THE EMPLOYER
1064 Words
"I'd like to promote you after your probation period."
Sheena's eyes widened. What had she done to prompt such a sudden decision? She knew her skills weren't fully developed yet, yet the decision seemed so abrupt. Could it be because of her nude video recording?
Many of her colleagues had long hoped to be regularized early on, but unlike her, going straight from probationary status to a high-ranking position?
"So soon?"
Gabriel noticed the surprise on her face. So he explained the key words. "I promote people because they earn it."
"But.. don't you think it's a sudden...?" Sheena said.
"It's my own evaluation. It's not because of family. Not because of sympathy. Only because of merit. Also, I think you deserve that!" Gabriel said.
For the first time in weeks, genuine happiness appeared in Sheena's expression.
"Thank you, Sir. I won't disappoint you."
"I know." Gabriel said, and walked away, he couldn't ignore a strange feeling settling in his heart.
Gabriel admired determination. And Sheena reminded him of the younger version of himself, the boy who had left home with little more than hope and the promise that hard work would eventually change his family's future.
He understood that struggle. Perhaps better than anyone.
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That evening, rain poured heavily over Surigao Island. The crashing waves sounded louder than usual. And lightning illuminated the rocky shoreline beyond the resort.
Unable to sleep, Gabriel wandered onto the penthouse balcony with a cup of black coffee.
The sea looked almost violent. Then his phone suddenly vibrated.
His older sister's name appeared on the screen. It was Hermana Solomon.
"Hello?"
"Gabriel." Her voice sounded worried.
"Have you heard from Ismael?"
Gabriel frowned. "No."
"He hasn't contacted us either."
"When was the last time?" Gabriel asked.
"Almost seven weeks ago."
Gabriel straightened. "Wasn't he attending maritime training?"
"That's what he told us."
Silence filled the line. Then the words came that neither sibling expected.
"I visited the training center yesterday. And they said that my son never reported" Hermana's trembling voices, full of concern.
Gabriel's grip tightened around his coffee mug, while the ocean roared below.
"What do you mean?"
"They have no record of him attending the training, and base of their logs, it's already seven days that he never reported on their office. Also, I called the family of her girlfriend but they said, he visited them one month ago, and after that they never heard of him"
Gabriel's heartbeat slowed. "Are you certain?"
"I asked twice. They've never seen him." Hermana said.
For several moments, neither of them spoke. While the rain continued falling.
"I thought..." His sister hesitated.
"I thought perhaps he stayed with you."
"No." Gabriel confirmed.
"But he left here two months ago. I'm worried, I'm about to report this to the police, I'm on my way now.."
Another one heavier silence, passed for a moment.
"If he isn't with you..then where is he?" Hermana cried.
The call ended without answers.
Gabriel remained standing on the balcony long after midnight. For the first time in years, the peaceful sound of the ocean no longer comforted him.
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The following morning, Sheena noticed something unusual. He noticed that Gabriel looked so exhausted. Dark circles rested beneath his eyes.
"You didn't sleep."
He glanced up from his breakfast.
"Not much." Gabriel said.
"Is something wrong?"
For a brief moment, he considered telling her, and simply nodded. "Family matters."
Sheena respected the answer.
Neither realized that the missing piece connecting both their lives had quietly disappeared somewhere beyond the sea.
Throughout the day's work, Sheena didn't waste time listening to the two housekeeping staff in the CR.
"Boss looks so exhausted"
"Maybe because he has no inspiration." the one said slowly.
"What's wrong, he has a family"
"That's not what I mean. What I'm saying is, he's not in a relationship. Does he have someone to share his problems with, someone to sympathize with. He doesn't have a wife yet so it's also pitiful if his situation is something he's going through personally."
"You're right. It's hard to fight depression" the other one replied.
After overhearing the conversation between the two housekeepers, Sheena decided to visit Gabriel and speak with him in person, not to meddle, but simply to have a chat. She also wanted to ask him about the nude video, something Gabriel still hadn't mentioned to her.
When she arrived at Gabriel's penthouse, she found him drinking alcohol and had just hung up the phone. He seemed to be still angry with the person he had spoken to before he arrived.
"Can I disturb you for a while.. Sir?" Sheena asked for his permission, but her voice was so very slow.
"Come, join me here. Don't worry I won't fire you." Gabriel said jokingly.
"Here, drink this.." he offered his glass with alcohol.
"But I..." Sheena reacted.
"Don't worry I won't give you another glass. Just that once, you need to returned to your work. So it may help you calm"
"Thanks ."
At first, Sheena was hesitant to drink alcohol, she didn't like to drink expensive alcohol. She only drank beer when she had a group of friends over. This only stopped when she was with Ismael, Ismael was strict and jealous of her. That's why she avoided anything that could cause them to argue.
"First time?" Gabriel asked her.
"Yes. the taste.." Sheena said. But still she drank it at one time.
She coughed after swallowing the contents of the glass. Soon her cheeks turned red.
Gabriel smiled knowing her innocence.
"Actually.. I'm here because I have to asked you something" Sheena slowly looked up on his eyes.
"About what?" Gabriel said calmly.
"Why are you....?" Sheena stopped.
She suddenly felt afraid, because if she pursued her question about the nude video, Gabriel might change his mind and possibly fire her.
"Why are you still single?" Sheena asked seriously, after she changed her mind.
Suddenly, Gabriel laughed out loud. He did not expect this time that Sheena is interested in his private life.
"Why you asked?"
"Out of your respect Sir... I just wonder why, because there are so many girls out there. There are guests also that are single looking for a handsome and successful guy like you..." Sheena said.
But instead of answering her. Gabriel locked his eyes on her before he said, "Are you one of them?"
- Writer
