My Miss Independent

CHAPTER 4

Fritz's Point of View

"Ugh, meeting again. Why do we always have to meet our counterparts?" I asked Ken, annoyingly.

"My friend, you have to get used to it. You know they are eyeing you for my role. Part of it is working closely with our Manila team. And as a leader, you have to overcome your aloofness. Yes, your performance is exemplary. There's no doubt about that. But you need to learn people skills too. You cannot pass this chance. I will help you." Ken assured me.

Ken is not just my boss. We have been best friends since childhood. He knows how detached I am from the world. I only trust a few people. I have been like this because of childhood trauma.

I know my best friend only wants the best for me. But I don't want to associate myself with many people as much as possible. I am not sure if I'm ready for this role or not. I like my quiet and alone life.

"Fine! As if I can do something about it." I resigned. I do not have the energy to argue with Ken. I am tired and sleepy. I had a gig last night. 

My work as a part-time DJ can be exhausting, but I will never give it up. I might be quiet and shy, but I forced myself to embrace the party scene for the love of music. Music is my only outlet. This is my saving grace. It protected me from my childhood traumas. From the pains of the past.

"Let's go, my friend," Ken distracted my unhappy thoughts. He always knows when to divert my attention.

I followed him miserably. I hate talking to people, and I don't particularly appreciate showing my face in these video conference calls. But I can't run away from my best friend. I need to behave because I don't want Ken to be embarrassed again.

I remembered last year. We had our first video conference call with the Manila team. On our way to the meeting room, I excused myself and told Ken that I wasn't feeling well and needed to go to the office clinic. Ken knows I was lying and tried to cover for me.

Ken does that for me all the time. This time, I feel I should find the courage. I can't let my best friend cover for me always. And if I will be honest with myself, I want this promotion too. I have dreams too. 

Even If I do not plan on having my own family, I want to be a successful and wealthy bachelor. I need to save for my dream resort.

When I was young, I often dreamt of this beautiful resort where I was playing cheerfully. It felt like I was on cloud nine. The young me had never felt this happy before. However, there was one part of this dream that I could not remember. 

I told my mom about it because I dreamt of it frequently. I remember my mom telling me about a similar resort in her hometown in the Philippines.

Because of this dream, I thought of building the same resort in the future. Not in Australia, but where my mom was raised and born, in Cebu City, Philippines.  

I love Sydney, but I want me and my mom to escape the pain our so-called home in Australia brought us. This is my last hope. I cling to this dream as I feel this will give me the happiness and peace I long for. This will free me from the hurt and bad memories of the past.

I followed Ken to the meeting room and sat on the farthest corner hiding behind my teammate, George. I looked at the monitor and saw the Manila team. Not too bad. 

There were just a few people on the other side. I didn't know that their team consists of only five members, just like our team. I never paid attention to this team before. Yes, I work with them, but I only have to send them emails daily. I never asked about this team.

The meeting started with Ken and the Manila manager, Anastasia, bickering. I know that Ken is close to this girl. Aside from being partners, they also became good friends. From what I heard, this gal is nice and friendly. Well, if Ken considers her as a friend, she must really be nice. Ken may be friendly and approachable, but he is picky with people that he calls friends. Now, I am intrigued by this manager.

I peeked again through my teammate to take a good look at this girl. Wow! I didn't know that she is beautiful. I heard good things about her, but I never expected her to be this beautiful. I never paid attention to other people anyway.

I can't take my eyes away from this girl for some reason. Not only is she beautiful. She also looks very familiar. It felt like I had seen her before. Not only seen, but it felt like I had met her before. But where? 

I have never been to the Philippines. Did she visit Australia before? But I would have remembered. Being aloof has its advantages. I remember the few people I pay attention to. My heart suddenly beats fast. Who is she? Why am I feeling this way?

My thoughts vanished when I heard the girl mention my name. I hid from my teammate again. I don't like being the center of attention. I did not hear what she said aside from my name. I just heard Ken answer back, snickering, "That's good to hear. The team here is also excited to meet all of you. Especially, Fritz." 

Ugh, this lunatic. Why does he always have to include me in his jokes? Ken loves making fun of my shyness. I know he's doing it to help me overcome my aloofness. But I hate being in the spotlight.

"I'll kill you later!" I messaged Ken secretly.

Ken looked at me, gave me a wide grin and a peace sign. Sometimes I wonder if he is really thirty years old. He is just too childish!

The meeting started with introductions. Something that I hate so much. But I have to muster up my courage and get up and show myself to them—my turn. 

I got up and sat beside Ken and introduced myself. I cannot concentrate because of this girl, Anastasia. But I have to focus. 

I started introducing myself. For some reason, the girl looked at me like she saw a ghost or something. What's up with her? Do we really know each other? Impossible. I would remember her. 

I finished introducing myself. Ken was calling the girl's attention, but she looked lost and was about to cry. What is happening with her? Did I do or say something wrong?

She suddenly stood up and excused herself. She went out. Everyone was astounded.

"Okay, I think Nas was mesmerized by Fritz's handsomeness," Ken broke the ice. He led the meeting while the other manager was out. By the looks of her team, I think even they do not know what is happening. 

I stood up and punched Ken's arms lightly. I rolled my eyes at him before I went back to my seat. He just snickered at me. That doofus!

I wonder what happened to that girl. Wait, why do I even care? I never paid attention to anyone before. This girl has piqued my interest. Well, maybe because she looks familiar. I'm pretty sure it is not only because she's attractive. Or is it? I don't know. But what happened to her? Why was she shocked after seeing and hearing me? I hate uncertainties. Will she come back?

After maybe about ten minutes, the girl came back. I'm relieved. She looks like she cried. She said she felt sick and had to run to the bathroom. I doubt it. She's lying. I'm sure it's more than that. 

Ken teased her. Sometimes that childish best friend of mine can be crass. "Ha, ha, ha, very funny, Ken," she replied awkwardly. She dismissed the teasing and took over the meeting. It went on for another thirty minutes. We discussed our strategy and plan for the duration of her stay in Australia.

Right, she will be here soon. I will see her here in Australia. I got excited suddenly. Woah! Why am I looking forward to seeing this girl? Get a grip, Fritz! She's just any other girl. 

Once in a while, I have to remind myself that. I have to. There are lots of attractive girls like her. Some are nice. Some are naughty. But all of them are for playtime only. Serious relationships and love do not exist. All of these things are just short-lived.

As the minute goes by, this girl is also becoming more interesting. I have to remind myself multiple times that it was just an attraction because of her looks. I have to avoid it as I cannot use her for playtime. Office one-night stand is a no-no. I don't like complications.

She was wrapping up the meeting when Ken cut her off, telling us that he has one more announcement. She looked surprised. This time I was also surprised as Ken addressed me as well. 

He told us that his announcement, which is the highlight of the meeting, directly involves us both. Ken was apologetic to us. He sounded sincere, but there was also something in his voice. I hear hope.

What is this announcement? Ken did not even give me a heads up. I am now sweating profusely in this cold room. He knows I don't like being the center of attention. He could've told me about it while we were on the way to the meeting room earlier. I really want to punch him right now.

After beating around the bush, Ken finally decided to tell us the news. "Well, the reason why Fritz is not doing any task while you're in Australia is because he will be your partner and guardian while you're here, Nas. Not me," he announced.

What?! I was shocked. He did an excellent job hiding this vital information from me. I'll give him that. What a scoundrel! Now I know why he gave me that long sermon before the meeting. I am guessing the bosses decided to train me while the Manila manager is here in Australia. 

Nervous as I may seem with this surprising news. I am also excited not only for the opportunity but also because I will be working closely with Anastasia. 

I found myself smiling. Ugh, why? Why am I feeling like this? I have never felt this way before. I stopped smiling, realizing the danger this could bring. I have to talk to Ken after the meeting. This can't happen. I can't work with her.