"Ericka, I can't do that," he refuses right after I told him about my offer.
"Mile, come on. Please? Just print me the invitation and make it a legit one," I pleaded to him once again.
He's Mile, a software engineer and is a friend of mine. He owns a computer café and can actually do almost anything software-related. He can almost do anything but won't do this favor I'm asking to him.
"Look Rick, their invitation has that QR code something and I don't want to get busted just because of it," he reasoned out and walks away from me.
He started checking every seat that has no customer and I'm just here following him like a dog. "Mile, I'll pay you! Promise! Just let me, please?" I negotiate.
He stopped walking and looks back at me while scratching the back of his head. "I can't and even if I can, I won't," he firmly stated.
"Why!?"
"Dude, that's Shin Tech we're talking about! If we got busted what will happen to the both of us? My monthly sales in this comp shop can't even bail me out," he stated and finally leaves me alone.
Argh that guy! Why can't he just do what I told him so?
I left his shop, sulking then find a nearest coffee shop to have some caffeine inside me or I'll just burst in madness right now. It's not that I'm mad because Mile won't do me a favor, okay? I'm just frustrated that I can't think of anything to enter that stupid party of theirs.
"Ms. Ericka?"
I looked back right after I sip and my eyes widen when I saw Nico— that university guy. "Hey! Ssup?" I greeted.
He smiled and takes a seat. "Hi," he greeted back then chuckles. "Good thing I meet you here, totally unexpected," he stated.
My brows knitted, "Why? Is there something you wanna tell me?" I asked in curiosity.
"Well yeah, I actually have a spare invitation for Shin Tech," he replied.
I almost spit out my coffee after he said it. "Wait what!? For real!? You're not f***ing with me right now, right?" I exclaimed in shock.
"I'm not," he confirmed in his confused face.
I clap my hands and lean towards him. "Okay! You're giving it to me, right?" I asked and show my palm at him.
"I want to but can you assure me something first?" he asked.
"Sure! What is it?"
"Don't create any mess in the hall— not that mess! But you know? Just stay still in there because they might find out that you're not really supposed to be in there," he explained and smiles awkwardly.
I smiled and tap his shoulder. "Hey! What do you take me for? I can actually act! Don't worry, Nico. I'm big enough to create mess— not that big but you know? Being adult," I assured him, jokingly using his tone that made him laughs.
"I'm so sorry about what I'm going to ask but why are you so desperate to enter the company, Ms. Ericka?" he asked.
My smile fades as he asked that. "Well, I'm not sure but," I paused for a bit. "I think I want to work in there," I replied, half-lying.
I just had a great idea before I went to sleep. I'm going to apply for an open position in the company no matter what is it but as much as I can, I want to be close to the CEO. I need to get everything done already.
He nods like he believes what I answered. "Actually, I don't know if Shin Tech does this but some company if they are going to change those who sit in the higher position, they will also change some of their staffs and personnel," he shared.
"Really? I didn't know about that," I commented and sips on my cup.
"But I don't know about them, tho?" he replied. "Anyways, I need to go now and prepare. Here's the invitation so please, make sure to take care of it. That's the only pass you have," he warned and lends me that luxurious envelope.
"Thank you so much for this, Nick! You don't know how much you save my life!" I exclaimed and smiled so wide.
He bid his goodbye after that and I immediately look for PO1 Carl Ijaldo's calling card and then called him. It took almost five rings before he finally pick the call up.
I greeted, "Hello?" in my low voice.
"PO1 Ijaldo, speaking. May I know who the caller is?" P01 Ijaldo answered.
"This is Ericka Villaruel, officer," I replied.
"Oh! It's been a while, how are you?" he consulted.
"I'm fine, officer but I need to tell you something. Can you meet me right now?" I asked.
"If this is about that matter, we can't for now. Let's just keep it in a call," he answered referring to this Shin Tech matter. "But what is this about?" he then asked.
I took a deep breath and say, "I'm going to enter Shin Tech Group," I stated.
"Wait what?" he gasped in surprise.
"Y-yeah, I'll update you after what will happen," I replied.
"Ericka," officer Ijaldo called my name. "Please take care, you're entering a lion's den," he warned me.
I smiled and look down before answering, "I'll keep in touch," I replied and then end the call.
I know I'm feeding myself in the demon. I know this is going to be pretty risky but I already swore I'm going to do anything for my older sister.
She needs justice. She's a human being who needs a justice in this stupid society who praises money over law. That's why I'm fighting until I can still fight.
The night has come. I prepared formal attire and make myself looks like a university student with this eyeglasses I used to use before and leaves my unit.
I'm now standing in front of the building and really nervous. I really want to know that truth and there's no turning back already. I need to do this.
"You good?"
I looked beside me and saw Nico smiling at me. He then lend me an ID that made me stare at him, "Where did you get my picture?" I asked.
"I'm so sorry about it," he just apologized and I eventually let it go as well. "Are you nervous?" he consulted.
"Kind of?" I replied, unsurely.
"Why? It's not like you're going to do something hideous inside,: he chuckles that made me laugh as well.
"I don't know either," I whispered.
"Chill," he said. "Let's go inside?" he asked, smiling.
I nod, "Let's go!"
I don't know what will happen inside. I don't have any idea who will I encounter inside. I just don't want to lose my temper and act like a mad kid inside.
Please, let's make this work.