We Broke Up

10 - The Offer

After a short meeting and some breakfast and coffee, we all went to work; if you could call the day we had that. What it really felt like so far was a fun day with two new found friends going around the city.

Tessa is really warm, always asking us if we were alright or if we needed anything. She has this over-all big sister vibe like a slightly older and fluffier version of Francesca.

Riza... Well, Riza is a very sweet young woman. Still a little shy but I could tell by her kind gestures and smiles how she cares for the people around her and those we met. From our conversations, I picked up that Jay was 5 years older than her, which makes her only two years younger than me at 22. She had to stop school for a few semesters after their parents died but as soon as her brother saved up enough money to get her back to college, she did. Angel, their youngest, is still in the third grade. She said the big age difference was because their parents didn't plan to have another child after her. Their angel came as a very pleasant surprise to everyone.

Since Jay was away most of the time for work, she became their youngest sibling's primary guardian with help from a loyal house helper named Virgie who has been with them since they were young and stayed even when the times weren't too kind on the family. I could see how much she adored her big brother and her baby sister and how she hoped to make things easier for her hard-working brother. I admired how she and Jay were able to keep their family together and strong despite the odds. I wished I could help them in some way.

We covered the usual stops in the morning. Since we were already in Nuvali, we explored that area first, armed with cameras, we hopped on our bikes and captured pictures and videos of the hotel then took the off-road trails that led to beautiful scenic sights of nature. We also went to the wakeboard park and got awesome shots too.

After that we drove to the Enchanted Kingdom. I felt like a kid again going around the theme park. It has been so long since I have been to a place like this. The last time was when I was 7 or 8 and my nanny sneaked me out of the house to take me to the carnival set up for our town fiesta. My Tatay was furious at her and the incident almost caused her to quit her job but she said, seeing how happy I was, she had no regrets. My ex also never took me to a theme park because "It's too crowded and dangerous."

I wanted to go on every single ride but that would take a whole day and sadly, I didn't have that much time. We still have more places to be and activities to do for the day. The lines weren't so friendly to my wishes too so I just chose three favorites ones: the Space Shuttle, a roller coaster with 6 insane loops, Agila: the EKsperience which gave me a wonderful experience of flying like an eagle and the Ekstreme Tower that felt like a drop to my death but it made me feel more alive after. I felt crazy awesome! I almost forgot about work and I suddenly panicked for not taking enough photos and videos but Riza and Tessa were so efficient and got that covered.

"Ang saya mo po panoorin, Ma'am. Your eyes lit up like a kid who just went out to explore the world parang first time po lahat." Tessa told me as we walked to the park's admin office for an interview with the staff and management about the other things the place has to offer.

"First time naman talaga." I told them but didn't elaborate. I continued scanning the pictures taken on the camera that I was holding. "I've never been here before."

Riza looked at me like I just told her that Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter bunny are all real. "Talaga po, Ma'am? First time niyo po dito sa EK?" She asked.

I nodded. "Taga-Bulacan kasi ako and Tatay hated dealing with Metro Manila traffic unless it's absolutely necessary. Taking his child to theme parks was not exactly a priority. When I was old enough to go on my own, I... well..." I stopped myself before I could start talking about my ex again. "Well... I just never got a chance to." I smiled at them. "I'm so glad I have two great people to hang out with on my first time here. And excellent photographers too. Ang gaganda ng mga kuha na to ah." I told them.

"Si Riza po kumuha niyan, Ma'am." Tessa said and I saw Riza blush and smile shyly.

"Ang galing!" I beamed.

"Thank you po, Miss Naveah." She answered softly.

"You're really good at this. The lighting and the angles are perfect in each shot oh. Did you take lessons?" I asked.

"Hindi po."

"Oh! You should. You really have the talent. The company can pay for your classes." I said as I looked at more pictures then an idea came to me. "You know what? The company can pay for Photography and other classes for you that could benefit your work with us AND pay for your college tuition. Ilang sem ka pa nga?" I grinned at the brilliant thought that I had.

"A-ano po... Uhm... One sem na lang po." She answered, almost in a whisper as she stared at me like I was speaking in an alien language.

"That's great! We can add more allowance on top of your salary as a part-time employee now tapos you can start regularly working for us right after you graduate. Your talent and your personality will be of great value to the company. It will be like investing in an asset, a very kind and beautiful asset." I smiled at her and her cheeks turned redder. "You would have to sign a contract with us of course. I mean just to make sure you stay with us for at least a year."

"M-miss Naveah, sigurado po ba kayo? Mukhang tsamba lang naman po yung mga kuha ko." She said.

"What are you talking about? These are not tsamba lang. This is pure talent and I'm absolutely sure about my offer. As soon as you say okay na sa'yo, I can call legal na to send me a contract so we can sign na today." I smiled. "So? Do you accept my offer, Miss Ferguson?"

Riza looked at me with a wide smile and nodded. "Yes, Ma’am." We happily shook on that deal before I called the head office to send me the contract immediately.

Our next stop was Gusaling Museo where we got to learn a lot about the city's history. I always thought telling the story of a place through the culture and tradition of its people through the years sparks the most interest when you're trying to market it. The innovations and new impressive structures feed the eyes but history is a feast for the soul.

"May skateboard park din po dito, Ma'am. Baka gusto niyo ding makita. Uso po yun ngayon and something na magiging interesado ang mga kabataan." Tessa suggested.

"Sounds good. Maybe after lunch? Gutom na ako eh." I laughed. "Maga-alas dos na pala."

"Hala! Oo nga po." Riza said. "Okay lang po ba kayo, Miss Naveah? Gusto niyo po ng water or juice? Baka mahilo po kayo."

"I'm fine really." I giggled. "Let's go? Saan tayo kakain?" I asked.

//

After our late lunch, we all decided to go back to the hotel to regroup before going back out to catch the sunset over the lake. When we got there, the messenger from the head office was already waiting for us at the front desk.

"That was quick." I said.

"Ginawa po agad pagkatawag niyo tapos wala pong traffic masyado papunta, Ma'am." The messenger answered.

"That's great!" I beamed. "Thank you, Kuya. Pakihintay na lang." I then turned to Riza and smiled. "Ready?"

"Opo." She nodded.

We proceeded to the cafe for some coffee while Riza and I read the documents. Some time later, the papers were signed and Jay's sister happily thanked me as I shook her hand.

Leaving a copy of the document with us, the messenger left with two more to take back to the Ortigas office.

"Congratulations, Riza. I'm so happy for you." Tessa grinned as she pulled the younger lady into a hug.

"Thank you, Miss Tessa." She answered.

"Riza, congratulations. I'm really glad you accepted my offer. I'm looking forward to working with you for the next two years." I smiled.

"Thank you, Miss..."

"Work? Anong ibig sabihin nito, Riza?" Jay, who seemed to appear out of nowhere asked from behind Tessa with a frown on his gorgeous face.

"Kuya..." Riza mumbled as she bowed her head. The poor girl looked terrified. "Magpapaliwanag po ako."

"Sa bahay tayo mag-usap. Uwi! Ngayon!" He snarled at his sister.

I don't think he even noticed I was there or it was me that his sister was with because when I spoke he was so surprised that he couldn't figure out whether to continue being angry at his sister or be happy to see me. At least, that was how he looked to me with that smile that insisted on pulling on the sides of his lips and the furrow of his eyebrows.

"Teka lang, Mr. Ferguson. I think we should all sit and talk about this first." I said.