8
It's been two weeks since the last interaction I had with Auntie Olivia. Since then I had a hard time communicating with Ian. I have become more cautious than I was.
I've been communicating with him cautiously and consciously but I don't think he seems to understand my way of communicating with him. He seems more engaged to me than he was the first week. He even followed my social media account.
Guess what? He would always view my stories in my instagram account and like my tweets. I don't often use them which is why it was noticeable whenever he did those things.
"Do you think that will be fine?" Lea asked Marco after he explained the business to us carefully.
I think my snaity went back when Lea spoke with me. Right, for the past weeks, Lea, Marco, and I have been studying the proposal that was sent to us.
Sia and Co is a corporation based in New York. Sia and Co design and manufacture air commercial and industrial filters, air conditioning products and systems, clean, and deodorizing products and systems. The corporation also imports and exports electro-mechanical parts and products, air filters, and other raw materials.
They want us to become one of their major overseas partners that would handle the rebranding of the corporation.
"Just like what you said, it's a good business. I don't see any other reason why we shouldn't pursue this," Marco answered. "How about you Alice? What do you think of this?"
"Alice,"
"Oh. I haven't read the full proposal but I'm already halfway through. It's fine. I don't see any negative attachments with the first half of the proposal,"
I tried to focus on the lunch meeting. My mind just keeps on sailing.
"See, even Alice thought it's fine." Marco said, trying to push through.
"Well, I know it's a good business. I just can't help because it's too good to be true,"
Lea is right too. The business proposal is good to be true. There's no hole nor a flaw that can be used. The business proposal is really flawless.
"It's a business. Risk. Take it or leave it." Marco said, stopping every after word
Marco has a point too. Every successful business that Lea takes has risks. She's just really good in business.
Lea was just silent while reading the document over and over again.
"Lea if you're having a doubt then, maybe it's not a good business?" Marco suddenly said.
Lea and I looked at him, both unsure with our furrowed forehead.
"I've never seen you being bothered with a proposal. It was either you sign it or reject it. That's how you usually do your business," he continued
Lea became more quiet, thinking deeply. I can't really blame her for taking time to think about this proposal.
"Why are you so hesitant to do this business in the first place? Aside from the fact that it's too good for a proposal?"
I can't help but to ask. We just can't proceed with the proposal as we don't know what Lea has been thinking.
"I can't seem to find any loophole," she said, carefully choosing her words.
I tried to read the proposal again, together with Marco the moment Lea said that. Lea was right. I also can't see any possible loophole.
"See? There's no loophole in this proposal. It seems like every question was already answered by its clause." Lea said, still looking at the papers.
"I saw it." Marco suddenly said, which made us look at him.
"You saw a flaw in the proposal?" Lea asked.
"Yes. I saw two flaws in here," he suddenly smirked. He looks so proud as he puts down the document on the table.
"What is it?" Lea asked, her brows were furrowed looking so curious.
"The first flaw is that there's no alternative plans in the proposal. Since this is too good, they have decided not to write any alternatives in case it won't work. They're confident that we'll sign the proposal immediately because it's too good."
When Marco explained that to us, we immediately checked the proposal. Right. There are no alternatives here.
"What's the other flaw?"
"The proposal states the contract or business will last for a certain time frame. However, it did not state their future plans after the contract ends."
"Right! Right! That's vital for us to know our future with them." Lea said. "I won't sign this right away." She suddenly said,
"What? Why?" I can't help but to ask.
"I'll sign this after the business trip in New York." She said while smiling at me.
"So you're telling us now that we'll go to New York without signing this?" I wasn't really sure when I asked that.
"Yes, why not. So are you in?" I couldn't seem to respond immediately and decided to just nod. "You made the right choice!" I just smiled at her and did not talk anymore.
"So when are the two of you leaving?" Marco asked.
"Next week," Lea said while looking at me. "But we'll have a farewell party,"
Marco and I looked at each other. We're both clueless and doesn't know what to say.
"Why would we need a farewell party?" I asked curiously. I don't really know what to say nor what to think
"Why not? This will be a successful business," she proudly said.
She suddenly stood up without saying anything. She picked up her phone and started typing on it. Later, she placed the phone beside her ear and started talking.
"Yes...can you book something for me?...Yes, I'll have an event….no it's not really a big event… farewell party… yes… yes… okay… thank you.`` She probably hung the call and looked at us.
"We'll have a party tonight at the Cavalier's." she suddenly announced.
Marco and I looked at each other again before we looked at Lea when she suddenly spoke. "I'll get upset if you two won't attend my party," she said and pouted her lips, making her expression looks more sad.
"Can't you be more creative?" Marco asked in a stern tone.
Lea would always use her 'upset' card, whenever she wanted us to do something for her. Although, she doesn't use it against us for something serious. She used that card for something trivial, like going out with her.
"I have a heavy workload right now. Alice will also turn over some of her projects to me. I don't have time for that." he seriously said. His eyes was just staring at Lea, not really budging.
Well, it's true anyway. Marco has a lot of things on his plates right now. Then I have to give him additional work because of the current project I am holding.
Lea sighed and remained silent for a moment before she spoke again. "Then, don't come." she said and turned around.
She sat on her swivel chair and started fixing her stuff. Why do I have to be here?
"What time is the party?" I asked to relieve the tension.
"Probably eight," she said, smiling at me without giveing a glance at Marco.
That's what I like about Lea. Trivial things can make her happy. She doesn't really demand it at all.
"Okay, I'll be there. I'll go now, so I can finish my tasks." Lea just nodded at me. I was about to leave when I remember something.. "Can I invite Clara and Chesca?"
"Oh I've already invited them," she said and raised her phone.
I just chuckled and left her office. I don't want to stay in her office as I know that I have to leave the two, so they can talk privately.
I haven't gone far that much when Marco also went out.
"Alice, when will you be sending the projects and what projects are those?" he asked as soon as he near me.
"It's not really a project. I'll show you in my office,"
Well, it's hard to explain things without the documents in front of us. Marco just nodded and followed me as I walk back to my office.
"Aren't you really going to attend the party?" I asked using my small voice. I don't want to sound like I'm insisting.
He heavily sighed before he spoke, "I have too much on my plate but I'll try," he answered shortly and went inside my office
He sat on the couch while I walk towards my office table. I already prepared the documents so it will be more easier to handle things.
"Here," I placed the two folders on the table in front of Marco. "I think that's almost eighty percent done," I said. He started scanning the papers.
"It's almost done na," he said while scanning the papers.
Those aren't really my project. It was just under consultation.
"Yes, I've been working on that for the past weeks." I said. "I've already started in the business part, however, I'm quite unsure of the things I wrote there. So I think that's the part where you really need to check thoroughly."
He opened the folder and quickly scanned the document and closed it again. He did the same thing with the other folder.
"It's almost through," he said after a quick scan. "Don't have anything that I can really work on?" he suddenly asked, which made me a bit confused.
My eyes narrowed. He noticed that and suddenly explain, "I know you Alice." He chuckled for a moment. "You're giving these projects that are almost done so you won't feel guilty of sharing your burden, right?"
I felt annoyed but in a nice way. My brows arched and he immediately looked away.
"I know you too, Marco." he looked at me, looking defensive. "Why are you avoiding Lea?"
"what do you mean avoiding?" he said, sounding defensive.
"You're so obvious Marco," I said and chuckled which made him avoid my gaze. He sighed and relaxed a bit more.
"I just really didn't want to celebrate the fact that you two are leaving next week," he suddenly said.
I immediately looked at him. "We will be there for only a week Marco. It's not as if we're migrating."
"Don't you really know why Lea wanted to pursue this business?" my eyes narrowed when he asked that. I've never really thought of that.
"Is there something else other than her being business driven?" I immediately asked. I can't think of any other reason why would Lea wanted to become this business successful other than the fact that she's a business woman.
"No," Marco answered. "She wanted to pursue this business so she could leave this company and work in New York instead," He continued.
"WHAT?" I almost yelled. I never thought Lea would want that. "So you mean to say, she wanted to establish a branch in New York?"
"Exactly," he said and lowered his voice when he spoke again, almost whispering. "You know how Lea has always wanted to leave their house. She's suffocated with her own mother's attitude."
I know that. I already know that. Auntie Olivia has been very controlling of her own children.
"She wanted to live in New York so she could bring Oliver with her once he started attending college,"
Oliver is the youngest among the de Guzman siblings. They are four, Hakeem, the oldest among them, followed by Ovelea (Lea), then Henri, and the youngest, Oliver.
"I can't even stop her from doing that. She wanted to give Oliver a normal life. Hakeem, Henri, and Lea have always been planning that. However, when Henri…"
He suddenly couldn't finish his sentence. So I finished his sentence for him. "When Henri died, Auntie Olivia got worse."
We're not talking ill against Tita Olivia. That's really her attitude is. Even Uncle Hugo, her husband can't stand her worsening attitude.
Sometimes, we can't even blame her. She got worse when Henri died. She was so devastated. I guess the only thing that isn't really bad about Auntie Olivia is that she isn't the type of mother that would control her children's love life.
When Henri and I became a couple, Auntie Olivia didn't get mad. She was pleasantly silent about our relationship.
She accepted me. I'm just unsure whether she accepted me because of my family background or because she was just fine with Henri dating anyone he loved.
After the turn over of documents, Marco also left. He has things to do and I have also things to finish.
I sat on my swivel chair and started working on a different project. I was working on my new project when I saw my phone beeped.
Right, I left my phone here. It has three messages from Ian.
I chose to ignore his messages and tried to update the new project I was working on.
I couldn't finish the first paragraph as I felt too bother. I immediately picked up my phone and check Ian's message.
11:06 am
From: Ian
Did you eat your lunch?
11:59 am
I already ate mine. Hope you already ate too.
3:23 pm
Am I bothering you?
I felt guilty and bothered after reading his last message.
I sighed and leaned back on my swivel chair. I was thinking really hard. I keep rocking back my swivel chair as I bit my lower lip, thinking if I should reply to him.
To: Ian
Hey, I'm sorry I was at a meeting and yes, I already ate my lunch.
I stared at it, thinking if I should hit the send button. I can't help but stare at the ring on my finger.
My thoughts were lost when phone vibrated. I was careless and hit the send button without noticing it.
"Oh shit." I panicked and tried to cancel the message but it was already sent. I gave up and stared at his new message.
It's from Ian again.
I'm sorry if I'm bothering you.
I haven't finished reading the first message when I received another message from him.
I'm sorry. I must have bothered you.
What? I don't understand.
I decided to put down my phone and kept myself from replying. I don't want to regret right after sending a message without giving a proper thought.
I tried to concentrate but I just couldn't seem to focus on the papers and kept checking my phone.
I finished reading the whole paper around five.
"Miss Alice,"
"Yes Lou?"
"Can I go now?" She suddenly asked, so I immediately looked at my wristwatch.
"Sure sure. I'm almost finished. You can go home," I said and smiled.
"Thank you Miss Alice." she said while smiling. I just nodded and finished the last sentence I was reading.
After finishing my work, I fixed my stuff. I made sure everything was fixed before I left my office with my handbag on my arm.
I pulled out the key inside the bag as I boarded the elevator. I immediately exited when the elevator opened in the basement.
It didn't take me that much until I reached the tower where my unit is.
When I got inside my unit, I went straight to my room. I put down my bag and went inside the bathroom.
It's almost six and I have to leave before 7:30 to attend the party. I took a quick shower and wore a robe while I chose my clothes.
I want something simple yet appropriate.
I chose a green satin body con. It has a spaghetti strap and it has cross bandage at the back, which makes it backless. The dress is also pleated on both sides.
I stared at it for a second before I wore the robe again and started doing my hair. I decided to just let my hair down. I didn't curl it and just let it straight. I parted it in the middle and put a hairpin right under my ear to hide it. I sprayed some hair spray so it wouldn't get messed up later.
I decided to have bronze makeup. Right after doing my makeup, I removed my robe and applied some highlights on my collar bone and to my shoulders. Then I wore a gold chain. It wasn't too thick nor too thin. It was just right.
I chose to pair my dress with a white faux suede thin ankle strap heels. After some perfume, I chose a bag to pair my dress. I chose a black Prada baguette bag.
It's a bit small, that's why I didn't put so many things in it. There's just my phone, wallet, keys, lipstick, and perfume atomizer.
I looked at my reflection before I left my unit.
When I got inside the Cavalier's, it was already 8:30 in the evening. I was texting when I heard Clara calling my name.
She was on the second floor. I went there and saw them sitting on the couch. It was the VIP area.
The whole place was already packed even though it was just around nine.
"I thought you'll ditch me," Lea said as I sat beside Clara.
"She wouldn't do that because you'll pest her if she does that," Clara laughed before she drank the remaining the alcohol in her glass.
Chesca also laughed when Clara said that. Lea just rolled her eyes.
Clara was wearing a black tube bodycon, Lea was wearing a white one, and Chesca was wearing a silver dress.
"Are there only four of us?" I asked while pouring some whiskey on my glass.
"Why? Do you want me to invite other people?" Lea asked curiously.
"Well, I thought you'd invite a lot of people." I said and took a sip on my glass.
"It's sudden. No one would come, except for these two." laughing Lea says as Chesca and Clara learn to be busy building their tower.
I picked up my phone and went to instagram. I recorded Clara building a tower made of the glasses with whiskey on it. I uploaded it on my story with a caption 'I should've left a notice in my office. I think I'll get badly drunk tonight 'with a laughing emoji. I even mentioned Clara, Chesca, and Lea on it. It's funny to hear my own laugh from the background noise.
Clara was so hyped that she asked me to drink the tower with her.
"Oh my god Clara! If I wouldn't be able to get up tomorrow," Lea said laughing after drinking the tower's last glass.
"Stop! You just shouldn't get up for sex!"
My eyes widened after hearing Clara's words.
"Clara you're so vulgar," Chesca laughed.
"What?" laughing Clara said and raised her hand to order more wine because their first order ran out because of the tower Clara had built.
Among us, Clara was really the party-goer. Lea was a bit like her, although she's much more moderate than Clara.
In college, Clara was always at parties. Good thing she knows how to balance her academic stuff and social life. That's why her parents couldn't really say anything against her being a party-goer.
Chesca on the other hand won't party unless she's with us. I think she's the neutral among us. That's good because we have someone to moderate our behaviors.
"Clara,"
A man suddenly approached our table.
"Xavier," Clara immediately stood up and approached the man. "Hey guys, this is Xavier. He's a college friend." she said. Xavier smiled at us and waved his hand. "That's Chesca, Lea, and Alice." she said, introducing us.
"Actually, Chesca and I know each other." Xavier said. We looked at Chesca. She just smiled at us, looking defensive.
We lost their attention when Clara's order arrived earlier.
"Are you alone?" I heard Clara asking.
"No. I'm with Ian," Xavier said.
Did I just hear him right? Did he just say Ian?
No. Maybe Ian isn't the only one he knows and I know.
"Oh just you?" Clara asked. I can't help but to eavesdrop.
"Yeah, Ian wanted to drink. He must be out there, looking for a table." Xavier said while looking over the balcony.
"Why don't you join us? There are only four of us." Clara suddenly said. I immediately looked at her and she was just looking at Lea.
"Would that be alright with your friends?" Xavier asked carefully.
"Yes, why not? We're the only ones here." Lea said.
Oh my gosh! No! What if the Ian he was saying was the Ian I've been avoiding.
"Xavier, there's no table available."
I think I was petrified when I heard his voice. I can nly hear his voice regardless of the loud music from the background. I think it was really him.
I was so scared to look up.
"Bro, we can just join them. Clara here is my friend," I heard Xavier say.
I opened the new bottle of beer and poured into my glass. I tried not to look up because I was afraid to see that it was Ian.
"Bro," Xavier.
"Oh sure. WOuld that be fine with them?" I heard him say,
"Yes, it's just fine with us." Lea said.
"It was just us four," Chesca said.
They were silent for a moment until Lea called my name.
"Alice,"
"Huh?"
"Why are you spacing out? Are you okay with this?" laughed Leah
"Which one?" I can't really think properly.
"Them, joining us." she said loudly.
I couldn't help but look at Kela Clara because Lea suddenly pointed at them.
I was petrified again when our eyes met. I immediately looked away.
"It's fine," I said, giving up.
"See, my friends are fine with the two of you joining." Clara said and sat again on her seat earlier.
I saw Chesca grinning when Ian sat beside me.
I just drank beer because of Chesca's smile.
She knows! She obviously knows Ian. She was the one who set up the blind date.
"The two of you met again,"
It was as if cold water had been poured on me when Chesca suddenly said that. They were all staring at Ian and me.
"You know each other?" Xavier asked
"Yes," he answered. I couldn't help but look at him.
Our eyes met and we immediately averted our gaze.
"How?" Clara asked curiously.
"Remember the blind date? It was Ian whom I set up with Alice."
"Oh my gosh!" Lea exclaimed.
Clara was just grinning on my side.
I wanted to thank Marco when he suddenly came because I lost their attention.
Clara moved sideways to give space for Marco.
"Scoot," she said to me.
"Huh?"
"Scoot over," she shouted at me. Chesca laughed with my reaction. I moved slowly.
It was as if I had been burned when our skins came together.
"I'm sorry," I whispered in a small voice. He didn't say anything and just continued drinking his whiskey.
I just ignored him and just tried to calm myself down.
Lea became silent and Clara ordered another bottle. Xavier and Ian's wine orders also arrived so our table was full.
"Another tower?" Clara asked while giggling.
"Tower?" Xavier asked with curiosity in his eyes.
Instead of answering Xavier, Clara started arranging the glasses she asked and poured some tequila on it. The whiskey and tequila are all gone.
"Girl asked for some salt and lemons," Chesca said as she looked at the tower of tequila with disgust on her face.
"Yes." Marco said.
Xavier raised his hand. Later the waiter arrived. Xavier asked for salt and lemons while Clara was finishing the tower.
Just as Clara had finished Xavier's salt and lemons order arrived.
"I'm feeling absent tomorrow at work," Marco said while staring at the tower of tequila.
"That will be fine. Your boss is also absent tomorrow," Clara said which made us laugh.
"How are we going to drink that?" Xavier asked.
We were surprised because Chesca suddenly stood up and made Clara stand up. She whispered something on her and they both giggled as they sat again.
I know those giggles. I know there is no good in that.
"Let's spin the bottle." She said and suddenly spin the bottle.
It's a good thing it didn't hit the tower otherwise it would have been thrown away.
The bottle stopped and Xavier was hit by it, so he was the first to drink at the very top of the tower.
Clara spun the bottle again and it stopped in front of me.
"Shot," Clara said and gave me the next shot of tequila.
I took a pinch of salt and put it on the tequila and prepared a lemon in my other hand.
I took the shot and quickly sipped on the lemon.
I feel like my face is red from alcohol.
"I don't really like tequila," I said and took another pinch of salt.
They just laugh with my facial expression.
Clara spin again to continue and it stopped in front of Ian. We all looked at him.
Clara handed me a glass, I was still wondering why she handed it to me.
"Give it to him," she said. That's what I did.
My hand was shaking when I tried to give him the shot. He just nodded and took the shot. He didn't put some salt on it and just went straight with it. When he lowered the glass, he just took a lemon.
Clara spins the bottle again to continue.
"She almost drunk the half of the tower," Chesca laughed while looking at me, drinking probably my tenth shot.
My head was actually spinning as I tried to drink the shot. There were four shots remaining.
I don't know why, but that last two shots were given to me. Why am I so unfortunate to spin the bottle game?
"Shit Clara! Are you trying to get me drunk?" I accused her while pointing my finger on her.
"How unfortunate of you in this game!" They laugh at us talking about the shots I took.
"Oh my god Alice! You're drunk." Chesca said.
"I'm not drunk! Stop accusing me,"
"She's so cute whenever she's drunk," I heard Lea say.
"Guys! It's so rare to see a drunk Alice," Clara said to Ian and Xavier.
"Shut up!" I said.
This is really embarrassing. Why would she say that to Ian?
I barely looked at Ian. I was surprised when he was also looking at me.
"What?" I mouthed.
His eyes were serious looking at me. "You're drunk," he said with a soft voice.
I can't help but to purse my lips.
"Even you think that way," I sounded annoyed when I said that.
Clara started opening another bottle. This time, it's vodka.
Clara wouldn't really pause. She really has a high alcohol tolerance. I sighed and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Clara asked.
They were all looking at me, waiting for me to say something.
"Powder room," that's all I said and they ignored me. "Excuse me," I said to Ian as he was blocking my way.
I grabbed my head when I tried to step forward.
My vision went blurry and I stumbled when my left foot got tangled with Ian's feet. I lost my balance and so I tried to look for something I can hold onto.
I almost cursed myself when I held onto Ian's shoulder. He was holding my waist while I was facing him, holding onto his shoulder.
This is so awkward.
"Are you okay?" he whispered without removing his hand on my waist and looking straight in my eyes.
I immediately stood up straight. They were all staring at us. Clara was smirking, almost a tease. I feel like my cheeks are even redder with embarrassment. It seems like alcohol is no longer right for me because of what happened.
"I'm sorry. I was a bit dizzy," I said and tried to get out in between his legs.
He slowly removed his hand on my waist but held on to my arm to guide me out.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"Do you want me to accompany you?" Clara asked, looking worried.
"I'm fine." I said and took my bag behind Ian. I tried to walk again but I ended up stumbling on my own.
I almost fell on the ground but Ian caught me immediately.
"I'll accompany you," he said and removed his hand on my waist. I couldn't argue anymore as I know I need someone to accompany me.
"Thank you, "I just said and tried to walk properly.
Ian would always catch me whenever I stumble on my own. We also had a hard time getting past the people because it was late at night and it was already crowded.
"I'll wait for you here," Ian said as we reached the powder room.
I just nodded at him and immediately went inside, straight into the vacant cubicle.
I caught my chest because of the speed of its pulse.
I'm not really going to pee but I forced myself to pee so I wouldn't do it later. I washed my hands as I got out of the cubicle. I retouched my lipstick and sprayed a bit of my perfume again. I felt a bit icky as I was sweating earlier.
When I got out of the powder room, Ian was there leaning on the wall, waiting for me. I immediately looked away, didn't know what to do nor what to say.
"Do you want to go out? Sober up a bit?" he said
I just nodded at him and followed as he walked away. I was still a bit stumbling so Ian's walk followed me.
We stopped in the empty smoking area. I sat on the vacant chair, trying to feel the cold air.
He sat beside me, leaving an ample amount of space between us. We were just quiet until he broke the silence between us.
"So you're already engage,"
I looked at him with a confused thought. He was looking at my ring when I looked at him.
"That's why you were avoiding me," he continued. It wasn't a question but a statement. So he felt that I was avoiding him yet he continued sending me messages. "Why did you have to go on a blind date when you're already committed?"
His question hits me so hard. My reality was again shattered into pieces. His words were true that I couldn't even deny it.
"Why do you have to make me think that you were also interested when you're really not interested at all?" I wanted to say that I am interested but I don't really have the courage to do so so I decided to just listen to his sentiments. "Were you only playing with me? Were you in a fight with your fiance and decided to go out on a blind date to forget a bit?" he continued.
He only stopped to catch some air. I feel like he felt betrayed and wanting to vent out his lost emotions. I couldn't even stop him as I am to blame for his emotions.
I stared at the ring on my finger before I spoke to him, "Can I even consider myself committed when the person I am engaged with is already dead?" I looked into his eyes so he would know I'm sincere.
His eyes were asking a lot of things that his words can't ask. I know. I know that it was a complicated question.
Even I myself who was in that situation had a hard time answering my own question.
I stood up when I felt I was fine.
"I am interested in you Ian. My situation was just more complicated than I thought it would be," I said and left him there.
I was afraid of his reaction. I was afraid of what he would say.
I don't want to blame him because I shouldn't blame him for things he didn't know and didn't do.
Ian was never in my life when I got into this complicated situation. So why would I vent it out on him when he wasn't the one who made things complicated? I couldn't even blame Henri, as I know, I know he didn't want that to happen.
I don't even want to blame myself but I ended up blaming myself as it was the only option I have to feel better. A bit better.