TINA
The beers weren’t cold enough for Sir Jiego that we stopped by the nearest department store to buy a small chiller and ice cubes. I was two steps behind him, keeping up with his pace. When we went into the ice plant just across the store, I worried about his shoes. Of course, the place was wet. People were wearing raincoat-like clothing as they slice the bigger ice into smaller pieces. One man saw us enter the place and went to accommodate us. Like the rest, he was wearing a protective coat. He looked like he recognized Sir Jiego and introduced himself as Gabriel.
“may I help you, Mr. Sy?” – he asked
“yes. we need ice cubes, please. just enough to fill this chiller.” – Sir Jiego said and showed the man the chiller wrapped in transparent cellophane.
“I got you.” – the man said and got the container.
We were told to wait, and so we did.
“I know what you’re thinking. All of this trouble for the beers huh?”
I couldn’t help but smile. It's adorable, if you think about it.
“it’s actually sweet, sir. You really care for the employers.”
“well, I guess you know why.”
I didn’t respond a word. I think I do know why.
“it’s still sweet, sir. I heard your father’s also very considerate and loving.”
“never met him. it’s weird, right? some says I’m one lucky guy for being handed these riches in a day. it sure does not feel like that.”
The smile I loved to see this day disappeared as I mentioned Daniel Sy. And I wish I didn’t.
“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to-“
“nah, it’s fine. I love doing this for the people in the office. It’s like sharing my own blessings with them.”
I nodded. They were right. He’s a good person.
The man came back carrying the chiller. Sir Jiego loosened his tie and handed it to me. The next thing I know is that he removed his suit and tie. The thin inner shirt remained and he lifted the chiller over his head and placed on his right shoulders.
“let’s go.”
I wanted to offer my help but I don’t know how. Also, he was walking too fast ahead of me to the car.
“can you open the trunk?” – he asked
I did and he placed the chiller inside, securing it on the corner.
We got back to the car and drove back to the office where everyone was waiting.
The pizza has arrived and they were placed on a long table in front of everyone. The beers were placed on the chiller and everyone has gotten their can. Sir Jiego got a slice of the Hawaiian pizza and went back to his office. Being the newest employee, I knew no one in the crowd and decided to get a beef-flavored pizza and a beer and walked back to my small cubicle.
I ate in silence, checking the company mails as I did. Until something horrifying happened. I gasped and then felt like something was struck on my throat. I stood up, dropping the can of beer on the floor, spilling it over. I almost hit the rack of folders as I moved.
It was hard to breathe… like the air from my lungs were stuck on my throat. I was coughing helplessly, my eyes watering with panic.
“Tina? I heard a thud what happ- TINA!”
It was Sir Jiego’s voice, followed by his footsteps coming to my direction. He was fast. He grabbed me by the waist as he was behind me and pushed at my abdomen. I was choking, now I’m sure, but with what, I don’t know.
“okay, I’m gonna push one more time. you can do this.” – he said, followed by three more pushes
I was feeling worse and worse every minute… and then two more pushes until I felt a large lump coming out of my mouth and fell to the floor. I gasped, keeping up with my breath. I felt relieved and Sir Jiego let go of my waist. I sat down and he stood in front of me. Worry was painted all over his face. Beads of sweat were forming on his forehead.
“you scared me.” – he said and then grabbed a chair to sit down in front of me
I couldn’t speak. I was still recovering with my hollow breaths. Crap. That was a scary experience. What could have happened if I was completely alone? Thankfully, I wasn’t.
“how are you feeling?”
“Sir, I… thank you.”
However, my voice was shaking. I couldn’t calm down. not yet.
He stayed on his seat, looking at me intently. On the floor was the chunk of beef that was the cause of the problem. Was I that absent-minded that I failed to chew my food carefully before swallowing?
“I’m fine, sir. thank you for your help.”
“are you sure? do you need some water?”
“I’ll get one for myself, sir. no worries.”
And then it was that moment that he leaned in to pat the back on my hand which was situated on my lap. He stood up and got back to his office, leaving me with a raging heartbeat. At this point, I wasn’t too sure if this is because of what happened or the slight touch of my boss. I looked at my hand and admitted it was the latter.
I also knew that was the worst timing to be having a crush on my own employer but when he held me in between his two strong arms and I felt his presence behind me, I knew this spells trouble. Well, the kind that makes me nervous with no specific reason.
I went to fetch a rag and wipe the spilled beer on the floor. I picked up the can and tossed it to the trash. After drying the floor, I went back to my work. An email arrived, it was a confirmation for Mr. Sy’s destination this coming Friday. A hotel confirmation for a room with double beds.
Wait…
Was that the trip he said he’s bringing me to? And why are we staying in one room?