Invisible Line in Between

Chapter 34

#NewClassicILIB

Chapter 34
Work

Still very careful, my lips were pursed tight as I parked my sedan in between two more cars.

It was my first time driving without my father's supervision. I wasn't confident to drive by myself, but daddy encouraged me. He said that I wouldn't get used to it if I'd always rely on him. And that's why on my first day reporting to work, I decided to finally gather my courage to drive myself on the way to the company.

Once I was done parking the car, I let go of the steering wheel and breathed out in relief. I was thankful that I didn't encounter any accidents on the road.

After I unbuckled my seat belt, I took my phone out and texted my father.

To: Daddy
Nandito na po ako. I made it safely!

Tiningnan ko rin ang orasan at nakita kong mayroon pa akong thirty minutes na natitira. Maaga akong umalis ng bahay dahil alam kong mabagal pa ako sa pagmamaneho. I also didn't want to be in the middle of a traffic jam. Medyo nababahala pa akong magmaneho mag-isa sa ganoong sitwasyon dahil marami ang mga sasakyang sumisingit.

Nang pumasok ako sa lobby ay dumiretso ako sa public restroom para ayusin ang sarili. I wore a semi-formal office attire, making sure that I wouldn't violate the company's dress code. Light pink high-waist tapered pants, white buttoned down shirt tucked in, and cork wedge white sandals. Pinagkaabalahan ko ring maglagay ng kahit kaunting make-up sa aking mukha para mas magmukhang presentable.

Matapos ay dumiretso ako sa room kung saan magpapakuha ng litrato para sa aking identification card. Mayroong instructions na sinend sa akin ang supervisor sa email kung ano ang gagawin ko ngayon. The I.D. was printed fast after I took the picture. Nang makuha ko 'yon ay umakyat na ako sa department kung saan ako naka-assign.

As soon as I was out of the elevator, I wore my I.D. and went inside. Kahit medyo maaga pa ay madami na ang mga nasa kanya-kanyang cubicle. Some were still having a leisure time, having coffee while chatting.

"Excuse me..." I approached the department's receptionist.

Busy pa siya magmake-up kaya medyo nagulat siya sa aking paglapit. She snapped her gaze up to me.

"Oh!" she exclaimed a bit and stood up, suddenly smiling warmly. "How may I help you?"

"Uh, tanong ko lang sana kung nasaan ang office ni Mrs. Molina?" tanong ko at saka pinakita sa kanya ang aking I.D. "I'm a newly hired employee."

"Ah! Just straight on the right. Iyong pinakahuling office, that's her office. May nakalagay rin na pangalan niya sa labas," agad niyang sagot sa akin. "Kaya lang ay wala pa siya. You can wait and sit on the waiting bench outside her office."

Bowing my head a bit, I smiled. "Okay, thank you."

"You're welcome!"

Tinungo ko ang opisina ni Mrs. Molina. There was only one office when I reached the end. But just to make sure, I still read the small name plate beside the crystallized glass door. Nakapatay pa ang ilaw sa loob ng opisina kaya naupo ako sa maliit na waiting bench habang hinihintay siya.

Inilapag ko ang aking bag sa aking hita bago inilabas ang cellphone para tingnan ang oras. Mayroon pang limang minuto bago mag-alas otso. I could see more employees arriving minute by minute. Some were curious by my presence. May mga iilang lalaking employees pang lumapit sa akin para itanong kung ano ang sadya ko. They also offered me something to drink and eat that I declined.

It was awkward trying to answer their questions and holding a conversation with them. As a social introvert, it felt like my energy was being sucked up. I was feeling a bit drained. I wanted to run away and hide away from these strangers to recuperate, but that would be rude.