THIS is the first chapter of a noveleta that I was writing in early 2000. Inspired from the daily encounters of living in a world filled with competition and survival. I came to understand how some people in this world came to be the person they are as a result of life’s experience. Did they choose this life or someone chose it for them? Enjoy the story.

MAKING IT HAPPEN – The Call

“Hay naku ang buhay nga naman. Nakakasawa na tong routine na ito. Puro trabaho na lang. I need a break,” sabi ni Carina pagdating niya sa bahay nila. Nagpakuha siya ng orange juice at sandwich sa maid nila.

“Matawagan nga si Paulo. Miss ko na siya.” Kinuha niya ang cell phone niya sa loob ng bag niya. Hinintay nitong may sumagot. Muli syang kumagat sa sandwich at uminom ng juice. Huminga ng malalim.

“Hello. This is Paulo Vargas Advertising and Associates, how can I help you?” Nasa kanyang studio si Paulo sa Makati. Abala ang binata sa kanyang ginagawa.

“Hi Paulo this is Carina. I just want to thank you on the other night we’re together. Naenjoy ko ang dinner natin at ang company mo. I wish we can go out some time kung di ka busy. Alam ko kasi na demanding ang advertising career mo.”

“I’m honored to be with you Carina. Likewise I have enjoyed your company. You’re fun to be with and the night seems to be endless when I’m with you.” Tumayo si Paulo at pinagmasdan ang paligid ng Makati sa kanyang 10th floor office sa Magallanes.

“Parang line yan sa isang print ad na sinulat mo ha? You’re so good on those ads your firm puts out. I admire the way you handle things. Parang wala kang problema. What makes you be the person you are? You are so…hmmm…perfect.” Bumalik sa sofa at uminom ulit ng juice si Carina. Kinakabahan sa kanyang sinasabi.

“Carina, well let me tell you. Nobody’s perfect. My outlook in life is simple lang naman. Be happy of what you have and make the most of it. You seem to be looking for answers in life. I am not the one who can answer them for you but yourself.” Bumalik ulit sa upuan niya ang binata. Binuksan niya ang kanyang computer para tingnan ang e-mail niya. May e-mail si Carina.

Parang natulala ang dalaga sa isinagot ni Paulo. Di niya maintindihan. Napakalalim. Mahirap niyang bungkalin. Napakatayog ang paghanga niya sa binata.

“Paulo, salamat sa food for thought. Tama ka sa sinabi mo. Hayaan mo’t bibigyan ko ng saysay ang iyong mga sinabi para malaman ko ang katuturan ng buhay. Napakaseryoso mo naman. Let’s put humor into your life, okey. Paulo, really, I enjoy your company. Sana wag kang magbago sa akin? O sige na’t magpapahinga na ako. Niyaya akong lumabas ni Cholo bukas sa Tagaytay. Take care Paulo.”

“Have a good night Carina. I’m surprised you called. Thank you for the call. I really appreciate it. Enjoy your time with Cholo. Perhaps I can meet your special man one of these days.”

“Certainly Mr. Paulo Vargas. Certainly. You gotta meet those deadlines. Have a great evening.” Malungkot ang kanyang mukhang nagpaalam sa binata.

Binasa ni Paulo ang nilalaman ng e-mail ni Carina sa kanya.

From: Carina Leviste
To: Paulo Vargas
Date: Monday, September 3, 2000 3:49 PM
Subject: Thank You

Paulo,

Thank you for the dinner meeting. I’m very sure that our company will have the exposure to the masses over our competition. I am so fortunate to have chosen your firm and am happy to meet the miracle worker of the industry. More power to you and your firm.

Rest assured you’ll have our business. This partnership between our companies is crucial to our success.

Thanks again.

Carina Leviste
President
Leviste Industries Corporation

P.S. Paulo, I have so much faith in your incredible talents. You are unique. Lucky is the woman who’ll be with you for the rest of your life. I haven’t seen you with any woman outside of your business, that is why I have said this. Anyway, don’t take this personally, ha? Sometimes you need to get out of your usual business image. Get loose naman. You take care okey?