Kismet Exists [Min Lantin]

I

“Why pursue changing the world if you can’t even change yourself? Don’t you know that you should start with yourself since you’re the one who is causing all the problems in our society? Lack of discipline and initiative of the Filipinos is the main reason why we are not successful. I don't think that that kind of approach will be effective. We should try something which is already tested,” I said firmly after a long pause.

“Don't talk like you're perfect. I want our advertisement to be in that way. We are not copycats here.  Just do what I said. No buts. Meeting adjourned,” Kevin answered.

 

That part of the conversation still echoed in my mind. I could not get over it. I could not believe how the Ateneo gave the Summa Cum Laude title to him. His answer was really ridiculous. I hated the way he looked at me; it was like I was a sore loser.  I really couldn’t believe that he was my boss. Of all people, why him? I didn’t know what God’s plans were but I really hated His plan on making me work in the same department with him. I strongly believe in karma but I did not know that it would hit me more than I had expected.

As I retreated back to my cubicle, there was only one question running in my mind. “Why on earth am I near again to Mr. Kyle Kenvick “Klein” Hernandez who caused me too much pain?” I sat on my chair and remembered the past; our past that made me a different person from who I used to be when he was around.

 

We were neighbors before and our parents were the best of friends. At first, we were like cats and dogs, always fighting and mocking each other. No matter how our parents told us that we should be good to each other, we didn’t listen because we saw each other as enemies. We were allergic to be near each other. Every time we saw each other, we stuck our tongues out and then called each other with bad names. But when we set our feet in high school as freshmen students, everything changed.

One day, I was alone in the canteen because no one wanted to eat with me. They said that they did not like me because I was such a spoiled brat for it would seem that I had everything. I could not understand what they were talking about so I just left them. I did not want them to see me crying so 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 Klein. 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 with what was happening to me.

 

“Why are you crying?” Klein 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, Aleya. I saw what happened at the canteen. I was sitting three rows behind you.”

“Oh,”

“Here.” He gave me the ice cream he was holding. “Eat your heart out with your favorite ice cream instead of crying. You look like mad dog,” he said seriously.

“KLEIN!” I shouted. “I do not look like a mad dog and I don’t want your ice cream!”

“Hey Aleya, 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, Aleya. Look, let’s not talk about this anymore. It’s almost time. Eat this before it melts.”

“All right. Thanks Klein. Let’s go.” I stood up and walked towards the main building

“By the way,” he paused.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Can we stop fighting?”

“What?” I was surprised.

“Let’s not fight anymore. We’re now in high school. We should act like one,” he said while looking at the old swing.

“I agree with you. We should not be childish anymore. It’s pretty annoying,” I said with a laugh

“Yeah. Come on now. Oh, one more thing Aleya,” he paused again.

“Yes, Klein?”

“Would you mind if I come over to your house tonight?” he mumbled.

“Sure. But why so sudden? We both know that you don’t like to go to my house,” I said.

“Because--”

“Because?”

“Because I want you to help me finish our Literacy homework. Yeah. That’s it. I want to ask for your help. Literacy is your best subject.”

“Oh. All right.”

“Is it okay with you?”

“Of course. We’re friends now, remember?”

“Right. Friends,” he said, emphasizing on the word friends.

“Come on now. I don’t want us to be late,” I said with a smile.

“All right. Thanks.”

“Thanks?” puzzled. “For what?”

“You are full with questions, do you know that?” he said.

“Yeah, because I know that you are full with answers,” I said.

“You’re confusing me!”

“Nah-ah! I am just making you think. Let’s go now Mr. Kyle Kenvick Hernandez.”

“All right Ms. Amiela Arineya Mercado,” he said teasingly.

 

 

I was still puzzled by what happened that day. Klein was never like that. I just instilled in my mind that Klein matured because of watching “One Tree Hill” and “The Orange County”. At least, we were both happy then, especially our parents. There were no fights, no yells, no calling of bad names and other childish stuff. I was happy. Klein was happy. Everybody was happy. As years passed by, we went along well. We became best of friends like our parents. We sat on the bus next to each other and he fetched me everyday. We answered our home works at the same time and went to school parties together. I got his back and he got mine.

Well, I thought that everything would run smoothly between the two of us because of the changes that happened but I was wrong. He did something to me when we were in our senior year. It was our break time and I had to go to the library to do my homework for literacy. After finishing my home work, I went back to our classroom and put my notebook on my desk. I was almost late then because my Numeracy teacher was already in front of her desk, calling names for attendance when I entered our classroom. 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 hated snakes a lot because they made me feel creepy. I was not thinking that our Numeracy teacher was a terror teacher so I just shouted. What else could 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 shocked as I walked towards the door.

I thought that my bad luck would 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 Klein. He was laughing too.

After the bad fall, I walked ahead in the corridors with my head raised up and tried to forget my fall. I did not cry because I knew that I did not do something wrong. I knew that what I did was expected, especially if you have phobia for snakes.

As soon as I entered the discipline’s office, I explained to the officer-in-charge what really happened. He did not believe me so he called one of my classmates, Klein. I thought that I would 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 thought that Kevin would tell such a lie that would hurt me a lot. Because of Kevin’s statement, I was sent to detention. I was so humiliated and furious about what happened. I forgot the snake in my bag but not what Kelly did. Seeing him everyday was unbearable, especially when I have realized that I felt something special for him. I thought that we were friends, the best of friends. I thought we could be more than just friends. Well, I was undeniably wrong.

After what happened, I told my parents that I wanted to study in another school so they sent me to the one of the finest universities in the country. I studied at De La Salle University- Manila and took up Advertising Management. I took this because I had that passion for influencing other people and changing their lifestyles. I grew up in a world of luxury and that made people think that I was like any other rich girls who didn’t know how to live a normal life. Well, they were all wrong. I could do household chores because my parents taught me that I should not always depend on money since it is not forever. I wanted to influence other people through the means of advertisements. I admired those commercials that made a difference and people change their lifestyle.

After my graduation, I immediately submitted a résumé to Advertise and Rise Corporation. It was the most prestigious advertising company in the country and was located at the heart of Makati. It had produced many great advertisements and commercials that really clicked. It made all the products very marketable and the models/endorsers famous. All the producers, businessmen and even politicians asked the company to make them advertisements. I was very determined to get a job from that company and be its boss in the future. I knew that that company would help me achieve my dream.

After a lot of interviews and screenings, I got the job I wanted badly, creative assistant. I was really surprised and excited on my first day in my dream job. Before, I worked in our company because I was compelled to do so but I knew that it was not my calling. I wanted to help our business grow but I could not do it since I did not enjoy doing it. It was like an everyday routine, instead of a hobby that I need to accomplish. My parents disagreed at first with my new job but what else can they do, they knew how determined I was to get that job.

On my first day, I dressed like a yuppie. Of course, I wanted to impress my officemates. After asking the receptionist in the main lobby of Advertise and Rise Corporation where the Creative Department was, I instantly went straight ahead to my floor and looked for Mr. H or Mr. Hernandez.

At first, I thought of Klein, but I immediately erased it in my mind because as far as I could remember, his family transferred to Davao because of the job of Klein’s father, travelling agent. I imagined Mr. H as an old man who wore a hearing aid and used a cane to support his legs. I giggled as I entered his office. It was an elegant office. It was like what you see in a fashion magazine for houses in Paris. Its interior was very unique but a brilliant one can easily notice that it was the main office because of the products that were 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 answered “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 Mercado.”

“Your name is too long.”

“You can call me Aleya.”

“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 just have this vision in life that I must promote self-change because of my observations in the current situation of this country.”

“Oh, are you Mother Earth?”

“Again, Sir?”

“Nothing. I said, you’re still a pretty raspberry ice cream addict.”

I froze. Did he really say raspberry? Is my boss the guy from my past? “Klein?”

“Bingo!” he answered as he turned his back. His smile was 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?” he smilingly said. His eyes were sparkling.

“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 was the real reason behind it.”

“Let’s stop this nonsense conversation.”

“But Aleya.”

“What do you want me to do Mr. H?”

 “Oh. All right 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.”

“By the way, change your top. It’s too revealing. I don’t want our clients to be distracted by your green sleeveless blouse.”

“Do you really have to say that?”

“Of course. I am the boss. I can say anything.”

 

After leaving the office, I immediately went to the ladies’ room and shouted my heart out. I thought that I would be away from him from the rest of my life since we studied college at different schools and his family transferred to Davao. But look how destiny works! We were on the same company. He was the boss and I was the employee. Oh no. God save me.

 

I was really shocked in our first meeting. I could not get over it so I immediately went to the nearest FIC ice cream parlor and bought a two scoop raspberry ice cream, my comfort food. Eating it made me calm and somehow forget my problem. It helped me avoid my uneasiness. But this one, I said to myself, is impossible to escape. I was working under the man I loathed the most. How could I do my job if I know that he’s always there? If I saw him, I always remembered the day he said that I made everything about the snake in my bag. Goodness. He made me look like a smart liar which was not true.

 

 

II

I could not believe he did that again to me in the meeting, making me look stupid. I was just suggesting and telling my opinions. It had been a month but I could not still get over his egoistic personality. I was thinking that he was just taking things too personal since our first meeting. The way he told me my first assignment was really annoying. His tone was really sarcastic. I hated it. My first assignment was to go around Quezon City and observe how people deal with change in weather. I should have left 30 minutes ago but because of that arrogant Kevin, I stayed in my cubicle and reminisced our not-so good past. I would be caught in the traffic. Those made me worry because I was not familiar with Quezon City. I am a Makati girl. It was a good thing that there were a lot of maps available at the bookstores. I said to myself that it would be easy for me to move around because I would bring my own car. But still, I felt nervous since my sense of direction was hopeless. I prayed to God to guide me.

I was busy fixing the things I needed to get the job done fast and correctly since I was so late. I wanted to get out of that office as soon as possible. I did not want to be under the sun all day and see my great boss. I was so preoccupied in checking my stuff that I did not mind to look where I was going. I was very confident that I would be able to roam around the office even if I have blindfold but suddenly, I bumped into someone. My things flew in the air like seagulls in the shore and I fell on the floor like a thrown sack of potatoes. Still shocked, I stood up and picked my things. It was a very embarrassing since that happened in the middle of the office and all my officemates were there, able to see that hilarious fall but I had to do my work. I had to meet my deadlines.

 

“I'm sorry,” I said as I fixed my things.

“Next time, look where you are going,” the person said.

Goodness. It was Klein, my boss!

“Sorry sir,” I said.

“No,” he said flatly.

“Sir. I did not mean it. I did not see you. I was busy fixing my things,” I sincerely said.

“Stop telling alibis. You cannot tell those to our clients,” he said angrily.

“Oh. All right sir. I'm sorry,” I thought that he would send me out of the department and yelled at me but I was wrong.

 “Come on. Let's go to your location. I'll give you a hitch,” he finally said after a long pause and stare.

“No thanks sir. I can manage,” I said.

“That's an order.”

 

I could not refuse. He was my boss. His orders should be followed. I wanted my job. Besides, it would help me to go to Quezon City as fast as possible. Likewise, what happened between him and I should not be brought in the workplace. It was very unprofessional. During that moment, I dealt with him, no matter how painful it is to be seated in his BMW’s passenger seat.

“What are you thinking?” he asked. He was looking at the road.

“Nothing,” I said flatly.

“Come on. You're so quiet. Tell me what you're thinking,” he insisted.

“I am thinking of people,” I said in a monotone.

“What about people? Is there someone bothering you?” he asked. He looked bothered as I glanced at him.

“Why on earth are they here if all they do is ruin the world?”

“You’re making me laugh again,” he chuckled.

“Look, I’m serious. I wonder why they are complaining about the issues around them knowing the fact that they are the ones who made it possible.”

“You’re so preoccupied with your first assignment. Give yourself a break. Working too much is deadly. Let’s have an ice cream. I know a very good place at QC,” he gladly said. His eyes on the road.

“What are you doing Klein?” I asked.

“What?” he asked back.

“Why do you act like that? When we’re in the office you’re so cold, and now, you’re another person,” I mumbled.

“You just can’t see the real me, Aleya. You’re too anxious with what I did to you which makes you forget to see me, way back when we’re still young,” he answered quietly.

“Things changed. How can I see you if you’re not the real Klein? You see, you hurt me a lot. I don’t know what I did to you for you to do that to me. It may seem to you that I am so childish but you broke my trust!” I raised my voice. My cheeks reddened.

“Will you listen if I’ll explain everything to you?” he asked softly.

I nodded.

“One day, I saw you hugging Jed inside the school bus. We both know that he likes you. You told me that you feel nothing for him but the way you hugged him. It was like you two have a thing.”

“What? You’re crazy! I hugged him because he had lost his pet dog! I was just comforting him!”

“Shit! Are you serious?”

“But of course! Why will I lie to you? And besides, you should have asked me! You should have confronted me!”

“I tried. But my anger controlled me. I got so jealous of him.”

“Jealous? Of Jed?”

“Right. I am in love with you Aleya since we’re still young. You’re my first love. My first and last. I don’t want anybody to meddle with us. You’re mine.”

“You are definitely crazy! I am not your property! You love me? Come on Klein! Let’s not fool here.”

“I am not fooling around. I wanted to take revenge on what I saw inside the school bus.”

“That’s why you put that nasty snake inside my bag?”

“Yes.”

“You’re so immature and disgusting!”

“I know. I am sorry. I was impulsive then. I let my emotions controlled me. I should have thought first. I should have asked you. I should have trusted you.”

“Enough of your should haves, Klein. It will do nothing. You already messed up my last year in high school. Because of your so-called uncontrollable anger, you made everyone think that that I am such a smart liar.”

“I know. I am really sorry. Please forgive me. Call me anything you want, just forgive me.”

 “I don’t know what to say. I trusted you a lot. I thought you knew me well. I thought you know that I would never find someone else. I know, it’s been five years, but the pain is still here. Of all people, why do you have to hurt me like that? After what you have told me. I don’t know if I can still work with you. I trust you a lot. I can forgive you but I can never forget what you did.”

“All right. But please, don’t resign. I know you love your job. That’s your way to reach your dream,” he said. He looked like he was going to cry.

“Will you please stop the car? I want to go home now. I will just do my activity tomorrow. And please, stop thinking about me leaving my job. I am not the kind of person who runs away from problems. I am not like other people here,” I said sarcastically.

“Let me take you home. I know you don’t know this place. I don’t want you to be harmed.”

“Don’t worry. It is nothing compared to the pain you’ve caused me.” I muttered

“All right,” he said and drove quietly.

 

As I entered my pad, I felt so helpless. I didn’t know what to do now. His revelations stressed me too much. Even a gallon of raspberry ice cream could not help. I was confused. I was torn between two opposite feelings, love and disgust. I knew that it seemed impossible but it was happening to me. I wanted to go away and escape but I wanted to be near him. I wanted to see his angelic face, smell his scent, hear his very manly voice, and most of all, be near him. I was desperate to be with him but whenever I saw him; I remembered what he did to me. If people would know the reason why I was so mad at him, they would probably laugh at me and say that I was too sensitive.

For quite some time, I thought that I was sensitive. Klein asked for apology already but still, I could not forget what he did. I could not resign. I knew that gone the days that I ran away from my problems. Facing reality was the only solution that ran in my mind, escaping was a big no-no. Living life with grudge over someone made me feel miserable and unhappy. So I said to myself that I would forget everything. I knew that it would be hard but I have to deal with it. I must deal with it, no matter how painful would it be.

 

 

III

After the confrontation inside his car, I had not seen Klein in the office. I asked her secretary where he was because of my assignment (which was only an alibi) but she said that Klein was on leave. I thought that it was my fault but then I realized that I did nothing but tell him what I felt. I could not help peek into his office but weeks had passed and there was no Klein in sight. I just assumed that he would be back after a month or two because of a special project.

One morning, I thought that I went to a different floor. The usual messy and noisy floor was so serene and clean that one could even meditate. I was curious. What happened to my department? Did they make some changes and I was not informed? I entered our office. It was more shocking. It was so dark. It was very suspicious looking since the Creative Department needed light. They could never start and finish their product if there was no light.

As I switched on the light, the cubicles were neatly arranged and the file cabinets were closed. And my officemates, they were so decent-looking. No one was wearing jeans and slippers. That was what I wanted to have as a workplace. That was what I imagined; all of my officemates would wear the proper attire. I tried to convince them before but they all disagreed. They said that they were in the “CREATIVE” department, not in the formal office. I was irritated of course but what could I do, I could not tell them the do’s and don’ts. I knew what my position in the department was. But now, all of them looked very professional. As I went near them, they were staring at me. It was very unusual since they did not waste time staring at someone. Time is precious, as they say always. They were all busy doing their respective assignments. I became conscious because of their stares. Was my dress out of the new rules? Did I have something on my face? All kinds of thoughts ran in my mind, then suddenly, Kevin’s secretary handed me a bouquet of tulips and a card. Surprised, I opened the letter and cried. It was written there “This is what you want our world to be, right? I'm giving way for your dreams. Love, Klein.”

“Where's Klein? I mean, Mr. H?” I asked the secretary.

“I don't know where exactly he is. He left the moment you arrived,” she said.

“All right. Thank you,” I said while I ran towards the door. I could not let him go without saying my gratitude.

“Where do you think are you going, Ms. Amiela Arineya Mercado?” someone from my back I asked. The voice was very familiar.

“Won't you thank me? Or give me a hug and kiss?” he asked jokingly as he walked near me.

I turned around and saw him standing beside the door. “Oh. Thank you,” I said with a smile

“That's all?” he asked again.

“Yes. That’s all,” I answered.

“Are you still mad at me?” he asked as he walked towards me.

“Actually, No. I have realized that I am being too childish. I should forget it. It's been ages ago, you know. And like what the famous line in The Road by Cormac McCarthy, what you want to forget you remember and what you want to remember you forget. Well, that’s real. It is happening to me. But I will try to make it unreal. I cannot live life like that.”

“Really? You’re becoming poetic,” he said jokingly.

“Yes, I am. If you do not want it, just say so and I'll be your annoying employee again.” I said with a wink.

“Hey! I didn't say I don't like it. So, friends?” he asked with a smile.

“Friends” I answered.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Can I court you?”

“What?”

“CAN I COURT YOU?” he said loudly. My officemates began to smirk.

“Oh. Are you willing to wait for my answer?” I said.

“When are you going to answer?” he asked back.

“I am not sure yet. Many things have change. It’s been years and I may not be the one you initially like. You too, you may not be the one I liked before. We’re not the same as we used to,” I said. “But if you cannot wait, then don’t. I am not asking you to wait until I give you my answer. You’re always free to stop your foolishness,” I calmly said.

“ALEYA! This is not foolishness. I should have done this a long time ago but I was such a chicken. I cannot let you go again. I’ve waited all my life just to make this day happen, just to be with you again. It is like a rebirth. A rebirth of our relationship. One more thing, I will wait,” he said seriously. “Besides, you're worth the wait,” he added with a smile.

“Correction, Mr. Hernandez. You and I aren’t together. I just asked you if you’re willing to wait,” I said.

“Oh. Yes. We’re not yet together. But we’ll soon be. We’re destined for each other. It is like you’re my kismet, my fate, my destiny. After so many things that had happened, look, we’re still here,” he said confidently, emphasizing the word yet. “By the way, you know the song of Howie Day?”

“Which one?” I asked

“Collide.”

“What song is that? I haven’t heard that song.”

“Really? Let me sing it for you.”

“Are you serious? You can’t sing!” I said.

“I now can, because of you.”

Stunned.

“Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme

Out of the doubt that fills my mind

I somehow find

You and I collide”

Our officemates clapped. His voice was like Josh Groban. It was really amazing. I was mesmerized by his voice. How could I never notice it before?

“Oh. You have an awesome voice! You can really sing.”

“But of course,” he proudly said.

“But since when were you singing? You always tell me that you can’t sing back then whenever I ask you to do so.”

“Since the day I realized that I am madly in love with you. I secretly took up singing lessons,” he said shyly.

“You’re cheesy. Do you know that?” I said.

“I am not!” he immediately denied.

“You are,” I jokingly said

“Am not,” he insisted.

“You are.”

“Am not.”

“All right. But you’re childish.”

“Am not. You are.”

“Am not.”

“You are.”

“Whatever Klein. I have to go now. I need to finish my task. It’s due on Friday. Thanks again for your surprise. I really appreciate it,” I said, grabbing my stuff. “Oh, by the way, we’ll see how far you can reach.” I winked.

“Aleya! Wait. Let me take you there.” He ran after me. “One more thing, I’ll reach the finish line no matter what it takes just to be with you again. I don’t want to lose you once more. You are my fate,” he said, smiling at me.

 

THE END