Kabanata 4

PETER

I went to the library with my dad. He wanted to discuss things seriously inside.

"Dad,"

He looked from where I was standing. He lowered his laptop screen and motioned me to come to where he was sitting.

I sat down a chair across his table. I was very nervous yet the decision was final, I want to work.

"Did you said that you wanted to work as part time?"

"Yes,"

He heaved out a sigh and stared at me for a bit. The creases on his forehead has shown and I was damn sweating underneath the clothes I wore.

"Since when did you have that earring?" He asked.

I touched my ear and just looked at him. Darn, I should have kept it in my pocket before entering. "It's new. I had pierced in while we were Hong Kong."

"What was the reason why you had to put that thing on your ear?"

Damn! I scratched my head and just smiled shyly.

"Dad, I want to focus on what I want to do now and not for this thing that I placed on my ear."

He just looked at me blankly. A few minutes he shifted his seat continued to listen. I had my doubts that dad would never see me as a serious kid when it comes to business. But for me, it really does make a huge impact when it comes to work.

"Okay, you have the floor. Tell me why did you want to work in the company?" He asked formally.

"Dad, I don't want to work there at the office. I want a job at the lowest position as possible. I know that it's just not like what you wanted. But as what you said, you need to start low until you reach the top."

He nodded after. "Is this not because I was pressuring you because this company will soon be yours to inherit?"

I chuckled at that thought, Im clear as fucking ice. I didn't know what to say but it was made clear that I was the one who will inherit this prestigious hotel and casino chain. Regardless of what he said, I was determined.

"Indeed I was taken back by the whole thing in which I will inherit," I answered honestly.

"My goal is to learn. Enhance my skills in management and business. I am not after the riches that your family had to work hard from scratch

He then placed his arms on the table while listening to me speaking.

"I don't want to be seen as a guy born with a silver spoon and platter would always inherit a big company from daddy's hands. I want to become worthy, I want to work with hard labor. If you can consider my application, I will not just be the best at my work. I would like to know from my mistakes when I work. I know it's not easy at first, but by time and hard labor, I will excel on my workfield."

Dad raised a brow at me, looking as if I was bluffing.

"You do realize that you can work there at the hotel once you've reached the year for your OJT." Dad explained.

"I just wanted to work, that's all. I don't want anyone to know what I'm doing. I want to keep my identity a secret. Since I'm hiding under your spotlight and away from all tabloids, I can assure you that I'm good making my identity a secret."

Dad got his cellphone out of his pocket and suddenly dialed someone's number on his phone.

I've been by his side for most of my life. He wanted me to become the best. And as the only son and heir to all of his business ventures, I can say that I am pressured to do this yet I don't want to falter away just because I wasn't exerting much effort on getting a high position.

Once he turned off his call and stared at me blankly, he then proceeded to greet me with the words "You're hired."

He stood up and lend out his hand for a handshake. I stood up from my seat and accepted his handshake and hugged him. Seems so gay but hey, who couldn't hug someone for giving me an opportunity to show them I could do it.

"Thank you sir, I promise I won't fail you on this."

After I broke free from the hug, he then motioned his hand, as if he wanted to whisper in my ear. "And get rid of that thing from your ear, it's not appropriate for you to wear such a thing knowing you're a guy."

I nodded in reply and got rid of my earring.

Pagkatapos magdiskusyon ni dad sa mga kailangan kong gawin, hinanda ko yung mga gamit ko. Folded each and every clothes I have and placed them inside my luggage.

"Tulog kana kuya, kailangan ka pa ng trabaho mo after this week." I saw my sister coming out of the door while leaning on the wall.

"Yeah, got a long way to go tomorrow."

"Will you come back?"

I stood up and faced my sister. I smiled and said, "Hindi na siguro for now. I just want to focus sa work at magkikita naman tayo doon sa school."

"So, you're pretending to become someone else?" Kelsie asked.

I shrugged, "I don't want anyone from that hotel to know my true identity."

my sister then walked towards my bed and flopped her body onto it, "You're making a big mistake but I'll let you be." I looked at her and we both smiled at each other. My twin knows the best things. Sure she'll become a great leader someday.

She chuckled and smiled at me, "I am proud of you kuya. We all are." Kelsie then got back up and walked outside my room.

As soon as I finished preparing my luggage for tomorrow, humiga na ako sa kama and drifted to sleep.

The next morning I woke up around 5 in the morning. I cleaned myself and went to my little sister's room. Natutulog pa siya no'ng pinuntahan ko siya sa kanyang kwarto.

I went to my study table and wrote a note for my little sister.

Kuya has to go, be safe always.

I placed the note on my little sister's room. I was curious kung natutulog na ba si Charice. I peaked outside from her door. She is sleeping, thank God.

I told my dad that Juan is with me to the place where I will be staying for a couple of months. He told me it was such a rush for me to do it. I assurred him that it's fine.

I grabbed my bags and hurried down the stairs. Agad na sumalubong sa akin si Kelsie at Dad.

"Ingat sa biyahe okay?" Dad said and I nodded at him.

Lumimgon ako kay Kelsie, her eyes are a bit teary.

"Bakit kailangan mo pang umalis?" she hugged me but I just stood still. All I can say is 'Yuck'.

"Papasok naman ako ng school natin bukas. Pero as a scholar ng company."

Kelsie of course was shocked.

"Did you really pass that test?"

I nodded and smiled. Hinampas niya ako sa kamay, thinking that it was a joke. Then she looked at dad with a questioning look.

"Dad, seriously?" Keisha said and dad only nodded.  Her brows furrowed in disappointment.

"Matalino naman ang kuya mo. Mana sa akin." Dad said while Kelsie wasn't having that kind of talk.

"But dad why? I also wanted to have a scholarship just to lessen our pay."

My dad chuckled, "Those scholarships are for those who need it hija. You have me to fund for your education."

Lumingon sa akin si Kelsie, mukhang nakakaintindi naman siya na kailangan ko ito sa pagiging part timer sa hotel.

He placed his right arm on my shoulders as same with Kelsie with his left arm and then patted my twin sister's head. "I know but your twin wanted to take the test just to prove himself that he is good in both academics and work." Yeah it's kinda show off to my little sister but at least I got in. 

"Yeah, you were kind of  showing off that you passed and wanted to work part time in the company." Kelsie rolled her eyes. Mataray kasi siya kaya naintindihan namin kung saan galing ang mga sinasabi niya.

Humalakhak ako sa sinabi niya and smiled. "Ganyan talaga ang buhay dear twin."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. I grabbed the strap of my bagpack and said, "Sige dad, Kels mauna na ako."

"Tell Manang that I miss her."

"Okay,  but you have to pay me." She frowned and reeled my hair.  I laughed and nodded towards my dad.

I scooted up my bagpack inside the car and closed the door.

I'll have to go and live independent. Pero dad wanted me to live with his own trusted housekeeper and yaya before, Manang Kelly.

I have to live in a bungalow house at a small compound at Cebu City. It was near sa hotel namin pero kailangan ko 'to para hindi ako malalate.

Dad constructed some houses of his men to live there is they need some time off. They areade of bamboo and since compound, may mga  nagtatanim ng mga samu't saring mga gulay at prutas. It's like living in the province.

Some of the old workers here stayed with their own families. My dad wanted the employees to feel like family at our hotel. Since the business has been growing and the employees did an outstanding job at the hotel. The guests would always praise them.

Now I have to start working and live independently. Be responsible and hardworking will always be a working process for me to succeed.