HE WAS A SHE

CHAPTER 3: BIRTH OF THE “FAKE HE”

This year had passed so quickly. Just like how things happen in my life. My older sister suddenly left without any warning and it was only later when dad was gone that I started to wonder the real reason behind it. Then after mom had gone insane and I was left all alone. I know that there is no constant in life except change but these extreme changes have been so tough to carry all by yourself. But that same pain has been the guiding force that leads me to this day and still the strength that leads me to fight until the end.

“You just have to familiarize yourself with the in and out of the building first. And the people working there too. Build yourself there so that it would be easy for us to walk around without anyone’s suspicion. And one more thing, you need to impress them, especially your boss, Mr. Jack Cruz. He’s our key for our plan to be successful. You know what I mean, right?” Bobby narrated.

“I know.” I simply responded while fixing myself in the mirror.

“We only got this chance, Eli. And if this won’t work, it’s the end.” He added with some worries on his face. The same face he gave me when I told him about my plan of finding justice and getting revenge for dad and my sister.

“I know.” I echoed.

“And the last thing, never fall for him.” He seriously uttered.

“What?” I exclaimed while giving him a smirk. “Fall for him? Suddenly? Where did you get those thoughts of yours, huh?”

“That’s not too impossible to happen. Even if you’re pretending to be a guy, you’re still a woman at the end of the day. No matter how much you cut off your hair looking like a man and dress like a man, you still have a heart of a woman who might fall for a guy like him. He, who was ranked among the hottest bachelor in the country and top candidate for women’s choice as a man they would want to date.” He explained further.

“So?” I asked giving him a “so-what” look. “I’m maybe a woman inside but dating was never on my vocabulary. Maybe if my sister was still alive as well as my dad, maybe, I could think about dating and falling in love stuff. But I’m not. So, drop your wild imaginations. I don’t have time for that.” I strongly reiterated.

“Fine. If that’s what you say so.” He said. “I’ve always believed in you, Eli. That’s why when you told me about your plan, even if I was full of doubts, worries, and questions, I tag along and supported you. That’s because I always believe in you and what you’ve been fighting for. I’m sorry for doubting you even until this day. Despite how far you’ve accomplished just to get where you are today, I’m sorry for thinking that you would mess up because you might fall for him. I’m sorry.” His face suddenly became apologetic.

Well, I understood his sentiments. Since day 1 of my plan, he’s been the worried one between us. And I understand where it came from. But as his friend, I don’t know what else to say just to erase his worries.

“You don’t need to apologize. I know what you mean. I know you’re just worried about me.” I said. “But if there’s one thing I can say to you right now, that is I only have one goal—to give justice and seek revenge not just for my sister and dad but even for mom who suffered a lot,” I added.

“I know. I’m sorry for doubting you about that.” He uttered.

“No worries, Bob,” I added hugging him.

But suddenly our serious talk was interrupted when his sister, Bella rushed into the door, dropping her bag and some stuff on the floor while hugging me suddenly and tightly leading his brother o roll off the bed.

“Are you leaving for real, Ate Eli?” She tearfully asked. “Why are you packing your things? Where are you going? Why would you leave? Did Kuya do something bad? Are you mad at me? Promise! I won’t tease you with him anymore. Just don’t leave. Huh?” She huskily asked.

“What?” I smilingly asked and gave Bob a surprising look.

“Bella? Eli is not leaving because of that.” Bob explained. “She just needs to do some stuff. Far away.”

“What stuff? And, where is she going?” Bella continued to ask.

“Bella?” I uttered while wiping her tears away. “I’m not going far for good. There’s just something I need to do. I’m sorry that I can’t tell you about it in detail. You know, work-related. But no matter where I am, I will never forget you. Okay? And I’ll be back. It won’t take long.”

“Promise?” She asked doing some pinkie promise.

“Promise,” I uttered while locking our pinkies together. “For the meantime, I want you to take good care of this for me. Okay?” I handed down the necklace mom gave to me.

“But, that’s your lucky charm, right?” Bob interrupted. “And, that helps you go to sleep whenever you’ve been having a nightmare.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I know I would still have a good sleep even if I don’t have it with me because I know Bella will keep it safe for me. Right?” I added while looking at her with a smile.

“Promise, Ate Eli. I will keep it safe for you until the day you come back.” Bella uttered.

“Thanks, Bella,” I said.

“That’s enough drama for today.” Bob interrupted while giving me a hand over my things. “Let me help you with these.” He added.

“Thank you,” I commented. “Bye, Bella!”

“Bye, Ate Eli. Take care. See you soon.”

“See you soon,” I added while waving my hands to her.

***

In front of the MC Group building.

“This is it, Eli. No more backing out. No more running away. You can do this.” I told myself while staring at the entire building of the company I’ll be working for since this day. The company that would give me the answers I’ve been searching for. “This is for you, Ate. This is for you dad. And, for mom, too. Wish me luck.”

“Here are your things,” Bob uttered while handing down my stuff. “Good luck, Eli. I know you can do this.”

“Thanks,” I replied. “Bye.”

“Bye.” He responded. “Don’t forget to call, okay? Anytime. Anywhere. I’ll answer your call right away.” He shouted.

“I know. Bye.” I answered back.

But before entering the building, I took a deep breath. “Once you step in Eli, there’s no turning back,” I told myself. I walked with confidence—leaving the real Eli and putting on a new me—the Eli who needs to be a “He”. I walked straight like a man should be just like how I’ve practiced from day one. I erased all the traces of a woman Eli on me—sluggish, slouching, and a lady-like me. I know it’s going to be hard but there’s no turning back. I have a lot of people waiting for me—waiting for my victory so I can’t afford to lose. Failing is never on my list.

I line up with the people waiting outside the elevator. I quickly scan all the people lining up—trying to familiarize all their faces as well as their behavior, their habits, and their names of course as displayed on their Ids. But it wasn’t just me scanning, with the help of a secret camera, Booby is also scanning them one by one as well the vicinity of the building. Thanks to Bobby’s skill in computer and programming and stuff, I feel confident I can succeed on my plan. With him watching through the hidden camera on my suit, I can walk around in the company freely while looking for any clue that I can use to let them pay for what they did to our family. And with the in-ear piece, Bob can give me instructions that wouldn’t cause anyone’s suspicion while I can communicate with him through the smartwatch solely customized by him.

“Try to tilt your body on the left part,” Bob uttered. “I need to see something over there.”

Since I cannot talk to him freely in front of a lot of people, I dropped a message on the smartwatch he gave me, telling him where. And when he correctly responded, “that’s it”, that’s when I realize how intelligent he was. I know since college that he’s really good in stuff like that but I never thought how good he is not until this day. That’s when I realize, I’m really lucky to have a friend like him. One thing that assures the success of my plan, is having a skillful friend like him.

“Walk slowly. That’s it.” He continues to give instructions.

“Excuse me, Sir. What are you doing here?” A voice from the back was heard. Looking at her attire, she must be an employee here.

“Good morning, Ma’am.’ I greeted while toning my voice a bit, sounding like a man. It was hard at first but thanks to my experience as a dubbing job way back in college, I got to master some techniques to change my voice. “I’m a newly hired executive assistant for the office of the COO. I guess I’m a bit lost. I’m sorry.” I added looking naive.

“Ah! You must be Mr. Eli Perez. Right?” She asked.

“Yes!” I replied.

“This way, Sir. Let me take you to the office of the COO. I’m an HR staff and our HR manager is waiting for you upstairs.” She added while leading the way to the elevator.

“For real?” I asked. “I’m sorry for being late during my first day.”

“No worries, Sir.” She responded. “He only got there just on a minute. Normally, he doesn’t get on time, too. So, don’t stress yourself on the first day. That normally happens. It even happens to me as well.” She chuckles. “I’m sorry I guess I got too cheeky today.”

“It’s okay,” I answered.

“This way, Sir.” She uttered. “Good morning, Mr. Enrique. Mr. Eli Perez, the newly hired executive assistant for the COO has already arrived.”

“Okay. Tell him to get in.” The HR Manager ordered.

“Good morning, Sir.” I greeted as soon I entered the room.

“Good morning, Mr. Perez.” The HR manager responded. “You might wonder why you’re meeting the HR manager and not one of the admin staff. Let me tell you Mr. Perez why I am here and not anyone else. Your job is very important and critical to the company since you will be serving the second most important people of MC Group. You know what I mean, right?” He added.

“Yes.” I quickly responded.

“Oh! Do you?” The tone of his voice tells me he’s not well pleased. “We both know how you got this position. The boss personally recommended you. I don’t know what spell you did, but I am here keeping an eye on you and your work. So, expect only the best.

Are we good?”

“Yes,” I replied.

Now, the tone of my voice suddenly change a bit. I didn’t expect I’ll be intimidated for a bit. I didn’t expect I also need to be cautious even to a person like him. Well, I guess I have to since MC Group is not a joke. And working here means I need to blend with all people in this building.

“It’s okay, Eli.” Bob suddenly uttered in my ear that I got surprised for a bit. I almost forgot that he was also watching and hearing all these things through the hidden camera.

“Are you okay?” Mr. Enrique asked.

“Yes. I’m okay.” I replied.

“I’ve searched some info about him and he’s not a threat. He’s only acting like that because of the pressure of hiring the best executive assistant for the COO. After the longest executive assistant got fired two years ago, no one lasted for a month since then. No one got patient enough to face the arrogant, rude, and cold-hearted COO.”

“Oh? Where did he become a king of gossip?” I told myself.

I pressed the message telling him okay so that he will stop talking and I can focus on the manager’s speech. Thankfully, he listened well enough.

“Here, take this.” He handed down the tablet and phone. “The tablet contains all the details about your job and all the tools you’ll be needed like time management app, appointment setting, etc. while this phone will be your official means of communication to Mr. Cruz, your boss. All the names and contact details for the people you need to communicate with are all logged on this phone. You have to carry these two things wherever you go and whenever. It shouldn’t separate from you even if you will go to the restroom. You need to answer your phone quickly. You shouldn’t let it ring thrice until you answer your phone. Mr. Cruz hates it. Do you get all the things I told you?” He explained further.

“Yes,” I replied. Thankfully, he ended his lengthy speech. I feel like my eardrums would burst from listening to him.

“I got a call that the COO had arrived. He’s on his way to his office. So, we need to go to the office before he arrives. He hates lazy people.” He commented. “Quickly!” He suddenly shouted making me jump off my seat. “Let’s go.”

“The COO is very strict with time so you have to be as early as 30 minutes before 8 am and should go home 30 minutes after he goes off from work. Working days are from Monday to Friday with weekends as your rest days but you might be called to work during those days so you shouldn’t go on trips and should always bring your phone wherever you go.” The HR Manager uttered. “We’re here.” He pointed out.

“Wow!” I told myself.

Indeed, being a COO is on a different level. It’s far from an ordinary office. The interior was minimalist but very manly enough. The ceiling was designed perfectly. The furniture was carefully chosen as it matches the color theme of the whole room. It wasn’t too dark but neither too bright. The balance of color and space was carefully chosen. The room is well-ventilated. And when you look outside the window, you can see the entire vicinity of a very busy city. But no matter how hectic and chaotic outside, you can still see the beauty in it. People were walking together with their family and friends. Some were busy catching up with friends. Some were smiling and laughing. Despite the strong heat of the sun, you can see on their faces that people are trying their best to survive the day. Everyone has their burdens in life but still, people didn’t quit life just because it was tough. Instead, they continue to live life. A life I once got to enjoy. A life I long to have.

“Good morning, Sir.” The HR manager greeted.

It was the COO—Mr. Jack Cruz. Rumors are right. He’s really handsome as if his face was beautifully crafted by a skillful potter. With this expensive suit, he looked elegant and very gentlemanly. His body was well-maintained at the gym. Although it’s hard to tell if he has abs but the proportion of his body is very nice. But, why do I feel a bit of sadness when I looked at his eyes. I thought it was just because of a photo editing error when I happen to find his picture online, but when I saw him personally, it’s the same sadness I felt. And it’s also the same sadness I felt when I save him from drowning. Back then I thought, it was just because he was scared of getting drowned. But now, I know his sadness was deep-rooted from his heart.

“Get back to your senses, Eli,” I told myself. “You are not here to pity him. You are here to find justice and seek revenge for your family.”

“Sir, let me introduce to you, Mr. Eli Perez. The new executive assistant of your office.” The HR manager uttered. “Hey!” He looked at me with fiery eyes. “Show some respect.” He added while pointing out to bow down my head.

“You are the one that my dad personally recommends?” He bluntly asked.

“Yes,” I replied.

“I wonder how good you must be that the CEO of this company personally recommended you for this very important position. I mean, he could just pay you handsomely if he was grateful enough for what you’ve done for him. But putting you in this position is on a different level.” He uttered while staring at me from head to toe. “So, I only expect perfection and not just the best.”

“Yes, Sir.” I jubilantly uttered. “You can expect that I will do my best as your executive assistant. You can put your whole trust in me.”

“Trust?” He asked. “Ha! Ha! Ha!” He smirked. “How can I possibly trust someone whom I barely know and whom I just met? And even if you manage to stay here for long, I will never give my full trust in you. I’ve already learned my lessons. And the last time I give that damn trust to someone, I got a stab at the back.”

“Sir, the CEO has summoned you to his office right now.” A man who came in together with him uttered.

He stood up quickly and fixed his suit. He took a deep breath and immediately change the expression on his face.

“It must have been so hard to live like that,” I told myself. “You need to act like you’re okay even if you’re not. You have to fake a smile, a laugh, an emotion and made yourself believe that you’re doing the right thing.

“Let’s go.” He said.

But, even before he could go out of the room, he suddenly stopped. “Why aren’t you coming?” He stared at me as if he going to devour me alive.

“Yes!” I immediately responded while I hurried my steps towards him. “I’m sorry.”

He was disgusted. But, that shouldn’t stop me from pursuing my plan. “You’ve come this far for your family, Eli,” I told myself. “No matter how complicated your boss is, that shouldn’t make you falter. Remember that this is just a piece of cake for you. You’ve waited this long enough. You shouldn’t waste this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

***

“Hey!” I called out Bobby.

“Why?” He asked. “Why are you so agitated today? Did something happen?”

“Hey! Haven’t you heard what that jerk told me earlier?” I said. “You’ve overheard everything. You probably saw how he treated me like I was so small. Huh!” I bickered.

“Relax, Eli.” He uttered. “It’s just a first day. Don’t let his words get into you.”

“I was just so pissed off right now,” I uttered. “I just thought if my sister did experience the same thing when she was still working here. I wonder if working here with that kind of treatment causes her stress and depression.”

“We don’t know yet but we will soon. That’s why you’re there. To know the truth. To reveal what was left hidden in the past.” He said. “Just focus yourself on that Eli. I know you can do this.”

“Thank you,” I said. “You really know how to calm my emotions, huh! I couldn’t imagine where I am right now if not with you.

Thank you so much, Bob.”

“No worries, Eli.” He uttered. “Bye! You must have been so tired today. Take asleep now. Rest well. You’ll be needing all the strength you have for tomorrow’s battle.” He chuckles.

“Yes. Bye.” I replied.

“Wait,” I told myself after remembering something. I was walking out of the restroom earlier at the restaurant when I overheard some employees talking about something. Something that caught my attention. “A ghost at the rooftop?” The other woman asked.

“The rumors must be true. The former employee who died at the rooftop wasn’t a suicide. Her soul isn’t at peace because someone killed her.” The other woman uttered. “Hey! Lower your voice. Someone might hear you. You might get fired from work. Did you forget about what happened to Ms. Santos because of spreading rumors about someone who died at the rooftop? She got fired immediately.” Added the former woman.

“Rumors will not spread without truth behind it. Fire will not be a fire without smoke on it.” I told myself. “Why do I sense something wrong the moment I eavesdrop on the conversation of some employee of the MC Group at the café earlier?” I immediately stood up from bed and scan the box containing all the things dad left. I scan all the documents and carefully study all the clues gathered by dad. I posted all the clues and pictures on the whiteboard. I connected every clue that seem to have a connection with each other. And after connecting all the dots, a puzzle piece was formed. “My sister didn’t die on her own. Someone killed her.” I told myself. “Who could it be?” I asked myself. “The clues pointed out three people—the CEO whom she worked, the former COO—the eldest son, Mike Cruz since his watch was found at the sister’s cabinet at home, and the other son, the recent COO—Jack Cruz who was seen on a dashcam going out of the building that night the incident happen—a piece of evidence that was just thrown away like trash at court. But no matter who’s the suspect is. I’m off to find the truth about that what happened during that night. No matter who is that jerk who killed my sister, I’m prepared to make him pay for what he did.”

***

The second day at the company.

I came to work at 7:20 am. I headed as early as possible. I wanted to do a good job today after what happened during my first day. I felt like I’d made a bad first impression on my boss. I can’t be on his bad side. That wouldn’t benefit me at all. I fixed his table and prepared all the documents he needed to check and sign first in the morning. I immediately stop when I saw him entering the room. I greeted him right away.

“Good morning, Sir,” I uttered.

But, he didn’t respond. He just stared at me closely and seated me directly. If not only for my family, I could have smacked him right away. I could have taught him a lesson for his rude behavior.

“What’s my schedule for the morning?” He asked.

“Yes?” I confusingly asked since I haven’t fully arranged his schedule for this week since I was still familiarizing everything.

“It’s the only two of us who are here in this room. So obviously, I was asking you about my schedule. Didn’t the HR Manager tell you about your job?” He was seem pissed off.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized. “I was just…”

“Enough!” He yelled. “I don’t want to hear your excuses. I want results. Understand?”

“Yes!” I quickly replied.

“Where’s your tablet?” He asked.

“Here!” I raised the tablet in my hand.

“I’ve sent you an email. Those are the appointments and meetings I need to attend for the whole month. Arrange it by priority. I expect you know how to arrange it, right?” He uttered. “I’ll be out for a board meeting. You don’t need to come for now. Stay here and fix my schedule. Once I’m back, it should be done. Did you get it?”

“Yes.” I softly responded.

“What did you say?” He asked. “I can’t hear you.”

“Yes! I understand, Sir.” I replied.

***

After a few hours.

“How could you mix up my schedule for the day? Why didn’t you tell me that Mr. Lee canceled our meeting from Saturday to this day? How pathetic you must be? I send you an email. I’ve highlighted important meetings I need to attend this week. And as far as I could remember, the meeting with Mr. Lee was one of them. Of all the days, how could you mess today? Huh?” He was so furious.

“Answer! Why won’t you talk?”

“I’m sorry.” I tearfully apologized.

“Sorry?” He strongly added. “I don’t need your sorry. I thought I was clear when I told you I don’t want to hear any apologies. I want results.” He bickered. “I don’t want to see you right now. Get out!” He shouted.

“I’m sorry,” I added while walking out of the office.

I immediately get in the elevator and press any random button. I breathe in and out. And when the door open, I was already on the rooftop. I slowly get out.

“Hey!” I deeply sighed. I was so furious right now. I wanted to explain myself earlier but he didn’t let me. Even if it was my fault, he should give me a chance to explain myself. That’s what justice is all about.

I know the world is tough. And so as finding for justice and seeking for revenge, but I didn’t expect it to be this hard. I don’t know how I can stop myself from letting him treat me this way. Even if I was his employee, I believe I deserve a bit of respect. Even if he’s the boss, he doesn’t have a right to say what he wants at any time just because he was mad or something. I didn’t expect to be treated this way. I wonder how someone as gentle as him could—well, according to my memory—when I save him from drowning hides a beast inside of him. But then, I am Eli Perez. I am my dad’s daughter. And someone like him cannot weaken me. I am the new “HE”. I am a fighter.