TINA
I sent Julia home by flagging a cab for her. I said yes to Sir Jiego about picking me up so we can go home together to the manor. I bet he was in the city when he asked me too. Thus explained the offer. There’s nothing there to indicate any confusion. I stood corrected with what I said. He didn’t flash me a sign by offering me a ride home. It was only an act of courtesy from someone I share residence with. He's only being a good boss. A good person even. It's just that.
Just that.
I stood outside the coffee shop, leaning on one of the shop’s columns. With my phone in hand to monitor the text messages of both Sir Jiego and Julia on my left hand, my attention was caught with the young high school couple across the street. They were buying dirty ice cream on wheels. I watched as the guy gave her a chocolate-flavored one and she giggled. The girl kissed the guy on the cheek and they held hands to walk to the nearby bench. Such a sweet young love. It made me think of my own childhood and how I never got the chance to experience that. I never got the opportunity to at least try to get into pointless relationships because I was too focused with my won academics. My mantra was that failure was never an option and if I won’t make it, I’ll try and try until I do. All of that gave me fruition however, I became the top student of the graduating class and now here I am. A secretary to the biggest company in the country. And I’m still young.
A honk broke my trail of thoughts and a car stopped in front of me. The window to the passenger’s seat was rolled down and Sir Jiego cocked his head. I went forward and slipped into the car, dismissing the thought I had which was triggered by the young couple.
“your seatbelt, Tina.” – Sir Jiego reminded and I realized I haven’t attached it yet. I pulled it from the strap and locked. With it, the car revved to life.
“you were in the city as well, sir?” – me, trying to start a conversation. It looked like something was bothering him. The usual cheery aura was gone. now, his eyes were only focused on the road, the car has no music on and then I feel like he prefers silence for now. which I should respect but it’s making me uncomfortable. Also, maybe he needs a friend to vent something to.
“yes. I met with our family lawyer.”
See? A lawyer. Usually it’s about something serious.
“oh… that sounded serious.”
“it is, actually. I found out I have a living uncle. His name’s Aaron Sy.”
My eyes widened. Is he sure? I mean, where is this information coming from? I didn’t know this.
“oh.” – is all I can say
“and he… well, he wanted a share with the company and everything my father left for his estate.”
“of course he does…” – I muttered.
Wow. This is heavier than I thought then. I suddenly felt bad. So, there is an adverse reaction to his ascendancy to the company. It’s kind of sad if you think about it.
“I hope everything turns well, sir.”
“I hope too.”
And then I quieted until we reached home.
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“wait…”
Sir Jiego dialed his butler’s number on the phone while I observed. I followed his gaze. He was looking at an unfamiliar blue Sedan at the front of the gate.
“did someone call for me today? There’s a blue car in here. Did I miss something?”
“no, sir. you cleared your schedule for the whole morning.”
He frowned and then ended the call. I couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or something but his mood worsened. He got out of the vehicle and approached the other car. The windows were tinted with black. I couldn’t see who was on the driver’s seat.
“hello?” – Sir Jiego said, knocking on the driver’s window twice. Slowly, it rolled down. The man behind it looked strikingly familiar, but unknown.
Sir Jiego stepped back to give some room as the man signaled that he’ll open the door. I was behind my boss so I couldn’t see his reaction but when the man spoke, I got who he was.
“so, you must be my nephew. You look so much like your dad.”
He said and tapped Sir Jiego on the shoulder.
I, as a spectator, knew I cannot take part in the conversation so I excused myself to go back to the car and let them talk. However, when I turned, I felt a hand grabbing my wrist.
“where are you going, love? There’s someone I want you to meet. He’s a member of our family.”
What did he just say?
I know I blushed big time because of that. I stammered saying what for three times. The man behind him looked confused. Sir Jiego only whispered a word, and I knew whatever questions I had saved, it will be useful to save them for later. He said in a very low voice, “please.” and I gave a small nod.
“hi, sir. I’m Tina.” – I said and held out my hand for the unwelcome guest to shake.
“I’m Aaron Sy. I’m Jiego’s uncle.” – he introduced himself, shaking my hand but his eyes were looking at Sir Jiego. It was a meaningful look, the kind where he knows something’s going to be chaotic between them.
“Uncle… this is Tina, she’s my girlfriend.”
There was an obvious uneasiness on Aaron’s face, which was something similar with what’s on mine now, I believe. As what I said, I would save the questions for later. But now, they pile up in my head.
“girlfriend, huh? I didn’t know you have one. the media was wrong then.”
Sir Jiego chuckled.
“nice to meet you, uncle. No, the media is wrong. It’s great that you’re well-aware of what’s happening with me though. it’s heartwarming in a sense.”
And they shook hands. I’m certain their grips were too tight.