Chapter 45: Successful

Our hotel manager called me into his office. Nakakuyom ang mga kamao ko habang nakikinig sa mga sinasabi niya na malamang na galing din kay Ulrich.

That jerk complained to my boss about my attitude. It's all lies. Ako pa ngayon ang unprofessional? I am not the one grabbing someone's arm out of nowhere!

"He's still our guest, Miss Chavez. Not just our guest, but a VIP. Not just a VIP, but a CEO. The future of our company is in his palms."

"I understand, Mr. Fernandez," I sighed. "I will be better next time."

Pagkatapos niya akong kausapin ay lumabas na rin ako ng office. Sakto namang palabas ng elevator sina Ulrich at Darryl. Nagtago agad sa likod ni Ulrich si Mr. Cortez.

Nakayukong gumilid ako para bigyan sila ng daan. Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa tablet gadget. Tumagal nang ilang segundo nang hindi sila lumalabas ng elevator.

"Boss. Sabi sa 'yo nakakatakot siya, eh," dinig kong sumbong ni Darryl.

"Miss Chavez." His voice was authoritative. Kung hindi ko lang siguro siya kilala ay malamang na nangangatog na ang mga tuhod ko ngayon. "Lead the way to the hotel manager's office, please?"

Lead the way? It's literally in front of us!

I swallowed. "This way, Sir."

Just a few steps, we have reached our hotel manager's office. Pumasok na roon sina Ulrich at Darryl. Tumingin pa sa akin si Darryl bago dali-daling pumasok sa loob.

I walked to the elevator and went into my office. Natambakan na ako ng mga emails na kailangan kong matapos ngayon. Sa kabutihang palad naman ay lumipas ang mga oras nang hindi na ako ginambala pa.

I was on my way out of the office when my phone rang. Nakangiting sinagot ko ang tawag ni Sophie. Sumandal ako sa likod ng pintuan.

"Mommy!" she greeted, loudly.

"Oh, baby. What's up?"

I took a glance at the wall clock. It's almost lunchtime.

"Sophie. Nasa work ang Mommy mo," dinig kong sabi ni Tita Melly sa kabilang linya. "You can call her later kapag tapos na siya sa work."

"It's fine. What's it, baby?" tanong ko.

"I picked some flowers in the garden for you!" she excitedly announced. "Nilagay ni Tita Melly sa tubig para daw hindi malanta."

"Flowers for me?" I chuckled.

"Yes!"

"Oh, baby. That's so sweet of you."

She's really a sweet princess. Manang-mana kay Ate Sarah.

"Can I send you the photos?" she asked.

"Sure," I responded.

Pagkatapos kong kausapin si Sophie ay lumabas na rin ako ng office. Napatingin ako kay Mr. Cortez na nasa harapan pala at nakatayo. Nahihiyang ngumiti siya sa akin.

"May I ask why are you here?" I asked, politely.

He cleared his throat. "I was just roaming around. Na-bore kasi ako. Is this your office?"

I stared at him, suspiciously.

"Yeah. Excuse me." Saka ko na siya nilagpasan.

Pagkatapos kong i-submit ang mga documents ay nakaramdam na ako ng gutom. Lunch na rin naman kaya pumunta na akong pantry para kumain.

I ordered the usual lunch. Hindi gaya ng karamihan ay may rice ang pagkain ko. Feeling ko kasi hindi ako nabubusog kapag walang kanin. Saka pinaalalahan na rin ako ni Ate Sarah na kumain ng kanin.

"Miss Riza..." John, one of our utility workers greeted me with his typical smile. "Balita ko ay may CEO raw tayong guest. Pogi ba?"

I laughed. "He's fine."

Dumiretso na ako sa table. Sumunod sa akin si John saka umupo sa bakanteng upuan. Nilagay niya sa gilid ang floor mop na hawak.

"Wala ka bang irereto sa akin? 'Yun sanang guwapo!"

"John..." I shook my head. "Wala akong kilalang guwapo."

Habang kumakain ako ay kinukulit pa rin ako ni John. As far as I know, isa siya sa mga matagal ng empleyado rito. Kilala siya ng lahat dahil magiliw talaga. He reminds me of Cams. He has his eyes to all the good looking guys around.

"Ang ganda mo, Riza," ani John.

I gave him my awkward smile. Tapos na rin akong kumain. Sakto namang kaka-send lang ni Sophie ng pictures ng mag bulaklak niya. Red roses.

"Sino ka-chat mo?" tanong ni John.

"None of your business." Umangat ang tingi ko kay Ulrich. He sat on the vacant chair. "Someone spilled water on the right side hallway."

Ulrich gave John a smile. Napakurap-kurap pa ang mga matab ni John bago tumango para puntahan ang sinasabi ni Ulrich.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

He glared at me. "I've been trying to call you."

"Lunchtime, Mr. Delgado. What is it?"

My phone rang again. Sinilip ko ito. Tumatawag na naman sa akin si Sophie. Shit. Oo nga pala. Nakalimutan kong reply-an ang message niya.

I turned to Ulrich. He leaned his back against the chair. Saka siya humalukipkip habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Can I—"

"Sure," he cut me off. "Answer that here."

I answered the call.

"You didn't reply. Hindi mo po ba nagustuhan, Mommy?"

"I loved them, baby! Ang ganda ng mga bulaklak!" Bumaling ako sa ibang direksyon. "Thank you. I really appreciate it, baby."

Humagikgik ito. "I also picked some for Mama and Papa. Do you want to see them?"

I winced. "Sure. Just send them, baby."

"Also, Alice helped me!"

I bit my bottom lip. I could feel him staring at me.

"Uhm, baby. I will call you later, aight?"

"Sige po. I love you, Mommy!"

"I love you, too, baby! I will call you later. Goodbye."

Pagka-end ko ng call ay agad akong bumaling kay Ulrich. Nakatingin siya sa cell phone niya. Mabigat ang pagpindot na ginagawa niya. His breathing was fast and weighty.

"Fuck. He didn't tell me about this," he hissed, frustratedly.

"May gagawin pa ako—"

"You were supposed to be single." Lumambot ang kanyang boses. "May boyfriend ka na, Riza?"

That question surprised me. What?

"I don't answer personal questions, Mr. Delgado—"

"So... meron nga." He sighed.

Napapatingin na sa amin ang ibang empleyado. Naririnig ko pa ngang pinagbubulungan na nila kami. This conversation is making commotion.

"I-I waited for you..." he swallowed.

"Mr. Delgado..." Dumating si Mr. Cortez. "I'm sorry for interrupting you, but your father has called me. He wants to talk to you immediately."

Ulrich bit his bottom lip. Madilim pa rin ang tingin niya sa akin. He stared at me for a few seconds. I was holding my breath the whole time.

Napapikit ako nung padabog siyang umalis. Sumunod naman agad sa kanya si Mr. Cortez. Sinundan ko lang sila ng tingin.

Napasapo ako sa noon ang mapagtanto kung bakit bigla siyang nagkaganoon. He assumed that I was talking to my boyfriend.

I was talking to my niece!

Hanggang sa pagpasok ko sa office ko ay lutang ako. Hindi na ako nakapag-focus sa ginagawa ko. Natagpuan ko na lang ang sarili kong hawak ang telephone.

Why should I tell him? Why is it bothering me?

I also dropped the telephone in the end. This issue is too personal and is nothing to do with my job. Hindi dapat dinadala ang personal na issue sa trabaho.

I focused with my loads of work. Sa kabutihang-palad naman ay may mga natapos din ako, pero marami pa ring natira para bukas.

I stretched my arms after I logged out of my account. Finally, another day has passed. Nanunuyo ang lalamunan ko kaya naisip ko na agad na iinom ako pag-uwi sa condo.

Paglabas ko ng office ko ay halos mapatalon ako nang makita si Ulrich. He was leaning against the wall. Diretso ang tingin niya sa akin.

"M-Mr. Delgado," I stuttered.

He smiled. "Tapos ka na ba sa work?"

Tumango naman ako.

"Good. Can I treat you for dinner?"

"Ah kasi—"

"Please?"

The next thing, I was sitting next to him in a restaurant. Hindi pa ako nakapagpalit ng damit kaya naka office attire pa rin ako.

Tumikhim ako. "How's your stay with us so far, Mr. Delgado?"

"I am not your guest here," madiin niyang sambit. "I am not a CEO either or what. So, stop pulling me the be-professional card. I can't."

Natikom ang bibig ko. Tinago ko sa ibaba ng lamesa ang nanginginig kong kamay.

He sighed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to intimidate you."

I just nodded.

Tahimik lang kaming kumain. Maya't maya ang pagsulay ko kay Ulrich na walang imik. Pero naririnig ko ang mga paghinga nito nang malalim.

"Thank you for the treat," I said.

"Riza..."

"So... you didn't answer my question yet." Pinagsalikop ko ang mga kamay ko sa ibabaw ng lamesa. "How's your stay with us?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Everything is good."

"Is that a good thing? Are you looking for more?"

He shook his head. "I was never interested in anyone."

"Wala na akong balita sa 'yo simula nung umalis ka ng bansa. My jaw dropped when I found out that you are a chief executive officer now. Like... wow."

Natawa rin siya. Sumimsim ito sa tubig.

"Ako naman..." Sandali akong tumigil. "I am doing better. Hindi kasing taas mo, pero masaya naman. I can afford to buy anything I want."

"That's better, right? You are happy."

I nodded. "I am..."

"Uhmm. Can we have a walk?"

Pumayag na rin ako. Nakatingin ako sa malayo habang naglalakad. The pavement was slippery because it just rained. Even the lights from traffic lights were a little bit blurry. The air was colder than usual.

I sniffed. "How's your father?"

"He finally got a taste of his own medicine," panunuyang sagot nito na sinabayan pa ng mahinang tawa. "Your sister really broke him into pieces."

"I'm sorry..."

"I've heard that he was dating again," aniya pa. "Also, Mom is getting married soon. Kailangan kong umuwi para tumulong sa preparation."

"So... you are leaving the country again?" Bumaling ako sa kanya.

"Yes..." He looked at me, too. "Isang linggo lang naman talaga ako rito."

"I see..." Sumikip ang didbib ko.

"It depends though. Baka dito na rin ako mag-celebrate ng birthday. Request din kasi nina PJ at Arthur. Uuwi rin yata si Chesty."

"Oh, right. That's next week, right?" I asked.

He laughed. "Naaalala mo pa pala?"

"Geez. September 18. Hindi naman ako makakalimutin, 'no!"

Tumigil kami sa paglalakad. Humarap kami sa isa't isa. Hinawakan ko ang buhok ko nung umihip ang malamig na hangin.

"I'm proud of you, Ulrich..."

He stepped forward. Hinawakan niya ang pisngi ko.

"I'm happy for you, Riza. I just hope he treats you right."

"Ulrich—"

"It's fine..." He put his finger on my lips. "Ilang taon na rin kasi, hindi ba? Ang dami nang nagbago sa buhay natin. May kanya-kanya na tayong pinagkakaabalahan."

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang tumango.

I wanted to tell him that everything has changed except my feelings for him. That I missed him. That I waited for him to come back like what he does back then.

"So..." He sighed. "Can I drive you home? Just to make sure you will get there safely."

Pumayag akong ihatid niya ako sa condo. Buong biyahe ay nag-ipon ako ng lakas ng loob para sabihin sa kanya na wala akong boyfriend. Na mali ang inakala niya.

Pero nakauwi ako nang walang nangyari.

Pagod na nakauwi ako sa condo. Naligo ako sandali saka agad na tinawagan si Camila para sabihin sa kanya ang nangyari. I told her everything, especially the boyfriend part.

"Should I tell him that he got it wrong?" I asked.

"Uhmm. Unless he asked you again?" she said, unsure. "Ang awkward naman kasi kapag bigla mong sinabi out of nowhere, right? Like... who asked? Did it bother you that much?"

I nodded. "Saka... hindi ko naman talaga sinagot nang diretso, Cams. He immediately assumed."

"That's good, Rizzie. Hindi rin siya patatahimikin nito." Bumuntonghininga si Camila. "Sooner or later, he will ask you again. If that happens... what are you going to say?"

"The truth. Why lie?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"Then?"

"I don't know. I just want to be honest to him."

"If you really want to be honest, tell him you still love him. Why lie? Naghihintayan na lang naman kayo. You are both adults now. You have waited for this moment for years, Riza!"

I chuckled. Tumayo ako saka hinawi ang kurtina. Mula rito ay kitang-kita ang mga matatayog na building. I smiled at the scene.

"Let's see..." I whispered.

I woke up to the worst news in my life after the past years. Mr. Fernandez has given my task to assist Mr. Delgado to someone else.

I rushed to his office. "Mr. Fernandez. What happened?"

"It was not my decision, Miss Chavez."

"Then... Mr. Delgado's?" My brows arched.

He nodded. "He asked me if you have loads of work. I'm really sorry for putting so much pressure on you, Miss Chavez. You can now go back to your work peacefully."

Nanlambot ako. Aminado naman ako na tambak ako ng trabaho ngayon, pero bakit 'yung pinakagusto ko pa ang kinuha sa akin?

"Thank you, Miss Chavez. You did a great job."

I gulped. "I-I can take care of him."

"No need for that, Miss Chavez."

I needed it.

That's my only chance to get near him.

Fuck!

Bumalik ako sa office ko nang hinanghina. Kinuha ko ang telephone at sinubukang tawagan si Ulrich pero naka-cut na pala ang line ko sa kanya. Binigay na nga sa iba ang pag-assist sa kanya.

I sighed. Okay.

Tumayo ako at lumabas ng office. Fuck it, Ulrich!

Hinarang ako nung guard na nagbabantay sa private elevator paakyat sa suite ni Ulrich. I tried to explain that I have something important to say to him.

"Only selected personnel are allowed, Ma'am."

"Just for a moment, please?"

The elevator clicked open. Lumabas si Mr. Cortez na tila may kausap pa sa cell phone. Hindi niya ako pinansin. Hinawakan ko ang braso niya nung aktong lalagpasan niya ako.

"Where's Ulrich?" I asked him.

"Sandali lang, ah?" He dropped the call to turn to me. "Miss Chavez. What can I do for you?"

"I need to talk to Ulrich—"

"Mr. Delgado," he smirked. "He's out for a while. May I know what you want from him?"

I shook my head. "Wala. Salamat na lang."

"Hey. Congratulations pala," nakangiting sabi ni Darryl.

"What?"

"Oh, right. It was just announced. The business deal has been sealed successfully," he announced. "I hope for a better relationship with you. Thank you, Miss Chavez. See you around."

Naiwan akong tulala. Is that it?

No.

I stood beside the elevator for hours. Hinintay kong dumating si Ulrich. Napagalitan na nga ako dahil may mga reports na hindi ko na-submit pero wala na akong pakialam. Bahala na.

Kumalam ang sikmura ko. Sumandal na lang ako sa wall. Tiniis ko ang gutom kahit na walang kasiguraduhan kung ano'ng oras uuwi si Ulrich o kung dito pa ba siya tutuloy.

"Riza..." Nilapitan ako ni Pamela na halatang nag-aalala. "What's happening? Kanina ka pa raw nakatayo rito. Hindi ka pa ba nag-lunch?"

Umiling lang ako.

She sighed. "Pero... narinig mo bang successful ang business deal?"

I nodded. "Sabi nga nila..."

Tumunog ang cell phone niya kaya tumalikod muna siya para sagutin ito. Bumaling naman ako sa wall clock. Alas kwatro na rin pala ng hapon. What? I've been standing here for 7 hours now?

"Riza." Pams approached me. "Mr. Delgado won't stay here anymore."

That was the moment I lost my balance. Napaupo ako sa sahig at agad na napaiyak. Mabilis naman na nilapitan ako ni Pams at nung guard.

My legs felt numb. Humagulgol ako.

Fuck you, Ulrich!

I hate you so much.

Nagpaalam na lang ako na uuwi na. Buti na lang pinayagan ako. Pero sa halip na umuwi sa condo ay pumunta ako sa malapit na bar. I want to get drunk.

No matter how many bottles of alcohol I emptied, I still felt empty inside.

I just found myself contacting his secretary.

"Hello—"

"What's Ulrich's contact number?" diretso kong tanong.

"May I know—"

"I said give me his contact number!"

"I'm sorry, but—"

"Girlfriend niya ito," putol ko sa kanya. "Now, can you give me his number? My boyfriend's phone number?"

"Girlfriend?" she asked, confused.

Uminom muna ako ng alak bago sumagot.

"Yes, please?"

"Oh. Riza? Right?"

"Tangina ang dami mong tanong. Bibigay mo ang number niya o patatanggal kita sa trabaho?" pananakot ko pa. "Sige naman na, Miss Secretary. Huwag nang maarte, please?"

"Sure, Miss Riza. I will text you his contact number."

I gritted my teeth.

Fuck it, Ulrich.

I waited for years.

Tangina mo kasi wala ng rason para hindi kita mahalin nang tuluyan ngayon.

I was shaking while waiting for him to answer the call.

"Hello—"

"I love you, Ulrich."