Rise Up

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

            My hands and feet are shaking. Any time right now, I will start the presentation in front of the department head, engineers, architects and even the representative from the client is here. We are just waiting for the CEO to arrive. I just stayed at home yesterday, just as to what Ma’am Patricia said; I rested for the whole day.

“You can do that.” Ma’am Marj, my former department head, is also here. I smiled at her

            After a short while, the CEO arrived. He looked at me. I am standing near the podium in front of the conference room. His eyes widened as he saw me but his face expression changed. I can’t identify his expression; he looks so sorry and sad. I stared at him trying to read his eyes but I really can’t get it. I only stopped staring at him when Ma’am Patricia tapped my back. A sign to stat he report.

“Good morning, Sir and Ma’am.” The moderator started the meeting.

            They keep on discussing things like the design, materials and the workers needed in the project. The design is already approved by the client. I’m going next, after deliberately discussing the design and materials, financial department have a say too.

“Looking at the design, everybody can say that this place shouts luxury.” I started my report. I showed the expenses needed, I also presented other things. In the end I finished my presentation. For the whole hour, I noticed that Patrick’s attention is on me. Sir Kai is taking to him, whispering things but his eyes are focused on me. I felt discomfort in those looks.

“So, Ms then what will you recommended addressing the problem. You said, the cost given to the material building itself is too high, but the salary wage proposed is too low.” I looked at Mr Dennis King, the client and the owner of the proposed hotel.

“I suggest that we look for another supplier that will offer us cheaper yet not substandard materials.” Mr King nodded. I thought he is not going to question me already but I was disappointed.

“So where will we get those kinds of supplier. You see, those branded materials are already tested over the years.” Mr. King added. I inhaled before I answer his question.

“We can get the materials from local suppliers those who first personally gathered the raw material and crafted it to a quality product.” I don’t know what I’m talking about.

“The point is, let us try to compare the prices from different supplier.” Ms. Patricia butted in. I exhaled to relax myself. The discussion continued between the head departments. It ended well enough for them to continue the contract signing.

“The boss wants to talk to you.” Ms. Patricia whispered in my ears.

Everyone is already leaving the room, we are the supposed last to leave but unfortunately I need to stay. I looked at Mr. Gonzales, he was signing something so he is not looking at me. Ms. Patricia tapped my shoulder and she left. I smiled at the man who last leaves holding the signed paper. We are the only person in the room, silenced filled the gap between us. No one is talking. I don’t dare to say a thing. I just stayed my attention in the door, wishing someone to suddenly open the door to interrupt this deafening silence.

“I’m sorry.” He broke the silence. My eyes are still glued in the door, not looking to him at all.

“I’m sorry for what I acted before. I’m just worried.” I looked at him straight in the eye.

“It’s okay Sir. I’m the one who needs to apologize. It’s my fault you are just worried with your employee and the company. I should have just stayed at home and took a rest.” I can’t read his eyes, I can’t read his expression. I remembered his words again. I can’t stay the eye contact anymore. I looked at the door again. Again, he stayed quiet, so am I.

“Sir, if it’s okay. Can I go now. I have lots of things to do since I was absent yesterday.” I rearrange the arranged papers in my hands just to keep me busy for just a while. I was about to step forward to leave the room.

“Why are you calling me sir? It’s just the two of us” I can sense authority in his words. It’s as if he is demanding something from me. I stepped towards the door.

“Good bye sir.” I left the room and pretended as if I didn’t hear what he said. I don’t want to hear more from him.

“Chai.” He called me but I didn’t turn to look at him. I walked as fast as I could to the elevator. Why am I even avoiding him? 

            I felt my phone vibrated but I just ignored it. It’s either Cara, calling me because of his cousin or Patrick, keeps on apologizing or my sister, just to annoy me. I continued on packing my things, its five o’clock and I need to move fast. I received a call from our landlady. She is hiring me to tutor her son. I smell money. It is also a good reason to leave the office early.

“I’ll be going first.” Everyone looked so shocked when I said that

“What?” I asked them. They all stopped with what they are doing.

“It’s a first. You? Leaving early? You must have a date?” Everyone teased me but I just smiled at them and leave the room.

“See you tomorrow Chai.” Sir Mark shouted that I could still hear at the alley.

I need to divert my attention. I have no time to like someone. I have lots of responsibilities to my family, internship to finish and part-time jobs to do. I’ll be the one to stop my own feelings into completely liking him. I was about to wave my hand to call for a taxi when I heard somebody call me.

“Chaira Lucas” I turned around just to see Patrick. His hands are rested on his knees, catching his breath and sweats are dripping from his gorgeous face. I scratch the last two words.

            He went to my direction still catching his breath. He grabbed my hands. I had no choice but to follow him or else my arms will be ripped. His footsteps are too big that I need to take two steps for his one step. It’s as good as I run. He brought me at the office lounge.

“Here, sit.” He pushed me at the sofa placed in the middle and stand in front of me. He was holding my shoulders. I was just looking at him, questions visible to me face. What is he doing?

“Wait for me. I just need to finish piling the papers. It won’t take long. Wait for me.” I just nodded, he ran fast going to the elevator.

            What was that? Did he just treat me like a dog? It looks like one for me.