Let Love Happen

Chapter 2 - we meet again

I was praying to see at least one familiar face to bring me comfort when I walked into this building. But I was thinking of Sir Jacob, of course. Not Tristan. His was not the familiar face I was referring to.

Next time, I'll be more specific when I pray, I made a mental note as I met his dark brown eyes staring knowingly at me.

"You know her, Sir?" Hailey's voice pulled me out of reverie, provoking me to c***k my knuckles nervously.

Of course, he does. How could he possibly forget the little stuttering seatmate he befriended in Preschool? How can he not remember the timid girl he used to eat lunch with every day in Grade School? How could he not recall his troubled best friend who relied on him for her daily dose of laughter in High School?

He knows me, that's for sure. But the people around don’t have to know that.

"Sir?" Hailey prompted.

They all looked expectantly at him and waited for his response, but he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to give them an answer. Instead, he took his time giving me a mocking stare with the sides of his mouth curling up in a smug smile before finally speaking.

"Of course, I do," he said in a very relaxed tone.

I swallowed hard, cursing under my breath as I bravely held his gaze.

"Who doesn't? She is Sir Jacob's highly recommended young Supervisor, right?" he immediately continued before I could even speak.

For a while there, I thought he was going to tell everyone that we used to be friends. I'm thankful that he didn't. I wasn't prepared to see him face to face pero lalong hindi ako ready na ikuwento sa madla kung paano natuldukan ang friendship naming iyon.

"Oh, right. Madalas ka kasing ikwento sa amin ni Sir Jacob, being a young achiever that you are," Hailey agreed.

"I see," was all I could say to cover up my sigh of relief.

"Miss Audrey, this is Sir Matt Lorenzo," she went on to introduce.

Matt. Since when did he prefer being called Matt? Sabi niya sa akin dati mas gusto niya ang Tristan. I even have a pet name for him derived from that very name.

"He's the well-loved Purchasing Supervisor of Primeworks. I believe you'll be working alongside each other since your jobs are highly connected. Isa pa, he's the one handling General Accounting before he was transferred to Purchasing kaya siya rin ang mag-e-endrose sa iyo ng trabaho."

Oh no. And all the while I was consoling myself that I can just avoid him.

"So nice to finally see you, Miss Audrey," he meaningfully greeted me with an amused grin.

I cringed as he said my name. I'm used to hearing him call me Yana. But since we stopped being friends, he also refrained from calling me by nickname.

"Hi," I simply said and nodded kahit gusto kong mag walk-out.

I was determined to steer clear of any unnecessary conversation, eye contact, or friendly gesture. But it's impossible to do that when he's looking at me straight in the eye with his hand held out, offering a handshake.

Despite my reluctance, I shook his hand in return.

"Lupit ng outfit ah, akala ko Manager ang in-apply-an mo," he whispered as he subtly leaned close and squeezed my hand.

I withdrew my hand from his grasp and discreetly glared at him. My co-workers have gone back to work while Hailey is talking to Megan, giving me a go signal to scowl at him.

"Pakelam mo?!" I shot back and swept my eyes at his own getup.

He was wearing a navy-blue long sleeve folded just below the elbows, faded jeans and loafers. He actually looked good pero magpapasagasa muna ako sa tren bago ko aminin iyon sa kanya.

"Too casual for an office attire, if you ask me," I told him instead.

"Oh yeah? Then look around," he challenged and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

I turned to throw a quick glance at my new office mates. Except for Megan who is obviously a fashionista, most of the girls are wearing cotton slacks and simple blouses. The guys are wearing polo with jeans as well.

After that, I looked down on my very formal apparel.

"Overdressed, aren't we, Boss?" I heard him sneer in a low voice.

"Kayo ang underdressed," I snapped back with raised eyebrows.

I was about to add that my outfit should be the least of his concerns when a young lady suddenly stepped beside him.

"Cellphone mo Sir, naiwan mo sa Conference Room sa pagmamadali," she told him before smiling at me.

"Kayo po 'yung bagong Supervisor ni Meg?" she asked me, sounding genuinely interested.

I smiled back at her and nodded.

"Hannah po, staff ni Sir Matt," she informed me.

"At best friend ko po," Meg chimed in behind me.

I was thankful for the interruption as Hailey turned to me.

"Let's go, Ms. Audrey? Bukas pa naman ang official start mo ng work pero may ibibigay ako sa iyong reading materials about Primeworks Publishing. May mga idi-discuss pa rin ako sa iyo regarding company rules and policies before we call it a day."

I politely said goodbye to the Business Office Team and threw my ex-bestfriend a sullen look as we leave. I heard him snicker in satisfaction when I turned my back.

I finally had my coffee when Hailey showed me the pantry before returning to the HR Department. Tristan almost ruined my day, but a cup of steaming coffee somehow fixed it.

I spent the next hour or so listening to Hailey as she explained the content of the Employees' Handbook. After that, she gave me a softbound copy of the company's history and allowed me to go home.

I was thankful not to see my estranged bestfriend anywhere as I left the building. I rode the shuttle service in a daze, still not believing the fact that I'll be working with him, of all people.

I didn't bother to ride a tricycle when I reached the exit of Alabang Business Park. I didn't even mind the heat of the sun as I walked my way home with my overdressed pencil cut outfit, high heels, and all. I needed that walk to clear my mind.

I was still undecided if I would tell my sister about my encounter with Tristan but when she called that night, she immediately sensed that something's bothering me and I had no choice but to spill it.

Ang nakakainis pa doon, she found the whole situation very amusing. She's even relieved to know that there will be someone who will look after me while she's away. She said it was fate at work, but I dared argue. Twenty-seven pa lang ang kapatid ko pero may memory gap na, akala yata niya High School pa rin kami and things haven't changed. And when she began being nostalgic about our friendship gone wrong, I had to make excuses to end the call.

I made sure I read and understood the reading materials Hailey gave me. I had dinner at seven and slept early that night. The last thing I want to happen is to be late for the general assembly.

As expected, I woke up feeling better the next day. I usually just have coffee for breakfast but today I made myself some ham and egg sandwich. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay pinaghahandaan ko ang muling pagkikita namin ni Tristan. I know that he will definitely try to drain my strength and I need to load on some energy before the day starts.

I decided to dress down a bit, too. I put my tailored dress at the back of the cabinet and chose a white long sleeves and soft khaki pants instead. I tucked it in and folded the sleeves halfway through my arms and paired my outfit with brown peep toe low heeled shoes.

I blow-dried my shoulder-length hair before tying it up in a loose bun. After that, I dabbed a barely-there make-up and finished up with a matte lipstick, giving that simple but elegant look.

I arrived at Primeworks thirty minutes before eight o'clock. I only spotted a few employees on my way to the Business Office at wala pang tao sa Accounting Department. I assumed that some are already at the venue of general assembly while some haven't arrived yet. Since it's still a bit early, I searched for the nearest comfort room and found one at the end of the hall.

A sign saying 'Out of Order' was attached to the door but when I pushed and turned the knob, it quickly opened. The toilet was clean. I even tried the flush and it worked so I helped myself. Even the faucet has clean flowing water when I washed my hands.

Before I turned to leave, I looked at myself in the mirror to make sure I look presentable if ever na ipakilala ako sa general assembly.

"You can do this, Yana. There's no turning back," I said to my reflection.

I took a deep breath as I reached for the doorknob. I'm now prepared to face Tristan head-to-head if I have to. His smug smile will not affect me. His mocking stare will not bother me. His presence will not hinder my dreams.

I'm ready to face the world.

If only I could open the door.

"You have to be kidding me," I muttered under my breath as panic slowly crept over me.

Being locked inside the ladies' room is certainly not included in my schedule. It could ruin everything, especially when I must be somewhere important at this very moment.

"Hello, may tao ba dyan?" I tried to call out as I tried to tug on the knob desperately.

So, this is why this comfort room is out of order, I realized a little too late.

I scolded myself for ignoring the warning sign on the defective door. Nasa dulo pa naman ito ng hallway at walang basta makakarinig kung hindi sasadyain. At kung hindi na nila ginagamit ang CR na ito dahil sira ang pinto, I could be stuck here for hours.

I cracked my knuckles nervously as I tried to think of how I could unlock the door. I need to get out of here fast if I want to arrive at the general assembly on time. Ano na lang ang magiging first impression ng mga empleyado ng Primeworks sa akin kung late akong darating sa first company gathering na a-attend-an ko?

I was rummaging through the small comfort room for something I can use to open the door when I heard someone knock.

"Is anybody in there?"

It was Tristan's voice.

I was tempted to say yes but my pride got the best of me. Of course, I needed help - but not from him. Siguradong pagtatawanan niya ako. After all, I didn't end up here by accident. I'm stuck here because I didn't heed the warning clearly written on the door. Nakulong ako sa loob ng CR na ito dahil sa sarili kong katangahan. And I don't need him to make me feel more stupid than I already do.

"May tao ba diyan?" he hollered again with a few more loud knocks.

I remained silent, wondering what's more humiliating - to admit to him that I locked myself inside the CR or to come in late at the general assembly.

Before I could even decide, I heard his footsteps walking away. But I didn't make any attempt to call after him as he left.

I made sure that he's gone before starting to repeatedly turn the knob left and right. I tugged on it with all the force I could muster but it didn't even bulge. I tried kicking the door too but nobody else heard me. Parang gusto ko na tuloy magsisi kung bakit nagmatigas pa ako kanina noong nandoon si Tristan sa labas.

My forehead was sweating not just because of exhaustion but also because of fear. I've heard a lot of horror stories that has happened inside a comfort room and as much as I don't want to think about it, it kept on popping in my mind whenever I look at the mirror.

"Oh God, please, let me out," I begged as I now attempted to unlock the door by inserting an old grocery membership card at the narrow space between the door and its frame.

I glanced at my watch only to pressure myself because it's already eight forty. And when I finally heard that much anticipated click on the lock, it was five minutes past nine.

I got out of the comfort room as soon as the door flung open. Walking briskly, I wiped my perspiring face with a hanky and quickly made my way to the Function Room.

I strained my ears behind the door and heard a faint voice of someone talking on the microphone. I cannot just barge in there and interrupt. Pero mukhang matatagalan pa ang dini-discuss niya kaya I have to make my move.

I straightened up and took a deep breath before holding the large handle of the wide wooden door.

"Relax, Yana. You would open the door slowly, enter the room discreetly and sit at the back. No one would notice. No problem at all," I gave myself a little briefing.

Very carefully, I pushed open the door, making just enough space for me to fit and get in. I was cautious not to make any noise as I entered the room although a few heads turned as I looked around for an empty seat.

I was thankful when I spotted an empty chair at the back. But when I was about to take my seat, I heard my name being called loud and clear.

"Thank you for finally gracing us with your presence, Ms. Lazaro! Please come in front, we've all been waiting for you," Tristan's voice rang in my ear.

I could feel my face burning as everybody turned to look at the latecomer.

"Ano ba 'yan, bago pa lang late na agad," I heard someone's loud whisper as I reluctantly walked up front.

"V.I.P. nga diba," another one answered in a low but audible tone.

I perspired uncontrollably as I stood beside the creep, trying hard to stop myself from wiping off his stupid smug smile with my fist.

He's enjoying this. It's day two and he's already starting to make my life a living hell.

"Thank you for the grand entrance, Ms. Eliana Audrey Lazaro," he said to me using his mic before facing the audience.

"Everyone, meet the newest member of Primeworks family."

Only a few applauded when I introduced myself and I turned to realize it was Megan and the rest of my team in Business Office. I could see a lot of raised eyebrows and even caught some rolling their eyes. But when Sir Jacob clapped his hands, almost everyone followed. It's the first time I saw my mentor since I got back. But instead of being proud, I suddenly felt not good enough.

Accepting this job has put me on the hot seat and ignited issues on favoritism. These people don't care about the fact that I graduated magna cumlaude, nor that I used to work twelve hours almost every day for three years in Dubai to earn my first work experience. All they know is that I'm just twenty-three and it was Sir Jacob who got me into my position, not my qualifications. And I can see myself having a hard time earning the respect of my co-workers because of that.

After giving the floor to the HR Manager, he introduced me to Ms. Zyrene, the Business Office Manager. I thought he was trying to make nice because a lot of people are around but in the middle of the conversation, he intentionally mentioned to her that I was late.

After putting me in shame, he invited me to finally take a seat. To my dismay, there were only two empty chairs left inside. I fumed at the reality that to the people around, he looked like a real gentleman. Hindi nila alam na puro pambubwisit ang alam gawin ng taong ito.

"Salamat ha, ang laking tulong mo sa first impression nila sakin," I whispered with sarcasm as he pulled the chair for me to sit on.

He chuckled as he took the seat beside me.

"Don't mention it," pang-aasar na sagot niya.

I couldn't help myself when I heard that response. Pasimple akong humilig palapit sa kanya bago siya siniko sa tagiliran.

"Aray! Ikaw naman kasi, kung inamin mo na lang sana kanina na na-trap ka sa CR, di sana mas naintindihan ka nila."

My eyes widened in surprise and annoyance, but I maintained my composure.

"You knew I was there?" I asked while gritting my teeth.

The way he shrugged his shoulder in a carefree manner totally pissed me off.

"I gave you a chance to ask for my help, but you ignored it. Kaya hinayaan na lang kita. Akala ko kasi gusto mo lang mapag-isa," he reasoned out with a confident grin.

I threw him a look of disdain.

"I'd rather rot in the comfort room than ask for your help," I stated firmly.

After that, I turned away from him and willed myself to listen to the HR Officer discussing the upcoming activities of the company.

I was doing good at pretending that his presence wasn't a distraction. Pero ilang saglit lang, naramdaman kong kinakalabit niya ang braso ko.

"Dress down yata tayo, Boss? Di ka masyadong mukhang Manager ngayon," he commented.

I ignored him but he just wouldn't stop. He prodded me with his elbow this time.

"I was just curious, paano ka nakalabas ng CR?"

I want to shout and smack his face hard but I realized it was the reaction he wanted. So instead, I played it cool and raised my brows at him.

"I have my ways," I bragged with my chin up. Hindi na niya kailangang malaman na pinagpawisan ako ng husto sa pagbubukas ng pintong iyon.

He pouted his lips unconvinced.

"Oh yeah. Everybody knows that," he said meaningfully and glanced at Sir Jacob on purpose.

I was about to defend myself, but he immediately found another irritating topic to discuss.

"So tell me, how do you feel about us working together?"

My forehead creased as I recalled some awful College memories. I don't want to reminisce but how can I not remember when the guy who made my College days unpleasant is here in front of me?

I refused to join the Campus Newspaper kahit gustong-gusto ko because he's already there as an Artist and Photographer. When I was in Second Year, I quit the Chorale when I found out that he's the newest member. He won over me when we both ran for President of the Student Council. And to top it all, he was the summa cumlaude and I was the magna cumlaude with just point fifty-eight average grade difference.

Ang mga extra-curricular activities na iyon ang naging edge niya. Kaya kung iniisip niyang magku-quit na naman ako dahil nandito siya, nagkakamali siya. This is not College. This is the real world.

Backing out is no longer an option.

And I will not give him the satisfaction of seeing me quit this time.

"My presence bothers you. Is that right, Boss?" he asked again when I didn't speak.

With that, I turned to look at him in the eye and faked a smile.

"I have forgotten who you were in my life. Why would I be bothered?" I asked back.

He was slightly taken aback by my response but immediately broke into a smug smile.

"Well, I'll do my best to remind you," he said.

I rolled my eyes and saw Seth vacate his seat beside Megan. Without thinking twice, I got up and transferred, leaving him and his fat ego behind.

I have trouble imagining that he was the same boy who defended me from bullies when we were in Preschool. I can't believe he's the same guy who held me safely in his arms the day Papa left to be with another woman when I was twelve. I can't imagine he's the same young man who stayed awake for several nights watching over me as I cried myself to sleep when Mama died.

As I sat next to Meg, I looked back and caught Tristan still looking at me. I was expecting him to look away, but he playfully winked at me instead. I shook my head and turned my back on him.

I used to owe that guy my sanity.

But now he's driving me crazy.