help me FINISH this one

“Why pursue changing the world if you can’t even change yourself?” I asked
“If the world will change, I will cope with those changes and be someone else.” Kevin answered.

That part of the conversation still echoed in my mind. I cannot get over it. I cannot believe how the Ateneo gave the Suma Cum Laude title to him. He is so narrow-minded. His answer was really ridiculous. I hate the way he looked at me; it was like I was a sore loser. I’m not being arrogant but he is nothing compared to me. He may be stunning but he is really arrogant. He only likes flirting with our other officemates and passing his errands to his secretary. I really can’t believe that he is my boss. Of all people, why him? I don’t know what God’s plans are but I really hate His plan of me having the same department with him. I strongly believe in karma but I do not know that it hits more than what you expect.

As I retreated back to my office, there’s only one question running in my mind. “Why on earth am I near again to Mr. Kyle Kenvick “Kevin” Hernandez who caused me too much pain?” I sat on my chair and remembered the past; our past that made me a different from who I used to be when he is around. We were neighbors before and our parents are the best of friends. Well, they thought that the two of us will be best of friends too so they kept on “locking” us in a party where the only guests are just him and I. At first, we were like cats and dogs, always fighting and mocking each other. But when we set our feet in the school as freshmen, everything changed. I was alone in the canteen because no one wanted to eat with me. They said that they do not like me because I was such a spoiled brat as I have everything. I could not understand what they were talking about so I just left them. I did not want them to see me crying because I said to Kevin, that I will never cry in front of many people, especially your enemies. I ran as far as I could until I found myself sitting in the old swing at the back of our school. I cried my heart out there until I felt that someone was looking at me. It was Kevin. He was carrying a cone of raspberry ice cream, my favorite ice cream flavor. He looked like he was really worried. His eyes showed that he was bothered on what is happening with me.

“Why are you crying?” Kelly asked me as he walked towards me.
“Oh, something just went into my eyes.” I answered, as I wept my tears.
“Since when did you become a liar?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Come on Armine. I saw what happened at the canteen. I was sitting three rows behind you.”
“Oh.” I sighed.
“Here,” He let me get the ice cream. “Eat your heart out with your favorite ice cream instead of crying. You look like mad dog.” He said seriously.
“KEVIN!” I shouted. “I do not look like a mad dog and I don’t want your ice cream!”
“Hey Armine, I was just kidding. Just don’t cry again. It makes me sad.” He said.
Puzzled, I stared at him and asked “Sad? But why? Isn’t that you’re always me cry?”
“It is not the same Armine. Look, let’s not talk about this. It’s almost time. Eat this before it melts.”
“All right. Thanks Kevin. Let’s go.”

I was still puzzled on what had happened that day. Kevin was never like that. I just instilled in my mind that Kevin matured because of watching One Tree Hill and The Orange County. At least, we are both happy now. No fights, no yells. As days passed by, we went along well. We sat on the bus next to each other and he fetched me everyday. Well, I thought that everything will run smoothly between the two of us because of the changes that happened but I was wrong. He did something me when we were in the ninth grade. It was our break time and I had to go to the library to do my homework for literacy. Ten minutes before our next subject, I went back to our classroom and put my notebook on my desk. When I opened my bag, I saw a slimy snake crawling on my things. I freaked out, yelled “SNAKE!” and disturbed the whole class. I hate snakes a lot because they make me feel creepy. I was not thinking that our Numeracy teacher is a terror teacher so I just shouted. What can I do? I was shocked. My numeracy teacher got so mad at me for interrupting the class and asked me to go to the discipline’s office immediately and tell the officer-in-charge what I did. I was still shook up as I walked towards the door. Well, I thought that my bad luck will end there until one of my classmates tripped me that made me fall with my face flat on the floor. Of course, everyone laughed. I stood up and looked at Kelly. He is laughing too. I walked ahead in the corridors with my head raised up and tried to forget my fall. I did not cry because I know that I did not do something wrong. I know that what I did is expected, especially if you have phobia for snakes. As soon as I entered the discipline’s office, I explain to the officer in charge what really happened. He did not believe me so he called on of my classmates, Kevin. I thought that I will be saved there because he knew that I was in the library but I was wrong again. He said the complete opposite of what happened. I was so shocked that I started to cry. I never though that Kevin would tell such a lie that will hurt me a lot. Because of Kevin’s statement, I was sent to the detention. I was so humiliated and furious about what happened. I forgot the snake in my bag but not what Kelly did. It hurt too much which seeing him everyday is unbearable.

After what happened, I asked my parents to transfer to a new place, far away from Kevin. They hesitated at first because there were a lot of memories in our home but I insisted. If they do not want to move, then I will. They just have to give me one of our penthouses in the Metro. My mother was so disturbed about that so she was the one who continued asking my father to move. I am there only child so letting me go was never easy. My parents argued about it everyday so I just asked them to enroll me at a different school from Kevin. I can’t afford to see them fight because of me. Both looked relief after that decision so they immediately fixed my application form and stuff. They will do everything for their little lady, that’s how much they love me.

I studied at De La Salle University- Manila and took up Advertising Management. I took this because I have that passion for influencing other people and making their lifestyle changed. I grew up in a world of luxury and that made people think that I was like any other rich girls who don’t know how to live a normal life. Well, they were all wrong. I can do household chores because my parents instill in my mind that I should not always depend on money since it is not forever. I want to influence other people through the means of advertisements. I really admire those commercials that made a difference and people change their lifestyle, especially the Filipinos.

As usual, my parents disagreed when I told them that I will look for a job in Makati. They wanted me to take over our business since I am their only child and my degree can help our company to grow more. They assured me will immediately give me a high position so that I will not have a hard time. But I told them that there is someone who is more deserving than I am; that that position should be given to someone who needs a job and can really perform the job. At first, my father got annoyed because he was telling me that they are making my life easier for me yet I was making it complicated. I was hurt but I know that my father was more hurt than I am so I approached him after a few days. I cannot afford to make my father upset because of me for a long time. I only want him and my mother happy. Again, I have to explain to him why I do not want to work in our company.

“Dad.” I said as I entered his office in our house
No response.
“I know you’re upset because I turn your offer down. But please, try talk to me. You know that I do not want you to be sad. It breaks my heart.”
No response.
“Daddy, I want to face the corporate world on my own. I do not want get my first job as easy as 1-2-3. I know I am equipped with all your advices and the things I learned when I was in college. I know I am ready to face the challenges. Please dad, trust me. I will not do something that will make you and mom upset. You raised me up in a good way. I know you just want the best for me but let me do the work this time. And besides, there is someone out there who needs that job.”
“Do you really want that freedom?” He finally asked
“I am not asking for freedom. I am asking for your consent and forgiveness”
No response.
“All right. I’ll go now. I’m sorry dad.”
“You are really like your mother.”
“Dad?” puzzled
“From the looks to personality, you are really her junior. You do things that you really want to do.” He said
Surprised
“All right Armine. Make a résumé for Advertise and Rise Corporation. I heard that they are looking for fresh graduates for fresh ideas.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Of course not. Won’t you give me a hug?”
“Oh daddy! I really love you! Thanks a lot pop!” I hugged him tightly.
“No big deal sweetie. Only happiness for my one and only angel. By the way, there’s a gallon of raspberry ice cream in your refrigerator. I bought it from FIC just for you.” Smiling.
“Dad. You’re the best!” I shouted as I go to my room to eat my raspberry ice cream.

After my father’s approval, I immediately made a résumé for Advertise and Rise Corporation. It is the most prestigious advertising company in the country. It has produced many great advertisements and commercials that really clicked. It made all the products very saleable and the models/endorsers famous which made all the producers, businessmen and even politicians ask the company to make them an advertisement. I am very determined to get a job from that company and be its boss in the future. I know that this company will help me achieve my dream.

After a lot of interviews and screenings, I got a job. I was really surprised and excited for my first day in my first job. On my first day, I dressed like a yuppie. Of course, I want to impress my officemates. After asking the receptionist in the main lobby of Advertise and Rise Corporation where is the Creative Department, I instantly went straight ahead to my floor and look for Mr. H or Mr. Hernandez. At first, I thought of Kevin, but I immediately erased it in my mind because as far as I can remember, his family migrated to New Zealand for good because of financial problems. I imagined Mr. H as an old man who wears a hearing aid and uses a cane to support his legs. I giggled as I enter his office. It is an elegant office. It is like what you see in a fashion magazine for houses in Paris. Its interior is very unique but a brilliant one can easily notice that it is the main office because of the products that are carefully displayed on the right side of the office.

“Captivated by my office and you lost your tongue?” said Mr. H while facing the huge window.
I blushed. But I immediately composed myself and answer “No sir. Good Morning Mr. H”
“Good Morning. Sit down”, he answered without turning his back. “What is your name?” he asked after a long pause
“I am Amiela Arineya P. Mercado”
“Your name is too long.”
“You can call me Armine.”
“How old are you?”
“I’m turning 20”
“Where did you graduate?”
“De La Salle University-Manila”
“Ahh. The rival of my school”
“He is from the blue side” I said to myself
“Why are you here?”
“I am here because I want to influence people to change themselves to live in a better place.”
“Are you an activist?”
“No sir. I have just vision in life that I must promote self-change because of my observations in the current situation in this country”
“Oh, are you Mother Earth?”
“Again, Sir?”
“Nothing. I said, you’re still pretty raspberry ice cream addict.”
I froze. Did he really say raspberry? Is my boss the guy from my past? “Kyle Kenvick Hernandez??”
“Bingo!” he answered as he turns his back. His smile is still enchanting.
“Why on earth are you here?” I retorted.
“Why on earth am I here? It is simply because I am your boss, sweetie. Welcome to Advertise and Rise, your only way to good fortune. Aren’t you happy that we’re together again?”
“Happy? Are you kidding me? Come on. Give me a break. Don’t start with me. I had enough of your foolishness. Where is the real Mr. H?”
“Well, he is right in front of you.”
“Oh my goodness.”
“Why? Let me make it up to you.”
“Make up? I will never forget what you did to me. You messed my last year in high school”
“I know. I am really sorry. If you only knew what is the real reason behind it.”
“Let’s stop this nonsense conversation.”
“But Armine.”
“What do you want me to do Mr. H?”
“Oh. Alright then. Go to the Marketing Department and get the new products”
“Okay sir. But where is the Marketing Department?”
“I don’t know. I am pretty sure I did not eat it”
“Thank you Sir”

After leaving the office, I immediately went to the ladies’ room and shout my heart out. I thought that I will be away from him from the rest of my life since we studied college at different schools and his family migrated to New Zealand. But look how destiny works! We are on the same company. He’s my boss and I am his employee. Oh no. God save me.

I am really shocked for our first meeting. I cannot get over it so I immediately go to the nearest FIC ice cream parlor and bought a two scoop raspberry ice cream. It’s my comfort food. Eating it makes me calm and somehow forgets my problem. It helps me avoid my uneasiness. But this one is impossible to escape. I am working under the man I loathe the most. How can I do my job if I know that he’s always there? If I see him, I always remember the day he said that I made everything about the snake in my bag. Goodness. He made me look like a smart liar which is not true.

What happened still haunts me, even in my dreams. Maybe because it is my so-called guy of my dreams ruined my so-called perfect future. But hey, I should stop thinking about my past. I shall focus on the present, it’s a gift. Now, I have to face it. Kevin is my boss. I have to deal with it. I will not let him ruin my plans again. But for now, I will enjoy my ice cream. Too much thinking of Kevin stresses me out. And it ruins my ice cream mood.

After my interesting first day at work, I started conceptualizing. I want my ideas to be put on advertisements. I waited all my life for this.