Eirene
"Can you pull over, mister? Right there."
A wide smile flashed on my lips as I got out of the taxi. A cold breeze immediately embraced me, and I couldn't help but shiver because I was not used to this climate. My skin is very used to the environment that the Philippines has. But the bustling, vibrant, multicultural, and cosmopolitan vibes of London City welcomed me warmly despite the cold weather.
I'm in London, finally!
No snow covered the road, but the breeze was still cold. It's already Christmas based on what's going on here, even if people have to wait long for that season.
"Ms. Eirene Diaz?" question that aroused me.
"Hi, there! I'm Eirene Diaz." The Londoner who called my name immediately approached me. "Is this the apartment building?"
"Yeah, so, shall we?"
I smiled again. "We shall!"
We carried my bags together. When we got inside, I was exposed to a beautiful staircase like in royal houses. It was like entering the classic regency films I used to watch, such as Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, and Persuasion. Suddenly, I felt like a lady, but when I realized I had a lot of luggage, my shoulder went down.
"Nice staircase... Which floor?" I curiously asked,
"Fourth floor."
I couldn't help but look at my luggage. I have oversized luggage, a big duffle bag, and a box of my office things.
"Don't you have a lift here?" When the man with me shook his head, I sashayed my eyes to my luggage again. "I guess I need to start climbing the stairs now."
Good thing I left my books with Marishka. I said I would send her money to pay off my debt and send me in return what I have left there. It's good that I persuaded her to lend me, if not I would've missed this opportunity. It's just the beginning, and this staircase is painful, even though beautiful.
Even though my partner helped me, I still couldn't help but be out of breath and tired. These stairs prove to me that I am not in good shape anymore.
"Finally!" I exclaimed when I reached the floor that Michael told me about. While we were lifting, I talked to him and learned his name was Michael.
"What is it?" I looked at Michael immediately. I feel he was worn in lifting but doesn't know how to complain. "Anyway, here is your apartment unit," he said and pointed out my apartment. He made me go inside first, carrying my designer bag. This is the only one left because my mother sells it to make money behind my back.
"Is that the London Bridge?" I ask.
The majestic view of the bridge amazes me more. I think I'm going to love this place! This is more than what I've read in novels and online articles.
"You mean the Tower Bridge?"
Yes, that's what the British call their famous landmark. I slowly nodded in response. London Bridge refers to the late Her Majesty as her death code. Now that London is in its new era, British people must slowly embrace the changes. And I have to embrace this country more.
Wait, am I a Londoner now?
Not until I apply for a citizenship card or, if possible, marry a citizen. I think the latter is a much better idea.
"Um, Ms. Diaz?" A hand waved in front of me.
"Yes! I'm sorry. I spaced out a bit. You know, daydreaming." I laughed and said, but it did not affect Michael. "Uhm, the bridge is so majestic!"
Michael chuckled upon hearing my remarks. "Here is my card and your apartment key." I accepted what he gave, then looked at Tower Bridge again. "Do you have time today for coffee? I can tour you around if you want."
I looked at Michael. "Tempting, but I'll pass. I have a job to attend to today."
"All right. Enjoy your stay, and welcome to London, Eirene."
I waved my hand at Michael. After he left, I glanced at the majestic view in front of me again. It is a warm welcome from a cold country indeed. I took a deep breath and smiled in front of my camera.
It's Eirene in London!
***
Walking on the grounds of Canary Wharf makes me feel like conquering the world of lions in the business field. If earlier I felt like I was in a classic novel because of the vibes of the apartment building I lived in, now I'm in the real world. Fast forward to what I aim for here in London. I'm here for a job and to find my father.
Speaking of my father, he has not yet replied to my email. It's morning here. Why is it?
Maybe I'll email again later when I have free time at work.
I am carrying my portfolio, a copy of my resume, and other requirements I arranged in the Philippines before coming here. It was challenging, and I experienced many queues because I was not the only Pinay to work in another country. I saw many people simultaneously, and their cases are different. As for getting a working visa, I could get it quickly because I already have a job offer. I have also arranged the papers with regards my stay here. All they need is a job offer, accomplished apartment application and my ID.
I met Michael online, who I thought was a scammer at first. I proved he wasn't because he warmly welcomed me and accompanied me to my apartment today.
My thoughts were halted when I stopped in front of the tall building of the Gridley Construction Group. Those are two buildings that resemble Malaysia's Petronas Tower. There is a walkway connecting the two gothic-style buildings. If you look at it, you would think it's a church, but most facilities here are the same.
"Hi! Good morning! I have an appointment with Ms. Gwendolyn McNeal of the HR department today." I showed them a copy of McNeal's email, and they took care of me immediately. Someone came with me to the HR department.
I looked around, hoping to see Papa. He works here, and GCG UK's logo was also used in the email I received last month.
"Here, ma'am. Kindly wait for Ms. McNeal here," said the person who accompanied me to the conference room.
"Uhm, wait, is there a way I can check the names of employees here?"
"Through an employees database, but it's in the north wing of this building, and you can only have access once you have a company ID." I am technically hired, but I need an ID to have access. How long does it take to have an ID here? "Do you know someone who's working here, ma'am?"
"Yes, my father."
"Do you have at least a name? Maybe, I know him."
"Jaziel."
That name changes the woman's expression on her face. From being bright, it seemed to darken as if I had said something terrible. It was good, and her cell phone rang, so she looked away. What's wrong with Papa's name? Does that sound like a horror name?
"Ma'am, Ms. McNeal is currently stuck in our south wing building opening today. She asked you to come back later. But you can stay in our cafeteria downstairs if you want."
"Where is that?" I asked, which was immediately answered by my interlocutor with matching directions.
I remembered everything and started walking around the whole of GCG UK.
The inside is also beautiful, and it can be said that the facility I saw is state-of-the-art, from the electronic gate to the glass elevator. I've seen this in Hong Kong, and maybe the architect of this building got inspired by it. My attention was caught by a piece of limited edition furniture. To be able to buy that furniture, one must know about exportation and have a connection.
When I started walking, I almost didn't realize I had taken the wrong path. My feet brought me to the newly opened south wing of GCG, where a gathering was happening. I circled my eyes until they stopped at a banner not far from me.
Jaziel.
Two more names were written on the banner, but the attention was more focused on the one that was read first. It was my father's name! I have to meet him right away. Maybe, he didn't receive my email because he was busy. I immediately went downstairs and swam the crowd.
"Excuse me." A man looked at me and immediately let me in. I repeated that word to reach the group of people I met in the crowd.
There are a lot of people here.
"May I have everyone's attention, please?" I continued to walk closer even though the others were focused on the small stage. "It's been a great pleasure to have you all here to celebrate, not only for the opening of our south but also for my father's birthday, Architect Jaziel Gridley."
Architect...
Is my father an architect? That's why I love to design like him. I have an artistic root, and this company where I'm about to work is my father's blood, sweat, and tears.
Wait a minute...
I heard it right. The who's currently speaking called my father Dad, too. Does that mean Mama and I are not his only family? I have a brother?
"You may take the stage now, Dad."
I even heard the man plead on the stage. It's more precise and closer because I'm only a few feet away from the scene. My eyes followed the man who handed the mic to another tall man. The man is as tall as the other man who gave him the mic. But my father's aura is relatively brighter than the others.
He is my father and must have known that his daughter is here to meet him. There, I couldn't stop myself and called him.
"Dad!"