Haywired

Chapter 10

Wild Imaginations

"CONGRATULATIONS, RUTH CHRISTIE MELCHOR!"

Halos mabasag lahat ng babasagin sa loob ng bahay dahil sa tili ni Kaye. She's on the other side of the line.

"Sakit sa tainga, Kaye," reklamo ko.

"I'm just happy for you!" She giggled. "So? Masaya na sina Tita at Tito?"

I smiled weakly. Kahit hindi naman ako makikita ni Kaye ay pakiramdam ko kailangan ko paring ipilit ngumiti para makumbinsi siya.

"My mother is really happy," sagot ko. "Si Dad... Walang reaksyon. Hindi ko alam kung masaya rin ba siya para sa'kin o hindi pa enough sa kanya ang nakapasa ako sa board exam."

"Ano ka ba? Tito must have been shock and you told me once that he's not expressive, right?"

That may be a fact but I know Kaye's just saying that to make me feel better.

"Did they throw you some thanksgiving party dahil nakapasa ka?" Tanong niya.

Hindi naman kasi tulad ng mga magulang niya ang mga magulang ko. Her mother thrown a party after her first fashion show with  Tita Lucina Salvaloza, Lucas' mother.

"Nagtanghalian kami sa isang restaurant tapos umuwi," sagot ko. As much as I want to deny it but I'm dripping with bitterness, right now... or maybe even jealousy.

"Let's have a little get together then?" Kaye suggested.

"Okay."

"I don't know about Lucas but we'll have a little get together whenever we're free," aniya.

Successful life is busy life.

Paano kaya kapag ako magiging successful? Magiging busy rin siguro ako!

Biglang may kumatok sa pinto. "Ruth?"

Nabigla ako sa pamilya na boses na narinig. Pinagbuksan ko agad ng pinto ang aking ama.

"Dad?"

He's different approach is new to me. I usually see him with hard eyes, firm posture and frowning face. Now, he's eyes are gentle and his expression soulful.

"You're now a certified architect. When do you want to start working for the firm?" Tanong niya.

Kumislap ang aking mga mata sa sinabi niya. I'm finally one of the architects of the firm. My only dream!

"Next week?" I said. I want to start fresh on Monday!

Biglang may inabot siya sa aking five thousand pesos.

"This serves as your reward." Matipid na ngumiti si Dad. "You may want to treat your friends."

Hindi ko mapigilang hindi ma-touch. "Thanks, Daddy."

Tumango siya at napatikhim. "Sige. I need to meet some clients kaya gagabihin kami ni Rave."

"Opo."

Shit! Sa Lunes na ako magtatrabaho! Agad kong inayos sa isang clearbook ang mga bagong disenyong nagawa ko. I can't wait to show these to our clients. From classical to modern, they can choose from it.

Kung ako ang magpapatakbo ng firm, I will not just target the middle class. My target market would be everyone.

Hindi ko mapigilang makilig kakaisip na magtatrabaho na ako. I even checked my wardrobe if I have some decent clothes.

Ngunit, napangiwi ako. Ngayon ko lang napagtantong, tama nga si Kaye. I frigging need decent clothes. I can't work to my workplace with just my signature outfit!