Let Love Happen

Chapter 1 - coming home

Home - a place where someone lives as a member of a family, providing physical and emotional comfort

That's how I define home.

"And if that's the case, this clearly isn't home," I said to myself in dismay as I looked around the small apartment I just rented.

For one, I'm all alone in this flat. No welcoming warm embrace nor even a smile from any member of my family. So saan ako kukuha ng emotional comfort? The place obviously needs some serious cleaning up too at iniisip ko pa lamang iyon, napapagod na ako. Goodbye, physical comfort.

It was far from being fully furnished as well, contrary to the ad on the internet. Except for the dusty single bed, a worn-out living room sofa and a small dining table with three wobbly wooden chairs, nothing else was there.

In short, this place is just as empty as I am.

"Home sweet home," I muttered with a sigh as I dragged my luggage inside the room.

"Ginusto mo ito, Yana. Pangatawanan mo!" I even scolded myself.

Sino nga ba kasing nagsabing umalis ako sa comfort zone ko? For the past three years, Dubai has been my home. I was peacefully living my life there with sister, far from the bad memories that made our childhood not so good to look back on. To add to that, I had a blooming career as an Accountant in a company specializing in sale and rental of residential property and commercial real estate.

But I still decided to come home.

My life hasn't been easy when I was here. Just like the plane ride I took earlier to get home on a bad weather, my life has been in violent turbulence.

Papa left us when I was twelve and Mama resorted to depression. Her death followed just a year after. My sister and I almost ended up in foster care if it wasn't for an aunt who was kind enough to give us a home. Mabuti na lang at may educational plan kami dahil kung wala, hindi ko alam kung saan kami pupulutin. We stayed under Auntie Mina's care until Ate Andrea graduated college. After that, my sister went to Dubai to provide for my daily allowance and other financial needs. Our Aunt has been good to us, but I still wanted to be with Ate Andrea. I was desperate to get away from the people who has hurt me. And when my sister invited me to follow her abroad after my own graduation, it was my great escape.

So bakit nga ba ako umuwi?

Because of unfinished business. Because of unfulfilled dreams.

I'm not sure if it was fate at work when I accidentally bumped into Sir Jacob in Dubai during a convention. Back in high school he was the Editor in Chief of our school publication kung saan column writer naman ako. Now he's the General Manager of Primeworks Publishing.

I could easily say no to the General Accounting Supervisor position he was offering dahil maganda rin naman ang trabaho ko, but he knows me too well. Although Accountancy ang kinuha kong course sa college, he knew about my passion for writing. He told me that I can practice my profession and at the same time, do what I love to do as a writer in his company. Iyon ang hindi ko natanggihan.

Ayokong bitiwan ang profession ko as an Accountant pero gusto ko ring i-pursue ang pagsusulat if given the chance. His proposal sounded like the perfect set-up.

When I decided what course to take in college, I opted for what I thought was the most practical. That led me to Accountancy. Ang sabi ni Ate Andrea, magaganda raw ang job opportunities sa Dubai ng course na iyon kaya kahit Journalism ang gusto ko, I gave it up. Nang ialok sa akin ni Sir Jacob ang trabaho sa Primeworks Publishing, bigla kong naalala ang first love ko - ang pagsusulat. It reminded of my forgotten dream. Ang problema, I have to live away from my sister again to pursue that dream.

As I started to clean up the house, I wondered if I made the right decision. Kung hindi lang dahil sa advice ni Sir Jacob na isang trusted mentor ko, hindi naman talaga ako makakaisip na umuwi. Pero dahil pinili kong umuwi, nagkahiwalay na naman kami ng kapatid ko. She's the only family I've got pero nagkalayo na naman kami.

I sighed as I reached for my bag. Whenever in doubt, I always consult my two best options. Talk to my sister and turn to Love Mails from God. And since Ate Andrea is at work at this moment, I'll opt for the other one.

Love Mails from God has been my constant source of strength and inspiration for years. It may be just a simple set of printed cards to some, but for me it's like an everyday love letter from God, touching my heart, healing me where it truly hurts.

And as I read what's in store for me today, I realized it was the only motivation I needed.

Dear Yana,

Have courage. Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.

With you wherever you go,

God

P.S. Are you ready for some excitement, Yana?

"Yes, of course," I answered aloud and smiled.

Cleaning up is far from exciting, I know. But come to think of it, when I'm done with this mess, everything will be better. I don't mind living in a small apartment, anyway. Isa pa, this place is not too far from my workplace kaya very convenient. Kahit mag-require ng overtime si boss, getting home won't be a problem.

As far as I know, God laid the path that led me here. I never looked for this opportunity. I didn't even ask. But it came kaya siguro nga para sa akin ito.

With renewed insight, I finished my house chores. My sister called exactly when I was done and I spent the next two hours listening to her reminders from locking the doors, to eating right, to behaving myself at work.

After that, I took a much-deserved rest. I didn't realize how tired I was until I laid my back on the small cot and dozed off.

My own ring tone woke me up from what I thought was just a nap. The next thing I know, it was almost seven in the morning. If it wasn't for my older sister's wake up call, I'll be snoozing until afternoon.

I bolted upright, completely startled when I realized that it's my first day of work.

"Ate! I have to get ready for work, I'll call you later, okay?" I said in a hurry while pulling my towel from the bottom of my baggage.

"You mean kung hindi ako tumawag, hindi ka magigising?! Yana! Diba kakasabi ko lang sa iyo kagabi na mag-alarm ka?!" sermon niya sa kabilang linya.

"Yes, Ate. I'll do that from now on. Later! Bye! I love you!"

I didn't wait for her reply. I threw the phone on the sofa and rummaged through my bag to find my shampoo and liquid soap. I really need to hurry up. I need to look decent for my first day on the job.

Wala pa yata akong fifteen minutes na naligo. I wore a nice black and white pencil cut dress with three-fourth sleeves and a two-inch high heeled black shoe to match. I also put on a light make up, just enough to make my skin glow and dabbed my lips with a crimson red shade of lipstick.

I looked at myself in the mirror when I'm done and nodded. Good thing I was listening when my sister taught me about power dressing.

I glanced next at my silver wristwatch and realized that I only have a couple of minutes left to get to the office. Grabbing my black leather bag, I quickly got out of the house, pulled the door behind me and locked the door.

I rode a cab and reached the address written on my notepad in five minutes. I admired the simple yet elegant facade while I make my way to the main lobby of the building.

I was about to inquire at the Information Desk for direction, but the receptionist was accommodating a foreigner at parang hindi pa sila magkaintindihan. I heaved a sigh as I glanced at my watch, aware that I only have five more minutes to get to the right floor on time.

"Anong company ka, Miss?"

I turned to look at my right and found myself face to face with a handsome guy probably just my age. He was wearing a pale yellow long sleeve, dark blue necktie and a smile fit for a hunk on a magazine cover.

"Primeworks Publishing. Problem is, I have no idea where it is and I’m running out of time," I answered.

He flashed a smile, showing his perfect white teeth.

"Oh, good. I'm headed there. Fifth floor. We can go together if you don't mind," he offered, and I couldn't refuse not just because he was totally gorgeous but more because I have to arrive on time.

"By the way, I'm Lance. Final interview ko today, wish me luck," he continued with his friendly chat as we hopped on the lift.

"Audrey. First day ko today and I'm really nervous," I admitted. Hindi ko alam bakit ko iyon sinasabi sa kanya but he seemed very nice, I immediately felt at ease.

We were still talking when the elevator opened. I easily spotted the Human Resource Department as we went through the glass door, but we were asked by the security guard to wait at the receiving area.

"Sana pala matanggap ako, para magkita pa ulit tayo," Lance was saying when the HR staff came over.

"Miss Eliana Audrey Lazaro?" she asked, greeting me with a smile.

"Yes, Ma'am," I answered back with a grin, thankful that the first employee I met in this company seemed nice.

I was about to tell Lance that I also think we could be friends pero hindi ko na iyon nagawa when the HR personnel led me inside. I just waved goodbye, and he responded with a smile.

Once inside, I submitted the original copies of my requirements for verification. Through email lang kasi lahat ng documents na ipinadala ko at maging ang mga interview ko ay online.

"My name is Hailey, HR assistant ako rito. How do you want me to address you?" she asked me.

"Audrey. You can call me Audrey," I politely supplied as I closely followed.

Actually, I prefer to be called Yana, mas at home ako sa nickname na iyon. But that nickname is reserved for my family and closest friends. Si Mama ang nagbigay sa akin ng nickname na iyon, that's how she and Papa used to call me. Iyon rin ang tawag sa akin ni Ate Andrea. At tsaka ni...nevermind.

"I'll give you a quick tour sa company, Ms. Audrey. I'll introduce you to co-employees at sasamahan rin kita sa department mo. Tomorrow may general assembly tayo sa conference room, malamang yung iba doon mo na lang makikilala," she informed me.

"That will be nice, thank you," I remarked.

The office is already busy at nine in the morning. Printers are running, employees are rushing, and numerous discussions are currently ongoing. Most are tapping on their keyboards while facing their computers with just a few sipping their cups of coffee. Bigla ko tuloy naalala na ni hindi pala ako nakapag-kape. Hindi pa naman kumpleto ang araw ko kapag walang caffeine sa katawan.

She encouraged me to walk by her side as we made our way out of the HR Department. The office area is wide. There were rooms with glass doors in each partition, probably reserved for the managers while the space in front of each were divided into several cubicles for the staffs. Walking on the carpeted floor in the middle felt like walking down the aisle inside a church - it's impossible not to be noticed. But although most of them noticed, they just threw me a side glance and went back to what they were doing without even a faint smile.

"Gaya ng nabanggit ko sa iyo sa initial interview, Primeworks is a group of three companies. Iyong pinakaunang naitayo is Primeworks Advertising sa Ortigas, sumunod iyong Primeworks Courier sa Parañaque at pinakahuli itong Publishing," Hailey started the orientation.

"I see."

"Sa fourth floor ang Writing, Editorial, Printing and Publishing ng Primeworks. Dito sa floor natin, mainly Administrative. I hope you don't mind na medyo crowded, the rest of the departments kasi andito lahat. Ibang-iba siguro ito sa office mo sa Dubai."

"I actually don't mind. I can easily adapt to different work environment," I assured her.

Hailey beamed at me before pointing to the left side and started talking again.

"This is the Sales & Marketing Department. Mas madalas silang nasa conference room, brainstorming, kesa dito sa office. Ito naman sa kabila is the Office of the President, next to the Office of the General Manager."

I nodded to let her know I was listening.

"Wala si Sir Jacob, bukas pa ang balik niya from a business meeting. Pero huwag kang nag-alala, ibinilin ka niyang mabuti sakin, I'm really expecting you today."

When she said that, a couple of employees within earshot looked our way. Now they're suddenly curious about the new girl in the company.

And there's more to it than that.

I could feel them summing me up, looking at me from head to toe, as if questioning if I'm even qualified for the position. They clearly think that I'm here because of Sir Jacob, not because I deserved the supervisory job.

"Ito naman, Management Information System Department, home base ng mga IT Specialists natin. Iyong sa dulo, Inventory and Property Department. Kung may kailangan kang supplies, sa kanila ka kukuha," Haley continued, oblivious to my uneasiness.

As much as I refuse to be affected, di ko maiwasang mailang at mainis. How could they easily judge me by merely looking at me? Mabuti na lang at orientation lang ang kailangan kong pagdaanan today. Bukas magbabaon ako ng mas maraming pasensya.

I swallowed hard and tried to ignore the not so friendly glances as she introduced me to everyone we met as we walked. Mabibilang ko sa daliri ang ngumiti sa akin ng totoo. Most of them just nodded as if meeting me was a waste of time.

I heaved a sigh as she led me to the right side, wondering if this awkward introduction will ever end.

"Ito ang bagong workplace mo. This is the Business Office. Under ng Manager ninyo ang Billing & Collection, Purchasing tsaka Accounting."

I straightened up, waiting for more unfriendly faces as we walked inside the area. But when they all turned to look at me in unison, I suddenly felt nervous.

"Kasama ni Sir Jacob ang Manager ninyo, ipapakilala na lang kita tomorrow. But the rest of the team, they're all here," she told me before facing my new co-workers.

"Good morning! This is Ms. Audrey, the new General Accounting Supervisor."

"Good morning," I echoed Hailey's greeting.

For a while they just stared at me. I couldn't read their expressions, but I kept a straight face and smiled. That's when the guy in glasses and long sleeves stood up and walked over to offer a hand.

"I'm Seth, nice to meet you," he said with a surprisingly warm smile.

"He's the Cost Accounting Supervisor," Hailey supplied.

I nodded and shook his hand.

"Over there is Ms. Kiara, Supervisor ng Billing & Collection," Hailey informed me as the petite girl in red blouse waved her hand in pleasant greeting.

I beamed at her in response.

They all gave me a smile but one girl in a pink dress pouted.

"Bakit 'di mo ako ipinakilala?" she demanded and glared at Hailey.

Hailey giggled in response.

"Kasali ka ba?" she teased.

The girl in pink rolled her eyes at Hailey. Noon ko lang napansin ang false eyelashes niya. When Hailey still didn't do anything, she walked up to me in her very high heels, waving a hand with hot pink nail polish matching her dress. Complete with expertly done make-up, she abruptly transformed her frowning facial expression into a charming grin and bowed in front of me.

"Megan po, Ma'am Audrey. Ako po ang staff ninyo sa General Accounting. Mukha lang po akong luka-luka pero matinong empleyado po ako," she introduced herself and I couldn't help but laugh.

The rest of them chuckled along and somehow, I felt relieved. Compared to the people outside this division, their sincere laughter, especially Megan's, is a fresh breath of air.

"Pleased to know you, Megan," I told her, totally amused.

"Don't worry Ma'am Audrey, you'll get used to Meg," Hailey guaranteed and I turned to see Megan fluttering her eyelashes playfully.

I nodded in agreement, knowing that I will certainly need Megan's sense of humor in facing everyday pressures at work.

I was just starting to relax when I felt someone watching from behind my back. I know that a lot of eyes are on me, but that particular stare made me uneasy and I don't know why.

I tried not to pay attention to whoever it was, but Hailey suddenly smiled widely in that direction.

"Sir Matt!" she exclaimed, obviously delighted to see the one standing behind my back.

And that's when my heart started hammering against my chest.

Please, not the Matt I used to know, I silently prayed in desperation.

"Great timing Sir! I'd like you to meet -"

"Ms. Eliana Audrey Lazaro," a deep voice cut Hailey off mid-sentence, finishing her introduction.

Slowly, I turned to face the inevitable and tried hard not to gasp.

I narrowed my eyes as I took a double glance, making sure that my eyes are not playing tricks on me.

He may have changed in appearance with his now brushed-up hair, better complexion, and leaner body. But that all too familiar smug smile can never be mistaken.

If this is a bad dream, I hoped against hope that someone would wake up from this nightmare.

This can't be happening.

That guy cannot be Tristan Matthew Lorenzo. My Ex-Bestfriend.

'Are you ready for some excitement, Yana?' I could almost hear the question on the postscript of Love Mails from God, the one I recently read.

Oh God, this is not the excitement I had in mind when I said yes, I whined silently in protest.

Yes, I'm willing to start anew and face challenges. Yes, I'm ready to chase my dreams and make them come true.

But definitely not with him around.

Hindi siya kasali sa plano ko.

I'm not prepared to see him again, much more work with him.

I don't even want to be near him.

The thing is, Tristan is the last person I want to see today.

Or tomorrow.

Or ever.