The Parallel Us

Chapter 2

"Kate, pinapatawag na tayo ni manager." ani Bella sa may pintuan.

Tumingin naman ako sa kanya at sumagot. "Sige, susunod na lang ako."

Inayos ko muna ang table at bag ko bago pumunta sa conference room dahil diretsong uwi na ako after this.

"Nandito na ba lahat?"

"Good evening everyone! Before we all go home. An announcement from the CNN New York headquarter has been released."

Para bang nabuhayan ako sa sinabi niya. Maybe that was an announcement of my going back to New York.

God, I am hoping!

Namamayani sa akin ngayon ang saya at para bang hindi na ako makahinga sa excitement na nararamdaman ko.

"As stated in the letter..."

"A team that I will be make was the one to cover the President Elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. press briefing."

"As we covered the Inauguration, we will also now cover the President's agenda."

I was shocked by Ma'am Villamor's announcement. So, it's not about my going back to New York. Naibaba ko na lamang ang tingin ko at para bang wala na akong gana pang makinig ngayon.

"And here, the Chairman's request to lead the team as journalist and reporter is Ms. Raleigh Kate Benson."

Kaagad naman akong nagtaas ng tingin nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. Nakatingin na sa akin si manager ganoon din ang mga kasama ko.

"M-Me? W-Why me?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko.

"You're what the Chairman wants. Ayaw niya pa sigurong bumalik ka doon dahil you have a big impact here."

"Mas kailangan ka dito, Ms. Kate."

Natatawa naman akong tinitignan ng mga kasamahan ko at ganoon din si manager na nagpipigil ng tawa dahil sa reaksyon ko ngayon.

"I already covered the news every weekend and I have been in election coverage. It's time for me to go back." reklamo ko naman.

"I know, but that's what the Chairman said. You will stay here and cover the President's press briefing and agenda. "

Before I go back here in the Philippines. I agreed only in covering the Election 2022 not the fucking Newly Elected President's agenda.

"Pero, ang usapan lang ng ipadala ako dito is to just cover the Election 2022. After that, I will go back na. It's been 5 months since I was here."

Ibinigay naman sa akin ni manager ang isang envelope. "Yes, but that's the Chairman's decision. Here, read the reasons and explanation of New York Headquarter." Kinuha ko naman ito at hinawakan ng mahigpit.

"Okay, the meeting is over. I will just announce on Monday the team of Ms. Kate and some details for that coverage. Thank you, everyone. Have a good night and a Sunday ahead. " our manager ended the meeting, leaving me breathless.

This is unacceptable to me. This is just an unfair decision.

"Kate, are you okay? Tara na?" pagtawag saakin ni Bella. Napatingin naman ako sa kanya na ngayon ay ready na para lumabas. Wala sa sarili nalang ako na tumayo at inilagay ang bag ko sa balikat.

"Okay ka lang? Excited ka pa naman. Akala mo yata yung ibabalita is yung pagbalik mo sa New York." Hindi naman ako nagsalita at naunang lumabas.