TINA
“why are you living in there? what job did you take?”
I laughed by the way Julia put it. My successful job application sounded like an illegal underground activity or something indecent. She was helping me pack the few things I need in the manor. I made her in charge of the beddings I will bring while I fold the blazers I bought this afternoon from a garage sale. I’ll be working as an executive secretary tomorrow. I have to look the part.
“I’m a secretary, Julia. Nothing else.”
“and that’s a stay in job?”
I swear if this is a cartoon show, there will be a huge question mark across her face. I nodded, and that seemed to confuse her even more. I tried to place myself on her shoes and I guess the confusion was justified. I raised an eyebrow the first time I heard it, too. But then, what did I expect? It was the Sys. There is no time away from work. I guess that was it.
“well, you know how it is with rich people. They know nothing about rest.”
The frown didn’t disappear, but Julia dropped the topic.
We spent another ten minutes until everything I needed were in the boxes. After double-checking, I stood up and went to the cabinet where I keep the room key. After two tugs, I pulled it open. The key was immediately there, and I picked it up. When I turned to Julia, her eyes were watery with tears. I felt a small ache in my chest as I handed the key to her small palm.
“so this is goodbye?”
I shook my head.
“It doesn’t have to be. we’ll be chatting each other everyday and you have my number, don’t you? not to mention that I will still have to visit you every now and then.”
That seemed to cheer her up and she stepped closer to give me a hug. I needed one, too.
-
-
-
I was contacted by someone named Alfred who gave me a quick house tour before stopping on one room, which according to him, would be the room I will use as long as I am here.
“thank you, sir.” – I said as a key with a red ribbon was given to me.
“please, miss, call me Alfred. Everyone in the house does.”
I smiled. He looked like a kind and approachable man.
He left so I could rest and I turned the knob leading to my temporary crib. In my head was a different picture and as soon as I got a peek of the room, my jaw dropped. I was amazed, this is a room for an employee? It was even thrice the size of Julia’s and mine’s apartment.
Are you kidding….
I opened the door in its full capacity and immersed my eyes with the scene I refuse to believe as mine. The curtains were thick and flowy, covering a glass window. A queen-sized bed was the highlight of the room and a carpeted floor that looked so soft I can roll over an sleep. Multiple cabinets were also set on one corner, next to a David-inspired lamp. A bookshelf with hardbound books were also in one corner, and by the looks of it, they were all corporate ones. My palms itch by the feel of each of them. And a door was on the side, which I think was a bathroom. Wow, I have my own bathroom.
As what the butler said, all of my boxes were placed in my room. But I wasn’t in the hurry to empty them from the box now. They can wait until this evening. As of now, I want to take pictures of the place, something to send Julia. With that, I grabbed the phone and keys.
Just in time, the door in front of mine opened.
It was… wait, it was my boss.
“good day, Mr. Sy.” – I greeted and bowed. Bowed?
“did you like your room?”
I glanced at my now-closed door. Suddenly the thought that I’m just across the room of my own boss bothered me. Who decided this, anyway?
“it’s perfect, sir. I’m grateful.”
“good. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”
He said and gave me a nod. Before I can think of an appropriate response, he already turned his back and walked towards the stairs I remembered I used going up. There, I had the chance of looking at him without the pressure of being seen or noticed. I stared at his broad back and shoulders, his tall structure and his rather manly way of walking. I don’t remember how long did my stare linger, but I was stuck there just looking at his retreating back. The rumors were true, the new CEO is indeed what they say he is. He’s attractive… which is kind of a dangerous thing.
I shook the thought off. Nope. I shouldn’t be thinking of such thing.
I continued with taking pictures at the second floor and when I thought they were enough, I went down to the first floor to get some more, capturing every part of the manor. Until I reached the kitchen where Mr. Sy was having his cup of coffee, leaning with his back on the sink. I wanted to turn back, but it was too late. He already saw me.
“do you need something?” – he asked. The transparent mug on this hand was half-empty.
“no, sir. I only came here to take pictures to send to my room… ex-roommate.”
He nodded.
“I see. Am I in it?”
I frowned. I didn’t quite hear what he said clearly.
“sir?”
“I asked if I’m in one of your pictures.”
Quickly, I shook my head. oh no, I think he’ll be mad. It was my fault though. I didn’t ask for his consent.
“take a picture of me, then. I’m sure your roommate would want to know who your boss is.”
Really? I didn’t move an inch.
“what are you waiting for? Click away.”
I gulped. okay?
I positioned the phone’s camera and captured him as he held the cup a little lower and smiled. I pocketed the phone when it’s done.
“that’s it? how about a picture with me?”
Okay what?