Officemate
The first day of work passed in such a crazy ride. One minute my boss was hitting on me and the next I was being ordered to go here and there and do this and that. All in a single day. That's why I felt so relieved when the clock striked five. This just means work is officially done for the day, though it felt like already a month to me.
I was arranging my things when someone propped his head at the top of the divider separating the quarters from one another.
Hey. He said, then I lifted my head in response. Oh wait. He looks... familiar?
Hmm..hey. I smiled, trying to remember where I met him.
Charles. He held out his hand, smiling. I looked at it for a matter of two seconds then finally shook it with mine.
Madz. I smiled back. His hand felt warm and soft with my own.
I see you're new here. He commented, finally releasing my hand. I nodded then continued packing my things. Uh, I just wanted to say sorry for intruding your `moment` with the boss this morning.
Puzzled with what he said, I just raised my eyebrow. I studied him for a moment then finally figured out who he is.
Oh. Savior. Now it's his turn to lift his eyebrow. Nothing. I shook my head, smiling. He must be the guy from earlier. The one I am thankful for for arriving at such a good time.
I hope you're not mad for what I did earlier. I really didn't know there was... something going on.
No, no I'm not mad. I was actually happy that you got in the way, or else everybody would see your boss limping. I chuckled, but he didn't seem to be laughing at the idea.
You'd make him limp? He repeated. Why would you do that to your boyfriend?
My eyes popped out of their sockets upon hearing his words. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. My what? I laughed. You can't be that serious. Mr. Lauchengco is not my boyfriend. I smirked, but he was still wearing a confused expression.
But... I saw you two earlier...
Nevermind that Charles. T'was nothing. Your boss was just prolly trying to seduce me, but failed. I chuckled again then slumped my bag to my shoulder.
So that means he won't get mad if I give you a ride home?
Not even a chance.
That's cool. He smiled. Would you like me to tour you around the office before going home? It won't close yet so we have ample time to lurk around.
That'd be great. I agreed, smiling back at him.
As promised, he toured me around the office. Telling me the essentials about the company, what room this and that is, who works here and there and the like.
You seem to know a lot about the company. I remarked, remembering all the details he just told me. We stopped by the accounts department, mesmerized by the painting hanging by the wall next to the door. It was of an old woman reaching out for her kids.
I've been here for years so, I guess it's only expected from me to know such things. He smiled, still staring at the painting. What about you? What do you know about the famous Lauchengco Architecture and Designs International? He looked at me then, as if whatever it is that I know is something he hasn't heard before.
Oh. Just the basics. I said, embarrassed by my lack of information about the company I am currently working at.
Like what? He urged, and I somehow wish he just didn't.
Like this company is known internationally and is therefore globally competitive? That this is the fruit of labor of the loving couple of Lauchengco. And as expected, the heir of the company will be their sole child. Who happens to be...our boss. I said then looked at him, searching for signs of mockery for my little knowledge about the company. But neither nonchalance nor amusement was in his expression, it was resentment...
Hey. Did I say something wrong? I asked, touching his arm. He seemed to be so deep in thought that even the littlest touch startled him. Are you ok?
Y-yeah. I am. He replied a few seconds late. You seem to like the idea that the Lauchengco's made this their so-called fruit of labor and love, eh? He smirked.
Yeah. I'm sucker for love stories. I rolled my eyes. There's another thing that I know about LADI that you failed to mention.
What is it?
LADI only hires the best employees, don't you think? I chuckled, then he let out a throaty laugh.
We continued walking the long corridor, when our eyes were suddenly caught by two figures from the half-lit room. It took me a minute to realize what was happening, and who they were. The lady with golden gorgeous locks had her back turned to us, while the guy had his hands on either side of her waist. They were kissing, passionately.
See? I told you. He is not my boyfriend.
