The Writer

Episode 00

#TWPrologue

Avyanna "Neri" Nesryn Alcazar

"Can I ask a few question, Mr. Del Marcel?" tanong ko sa kanya habang nakatitig ng diretso sa mata niya. Nakaupo ako ngayon sa maliit na upuan na kulay puti sa harap niya. There's a center table at my front and an empty chair at the right side. He could sit at that empty chair but he still chose to sit on his throne. Well. What I've read about him on magazine is really true. He looks like a real smart prince. A well-known CEO who is too good to be true. Now I know why women were always drooling of him. Bakit ngayon mo lang ba 'yon napansin, Avi?

Three months kayong magkasama sa Love Line pero hindi mo man lang napansin ang mga 'yon?

Sinamantala ko na ang pagkakataon. Tinitigan ko siya at sinuring mabuti. I saw him wearing eye glasses when I entered his office but got removed when he started talking to me. Mukhang may grado na iyong mga mata niya at ginagamit lang kapag nagbabasa ng mga papeles. He's wearing the usual outfit of CEO. A navy blue long-sleeve and pants with black necktie. His hair was messy but it looks very good on him.,

"What is it, Ms. Alcazar?"

Tuimayo siya mula sa kanyang kinauupuan at lumipat ng pwesto. Umupo siya sa upuan na kanina ko pa sinasabi. I gasped when he smiled at me. Ayan na naman siya sa mga ngiti niyang mapangloko.

"Why did you create a mobile game company?"

"I love playing games, Neri. It's one of my hobbies that keeps me sane when I am at work."

"Only online games?" I saw amusement on his face. Nagkibit-balikat siya at saka mas umupo pa ng maayos sa upuan bago ako nagawang tignan muli sa mata.

"I can play real games too."

"You mean sports like volleyball?" Kung wala lang ako sa interview ngayon ay humagalpak na ako ng tawa dahil naalala ko ang nangyari noong naglalaro kami ng volleyball.

Naningkit ang mata niya sa akin kaya lalo akong napatawa sa aking isipan. "You're not talking about that, aren't you Ms. Alcazar?"

"Maybe," nakangiting wika ko sa kanya.

"It's my turn to ask. Can you be our editor?"

Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita dahil parang may mali. Hindi ba kaya ako nandito ngayon ay para mag-apply pero bakit siya itong nagtatanong ngayon sa akin.

"I am here for that position."

"I know. I am just making sure that you really want it. I trust you and your writing skills."

Naningkit ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. Bakit ganoon na lang siya katiwala sa pagsusulat ko? He already knows the reason why I joined Love Line three months ago at ngayon ay wala pa rin progress ang sinusulat kong romance. I still can't write and it's making me frustrated because I love writing.

"And if I don't? What will you do, Mr. President?"

"I am going to convince you."

"Convince? Why? I-I don't think I am going to fit on that position. Well at first, yes but now, I am not sure."

"Because I believe in you, Neri." Saglit akong nanahimik sa sinabi niya. "Why aren't you sure about yourself? You're a talented woman, Neri. I thought you already knew that?"

"I am not. Look at me."

"I am already looking."

"Mr. President."

"What?" Tumaas pa ang isa niyang kilay habang nakatingin pa rin sa akin ng diretso. And I know what he's up too. Hindi siya ganoon kadaling basahin ang mga iniisip niya pero kapag unti-unti mo siyang nakikilala ay magkakaroon ka na ng ideya kung ano ang tumatakbo sa isipan niya.

"Will you stop reading my mind?"

"I am not reading it, Neri," mariin niyang wika sa akin. I saw his playful smirk playing on his thin lips.

"Fine. I'll accept your offer, Sir Silver. I'll be your editor."