Episode 3

Present Day — 9:00 AM

Imperial Defense Systems

“Who approved this report?”

Bumagsak ang makapal na folder sa ibabaw ng conference table.

Napahinto ang lahat.

Nakatayo si Matthew Imperial sa harap ng malaking screen, nakakunot ang noo habang nakatitig sa mga department heads. Plantsado ang charcoal-gray suit nito, ngunit walang sinumang magtatangkang purihin ang hitsura ng kanilang boss sa umagang iyon.

“This report contains three different figures for the same project,” malamig niyang sabi. “Are you people running a company or a neighborhood betting station?”

Walang sumagot.

“Mr. Santos, explain.”

Tumayo ang operations manager. “Sir, the discrepancy came from the revised inventory figures. We were supposed to update the final report yesterday, but—”

“But what?”

“We missed the deadline, sir.”

Tumawa nang walang saya si Matthew.

“You missed the deadline, submitted inaccurate figures, and expected me to accept an apology?”

“I'm sorry, sir.”

“I'm not paying you to be sorry. I'm paying you to do your job.”

Tahimik ang silid.

Sa kabilang bahagi ng mesa, mahinahong nakaupo si Arya, hawak ang tablet. Sanay na siya sa ganitong eksena. Kapag trabaho ang pinag-uusapan, walang pinipiling oras o tao ang galit ni Matthew.

“Mr. Imperial,” singit niya, “I've already requested the corrected inventory figures. They'll be available in fifteen minutes. I also prepared a revised report template to prevent the same discrepancy from happening again.”

Lumingon si Matthew.

“Why wasn't that done before this meeting?”

“Because the final figures were only confirmed this morning, sir. I didn't want to submit another report containing unverified information.”

Ilang segundo siyang tinitigan ni Matthew.

“Fine. Send the corrected report directly to me before eleven. Cross-check every figure.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And Mr. Santos?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Fix the problem. I won't repeat myself.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Meeting adjourned.”

Mabilis na nagsilabasan ang mga department heads. Nang maiwan silang dalawa sa conference room, kinuha ni Matthew ang folder.

“Arrange another meeting with the operations team this afternoon. Three o'clock.”

“Sir, you have a meeting with the Japanese machinery supplier at three.”

Huminto ito sa paglalakad.

“Then why didn't you say that earlier?”

“Because I was waiting for you to finish giving instructions, sir.”

Napatingin ito sa kanya.

Arya calmly turned her tablet toward him.

“I can move the operations meeting to four, if that works for you.”

Matthew checked the calendar.

“Four o'clock. Make sure everyone attends.”

“Already noted.”

He started toward the door, then stopped.

“And Arya?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Good catch on the inventory figures.”

Bahagyang ngumiti si Arya.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Don't celebrate yet. I haven't seen the corrected report.”

Nawala ang ngiti niya.

“Of course, sir. I wouldn't dare celebrate prematurely.”

“Good.”

Pagkaalis ni Matthew, napailing si Arya.

“Ang hirap mong pasayahin. Kahit thank you, may kasamang warning.”

Hindi niya napansing naiwan sa may pintuan si Matthew at narinig ang sinabi niya.

“Arya.”

Napapitlag siya.

“Sir!”

“Did you say something?”

“Wala po.”

“I heard you.”

Napangiti siya nang pilit.

“Sinasabi ko lang po na napaka-inspiring ng leadership style ninyo.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow.

“Really?”

“Opo. Nakakakaba nga lang minsan.”

For a moment, tila may gustong sabihin si Matthew. Sa halip, umiling ito at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

“Finish the report.”

“Yes, sir.”

Pagtalikod nito, napangiti si Arya.

At sa loob ng opisina, hindi rin napigilan ni Matthew ang bahagyang pag-angat ng sulok ng kanyang labi.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit nakakatuwang asarin ang sekretaryang iyon.

Hindi rin niya gustong alamin.

---

Alas-diyes y medya, abala si Arya sa pag-aayos ng mga dokumento para sa susunod na business meeting nang bumukas ang elevator.

Isang babaeng nakasuot ng eleganteng cream dress ang lumabas. Mahaba ang buhok, mamahalin ang handbag, at bawat hakbang ay tila sinadya upang mapansin ng lahat.

“Good morning, Miss Jimenez,” bati ng ilang empleyado.

Ngumiti si Alondra Jimenez bago huminto sa harap ng mesa ni Arya.

“Where's Matthew?”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Arya.

“Good morning, ma'am. May appointment po ba kayo kay Mr. Imperial?”

Kumunot ang noo ni Alondra.

“Do you know who I am?”

“I'm sorry, ma'am. I ask that question of every visitor to ensure proper scheduling.”

“I'm Alondra Jimenez. Matthew and I grew up together.”

“Of course, Miss Jimenez. I'll check his availability.”

Binuksan ni Arya ang calendar.

“Mr. Imperial is reviewing a contract. I can inform him that you're here and ask if he can accommodate your visit.”

“Just tell him I'm here. He'll see me.”

“Certainly. I'll notify him first.”

Alondra crossed her arms.

“Are you always this difficult?”

“Only when I'm doing my job, ma'am.”

May ilang empleyadong biglang naging abala sa kani-kanilang computer.

Lumapit si Alondra sa mesa.

“Listen, sweetheart. I've known Matthew long before you started working here. I don't need an appointment just to see him.”

Nanatiling kalmado si Arya.

“I understand, Miss Jimenez. But I'm responsible for managing his schedule. I need his confirmation before sending anyone into his office.”

“Don't flatter yourself. You're his secretary, not his girlfriend.”

“I never claimed to be either, ma'am.”

Nawala ang ngiti ni Alondra.

“Arya, right?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“You should remember your place. Women like you sometimes mistake proximity for importance.”

Dahan-dahang ibinaba ni Arya ang hawak na dokumento.

“Thank you for the reminder, Miss Jimenez. I understand that my position requires professionalism, discretion, and respect. I expect the same courtesy in return.”

“Are you talking back to me?”

“I'm answering your question, ma'am.”

“You have quite an attitude for someone whose job is to follow orders.”

“And I take those responsibilities seriously. If you'd like to see Mr. Imperial, I'll gladly arrange it. Otherwise, I need to finish the report he requested.”

Sandaling natahimik si Alondra.

Hindi siya sanay na may babaeng hindi natitinag sa kanyang mga salita.

“Fine. Tell Matthew I'm waiting in his office.”

“I'm afraid I can't allow visitors into his private office without authorization. I'll arrange for you to wait in the guest lounge.”

“You're unbelievable!”

“Thank you, ma'am. I'll take that as confirmation that you'd prefer the guest lounge.”

Sa di-kalayuan, napayuko si Barbara upang itago ang kanyang ngiti.

Alondra picked up her handbag.

“When Matthew finds out how you've treated me, don't expect to keep your position.”

Arya picked up the telephone.

“I'll inform Mr. Imperial of your arrival, Miss Jimenez.”

Mabilis na naglakad si Alondra patungo sa guest lounge.

Nang makaalis ito, lumapit si Barbara sa mesa ni Arya.

“Girl, are you okay?”

“I'm fine.”

“Sigurado ka? Mukhang gusto kang ipa-fire ni Alondra bago mag-lunch.”

Arya turned toward her and smiled sweetly.

“Barbara, I'm a dog lover.”

Napakurap si Barbara.

“Okay?”

“I can handle bitches.”

Dalawang segundo silang nagtitigan bago tuluyang humagalpak ng tawa si Barbara.

“ARYA! Hindi mo puwedeng sabihin 'yan!”

“Wala naman akong pinangalanan.”

“You didn't have to!”

Bumalik si Arya sa kanyang computer.

“Besides, I was perfectly professional.”

“You were! That's what makes it hilarious!”

Napailing si Barbara habang natatawa.

“Pero seryoso, matagal nang gusto ni Alondra si Matthew. Kababata niya iyon, at feeling niya, siya ang babaeng para sa boss natin.”

Hindi nag-angat ng tingin si Arya.

“Personal nilang buhay iyon. Wala akong pakialam.”

“Good. Keep it that way.”

“Don't worry. Trabaho lang ang pakay ko rito.”

Hindi niya alam kung bakit kinailangan pa niyang sabihin iyon nang dalawang beses.

---

Tumunog ang telepono sa mesa ni Arya.

“Good morning, Mr. Imperial's office. This is Arya speaking.”

“Is Alondra there?”

“Yes, sir. She's waiting in the guest lounge.”

“Send her in.”

“Certainly, sir.”

Ilang sandali pa, dumaan si Alondra sa harap ng mesa ni Arya, taas-noo at may mapagmataas na ngiti.

“Don't think this is over,” bulong nito.

Ngumiti si Arya.

“Have a pleasant meeting, Miss Jimenez.”

Sa loob ng opisina, agad na nagbago ang ekspresyon ni Alondra nang makita si Matthew.

“Matthew!”

Hindi ito tumayo. Abala pa rin sa pagbabasa ng dokumento.

“Alondra. What brings you here?”

“Can't I visit an old friend anymore?”

“You can. But you should let my office know first.”

Naupo si Alondra sa harap ng mesa.

“Your secretary seems to enjoy making things difficult for me.”

Doon lamang nag-angat ng tingin si Matthew.

“Did Arya do something wrong?”

“She was rude! She treated me like I was some stranger off the street.”

“She's doing her job.”

“But Matthew—”

“Alondra.” Tumigas ang tinig nito. “I expect everyone to follow the same rules. That includes my visitors.”

Napahigpit ang hawak ni Alondra sa handbag.

“Are you seriously taking her side?”

“I'm taking the side of the person doing her job correctly.”

Hindi agad nakasagot si Alondra.

Sa labas, papalapit si Arya upang ihatid ang isang folder. Narinig niya ang huling bahagi ng kanilang pag-uusap at napahinto sa pintuan.

Hindi niya inaasahang ipagtatanggol siya ni Matthew.

Lalo na laban sa isang babaeng matagal na nitong kilala.

Kumatok siya nang dalawang beses.

“Come in,” utos ni Matthew.

Pumasok si Arya at inilapag ang folder sa mesa.

“Sir, here are the revised documents for your afternoon meeting.”

Matthew looked up.

“Thank you, Arya.”

Alondra watched the brief exchange.

“Matthew, can I speak with you privately?”

“Of course. Arya, you may go.”

“Yes, sir.”

Paglabas ni Arya, napansin niyang nakatingin pa rin si Matthew sa kanya hanggang sa tuluyang maisara ang p***o.

Bahagya siyang napangiti bago bumalik sa kanyang mesa.

Bakit naman ako ngumingiti? Trabaho lang iyon.

Sa loob ng opisina, muling binuksan ni Matthew ang folder na iniwan ni Arya. Maayos ang pagkakaayos ng mga dokumento, may malinaw na annotations, at nakatala ang mga posibleng isyung kailangan niyang suriin.

Napailing siya.

“She's good.”

“Excuse me?” tanong ni Alondra.

Matthew looked up.

“I said she's good at her job.”

Alondra forced a smile.

“I can see that.”

Ngunit sa likod ng ngiting iyon, may isang bagay nang nabuo sa kanyang isip.

Hindi niya gusto si Arya.

At kung patuloy na magiging malapit ang sekretarya sa lalaking matagal na niyang minamahal, sisiguraduhin niyang hindi magiging madali ang buhay nito sa Imperial Defense Systems.

---

Makalipas ang ilang minuto, lumabas si Matthew mula sa kanyang opisina.

“Arya.”

Agad siyang tumayo.

“Yes, sir?”

“Have you had lunch?”

Napakurap siya.

“Not yet, sir. Why?”

“It's almost noon. Take your break.”

“May kailangan pa po akong tapusin.”

“Can it wait thirty minutes?”

“Actually, sir, I can finish it in ten.”

Matthew glanced at her screen.

“Then finish it in ten. After that, eat.”

Napangiti si Arya.

“Concerned po ba kayo sa health ko, sir?”

Natigilan si Matthew.

“I don't want my secretary fainting in the middle of a meeting.”

“Of course, sir. Business reasons.”

“Exactly.”

“Strictly professional?”

Matthew looked at her.

“Very.”

Ngumiti si Arya.

“Understood, sir.”

Naglakad na sana si Matthew palayo nang bigla siyang huminto.

“And Arya?”

“Yes?”

“Good work today.”

Simple lamang ang mga salitang iyon, ngunit sapat upang bahagyang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ni Arya.

“Thank you, sir.”

Bumalik si Matthew sa kanyang opisina na para bang wala lang ang lahat.

Samantala, naupo si Arya at tinakpan ang kanyang mukha gamit ang dalawang kamay.

“Lord, trabaho lang. Trabaho lang.”

Hindi niya alam na sa kabilang panig ng p***o, nakatayo rin si Matthew, nakatingin sa dokumentong hawak niya ngunit hindi naman talaga binabasa.

Hindi niya rin maipaliwanag kung bakit mas madali niyang patawarin ang maliit na pagkukulang ni Arya kaysa sa pagkakamali ng ibang empleyado.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit hinahanap niya ang boses nito sa tuwing tahimik ang opisina.

At lalong hindi niya alam kung bakit, sa kabila ng lahat ng kanyang responsibilidad, may bahagi sa kanyang naghihintay sa susunod na nakakatawang sagot ng sekretarya.

Pareho nilang tinawag iyong propesyonal na relasyon.

Pareho rin nilang piniling huwag magtanong kung bakit unti-unti na itong nagiging higit pa roon.

Dahil sa ngayon, mas ligtas ang magkunwari.