Keeping Up With The Engineers

|| Carlo

"Okay guys since about sa foundation palang ang discussion natin today, the meeting is adjourned."

"Foundation o wala ka lang talaga maisip?" sarcastic na tanong ni Lawreign

"Tang ina Lawreign, buong meeting naguguluhan ako dahil sa iyo!" Axis shouted at her annoyingly.

"Wag ka magalala Ax." Lawreign answered calmly and did a three finger salute. "Ako'y lilisan kasama ng iyong magulong plano."

"Tama yan. Sinend ko na sa drive lahat ng plans. Pwede mo maedit dun."

"Alam ko." Lawreign grabbed her bag and approached Maryl, I think it's important since she had to whisper.

Axis packed his things and talked to Adriano about what is typewritten on his laptop. I stood up and was about to exit when I bumped into Maryl and Lawreign on our way out.

"Do you guys want to discuss something? I'll just get some coffee." Lawreign smirked and left us alone together.

I'm not gonna lie, Maryl looks like an elegant mess right now. Maybe because of what happened last night that greatly affected her mood? 

I can see the hickeys I left on her. Fuck.

But again, I'm not gonna lie, it compliments on her pale fair skin.

"H-hi. How are you?" I asked

"Pretty good, thank you. And you?" she answered in class, but I can feel the awkwardness around.

My heart is beating fast, I can feel myself trembling.

"I didn't expect you to be here, but it's all good hehe." I answered awkwardly.

She looked at me intensely, which made me feel more awkward. I feel like I'm gonna burst with these butterflies in my stomach.

She smirked. "I'm looking forward to work with you in the laboratory, Mr. Fulgenzio. Don't worry, di kita lalandiin."

Oh.

My.

God.

Stop teasing me like that kung di mo lang pala ako ako lalandiin.

I wanted to sigh deeply but fuuuck, I don't wanna lose my cool.

But I think I already lost it though.

"O-oh yeah. I'm looking forward to work with you in the labora---"

"To my future nieces and nephews; on behalf on your mother and father, I apologize. Auntie Lawreign disturbed the mood and therefore, you cannot be given birth." Lawreign interrupted the conversation then sipped her hot coffee.

Me and Maryl both starred blankly at her.

"What? I'm innocent!" she reacted with her fake puppy eyes and mocking innocent vibe.

Maryl clicked with her tongue "Gutom lang yan. Tara na at magsamgyupsal na tayo." and dragged Lawreign out of the scene with a powerful walk that females usually do when wearing high heels.

I gazed until her silhouette disappear.

No wonder why the woman from last night looked so familiar...

... it was Maryl.

Naghanap pa ako sa iG kung sinong anghel yun, at akala ko literal na anghel na bumaba galing sa langit dahil di ko makita kung sino. Kilala ko na pala.

God, my head is spinning.

I'm uncertain if this is from a workload stress, or just a confusion.

I walked slowly at the hallway, thinking or overthinking about things, especially of what will gonna happen next. The meeting just finished, and I noticed a lot of flaws Axis discussed. I mean, he talked about those we discussed days ago, but I was hoping that Reign would polish those flaws for him. To be scheduled pa ang next meeting, and I am looking forward to some changes, but the spy cameras are a great way to start this plan.

I sighed deeply as I take my steps in the parking lot, thinking of the next move I would do, not only in this plan but also with her. I didn't expect Maryl's growth, she looks like a sunshine to me.

God, I feel so conflicted... so confused. Should I fill the void?

I brushed my hair with my fingers and bumped my head onto wall.

Ugh, why am I like this?

-----

|| Maryl

Lawreign approached and whispered on my ear. "Uy nagcrecrave ako ng samgyupsal."

"Me too, tara?" I agreed.

"Saan? Dun sa tapat?"

"Oo. Masarap naman dun eh. You haven't tried there, have you?"

Lumayo ng konti si Reign and gave me a serious look. "Kaya nga kita tinatanong eh."

"Saktong di ako nagbreakfast. So tara?"

"Ako rin. Saktong need mo ng samgyup ngayon. Let's gooo." Reign agreed.

We both stood up and was about to be on our way when we bumped into 'him'.

"Do you guys want to discuss something? I'll just get some coffee." Lawreign smirked and left us behind.

May she remember to give me a cup of coffee as well.

"H-hi. How are you?" he asked.

Oo nga pala. Kasama ko ngayon 'to.

I looked at him and answered "Pretty good, thank you. And you?" I put my hands on the side and pinched my thigh for me to pull myself together.

Ah shoots, this is awkward.

"I didn't expect you to be here, but it's all good hehe." he answered awkwardly.

God I really feel awkward, and he feels awkward, so I must not lose my cool.

Do something to combat this Maryl Juneaux.

I looked at him intensely and grinned sweetly. "I'm looking forward to work with you in the laboratory, Mr. Fulgenzio. Don't worry, di kita lalandiin."

I know that was kinda shitty but I noticed him tremble. Madali lang pala siya landiin with eyes? I should have known.

And I didn't know I can make someone like him tremble? I should have known.

Disgusting.

He stutterly replied "O-oh yeah. I'm looking forward to work with you in the labora---"

"To my future nieces and nephews; on behalf on your mother and father, I apologize. Auntie Lawreign disturbed the mood and therefore, you cannot be given birth." Lawreign interrupted the conversation and sipped her hot coffee.

We both starred blankly at her.

"What? I'm innocent!" she reacted with her mocking innocent vibe.

I clicked my tongue. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Gutom lang yan. Tara na at magsamgyupsal na tayo." and pulled her out of the scene. Hila hila ko siya hanggang sa makarating na kami ng elevator and I pushed the down button.

"Walangya ka. Kala ko kukuhaan mo din ako ng kape." I jokingly told Reign.

"Oh gusto mo pala?" she asked and sipped her coffee. "Nagaalala kasi ako na baka buhusan mo si Montecarlo. Mawawalan talaga ako ng mga pamangkin slash inaanak."

I twitched my eyebrows. "Why the fuck would I?"

"Baka maisipan mo bigla."

The elevator opened and we entered. Reign pressed the ground floor button while sipping her coffee.

I sighed deeply.

We went to the samgyupsal place we were talking about earlier, and ordered pork and beef set for lunch. I was expecting for a queue but we happened to be the last costumers to take the vacant spot.

While we were waiting for us to be served, someone called on Reign's phone. She answered and waved at the camera. She even did a peace sign.

"Who's that?" I asked and Reign showed me the screen. She placed her phone on the side of the table para kita kaming dalawa. May phone stand naman siya.

"Mga walang hiya kayo. May pagsamgyupsal tapos ako wala?"

It was Nathalie or Tally for short. Our favorite supermodel. She's currently at school for her modelling rehearsals.

"I thought you need to lose some weight for the Annual AXU Fashion Show?" I asked.

"Ay oo nga pala." she answered. "Why do I have to give samgyupsal up in times like thiiis?!"

"Ewan ko rin sa iyo Tal." Reign answered. "Sisihin mo metabolism mo."

"Luh." Tally pouted.

"So ba't ka nga pala napatawag?" Reign asked.

"Gusto ko kasi kayo imbitahin sa birthday ko next Saturday. Legit na sa private lounge namin gaganapin."

-----

|| Axis

Nagsuot ako ng casual cocktail look para lang sa gabing ito. I'm not used to mixing casual and cocktail attires, pero eto request ng friend naming may paevent ngayon. Okay sige pagbigyan, magproprovide naman siya ng pagkain eh.

Inayos ko yung buhok ko, sinuot rin yung antiqued leather oxford shoes na Amadeo Testoni na niregalo sa akin ng future wife ko. I already told her na di niya ako kailangang regaluhan ng ganito, but she insisted. What can I do?

Noong pagkasuot ko ng relo ko, nagring bigla ang phone ko na nasa pocket ko. Tinignan ko muna kung sino bago sagutin siyempre.

Speaking of future wife, siya yung tumatawag.

"Hello Austin, are you going to Tally's birthday? Nilalagnat kasi ako eh." nanghihinang sagot niya.

"Yes babe. She's expecting me kasi." sagot ko.

"Sige sige. Ingat ka ah? I love you. Okay lang kahit walang pasalubong haha."  pagpaalala niya kahit malumanay ang boses niya ngayon.

"De wala, may sakit ka so dapat lang kita daanan diyan. I love you too."

"Ikaw bahala. I love you more." at binaba niya yung call pagkatapos nun.

Hays. Sweet talaga ng asawa ko.

Bumaba na ako papunta sa may gate namin, dahil alam kong may naghihintay sa harapan ng bahay: Laweign and Maryl.

Pagkalabas ko, nakasalubong ko sila agad dahil sa tapat namin mismo nakaparada yung BMW in Lawreign. Wala pa kasi ako lisensya kaya sasabay muna ako sa kanila. Nakasuot si Lawreign ng pink jumpsuit at white pumps, si Maryl naman ay nakasuot ng khaki-colored na mahabang polo na parang dress na dahil hanggang below the knee ang haba niya, hindi ko gaanong madescribe ng maayos basta ganun. Nakasuot siya black slim belt around her waist, pati ng brown na laced bootie, kung tama man ang pagkadescribe ko.

"Ba't ang tagal mo?" pagrereklamo ni Lawreign na nakasandal mismo sa kotse niya.

"My wife called. Alangan naman di ko sagutin?" I replied

"Wife mo mukha mo. Asaan marriage certificate?" pangangasar niya.

Maryl interrupted. "Hey guys, baka malate pa tayo dahil baka traffic sa EDSA ngayon."

"Tagal kasi ni Axis eh. Dinaig pa babae sa tagal. Pero di naman traffic ngayon kasi Sabado." reklamo ni Lawreign.

Maryl gave her a 'tsk' at naunang pumasok sa kotse sa bandang tabi ng driver, sumunod kaming dalawa ni Lawreign na magdadrive. Ako yung nasa likod. Di naman gaanong traffic, smooth naman yung drive ni Lawreign. Saka kahit rush hour di naman traffic eh. Improvised kasi ang transportation system dito. Nakarating kami sa private lounge ng headquarters ng mga Underwood 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Binati kami ni Nathalie na nakayellow summer dress at nakaabang sa may entrance ng private lounge.

"Hi Maryl, Axis, Reign!"

Happy birthday Nathalie!" and naggroup hug kaming tatlo.

"So glad you made it!"

"Of course!" sagot ni Maryl. "We can't say no to our favorite black American supermodel!"

"Come come. I'll take you to your seats." pagaya ni Nathalie.

Pinaupo niya kami sa pinakagitnang lounge, so kita namin ang mga bisita at kung gaano kailluminated with city lights, ilaw galing sa garden sa labas, pati string lights dito sa loob. Nakapalibot kasi ng salamin at garden ang function room na ito.

"Wait here. I'll go get some snacks and refreshments." pagaasikaso ni Nathalie.

Yung seating position namin ay si Lawreign ang nasa right ko, si Maryl naman sa left. At dahil chismoso ako, napatingin ako sa paligid habang naghihintay kami sa food and drinks. Judgemental din ako slight.

"Tignan mo yan Maryl. There are reasons kung bakit di ko sila pinili." turo ko sa isang grupo na medyo malayo layo sa amin. Nandun sina Justyne, Jinyoung, Jordan at iba pa.

"Si Justyne, napakaparty animal, and has a lunatic tendencies. I can't trust her."

"Judgemental." sabi sa akin ni Lawreign in a mocking tone. "Di naman porket party animal ay lunatic na."

"Justyne is a nice gal actually, baka di mo pa siya gaanong kilala?" Maryl answered. "I mean she may be possessive at times, but doesn't define her fully."

"Yeah. Magaling siya maghandle ng student council actually." pagsangayon ni Lawreign.

"You didn't even choose Nathalie." pagalala ni Maryl.

"Nope, too immature. Saka civil engineering yun di ba? Walang kwenta." sagot ko.

"The audacity. Nasa birthday ka niya." pagsermon sa akin ni Maryl na may masamang tingin.

"Palayasin na nga natin 'to tapos sumbong natin kay Nathalie." segway ni Lawreign.

"Joke lang guys, sayang pagkain." sagot ko ulit. "But I might choose Jinyoung." biglang pagkaalala ko.

Maryl twitched her eyebrows at tinignan ako ng may suspetsa "Because his sister is your girlfriend?"

"Di naman sa ganun Maryl. I think he'll be great in your team."

"Aba gusto mo talaga ng chaotic engineering department Austin Xil?" tanong ni Lawreign. "Ginagamit mo ba talaga utak mo o ano?"

"Yeah. We all know that Adriano and Soo-jung are rivals." pagsangayon ni Maryl. "It is expected that we would have a hard time to focus, just because those two would bicker at each other. Everything will suddenly burn into flames."

"Okay, so Carlo can be the fire extinguisher then." sagot ko.

"You added another type of gasoline, mas kakalat ang apoy." sagot ni Maryl.

"Ba't ba ang gugulo nilang tatlo?" Pagtatakang tanong ko. "Hawak ng physics dept si Adriano, computer and electronics si Carlo, si Jinyoung sa IT! Ano bang issue dun?"

"Okay, Jinyoung and Adriano are rivals in every robotics competition. Umaabot pa ng Japan at Italy kung minsan eh. Si Adriano walang pake, we all know that. Pero si Jinyoung kasi yung tipong sobrang competitive. Mukha lang siyang chill, but he isn't." pagexplain ni Lawreign

"Okay, but what about yung issue ni Jinyoung kay Carlo?" inis na tanong ko.

"I guess it's better kung yung Jinyoung - Adriano muna ang malaman mo. Just see it for yourself."

"Oh so is this the Engineering version of Keeping Up With Kardasians?"

"Correction. Keeping Up With The Engineers." Maryl answered with a class.

"Ang gandang segment naman niyan. Panglalaking version na chismis." sagot ni Lawreign.

"Anong panglalaking chismis?" tanong ni Nathalie na may dalang tatlong baso orange juice na may straw, sandwiches at cookies sa isang tray at nilapag niya yun sa coffee table sa harap namin. Umupo siya sa tabi ni Lawreign.

Kumuha si Maryl ng orange juice at hinigop niya sa straw. Nilapag niya yun sa labas ng tray pagkatapos. "Di alam ni Austin Xil ang issue nilang tatlo."

"Teka, sinong tatlo?" confused na tanong ni Nathalie.

"Sina Ian, Carlo at Jinyoung." sagot ni Lawreign.

"Wawa ka naman Axis ang outdated mo." pangangasar ni Nathalie.

"Oo na guys, sorry na!" sagot ko in defeat.

"Wag kasi masyado sa landi ah?" pagpaalala ni Lawreign at tumawa silang tatlo.

_____

Beyond the Spectrum | Wave 4: Keeping Up With The Engineers • © mxylms