Beneath His Cold Eyes

Kabanata 26

How stupid

Naging mas abala ako sa loob ng limang buwan. The construction of the mall started a week after Drake and I's first meeting so I was always needed in the site. Besides that, I also had three other projects from other clients so I barely had time thinking about other things rather than work.

"Thank you, Serise. You really have the talent," Drake smiled at me.

Ngumiti ako pabalik at binalikan ng tingin ang mall na halos patapos na. With the help of the engineers and labor workers, we managed to pull it off in a span of five months. Drake is looking forward for the opening of the mall next month.

"It wouldn't be possible without the whole team's hardwork. I am glad that I worked with a great team, Drake," I smiled.

Lalong dumiin ang titig niya sa akin na parang may sinabi akong pumukaw sa interes niya. His dark gaze reminded me so much of someone from the past. Pati ang pagpirmi ng labi niya at ang pagngisi, ibang tao pumapasok sa isip ko. Ang kaibahan lang ay mapaglaro at friendly ang awra nitong si Drake.

Kaya rin siguro sa ilang buwan na naging magkatrabaho kami, naging malapit na ang loob ko sa kaniya. We would sometimes go out for breakfast or have dinner when we're out from work. At minsan, kapag may oras siya ay bumibisita ito sa akin sa office.

"You always amaze me, Architect Zaldarriaga," he shook his head as he smiled. "You have a meeting after this, right? Can we have lunch first?"

"Sure. I'll just get my things inside the office."

The lunch with him lasted an hour. Ayaw pa nga sana akong pakawalan kung hindi ko lamang pinaalala na may meeting pa ako. After that, I drove to Mrs. Harrison's house. She is a Filipina-American businesswoman and Papa's old friend who wants me to help her in re-designing their ancestral house.

Halos sampung minuto rin bago ko natunton ang bahay nito. Agad akong pinapasok ng kanilang helper at sinabing maghintay muna ako sa living room.

Inilibot ko ang tingin sa paligid. The house looks modern. Mukhang wala namang sira at mukhang matibay pa. Ano kaya ang kailangang baguhin rito?

Ilang sandali lang ay narinig ko na ang yapak ng pababang ginang. I stood to acknowledge her presence.

"My, my, if it isn't Samuel's lovely daughter," she beamed. Lumapit siya sa akin at nag-beso. "You're early. Kumain ka na ba ng lunch, hija?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I had lunch with a friend before I came here."

"Is that so?" aniya at bumaling sa helper. "Bring two glasses of juice here, please. Thank you," at naupo siya sa tabi ko. "So... let's talk about the renovations."

Tumango ako at ngumiti.

"I've decided..." she trailed off. "I've decided to cancel the renovations of our ancestral house in Seattle due to some reasons."

Natigilan ako roon. Magtatanong na sana ako kung bakit ngunit muli siyang nagsalita.

"Because of that, I have a change of plans. I'm still gonna work with you, of course. Kaso lang, it may cause hassle or some conflict on your part."

"Conflict? Why, ma'am?"

She shifted on her seat. "I am planning to build a beach house in the Philippines. Para sana may uuwian kami ng asawa ko kapag bakasyon. You will have to, uh...go to the Philippines for the project."

What?

I tried to stop myself from reacting violently but the bewildered expression on my face failed to escape from Mrs. Harisson's pleading gaze. Ako, uuwi ng Pilipinas? Oo at may balak naman ako pero hindi ngayon! I'm still buying time and courage to face whatever it is that I must encounter once I decide to come back!