi ako parte ng room service. Pero... hihinaan lang naman ang AC.

Tumango ako. Kinuha ko ang remote control ng AC at hininaan 'yon. I heard him gasp, kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.

"What's wrong?" I asked him.

"Sabi ko hinaan mo ang volume ng TV, hindi ang AC!

"The remote control is in your hand," I told him.

Nagtaas siya ng kilay. "Then... get it?"

Umangat na rin ang mga kilay ko.

"W-what?" he asked.

Huminga ako nang malalim saka lumapit sa kanya. Kinuha ko sa kamay niya ang remote control ng TV. Saka 'yon hininaan.

"Is that all?"

"Are you mad?" he asked.

I shook my head. "It's a pleasure to serve you, Mr. Cortez. Anything you want."

"Good. Akala ko ay nagdadabog ka, eh." Tumawa siya.

Nilapag niya ang cell phone sa ibabaw ng lamesa. Napansin kong kasalukuyan siyang may katawag sa cell phone. Napansin niya yatang nakatingin ako roon kaya tinalikod niya ang screen.

"Bakit ang tagal ng pagkain?" tanong niya. "Lagi niyo bang pinaghihintay ang mga guests niyo rito? I am literally starving!"

"Baka po lang iniinit nila. I'm sure naman na mainit 'yon nung sinubukan nilang i-serve sa 'yo." Ngumiti ako. "Let's just wait."

"Are you being sarcastic?"

"No. I'm just saying..." I looked away as I let a sigh out.

"I thought you were being sarcastic. You silly girl."

Napatingin ako sa kanya. My eyes were a little shocked.

Shit.

"What?" he asked.

Umiling ako. "N-nothing..."

Pasimple akong tumingin sa wall clock. Over time na ako.

"I've heard about your hotel chains..." I opened a topic. "I also took my time to research about it. I'm really glad you decided to partner with us."

He yawned. "Okay..."

"Can I ask something?"

"No," he casually said.

"Where's your CEO?" I still asked.

He chuckled. "Did you really do your research?"

"Huh?" I blinked.

He shook his head. "Nothing. You may go now."

What the hell?

"What?" His brows rose up.

"I thought—"

"I changed my mind. You asked too much, Miss Chavez. I want to have a peaceful dinner."

Miss Chavez? Oh. He probably saw my ID.

I stood up. "Okay, then. I hope you will enjoy your stay here. Enjoy your dinner. Good night, Mr. Cortez."

Pagkalabas ko ay papasok na rin sana sina Pamela, kasama ang head chef namin. Lumapit ako sa kanila para kausapin.

"What happened?" Pamela asked.

"Our VIP is a complicated person," I smirked. "Anyway, serve him his food now. Don't worry. Hindi siya allergic sa seafood."

"Akala ko sabay kayong kakain?"

I shook my head. "Like I told you. Mr. Cortez is a very complicated person."

Should I say jerk?

Ngumiti ako bago bumalik sa office ko. Nag-ayos lang ako sandali ng mga gamit bago umalis. Hanggang sa pag-uwi ay iniisip ko si Mr. Cortez. Is he really an executive officer?

He acts like a high school student. So childish.

Pagkauwi ko ay nag-shower ako agad. Handa na rin sana ako matulog nung makitang tumatawag sa akin si Pamela. Ano na naman 'to?

"Hello?" I answered it.

"Did he really tell you to leave?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What do you mean?"

"Sinabi mo raw na may kukunin ka lang sa office mo. He waited for you to come back, Riza. Hindi siya kumakain hanggat hindi ka bumabalik."

"What? He literally told me to leave!" I blurted out. Kumuyom na ang mga kamao ko. "Hanggang ngayon ba ay hindi pa rin siya kumakain?"

Sungalngalin ko kaya siya ng pagkain?

Hinanda ko na ang sarili kong bumalik kung sakali.

"He left..." Pamela said.

Bumagsak ang mga balikat ko.

"His secretary told me that she booked him to another hotel. Shit. Riza. We are dead."

Tumunog bigla ang cell phone ko. Nanlambot ako nang makita na tumatawag sa akin si Mr. Fernandez na hotel manager namin.

"I'll call you back, Pamela."

I ended her call to answer Mr. Fernandez.

I prepared myself for the worst.

Lutang ako sa buong conversation namin. Ang dami niyang sinabi sa akin. Sa dami no'n ay isa lang ang tumatak sa isipan ko.

I have to encourage him to come back.

Hinanap ko agad ang contact ni Mr. Cortez. Tinawagan ko siya. Nanginginig pa ang mga kamay ko habang naghihintay na sagutin niya ito.

Shit. I can't lose my job!

"Hello, Mr. Cortez—"

"I've raised this concern to our CEO, Miss Chavez. He also decided to pull back our scheduled meeting. Unfortunately, I don't think we can still be partners."

Just because of that?

"You literally told me to leave!"

"Did I?" he chuckled. "I don't remember."

Fuck you!

"P-please?" I begged. "Give me one last chance."

He sighed. "Fine."

"Thank you!"

"Pero hindi na sa akin."

Naguluhan ako. "What do you mean?"

"Talk to our CEO."

And he ended the call.

Mabilis akong pumasok sa kwarto ko. Nakabalot pa ng towel ang ulo ko. Kinuha ko ang laptop ko saka nagmadaling may hinanap.

Desperado na akong gawin kung ano man ang kailangan kong gawin. I love my job so much. I can't just lose it because of some idiots!

Nanlambot ako nang makita kung sino ang CEO.

What the hell is happening?

He's the CEO.

Mr. Ulrich Damian Delgado.

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