Scarcity of Chances

Chapter 19

Kylo was right when he told me that we should bring an identification card. It's not very usual but the guard had to check first our IDs before they let us in. Maybe this is a part of the differences because I do not think that this was necessary.

It's understandable, though. Probably this company is very strict and wants to ensure the security by checking the identities of those people who get in and out of the premises.

The building was spacious inside. There's a lobby on one side, with couches and tables, and is decorated with some plants. Natatanaw ko mula roon ang information desk na kaagad kong itinuro kay Kylo.

"Mukhang mahigpit dito, Kylo. Tingin mo ba makakausap natin siya?" tanong ko habang tinatahak namin ang daan patungo roon.

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "I don't know. Let's find out," tugon nito.

I then felt his palm touch my upper back, casually guiding me to walk so I won't be left out by his enormous steps. Hinayaan ko siya dahil kumportable naman kahit may hatid na init sa pakiramdam. Inalis niya lamang ito nang marating namin ang desk.

"Excuse me..." Kylo began. The pretty girl with a neat ponytail then gave us her full attention.

"Yes, Sir?" she asked with a full smile.

"Can we talk to Ms. Bellinda Escobar? This is quite important."

Ang maluwang na ngiti ng babae ay biglang nauwi sa ngiwi. Mabilis naman siyang nakabawi at pinalitan iyon ng isang malungkot na ngiti.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but Madam Escobar doesn't entertain appointments and talks as of this moment."

"But Miss, this is really impor-" she cut me off.

"Even so, Ma'am. This is part of the memorandum we received. I'm sorry but you cannot talk to her right now."

Kinagat ko ang aking pang-ibabang labi at bumaling kay Kylo. Sabi ko na nga ba at hindi magiging madali ang pakikipag-usap sa babaeng ito. Lalo pa't ngayon ay sinasabi ng staff na hindi ito nag-e-entertain ng appointments.

Kylo stared back at me. His face was stern and serious as if he is thinking hard. A few seconds later, he pressed his lips together and blinked twice before bringing his eyes to the staff again.

"Uh... can you really not do something, Miss? You see, we are really desperate to talk to Ms. Bellinda. She's the only one who can help us with this important matter. I am certain that a beautiful girl like you can lend us a helping hand, can't she?" pakiusap ni Kylo at matamis na nginitian ang babae.

Nakita ko kung paano namula ang babae na siguradong mas matanda nang bahagya kaysa sa amin sa sinabi ni Kylo. Maging ako ay nabigla sa hindi inaasahang pagbibitaw nito ng compliment.

Tucking some strands of her hair behind her ears, the girl cleared her throat. "U-Uh... I'm sorry, Sir. S-She cannot really talk right now. B-But her secretary will be here later. I'll see if he can entertain you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss. I really appreciate it," Kylo answered and winked at the girl.

Mabilis na kinilig ang babae sa ginawang pagkindat nito. Natuwa man sa naging sagot ng babae ay napasimangot pa rin ako sa estilong ginawa ng lalaking ito.

"You're such a charmer," untag ko nang nakahalukipkip habang naglalakad kami patungo sa waiting area.

"What a huge accusation you got there, Van," tugon niya at ngumisi.

Muli akong umirap at naupo na sa couch sa waiting area. Tumabi sa akin si Kylo subalit nag-iwan pa rin ng mga sampung pulgadang espasyo sa pagitan namin.