Chapter 4 The Successor

Chapter 4

A day before the reunion. Becky and I received a call from a woman named Jasmine. She said the company van will fetch us at 6:00 pm. We have some questions and Jasmine is very accommodating, we ask even more. From transportation to menu. Becky started it, I feel like not being part of the event so I did ask too, hoping she has other work to do to get rid of us. My friend is really fond of talking, I wonder if she was also talking when her Gucci got snatched. Tired from the household chores, I took a glass of orange juice filled with ice cubes that Hikari generously gave to me a while ago when I asked her where to buy ice. She was glad to tell me she has a lot on the fridge. I insisted to pay but she said it's free for beautiful girls and I want to prove her right just on this day.

"No more heavy chores, Lesty", Becky jolted into a skinny me

"Oh yes, done madame" I said filling my glass again

"No it's not a question, it's an order"

"What do we have there by the way? I'm starving" I said changing the topic

"I should be the one asking, right?", her brows meet.

"And it's just 10:00" she added as she checks the time on her wrist watch,

"Yeah, it's just five to ten", saying the exact time.

"Brunch, according to google, is a late morning meal eaten instead of breakfast and lunch" "We had a breakfast, and we do sure gonna have a lunch"

"Whatever"

***

"Sir, Mr. Tagle and Mr. Amarillo suggested a closed-door meeting", a woman in gray blouse and black skirt with iced coffee and chocolate cake in a silver tray.

"Hm, thank you" the man signing a paper said in a low tone, not looking at the woman. "Mr. Hudson said he would love to meet the new CEO of Certeza Solidario" she said placing the tray at the center of the table.

"Hm, thank ---"

"And I've already called Miss Celestine Falta and Miss Becky Amante" she cuts in.

The man came to a stop, putting down his silver pen and sat slantingly on his executive chair. Still with his head down, he removed his eyeglasses and let out a sigh. There are proposals that needed to be signed and a conference at 1:30 pm. He put off his blazer and hanged it on a coat stand at the right side of the bookshelf. He stood up and headed to the sofa.

"Thank you, Jasmine. Join me please", the man said and drank on his iced coffee.

"With Hero?" he asked as the woman sat opposite him.

"No, didn't you say Miss Falta and Miss Amante?"

"Yes, that's right. Thank you"

"I've got snacks with Mina, just came over for yours"

"Okay"

"Chef Cortez from Sizzling said they are going to be here at eleven. Some staffs are not available this weekend until the holiday.

"Can they all make it?"

"Mrs. Magalona's daughter just went through a heart surgery. She deeply apologized for missing the very first class reunion. On the other hand, Mr. Sanchez said he can't quite confirm because his son's going to compete for the Olympics which will be held in Brazil, said he really needs to be there" she said while cutting a slice of cake and put it in a saucer.

"Just a small slice Jas. Yeah, that's enough. Thank you" the man said as he rolls up his sleeves.

"Oh, just in time" an old woman in her late fifties entered the room, slightly smiled at the two, followed by the security guard carrying a small box and paper bags, who placed them at the table. She's wearing a blue and black dress. Her hair tied with red and black ribbon. She's wearing light make-up and thick black eyeglasses. Her eyes seem swollen but indeed are beautiful ones.

"Good morning sir, ma'am" the security guard bowed his head as he greets.

"Thank you Vincent" the old woman smiled at the security guard who immediately exited the room.

"Just in time" she turned at the two, the glow in her face fading slowly.

"Mrs. Flores, have a seat" the woman quickly stood up looking at the man who is also looking at her.

"Nah, Jasmine, sit down. 'Auntie' hija" the old woman corrected the thirty-six-year-old secretary, waved her hand and she sat back. "I want your opinion too, okay?", the old woman puts her channel bag beside the secretary and sat right next to her.

"Okay auntie", the secretary replied.

"Thank you", the old woman then turned at the man. "So how's the first week for our new CEO?" she asked, the compassion and worry in her tone are unmistakable.

"I'm having fun, Ma", the man answered licking his fork.

"He's okay. Thank God", the old woman and secretary look at each other, having the same thing in mind. "Is there anything else then that you need for the BS Commerce 2012 class reunion?" the old woman looks at them.

"All is set auntie, nothing to worry about anymore" her niece answered her jovially.

"That sounds great. At last, I'm going to meet Miss Celestine in person already, right?" the old woman reached for the paper bag.

The man was choked. A few coughs and sneezing gave the office with quite a different noise.

***

"That's too light" Becky is done with the blower while I'm taking it so seriously in front of the mirror. It's my lipstick she's referring to. I love this shade of pink, it looks good on me, or maybe the other way around, whatever. It's been a decade and I want this night to be extra special, as much as possible.

"Oh God, I look like a witch, Beckham" I said calling her with her nickname, to the point of yelling, seeing my face in the mirror, where my blush on is from pink to brown and my lips turned dark red. Disgusting in my sight, I don't know if it's the mirror or my face that I don't want to see.

"The event's in the evening, Lesty. Do you wanna look like a ghost?" "So I should look like a witch to not look like a ghost?"