The Devil's Trap

The Devil's Trap: Special Chapter Part 1

P A R T O N E

I walked at my desk, the heel of my nude stilettos clacking against the smooth cemented floor of our contemporary four-story building.

The building, an architectural masterpiece of sleek gray walls, posh black accents, and clear glass walls, is build around lush foliage and green trees. More than standing out, it blends in with its surroundings. A perfect spot for a modern art gallery.

I swiftly sat on my desk and spread my catalogues on the table. Sa wakas nakahanap din ako ng pwedeng idagdag sa collection na ilang buwang ko ding pinaghahandaan. It's an exhibit I couldn't fail on, especially if we have to outsource the fund from sponsorship of these events.

For hours I reviewed the content of my catalogue, arranging and rearranging them by significance and types. I still have to have two or three sculptures, maybe a statue. The paintings are nearly complete.

After a while, I stretched my arms and decided to take a break. As much as I love my job, being a gallery curator is a busy and demanding job, that takes a lot of time and decision making.

My teammates were talking and having coffee at the office pantry when I came. Dumerecho ako sa coffee maker. Tinanong nila ako sa progress ng collection na hina-handle ko.

"An exhibit might be on the way soon," ngiti ko sabay upo sa tabi nila.

"Good! I'm excited with this project!"

We talked about work stuff for awhile then someone brought up about one of our teammates getting married at the end of the month. Tumigil ako sa pag-sip ng coffee nang mapansin na nakatingin sila sakin. There's a teasing smile on their faces.

"How about you, Denise? Any plans?"

I shake my head. "I'm still twenty five."

"You gotta start somewhere or someone you know," said our senior curator. "I remember I started dating my husband when I was twenty two."

One of the them nudged me before sipping her tea. "Or did you already gave your promise to someone?"

Natigilan ako bigla. Isang bagay ang pumasok sa isip ko.

"I need something to hold on to when the time comes."
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes."

I shake my head at the lost memories and just smile at my teammates' teasing inquiries.

That night, I was back at my condo unit, talking to mom through video call while preparing dinner at my kitchen.

"Yes. Olive oil, I already had. Of course I'm eating healthy mom. Are you?" I chopped some broccoli for the brocolli and cheese bake.

"Oo, anak. Lenda here is very helpful," tukoy niya sa kasama niya sa bahay at katulong sa flower shop. Nitong nakaraang taon, nagkaroon ng bagong pwesto ang shop at mas lumaki ang customers nito kaya nagdecide ako na kumuha ng tutulong kay mama habang wala ako.

"Hindi ka naman nagpupuyat?" Tanong niya, the typical worried mom.

"Lately. Pero maaga akong matutulog ngayong araw. We have a big meeting tomorrow with the sponsors."

"I know you'd do good."

"You think so?" Tanong ko sabay harap sa screen. I was actually worried about this meeting because the following projects, like my exhibit, rely on this.

Mom paused from folding laundry to smile at me. "You always do your best in everything, of course it would turn out okay. And oh!"

"Yes?" I perked up.