OC Chronicles

Hi, Shana.

Nakuha ko kay Hazel ang number mo. Lumipat ka na pala ng school.

Invite lang sana kita sa battle of the bands.

Libre ko na ticket mo.

Sana makapunta ka.

-Zoren ♥️-

Mabuti na lang umuwi siya agad dahil kinabukasan ay bumisita ang mag-asawang Akshay at Riva. Galing ang mga ito sa Cebu dahil may business conference doon.

May mga pasalubong ang mga ito sa kanya at letters galing sa mga anak.

“How’s school?” tanong ni Riva habang kumakain sila ng tanghalian. “The kids can’t stop asking about you. They’re already planning to visit you during their vacation.”

“I like it so far, ma’am,” masayang kuwento niya. “My classmates are nice. The teachers are tough, but I’m trying my best. I also like that we get to have extracurricular activities. I’ve started learning how to paint.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying your new school,” Riva smiled, “By the way, I have a favor to ask.”

Seryoso itong tumingin sa kanya. “My friend is looking for a personal assistant for her son. She asked me if I know someone hardworking, cheerful, and someone she can fully trust. You were the first person that came to mind.”

Nagulat si Shana sa narinig.

“I know you’re busy with your studies and you’re probably not looking for a part-time job, but my friend’s son is also attending your school, so it would be convenient to have someone who’s allowed to enter the campus too.”

“Does the job involve cleaning his room, preparing his meals, those sort of things?” sabat ni Kate. “I can do the job if you want. I think Shana would be too busy for that.”

“Oh no, not at all,” sagot ni Riva. “It’s not exactly a personal maid–type of job. Honestly, he just needs company—someone to talk to. Maybe do some minor errands for him, but not act as his maid. More like a friend or a confidante, so someone closer in age would be ideal. Accompany him to the mall or paint with him. He loves to paint, by the way. He’s a bit of a loner, and his parents are worried about him.”

Nakaramdam ng kaba si Shana. Mukhang kilala niya kung sino ang tinutukoy nito.

“That’s nice,” komento ni Kate. “Shana will have a new friend too.”

“How lame can that kid be that his mom needs to pay someone to be his friend?” natatawang tanong ni Akshay.

Napailing lang si Riva. “He’s a nice guy, but as the heir to their business, he’s too introverted. He needs to socialize a little.”

“Come on, what will her classmates think if Shana works as an assistant for that guy?” tutol ni Akshay. “You know how rich kids can be…vicious. I mean, no offense to you, hon, but you know what I mean. Shana doesn’t need to work for anyone now. She’ll soon be the boss of her own hotel. It will ruin her image.”

“This boy is an heir to a huge business empire,” katwiran ni Riva. “If they become friends, it will open more opportunities for Shana. Think about that.”

Bumaling si Riva kay Shana.

“It’s still up to you, dear,” sabi nito. “I can give you my friend’s number. Take your time to decide.”

“I’ll do it, ma’am,” buo na ang desisyon ni Shana.

Naalala niya ang sinabi ni Emilia: “I’ll open every opportunity for you and your mom and make sure that you will be accepted in the community.”

Paano kung tumanggi siya?

She’s afraid of what Emilia can do. If Emilia can open opportunities, siguradong kaya rin nitong harangin ang oportunidad nilang mag-ina.

Isa pa, hindi niya kayang tanggihan si Riva. Minsan lang itong humiling kumpara sa mga naitulong nito sa kanila.

And knowing Riva, she always has the best intentions at heart.

“Are you sure, Shana?” paniniguro ni Akshay.

Tumango siya.

“It would be nice to have a new friend,” sabi na lang niya. “It’s hard to fit in at our school because most of the kids already know each other since they’ve grown up together and run in the same social circle.”

“Thank you so much, Shana,” masayang sabi ni Riva. “I will tell my friend right away.”

She was right after all. Kinabukasan, she was invited to the Zorreguieta estate. This time, sa bahay nila Ledger.

Ibang tauhan ang naghatid sa kanya sa mansyon. Halatang alam ng mga ito na darating siya kaya nakaabang na ang isang ginang na nagpakilalang secretary ni Emilia Zorreguieta. Binati siya nito at inihatid sa second floor ng bahay. The staff opened the door at sinabing pumasok na siya sa loob dahil kanina pa siya hinihintay ng amo nito.

Tila malalim ang iniisip ng ginang at hindi siya narinig na pumasok. Bahagya pa itong nagulat nang nakita siya.

“Shana,” she smiled at her and to Shana’s surprise, bineso pa siya nito. “I’m happy to see you again. Have a seat.”

She was astonished how soft and comfortable the sofa was kahit mukha iyong vintage. The library is mesmerizing at saglit na napako ang tingin ni Shana sa paligid.

“Do you want something to drink?” nabasag ang pagmumuni-muni niya nang tanungin siya ni Emilia.

“H-hindi na po, tita,” magalang niyang tanggi.

Naupo ang ginang sa single seater malapit sa kanya.

Emilia took a sip of her apple martini bago siya muling hinarap.

“I didn’t ask specifically for you, kung ‘yan ang iniisip mo,” simula ng ginang. “I saw Riva yesterday morning having breakfast at our resort and we had a good chat. I asked her if she knows someone who could be Ledger’s assistant and she told me she would try to ask around. And here you are.”

Hindi nakapagsalita si Shana. Hindi niya alam kung maniniwala ba siya rito.

“Riva has nothing but kind words about you, Shana. She must trust you deeply if you’re the one she thought of. I promised her I would give you far more than what you deserve.”

Ngumiti si Shana, “Salamat po.”

“You know, napaisip ako sa mga sinabi mo,” bahagyang naging emotional si Emilia. “Last night, we had a confrontation. Isabelle was here during dinner and I have to admit, I said some words that offended her and Ledger. I didn’t like how she could still face us after breaking up with Ledger and parading her new relationship during occasions when she knew Ledger would be there. Tapos ngayon babalik siya na parang walang nangyari.”

Si Evander siguro ang tinutukoy ni Emilia, naisip ni Shana. Gaano kaya katagal naging magkarelasyon ang dalawa?

“I kind of implied that Isabelle wasn’t the same Georgia from Ledger’s childhood,” patuloy na kwento ng ginang. “Tinanong ko siya kung sigurado ba siyang si Isabelle nga ang kalaro niya noon. That’s when Isabelle broke down. She started crying. Galit na galit si Ledger. He promised her na hindi mahalaga kung siya man si Georgia o hindi. He said he would still choose her, because all that matters to him is the present. I felt defeated, Shana. But also I started asking myself kung tama ba na makialam ako. He’s too in love and I don’t want to break his heart by not being supportive.”

Hindi alam ni Shana kung ano ang sasabihin. She wasn’t expecting to feel hurt, yet she did. She knew that the past may not matter to Ledger anymore dahil mas matagal nitong kasama si Isabelle and to be honest, she doesn’t really care. Ayaw din naman niyang mahalin lang siya nito dahil lang sa nakaraan. But for Ledger to say those things, mas mabuti pa sigurong hindi na siya tumuloy kay sa masaktan lang siya kapag tuluyan na siyang nahulog dito.

“Pero ayoko rin siyang makitang niloloko,” patuloy ni Emilia. “I also want to secure his position as the future heir of the company.”

“I-isabelle is still young, tita,” sabi na lang niya. She’s trying to be careful with her words at baka lalong sumama ang loob ng kausap. “Maybe she’s just immature. Baka magbago pa siya. Mukha naman pong mahal nila ang isa’t-isa. Maybe, iba siya sa pamilya niya.”

Malalim na napabuntong-hininga si Emilia, “Will you still be there for my son, Shana? Kahit bilang kaibigan?”

She smiled bago tumango.

“Ledger’s here,” Emilia said nang matanaw mula sa bintana ang sasakyan na paparating. “I’ll tell manang to send him up. By the way, dito ka na rin mag-dinner, if okay lang. I want my husband to meet you.”

Habang hinihintay si Ledger ay kunwari’y inabala niya ang sarili sa pagbabasa ng magazine. Hindi niya alam kung paano haharapin ang lalaki.

“Pinapatawag mo raw ako,” bungad ni Ledger. May kasama itong binatilyo na halos kasing-edad lang din nito.

Sasagot sana si Emilia nang mapadako ang tingin nito sa mga shopping bags na dala ng kasama ni Ledger.

“What’s that? Did you go shopping again?” kunot-noong tanong nito.

“I just bought a gift for Isabelle,” kaswal na sagot nito.

“A luxury bag?” tumaas ang boses ni Emilia. “Really, Ledger? Daig mo pa CEO ng kumpanya sa lakas mong gumastos.”

“Chill,” tila balewalang sabi nito. “I also bought one for you.”

Nasapo ni Emilia ang noo, “Are you kidding me now? Highschool pa lang kayo – for christ sake! What does she need an expensive handbag for? And next time, don’t buy for me. Hindi ko kailangan ng konswelo de bobo.”

Ledger kept quiet.

“Francis, please return those bags to the shop. They know me there. They will refund the money,” utos ni Emilia sa kasama ni Ledger.

“Y-yes, ma’am,” alanganing sagot ng binatilyo.

“What the hell!” inis na palatak ni Ledger. “Come on, ‘ma. That’s just a small amount. Hindi mo ikakahirap ‘yan. You give bonuses and gifts to your helpers and staff all the time. Isabelle is special to me. Why is it even a big deal?”

“Ledger, don’t you dare speak that way. What do you mean ‘your’ helpers? They’re the reason you have clean clothes, warm meals, and an organized home. They make our lives convenient. My staff are a huge part of why our business is thriving and they deserve to be rewarded.”

“Fine. I’ll ask Isabelle to clean the house next time.”

“She can’t even take care of her own room,” Emilia muttered.

Noon lang napansin ni Ledger na may iba pang tao roon.

“What are you doing here?” kunot-noong tanong nito kay Shana.

“Pinabalik ko na si Rachelle sa opisina. Shana will be your new assistant.”

“I don’t need an assistant,” matigas na pahayag ni Ledger. “Nandito naman si Francis. Beside, I can take care of myself.”

“Or because ayaw ni Isabelle?”

Hindi nakasagot si Ledger.

“Rachelle is thirty five, married with kids, nagawa niya pang pagselosan. She should get help. Ibang level insecurity niya,” Emilia shook her head. Seryoso itong tumingin kay Ledger pagkatapos, “Please be nice to Shana. Nakakapagod nang maghanap. Walang tumatagal na assistant sa’yo.”

“Because I don’t need an assistant,” Ledger insisted. “Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa’yo?”

Bumaling ang binatilyo kay Shana, “You may go home now.”

“The last time na nag-resign ang assistant mo, muntik ka nang bumagsak dahil nakalimutan mong exam days niyo,” sumabat si Emilia. “Whether you like it or not, she’s staying.”

Awkward lang na nakikinig si Shana at Francis sa dalawa.

Maya-maya ay bumaling ang ginang kay Francis.

“Huwag mo na palang ibalik ang mga bags,” sabi ni Emilia pagkatapos silipin ang mga paperbag na dala ni Francis.

“Which one is mine here?” tanong nito kay Ledger.

“The big one,” nakasimangot na sagot ni Ledger.

Kinuha ng ginang ang paper bag.

“Be nice to Shana, Ledger,” pahabol na bilin nito bago lumabas ng pinto.

Shana was just standing there awkwardly.

Saglit na nagtama ang mga mata nila ng lalaki bago ito nagbawi ng tingin.

She was about to say something nang bumukas ulit ang pinto at pumasok si Leona kasama ang isang dalagang nakilala niya from the family portrait.

“Shana?” nagulat si Leona nang makita siya. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m Ledger’s new personal assistant,” she informed her.

“Really?” Leona was amused, “You’re the seventh assistant they hired. If I were you, mag-aask agad ako ng increase.”

Nagulat ito nang makilala ang lalaking katabi ni Ledger.

“Is he working for Ledger too?”

Tumango siya.

Lumapit naman ang kasama nito kay Ledger.

“Hi!” Lavender went for a hug.

“Hi,” kaswal na bati ni Ledger bago gantihan ang yakap nito. “Hindi ko alam na nasa Pilipinas ka.”

“I was in Singapore for my advanced marketing summer class. Next week pa ang start ng klase ko so I decided na umuwi muna.”

“Nice. Sana gayahin ka ng kapatid mo na masipag mag-aral,” biro ni Ledger.

Natawa si Lavender at tumingin kay Leona na abala sa pakikipag-usap kay Shana.

“Ikaw? I heard you arguing with Tita again kaya hindi na muna kami pumasok. Kumusta na pala kayo ni Isabelle?” curious na tanong nito.

“We broke up,” kaswal lang na sabi ni Ledger.

“Talaga?” hindi naitago ni Lavender ang excitement pero agad ding sumeryoso nang makita ang reaksyon ng pinsan. “I… I mean, that’s sad.”

“But we’re still talking. We’re still trying to fix things. We’re taking everything slowly.”

Lavender secretly sighed. She celebrated too early.

“You want to come with us?” aya niya. “We’re going to Playa pool bar. You know, to breathe a little. Baka may makilala kang bago doon.”

“Pagod na ako kagagala. Next time na lang,” saad ni Ledger. Inutusan nito si Francis na magtimpla ng juice.

“Gusto niyo ng juice?” he asked them.

Shana was surprised nang kahit siya ay alukin ni Ledger.

“No, thank you. We’re leaving,” tanggi ni Lavender.

Bago umalis, Leona introduced Shana to her sister.

May pahabol pa ito, “Shana, in case ayaw mo nang magtrabaho as Ledger’s assistant, I’m willing to take your job.”

Nagulat si Shana, “Seryoso?”

She couldn’t imagine Leona working for her cousin.

Lavender went closer and whispered but enough for Ledger to hear, “Crush ni Leona yang bagong bodyguard ni Ledger.”

“He’s the guy I was telling you about. The pool boy na nakilala ko nung summer,” kwento naman ni Leona. “Ang gwapo niya, ‘di ba?”

Tumikhim si Ledger.

“Tigilan mo si Francis kung gusto mo pa siyang makita,” babala ni Ledger. “If you don’t stop, I’m gonna tell my parents to fire him.”

“Napakasama talaga ng ugali mo,” Leona glared at Ledger na tinawanan lang nito.

Pagkatapos magpaalam kay Shana ay inaya na ni Leona si Lavender.

Natawa rin si Shana at palihim na sinulyapan si Francis. Infairness, gwapo naman talaga ito kahit hindi maporma. Mukha ring mabati.

“Isa ka pa.”

Gulat siyang napalingon kay Ledger.

Napailing ito, “Let’s keep romance out of the workplace, pwede? I don’t want to fire anyone but I will do it if I have to. So, it’s either I’ll fire him or ikaw ang aalis, mamili ka.”