I immediately looked at the door of the CEO's office when it suddenly opened. I was very surprised when I saw the woman ahead of me who had just entered came out. I glanced at the wall clock and realized that it had been only three minutes since she came inside. I checked my wristwatch too, to make sure and it was right though.

I have no idea what the hell is happening. I wasn't even nervous earlier but right now, I think I need to pee. Kanina pa labas-masok ang mga applicants at wala pang napipiling maging bagong secretary ng CEO ng kumpanyang ito.

That should be a good news for me, right? But how could it be? Hindi man lang umaabot ng limang minuto ang mga applicants sa loob.

The thought of the reason because of that makes me feel nervous and intense.

"Number 1213, you're up."

Napatingin ako sa tumawag sa akin at nakalahad na ang kaniyang kamay sa harap nang nakabukas na pintuan ng office ni Mr. Viargez.

His surname looked very familiar to me. Pero baka pamilyar lang din dahil ang Viargez International Company lang naman ang nangungunang pinaka-mayaman at pinaka-sikat na kumpanya sa bansa.

But wait, I'm up already? Ni-hindi ko narinig natawag yung mga nauna sa'kin. Ang bilis naman nilang matapos.

"Girl, get inside already! I swear, you're already out as soon as you come in," A random lady said. She looked very annoyed. She even rolled her eyes at me when she passed in front of me.

Hindi ko nalang pinansin ang pagtataray niya dahil naiintindihan ko naman siya. Siya yung babaeng kalalabas palang. Hindi natanggap kaya iritado.

Tumayo ako mula sa kinauupuan ko at naglakad palapit sa babaeng nag-a-assist sa'min.

She was smiling as I approached her. "Goodluck, Ma'am! I hope you're the lucky one!"

"Thank you," tanging nasagot ko nalang sakaniya. Nagulat kasi ako sa pagiging energetic niya sa'kin.

I cleared my throat as soon as the door closed.

"Let's not waste time here, Ria. Scan her already and send her out afterwards," a baritone voice said.

I felt strange emotion when I heard his voice. Parang strange na hindi, basta hindi ko masabi. Bigla nalang kasi akong may naramdamang parang kuryente na dumaloy sa katawan ko nang marinig ko ang boses niya. And I even got goosebumps!

My God, Niezkha! Come back to your sense!

"Okay, turn a──round"

Hindi pa tapos magsalita itong babaeng tinawag niyang Ria nang makaharap na ako sakaniya. Still, she managed to finish her sentence. But as soon as I turned around, she stunned. Para siyang nakakita ng multo nang makita ako.

Or maybe she was dumbfounded by my beauty? Kidding.

I always get this reaction sa mga nakakasalamuha ko. Hindi na rin bago sa akin. Masyado talagang malakas yung appeal ko sa mga tao.

"Miss Ria?" I called her and when I didn't get respond, I snapped my fingers in front of her face.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was dumbfounded by your beauty. You have a very beautiful hazel eyes, a smooth skin, and a clear face. I think your wavy hair is natural, right? I suggest for you to maintain it well and don't try to get rebond. By the way, I really like the color of your hair! And if I'm not mistaken, your height is about 5'4. You're not that tall but it suits you well. You have this beautiful curved shape and your fashion taste is just amazing! I bet you're listening to Taylor Swift. But if you don't mind me asking, do you have a brother?" Tuloy-tuloy niyang pagsasalita. She was even checking every inch of me while talking.

She literally did what that CEO ordered her to do. She just scanned me. But thanks God, I didn't get any negative comment. She even noticed my outfit and guessed everything right.

"I──"

"Do she even have──what, Ria?!" Mr. Viargez angrily shouted. "We are here to work, not to──"

Hindi pa ako nakaka-bigkas ng salita nang sumigaw si Mr. Viargez. Hindi rin niya natapos ang pangangaral kay Miss Ria nang ipaikot niya ang swivel chair niya paharap sa'min at nakita ako.

Same with what happened to Miss Ria. He was dumbfounded to see me. Napatayo pa nga siya.

All I had on was a white long sleeve polo with a necktie and a black plaid skirt. And I'm wearing a heeled boot with a lower-leg-length sock inside.

Alam kong job interview 'to at dapat ang sinuot ko ay isang formal attire para sa good impression but I didn't went home last night. So, here I am. Getting the job interview wearing the outfit Serra lent me.

Nang hindi pa maka-recover si Mr. Viargez at walang kibo rin si Miss Ria ay kinuha ko ang pagkakataon na 'yon. I cleared my throat and walked towards his table.

"Good day, Mr. Viargez. My name is Niezkha Janine Sebastian, but you can call me anything you'd like to prefer. I am 23 years old, still young, but I have a lot of experience just for your information. So, I am here in front of your table inside your office here in Viargez International Company to apply as your secretary. And if you have a lot of questions for me regarding my useful here and why I should deserve this position, I have a lot of answers for you too. I am prepared, so please get comfortable asking as long as it's related about work and it's not that personal," I said as I handed my portfolio to him and took a seat.

I felt Miss Ria's stares but I didn't mind her. I need to focus here. I was able to get their attention, so what I need to do next is to get this job.

Mr. Viargez looked at me amazed. I gave him a sweet smile.

Bigla naman siyang napaubo dahil doon na ipinagsawalang bahala ko nalang.

He stared at me for a moment before he finally took a seat. "Good day, Ms. Sebastian. I am Zacchaeus Fourth Viargez, the CEO of Viargez International Company. It's an honor for me to interview someone like you," he said. "Ria, you may do your job outside. It's a code orange."

"On it, Boss!"

Code orange? What does that means?

Because of the curiousity, I turned my gaze to Miss Ria. She was smiling as she mouthed 'Good Luck!' to me. I just smiled back at her before she finally went out.

"Ms. Sebastian, are you still with me?"

Kaagad naman akong napalingon sa nagsalita. Napayuko naman ako at kinagat ang ibabang labi ko nang ma-realize na na-distract pala ako sa ibig sabihin ng code orange. Muntikan ko na tuloy makalimutan ang ipinunta ko rito sa kumpanyang ito.

Get over it, Nija! You need to focus. God, don't be distracted!

Humugot pa ako ng lakas ng loob bago inangat ang ulo ko. I stared directly at Mr. Viargez's eyes and smiled at him.

"Ah, I'm sorry for being distracted, Sir── uhm I── Mr. Viargez. How about we start the job interview already? I think, that's a good idea!" I said, smiling.

Muntikan na akong mautal doon, ah!

"Yeah, I think that's really a good idea," he responded. "Now, tell me, what is your current relationship status?"

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata ko at napa-ubo pa. "Po?"

"Well, if you'll be one of my employees, I think I should know about that," simpleng paliwanag lang niya.

Nag-inhale at exhale pa ako bago ko nginitian si Mr. Viargez. I'm getting sweat here.

"I understand, Mr. Viargez. However, my civil status is single," I answered.

Nahuli ko naman ang pag-igting ng panga niya. Ah, I got him! He used the wrong term and he just realized about it.

Binuksan naman niya ang portfolio ko at seryosong sinuri ang nasa loob. Ilang minuto niyang tinignan ang nakapaloob sa portfolio ko bago niya ibinalik sa'kin muli ang kaniyang tingin.

"Your hometown is Guagua, Pampanga?" He asked.

"Yes, Sir."

"Oh, I thought you were living in Cabanatuan City?"

"Used to, Sir," I simply answered.

It took me a few seconds before I realized about what we just talked. Serra also included that in my papers?

My hands were shaking as he analyze my papers inside that portfolio. There are also pictures there that was included. Isa rin yon sa rason kung bakit ako nanginginig. Dahil wala akong kamalay-malay sa mga picture na pinaglalagay ni Serra roon.

Serra is my bestfriend since our childhood. She was the only person who prepared my portfolio because it was her idea that I apply as a CEO's secretary in a big company like VIC just for fun.

I only had to do this because of that stupid bet. I lost and she won!

"Oh, I see. You have such a beautiful record and background, Ms. Sebastian," he said.

Nakahinga naman ako nang maluwag nang magsalita na ito. Binitawan niya ang portfolio ko at inilapag 'yon sa table niya atsaka niya ako tinitigan nang mabuti.

Sinuklian ko naman ang titig nito sa'kin and I smiled at him. This is it, pancit! I'm getting accepted!

"However..."

Dahil sa binitawang kataga nito, bigla nalang nanlamig ang buong katawan ko. Napalunok pa ako nang ilang beses habang pinagpapawisan kahit sobrang lakas naman ng aircon dito sa office niya.

"Relax, I won't bite you," then he chuckled.

Napa-kunot noo ako. Pinaglalaruan ba niya ako?

"What's the matter, Mr. Viargez? With due all respect, am I accepted for this job or not, Sir Fourth?" tanong ko na puno nang kuryosidad sa mukha.

I was expecting for an answer but he didn't give me any. He just stared at me. Like I said something wrong!

"Hmm? Second name basis. I think I like that."

I looked at him confused. "Pardon, Sir Fourth?"

Nginisian naman ako nito at napa-iling. And within seconds, I finally figured out what the hell he was talking about. I just called him in his second name! Oh my God!

"I── look I── I'm sorry── Mr. Viargez, please," pagmamakaawa ko rito habang nauutal pa.

"What are you pleading for, Ms. Secretary?" He asked playfully.

"Wait, what?!" Gulat na sabi ko. Napatayo pa ako mula sa pagkaka-upo.

Inayos ko ang tayo ko at humarap sakaniya nang naka-taas noo. He just called me 'Ms. Secretary'! That means that I got accepted, right?

"When do I start, Sir?" I asked, smiling.

"Well, you know... before that, I just want to hear something from you."

"Tungkol saan po? Anything, Sir! I am ready to answer!"

I saw how he smirked. Hindi 'yon nakatakas sa paningin ko!

Hinawakan niyang muli ang portfolio ko at binuksan iyon. Inilipat niya sa isang pahina pagkatapos ay iniharap niya sa akin. Naipikit ko pa ang mga mata ko. Takot na makita kung ano yon.

"If you were given two choices," paninimula niya. "Get this job and lose time for your friends, or lose the opportunity to get this job and just go along with your friends. What would you choose?"

I took a deep breath before taking a look at my portfolio. Kinuha ko mula sakaniya ang portfolio at hinawakan ito. Inilipat niya lang pala sa pahina kung saan naka-insert ang picture naming magkakaibigan. I didn't know that Serra also included this one.

Naka-saad dito sa page na 'to ang tungkol sa friendship namin. It's a picture of us in Baler, Aurora having fun. We were complete here. I was having so much fun because with them, I feel whole! They are my home.

But when I think about what Sir Fourth asked me. I also ask myself, 'Can I finalize my decision right away if it's in front of me?'

"I'm waiting for an answer, Niekzha Janine," pag-agaw nito sa atensyon ko.

Hearing him calling me in my full name makes my heart feel heavy. And I don't even know why. Siguro, dahil lang din sa itinanong niya sa akin. Ang random din naman kasi.

But here we go, so I'll answer his question. I already have an answer, anyway.

"For me, I would never choose the second one. I would stick to the first one choice," panimula ko. "I've worked hard to get this far. Nasa harap ko na 'yong pagkakataon para matanggap ako sa trabahong ito tapos sasayangin ko pa ba? Of course not, I would rather lose time for my friends than to lose the opportunity to get this job. Dahil isipin mo nga, nagkaroon ka na ng chance para mag-hanap buhay tapos sinayang mo lang dahil mas gusto mo pang unahin ang pag-pa-party with your friends. What a dumb decision!"

"I'm not sorry for my friends for this. Dahil pe-pwede pa rin naman kami mag-party at lumabas whenever I am free. But I will never lose the opportunity to have a work just to be with them all the time. We all have our own lives! Hindi naman sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay naka-tuon lang ang oras ko para sa kanila. May kanya-kanya kaming mga gawain sa buhay kaya mas gugustuhin ko pang mawalan ng oras para sa kanila. I just can't really imagine myself wasting my time partying, enjoying life while losing all of my money in just a blink of an eye. I would rather enjoy my life while working because that's where my source of money comes from! Hindi naman pe-pwedeng naka-depende lang ako sa kanila. I need to work so I can plan and build a better future for me and my family."

Habang ipinapaliwanag ko nang mabuti ang sagot ko sakaniya ay palakad-lakad pa ako't inaaction pa ang mga kamay ko habang nakatayo sa harapan niya. Seryoso lang din siya nakikinig sa akin at tinitignan ako nang mabuti.

"And that's why I picked you," sabi nito. "You can already start tomorrow, Niezkha. Thank you for your time."

Tumayo naman ito mula sa kinauupuan niya at inilahad pa ang kamay niya sa akin.

"Thank you, Sir!" and then I accepted his hand.

"I really love the way how you think. You're just perfect for this position. Let's get along, my secretary."

"We'll get along, Sir Fourth. Just for sure!"

Huli ko na nang mapansin na magkahawak kamay pa rin pala kami. Binawi ko ang kamay ko at nginitian siya na hindi pinapahalata ang pagkahiya ko.

"Yeah, I have to go, anyway. Ria will take good care of you," he said.

Magsasalita palang din sana ako nang bigla na siyang naglakad palabas ng opisina. Malalaki ang mga hakbang na ginawa niya kaya nakatuntong ito kaagad sa pintuan. Lima o anim na hakbang lang yata ang ginawa niya.

Sa sobrang bilis nga nang ginawa niya ay hindi ko napansin na kinuha niya pala yung portfolio ko.

But, thanks God! I got accepted! I got this position! I can't wait to tell Serra and the others that I am finally the VIC CEO's secretary. For sure, Xavier won't believe this!

Kukunin ko palang sana ang cellphone ko mula sa bag ko nang bumukas ang pintuan.

"Hey, Miss Niezkha Janine Sebastian? Congratulations!" Bati sa akin ni Miss Ria.

"Hi! Thank you!" I responded. "You can just call me Nija to make it short. Niezkha Janine is too long kasi, e."

"Sure, Nija! I love your nickname!"

Nagulat naman ako nang yakapin ako nito pagkalapit niya. I didn't even mind so I just hugged her back.

"I'm telling you, you'll love it here! Magkakasundo tayo! You can just call me Ria from now on, drop the formality!" Tuloy-tuloy na sabi nito. "Come with me! I'll tour you around and train you!"

Wala na akong nagawa pa kung hindi ang magpahila sakaniya nang hilain niya ako palabas ng office. I think, magkakasundo talaga kami nitong si Ria. I see Ishe in her.

I really hope that I get a good experience here in VIC.