Chapter Eight: Part Five

While Adam and Faith landed a job in a Call Center, Leni got hired as an admin. assistant in a petroleum company. Due to the differences on their working schedule, their bonding moments lessened. Instead of watching flicks on Friday nights with them, she just stayed at home and slept.

Everyone was glad that she made it in one of the biggest company in the country. Leni began to see herself climbing the corporate ladder.

Unfortunately, Leni was having a hard time adjusting to the new environment that she’s in because it was something that she was not used to. For her, it was quite stiff and unfriendly. Since she was the youngest in their department, she somehow felt out of place. There’s the pressure of proving to her colleagues and superiors that she can deliver despite being a “neophyte” in the corporate world.

One of her tasks is to provide materials such as manuals and other logistics needed for the training in their company. Since she was underpaid, Leni chose to work after office hours. There was a time when her boss required her to reproduce sixty manuals with two hundred pages each on the next day. The file was sent to her at four in the afternoon, an hour before she goes home. She made a master copy, reproduced the rest. She was compiling until ten in the evening. Leni was able to finish half of them, but she was worried that she may not be catching the last trip on the MRT station. So, she left the office and decided to go there early on the next day. Unfortunately, she woke up late due to exhaustion. Then, she saw fifteen missed calls on her phone from her boss. She hurriedly took a bath, dressed up, skipped breakfast, and rushed to the nearest train station. Upon entering inside, her phone rang and hurriedly answered it.

“Leni, where are the manuals?” Her boss asked
“Uhm… I placed them in my workstation. Sir, I only finished half of it.” She replied stuttering.
“Half ?! I promised those guys that the manuals would be ready this morning. Where are you? How fast could you get here?”
She glanced at her watch and answered her boss.
“I have thirty minutes to make it there.”
“Go here right away!”

When she reached the office, Leni was berated by her boss.

“What happened?”
“Sir, I can explain. I was able to make the master copy, but I had a hard time compiling all of them. Besides, no one was there to help me. Since it was already ten, I decided to go home and finish half of them today. Unfortunately, I woke up late and I’m really sorry.”
“Why didn’t you inform me yesterday? Do you know the repercussions of what you did? Naipit ako sa kanila. If you can’t deliver, I’ll find someone else to do your job.”
“Sir,I’m going to fix this today. Just give me another chance.”
“Just go.”

After finishing the other thirty, she was required to reproduce another set. Fearing that she might lose her job, Leni tried impressed her superiors by doing everything that was required within the week in one day. Despite her efforts on getting her tasks done, her superiors and other colleagues became indifferent on her. They knew how desperate she is in order to keep her job. Leni oftentimes got bullied by some of them. But, she only sees this as an opportunity to mature. She kept telling herself that she needs to survive that corporate jungle. She do her best to remain tough, despite of their ill-treatment on her.

Because of what she’s going through, she began to miss the company of her friends. She missed the sense of belongingness that she got from them.

Chapter Eight: Part Four

Gino took the seminarian inside the dining room were the four of them were having merienda.

“Where’s Tita Emma?” Sam asked

“She’s still at the office” Gino replied

“Oh, I see. Is Leni here?”

“Yes, she just arrived yesterday.”

Afterwards, he introduced Sam to Adam and Faith and smiled at them. Faith accidentally burped and covered her mouth out of embarrassment.

“Faith,may bukas pa, wag mong pahalata yung katakawan mo kay Brother Sam.Nakaka-hiya” Leni said

“Yan ang epekto ng sobrang kabusugan.” Gino said sarcastically.

All of them laughed until Faith got a chance to speak.

“Sorry naman, tao lang’. Subukan niyo kayang mag-diet, tignan natin kung hindi niyo mami-miss kumain ng pandesal. Palibhasa payat kayong magkapatid eh, kaya hindi niyo kailnangan mag-ganito.” Faith replied.

“Teka, alukin natin siya. Sam, kain tayo.” Adam said.

“Naku,maraming salamat, kakatapos ko lang kumain sa seminaryo.” He replied

Leni kept staring at the guy, not because she was attracted to him. But, he looks exactly like Aldo, only shorter. To break the ice, she began to talk to him.

“Brother Sam, you look like someone I know…Never mind. By the way, why are you here?” Leni asked.

“I wanted to give you this.” Sam replied as he handed the invitation to her.

“I’m going to be ordained next week. I hope that you could all come. Sayang, Nanay is gone and he won’t be able to witness my ordination.”

“Why?”

“She’s one of my benefactors. I went here on her death anniversary, bakit wala ka nga pala?”

“I was in the province. For some reason, I don’t want to go home during that time.” Leni replied chuckling. Sam sensed that she was implying something but didn’t ask any further. Instead, he asked them,

“Guys, are you free next Saturday?”

“I’m not sure, I might do something. Baka si Mama at si Gino na lang.” Leni said.

Faith broke in.

“Oh come on Leni, you’re just going to bum around and watch another Tagalog flick.” .

“She’s right Ate, why don’t you take a break from watching movies here at home? Lumabas naman tayo.” Gino added.

“Okay Sam, we’re all coming” Adam said.

“Thanks, aasahan ko kayo ha.” Sam replied to them.

After the seminarian left, they began to talk about him.

“Na-intriga tuloy ako dun kay Brother Sam. Hindi ko alam na may pinag-aral pala si Nanay.” Faith said.

“Oo nga eh, mapag-lihim kasi si Nanay. Gino, pumunta ba siya nung burol ?”

“Ate, nandun siya. Hindi mo kasi napansin dahil hindi ka humaharap sa mga tao. Mabuti pa tong sila Adam at Faith, inentertain yung mga bisita. Napagkamalan tuloy nung iba na sila ang mga apo.”

“Gino naman, ayokong makita ng mga tao na umiiyak ako, at isa pa, bumawi ako sa eulogy ah. Bakit pala siya pinag-aral ni Nanay?”

“Naawa kasi si Nanay sa kanya, maagang na-ulila si Sam. Dahil kaibigan ni Nanay yung mga magulang niya, tinuring na siya na parang kamag- anak. Kaya yun, tumulong siya magpa-aral. Kaya naman si Brother Sam, pinagbuti ang pag-aaral niya.Balita nga namin, cum laude daw siya eh.”

“Wow, ang galing naman niya. Alam niyo, mukha siyang mabait. Kung ako sa inyong dalawa, ituturing ko siya na parang kapatid.”

“Oo, tama si Faith. Napansin ko nga kanina, gusto niya talaga tayo imbitahni. At parang naghahanap siya ng mga tao na matatawag niyang pamilya.Kaya pumunta na tayo.” Adam added.

“ Drama naman.,Eh ano bang makikita natin dun? Para kasing nakaka-tamad pumunta.” Leni asked

“Syempre mga pari.” Faith Added.

“Sus, mga pari lang naman pala eh.No offense ha, tingin ko kasi sa kanila mga boring na tao.”

“Ate, wag kang ganyan. Balita ko, maraming nagkaka-gusto diyan kya Brother Sam. Yihee, baka maging crush mo din ha.”

Leni lifted her eyebrow and said.

“Freaking No! Excuse me, hindi ako mahilig sa mga kutis ‘Milo’. Hawig nga pala sila ni Aldo, pero mas maliit si Brother Sam. Anyway, mas gusto ko pa rin yung mga tulad ni Red.”

“Si Ate talaga, ang lakas mang-lait. Wag mong maliitin si Brother Sam, malalim na tao yun.Nagkausap na nga kami nung burol ni Nanay eh.”

Faith, with pancit canton in her mouth replied.

“Alam mo, kahit na nag-enjoy ka sa probinsya, hindi mo pa rin nakakalimutan si Red. Ewan ko ba, sa’yo Leni. “

“Uy, don’t talk when your mouth is full. Parang hindi ka nag-GMRC ah.”

“Ano yun?”

“Good Manners and Right Conduct.”

“Basta, walang mawawala sa Sabado ha, Sabay-sabay tayong pupunta doon. Bawal ang ‘No Show’ ha”

Adam finally said.

Chapter Eight: Part Three

The day after she came back to Manila, Leni finally decided to clean her room. Before she started, she first opened the paper bag that Aldo gave her. It contained pictures from the play, Dana’s birthday and Louie’s wedding. She opened a small envelope with a wooden rosary inside which was given by Aldo.

Then, she opened the medium sized container with bibingka .She hurriedly placed it in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling.

The doorbell rang and Leni went outside. It was Adam and Faith, but she almost didn’t recognize them because the two significantly lost weight.

“Going to the gym must have really paid off.”

“Yeah, you’re right. No one will ever call us 100 or sandwich again.”

“We missed you.Leni”

“I missed you too guys. Pasensya na medyo amoy pawis, naglilinis kasi ako.”

“Oo, alam namin. Kaya nga kami nagpunta para tulungan ka, kasi sabi ni Tita Emma, hindi mo daw kaya mag-isa.” Adam said.

“Kunwari pa kayo, pasalubong lang naman at kwento ang habol niyo sa akin.”Leni replied chuckling.

“Mabuti alam mo.Eto pa, may taga-basa na ulit ako ng horoscope. Sa totoo lang, gusto namin ulit tumambay dito” Faith broke in.

“Uy,hindi na ako nagbabasa nun ah. Teka,tama na ang bolahang ito, pumasok na tayo sa loob.”

Leni removed the cobwebs and dusts and changed her bed sheets. While Faith organized her files, Adam took charge of the closet. Adam first removed all the clothes, then wiped the cabinet with a damp wash cloth, and sprayed disinfectant afterwards. He sorted the clothes by color and size, and removed those that had not been used for a long time. Faith, on the other hand, put all the test papers, quizzes, text books and other materials that they used in college inside a medium-sized box, while all the letters and post cards that Leni received from friends and relatives were placed inside a shoe box. Lastly, all the stuffs that have to be disposed were thrown inside the garbage bag.

“Leni, when was the last time that you cleaned this place?” Adam asked

“About five years ago, after Ate Agatha’s death.”

“No wonder why this room looks like a refugee camp. Ang gulo!”

“Thanks for the compliment Adam.”Leni replied sarcastically.

While Faith was sorting the old magazines inside Leni’s study drawer, an old blue ‘Trapper Keeper’ was hidden among the pile of novels and other books. She pulled the binder and showed it to Adam and Faith.

“Leni, is this yours?”

“I don’t think so. Nobody uses Trapper Keeper during our time… Let me open it.”

It was Agatha’s during high school. The binder contained cut-outs and articles from magazines, quotes from authors and other influential people. Aside from these, was a letter addressed to Leni.

“My Dearest Cousin,

In life, you would encounter experiences or people that would make you quit. Believe me, these would actually make you grow. These articles and quotes helped me survive my struggles. I’m sure that these would help you too.

Ate Agatha”

After reading, Leni couldn’t say a word because she would never expect her late cousin would do that despite her harsh treatment on her.

“Leni, what’s wrong?” Adam asked.

“Nothing. I never thought that my cousin cares for me that much. Galit ako sa mundo that time, kaya sa kanya ko binaling. She stayed with us a few years after Dad left. I was really guilty about that.”

“Don’t worry Leni, I’m sure that she has already forgiven you. The letter proves that Agatha loves you.”

“Wag ka nang malungkot. Isipin mo na lang na masaya na siya sa kinalalagyan niya ngayon. Unfair sa kanya kung magmu-mukmok ka na lang. Maging masaya ka na lang para sa kanya.” Faith added.

A few minutes later, Gino knocked on the door invited them to have merienda downstairs. He served pandesal,pancit canton, and orange juice. While they were eating, Leni showed them the pictures from the province. Faith was stopped by the picture of Aldo and Leni dancing.

“Mukhang nag-enjoy ka dun ah. Halos lahat ng kuha mo, naka-ngiti ka.”

“Leni, I like this picture. Who’s this guy?”

“Let me see. Oh, it’s Aldo, Ate Agatha’s boyfriend, when she was still alive.”

“Okay, he seems nice. Siya ba yung kinukwento mo na tumutulong sa’yo gumawa ng project nung Grade Five?”

“Oo, siya nga.Tama ka, mabait yan, yung girlfriend lang niya ngayon yung hindi.”

Adam and Gino broke in.

“Leni, nag-uumpisa ka na naman. Wag ka nang maging bitter dun sa tao.”

“Basta,pagkatapos niya ako sigawan nung kasal ni Louie, ayoko sa kanya, period.”

“Ate, ano ba histura nung girlfriend ni Aldo ngayon? Maganda ba?”

“Oo, maganda kung maganda. Pero, mas maganda pa rin si Ate Agatha.”

“Kumusta naman si Aldo ngayon? Ano nang ginagawa niya?”

“Professor pala siya dun sa university. Nakakapag-taka lang, apat na taon ako nag-aral dun at hindi ko man lang siya nakita. Tapos, may negosyo daw silang magpi-pinsan dito sa Manila. Ngayong semester, hindi daw muna siya magtu-turo. Doon daw muna siya sa probinsya para alagaan ang Lolo niya, buong pamilya ni Aldo, nasa Austria na. Siya na lang ang naiwan dito. Kinukumusta nga pala niya kayo eh.”

“Sa susunod na punta mo, sama ako ha.”

“Oo naman. Pahingi pa nga ng juice..”

“Leni, maiba pala tayo. Nagkita kami ni Ode sa isang jobfair sa mall. Na-kwento niya sa akin na wala na si Red at yung girl na pinalit niya sa’yo, si Val.”

“Faith, paano niyo nalaman?”

“Siyempre, nakasagap siya sa isang taga-varsity. Sinulot daw ni Cocoy si Val, tapos yun, nabuntis daw. Nung nalaman daw ni Red, nag-suntukan daw sila sa labas ng isang bar. So, yun na nga, yung girl tinanggal sa cheering squad at si Cocoy,nag –leave ng isang semester.”

“So, ano yun? Karma?”

“Siguro. Pero, Leni, wag mo nang isipin yun, kailangan mo nang umusad. Alam ko masakit yung ginawa nung mga tao na yun sa’yo. Pero, isipin mo na lang na, ma-swerte ka at hindi nangyari sa’yo yung sinapit ni Val. Hindi ka cheap katulad niya noh.”

“Oo nga, tama si Adam. Nandito naman kami eh. Ang dami mo ngang kaibigan na tatanggap kung sino ka.”

“Ate, bibigyan mo pa ba ng chance si Red kung sakaling gusto niyang makipag-balikan sa’yo? Naisip ko kasi mukhang nagpaparamdam na siya nung pumupunta siya dito.parati ka niyang hinahanap.”

“Sus, guilty yun sa ginawa na kay Leni. Di ba, Adam?”

“No comment.”

Leni paused for a while before answering her brother.

“Hindi ko pa alam, kasi, masyado akong nasaktan sa ginawa niya eh. Hindi ko pa ata kayang makita siya uli, baka may masabi akong hindi maganda.”

Then, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it.” Gino said.

To be continued....

Chapter Eight: Part Two

After getting her clothes from the closet, Leni paused for a while and stared at her scrapbook. She enjoyed the company of the people there especially after the production. But, she wasn’t sure if she already got over with Red.

At this point, all she wanted was to move forward with her life with or without him.

A few moments later, her aunt knocked at the door.

“Leni, what time are you leaving tomorrow?”
“I would take the six am trip, so that means that I have to leave by five.”
“I see, I’ll ask Aldo to go with you to the terminal.”
“Tita, you don’t have to. I could go there all by myself.”
“No, I insist. Besides, it’s not that safe to travel that early.”
“Okay. What’s that?” Leni asked pointing to the jewelry box that Aunt Juana was holding.
“Oh, before I forgot, I would like to give you this. Buksan mo.”
“This belongs to Ate Agatha, right?”
Her aunt nodded and said.
“I want you to have them Leni. Ingatan mo lang ha. They have been passed from generations.”
“Thanks Tita, hindi po ito mangongolekta ng alikabok.”
“Ok, once you’re finished packing, we’ll have dinner.”


The next morning, Leni took a bath, ate breakfast and grabbed her belongings. Then, Aldo came and covered her eyes.
“Hulaan mo kung sino”
“Oo alam kong ikaw yan Aldo. Itigil mo na yang kaartehan na yan.”
“Ito naman, aalis na lang, suplada pa.”
“Sorry, nagulat lang ako.”
“So, paano, tara na?”
“Oo, sige, magpa-paalam lang ako kay Tita Juana.”

She kissed her Aunt for the last time and said.
“Tita, thanks for everything. Hopefully, I’ll be back in December.”
“Ok, call me when you got home. Mag-iingat ka ha.”
“Yes Tita, I will.”

When they reached the terminal, Aldo handed her a paper bag.
“Sa Maynila mo na yan buksan,galing yan sa amin.”
“Salamat, ang bigat naman.” Leni said chuckling.
“Sana magustugan mo yan.”
“Oo naman, basta may pagkain.”
“Meron yatang nilagay si Dana diyan.Ang takaw mo talaga. Mabuti na lang, hindi ka tumataba.”
“Oo nga eh. Paano ba yan? Kailangan ko nang sumakay, baka maiwan pa ako.”
“Leni mag text ka pag dating mo sa inyo, ikumusta mo na rin ako kay Tita Emma at Gino ha.”
“Oo sige, sasabihin ko sa kanila. Pag pupunta ka sa Maynila, sabihin mo sa akin para makapag-merienda naman tayo. Tapos, dalaw ka sa bahay namin para makita mo na rin sila.”
“Okay. Basta, pag may problema ka, text o tawagan mo lang ako ha.”
“Sige.”
Before stepping inside the bus, she rushed back to Aldo and embraced him.

“Leni, what was that for?”
“Nothing, I’m going to miss you kasi.”
“Sus, ano ka ba? Hindi pa ito ang huling pagkaka-taon na magkikita tayo ulit. Basta, wag kang mawawala ha.”
“Oo naman. Akyat na ako ha.”
“Sige, ingat.”

She once again, mimicked Kiko Matsing’s voice

“Paalam, hanggang sa muli.”

Aldo laughed and waived at her.


Leni sat beside the window and smiled at him. When the dispatcher tapped her back asking for her ticket, it was then that she realized that she was grinning the whole time.

“Neng, in love ka ba?”
“Hindi po masaya lang po ako.”
“Akala ko, iniisip mo yung kasama mo kanina. Ang tagal mong naka-ngiti eh.”
“Ganun ba? Kuya ha, ma-chika ka. Eto na po ang ticket ko.”