Armaya Nicolai

Chapter 7

Days passed, I haven't seen someone unexpected again. I've been trying to go back to my old self. I am now working at D&C. It was really hard for me to leave Arch and my team pero I have to move on and be successful. I have to be myself. Again. Everything is smooth sa D&C. I met my team, they are all nice and obedient. I am starting to enjoy my new job.

AJ has been calling me several times today, none of those I answered. She has been convincing me to attend her talk therapy. Tingin ko ay hindi ko naman kailangan. I've been peaceful these past few days, no anxiety attack whatsoever. Mabuti na rin na preoccupied ako sa trabaho.

"Ma'am, mauuna na po kami. Hindi pa po ba kayo uuwi?" Mik asked, she's one of my staff. Napalingon ako sa wall clock para tignan ang oras. I did not notice that it's past 6pm already, I've been working overtime again.

"Sige Mik, mag-aayos lang ako. Susunod ako. Thank you for today, ingat kayo." I answered. Ngumiti at kumaway si Mik at ang iba pang mga kasama nitong mukang nahihiya pa sa akin.

I sighed

"I don't wanna go home. I just wanna stay working. Home feels lonely." I told myself. Well, its not that I even know what home or having a family means. I have been alone. Another sigh and I have decided to stand up and pack my things para mag time out. Saka ko naalala, I missed a call from Prim earlier. Mamaya ko na siguro siya tatawagan pag-uwi. Pagbaba ko sa ground floor ay may nakita akong pamilyar na kausap ang gwardya sa may entrance. It's Aye, that girl I met last time, the one with...

"Maya!" Malakas na sigaw nito at maligalig na pagkaway na may kasabay pang maliliit na pagtalon. Her smile widen when our eyes met. Ako nga ang tinatawag niya. I literally doubted at first. Nalilito akong lumapit. Mas lalo ata itong natuwa nang maglakad ako palapit.

"Oh diba kuya guard, may kakilala ako dito. Ikaw naman nakalimutan mo na ako." She pouted while talking to kuya guard. Cute, I think. Pero I suddenly felt uncomfortable knowing she's here and she's someone related with that guy.

"Aye right?" I asked.

"Hala! Naalala mo name ko. Yes yes its me. Naparito ako kasi may ibibigay sana ako." She said sabay abot ng paper bag. Paper bag pa lang ay alam ko ng footware ito, I am just not sure if it is the one I lend her, I dont want to think that she wasted time returning it to me or worst buying a new one. I will definitely feel bad. Rather than staying here sa labas ng building, I invited her for coffee since she came all the way here para lang sa slippers ko.

While at the coffee shop I suddenly felt nervous. Well, this is awkward. I dont even know how to start a comversation, its been a while since I am surrounded by new people. I had trust issue. People come and go. I noticed that Ive been paying attention with my thoughts again when she started clearing her throat. Bigla akong namaramdam ng hiya. I asked her to come with me pagkatapos ay mag ooverthink lang ako.

"Pasensya ka na ngayon ko lang naibalik yan slippers." She said. Our orders came. Naisipan kong tignan ang laman ng paper bag at nagulat ako nang mapansin na bago ito, I did not even noticed the brand! Its an effin Hermes sandals, what the heck? Dali dali kong sinara ito at akmang ibabalik ito.

"I cant accept this. Why would you even buy something as expensive as this? My slippers is just havaianas, theres no way na tatanggapin ko ito aye. This will make me feel bad, please" I told her. Napasimangot naman ito.

"Trust me, kahit ako halos maubo sa sandals na yan. Kasi naman yung boss ko..." I gasp when heard that line. What the heck is he even thinking?!

"I dont know kung company policy ang bawal manghiram ng gamit. Pinilit niyang siya na ang bumili ng sandals kasi. Di ko naman alam na di pala bumibili sa havaianas yun. Inisip ko naman na ako na ang bibili kasi nasira ko din yung slippers mo, sorry maya. But my boss, ayun." She tried explaining but I am so dumbfounded. I am so speechless.