Kissing You Hello

Magnet for Trouble

"T-Thank you for helping me," sabi niya.

"Don't mention it," walang kangiti-ngiting sagot ng lalaki. 

"If you don't mind me asking, why are you with that kind of guy?"

Umilap ang mga mata ni Becca. "B-Because I needed the money. My mom is in the hospital."

Reth eyed the masked woman with understanding. Hindi lahat ng tao sa mundo ay biniyayaan ng kapasidad para balikatin ang mga responsibilidad sa buhay. May mga taong wala ring naging choice kundi sumabak sa responsibilidad dahil sa pagmamahal sa pamilya. And this woman is not an exception.

Tingin niya ay hindi naglalayo ang edad nilang dalawa. Her voice sounded young but her eyes looked tired. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang hitsura nito dahil natatabunan ng maskara. He felt a twinge of pity that he couldn't stop himself from reaching into his coat.

"Here," aniya at inabot ang isang calling card. "I'm not judging you but I think you might want to give this a try."

Tumingin sa kanya ang babae. "W-What is that?"

Hindi siya kumibo. Iginalaw ni Reth ang kamay, pilit kinukumbinsi ang babae na kunin ang hawak niya. Her hand moved slowly as she reached out to accept what he is offering.

"You seem to be a capable person. J.G. and Kale are looking for designers. They're based in Thailand and the pay is good, benefits too," paliwanag ni Reth.

"T-Thank you."

"If they asked who referred you, don't tell them it was some random stranger whom you met in a cruise. Don't even mention my name. The head HR looks down on people who wants to muscle their way into the company because of connections. Chances are, you won't even get to the second round of screening."

"I-I see. Thanks. Don't worry, I don't even know your name so there is no chance for my slip up."

Hindi sinasadyang tumikwas ang kilay ng binata. So she did not hear the conversation between him and the ship's staff? Good.

"Is there anything I can help you with? I'm in a good mood tonight so I'm feeling a little generous," alok ng binata.

Nag-isip si Becca. Tutal ay nag-alok naman ng tulong ang lalaki, bakit hindi niya samantalahin? Hindi naman siguro siya magmumukhang nagsasamantala.

"Is t-that alright?"

"I wouldn't ask other wise."

"T-Thanks. Uhmm...c-can I borrow your p-phone? I need to make a call to my manager."

Without question, Reth whisked out his cellphone and handed it to Becca. Lumayo na rin ito sa kanya, siguro para bigyan siya ng privacy sa pakikipag-usap. Tinalikuran ni Becca ang lalaki at nag-dial. Mabuti na lang at kinabisado niya ang number ni Raf.

"Hello?" Raf's tone was clipped.

Napalunok si Becca. Ngayong ligtas na siya, ngayon ulit nanumbalik ang panginginig ng tuhod niya.

"R-Raf..."

"Becca? Is that you? What happened? Galit na galit si Mr. Yao, tinakasan mo raw siya."

"R-Raf...hindi ko siya tatakasan kung..."

She found out she couldn't go on. Retelling someone of what she's been through felt like going through the experience again. She can picture the scene in her head in scary vividness.

Nag-iba ang tono ng boses ni Raf. Parang naging alerto ang kausap niya sa kabilang linya.

"May ginawa siyang salungat sa pinirmahan n'yong kontrata?"