- Acosta Group of Company Inc. -
El POV
I was thinking how I would enjoy my life as a CEO and achieve my goals and dreams as an adult. I'm drinking a cup of tea that Venice give me a while ago and attached a sticky note with a quote. Not only that, but I can't help but to smile about it. I missed being around by crowds and loud music at the bar, similarly to how my life run in a circle. I miss to interacted with other people and meet new friends. The feeling that you've been stock in doing a thing that you don't love to, but you need to. How would I enjoy my new set of routine in my life? When it feels so boring and dull. I took a deep breath and take a sip in my cup of tea.
I exhale and inhale and clap my hands and said.
" You got this El! " I mumble.
I chant as I run inside my office and attempted to boost out my energy for today. Then, after a few minutes of running, I walked towards my office chair and sit down. I grab my phone and take a selfie.
" Let's go! " I whispered as a gazed on the compiled papers above my table.
I open the first drawer and looked for my glasses . I need to wear glasses while reading, so my eyes won't hurt me. I can't help but to feel hopeless. Being a CEO is a big tittle to keep and big responsibilities in my shoulder.
I need a coffee right now because I feel so tense doing the thing that I don't love or what passion me the most. I was about to call Venice and asked her to buy me coffee when the office door opened and Ralph, my friend entered. He gave me a half smile as he raised his hands with a paper bag of coffee.
My face brightened as I saw Ralph coming over. He put the coffee above my table and said:
" Hey! You looked so tense right now. " He said.
" What's wrong with you? " He added.
I can't help but to sigh and pout as I looked at him.
When he gazed at me, he suddenly laughed and said.
" Soooo, how's your CEO life, Ms. Acosta? " He said with a teasing tone as he smirked at me.
" I hate you! " I shouted at him.
He laughed and running inside the office, I feel so irritated because of his action, so I chase him over.
" I kill him you with my bear-hands if I'll catch you! "
I shouted again and run chasing Ralph as he continues to laugh like there's no tomorrow. Only his loud laugh and my voice screaming in anger that filled in my office floor.
After a couple of minute chasing Ralph , he surrendered and raised his both hands as he catches his breath.
" Ugh , what are you doing here, you idiot! " I asked as I've attempted to calm myself as I catch my breath.
" You doing remember? Really, El? " He asked me and give me an are-you-serious-look.
" What? " I uttered.
" It's my mother's birthday tonight, I'm here to ask you to come over . My mother wants to talk to you and Andrew missed you so much. " He declared.
" Really? I almost forgot! Thanks for informing me, Ralph. " I stated.
" What the problem, El? You looked so stress . " He asked at me.
" Is that an insult or a compliment? "
I asked him.
" It's the truth, it's written in your face . Let me guess , you can't sleep properly because the black under eyes explained a lot. " He said as he's face closed to mine and scanned my entire face.
" Yeah! Don't go near me. "
I exclaimed and push him away.
" I didn't do anything to you , you stupid little brat! I'm just checking your beautiful face! " He reasoned out.
" Never mind is that what brings you here? " I asked as I raised my eyebrows .
" Nope, actually Ash Ron is outside. So, I must go~ " He said as he gives me lift an eyebrow and smirked at me before he excited the office.
" I got my lipstick in my bag and apply it on my lips. I open my phone and check myself before I stare at the door and wait for it to open.
The door opened, and Ash Ron entered with a teenage girl behind his back, hiding. I stand up from sitting and approach them and said .
" Hey! " I uttered those words.
" Hey, by the way, I'm here with Gianna. She wanted to see you again, so I bring her here. Did we disturb you? "
He asked as he gazed landed into the girl who is hiding on his back.
" Gianna! " I called her name.
She come out from hiding in Ash Ron back and lift her face and smiled at me.
Gianna, in other hand , run towards me and hug me tight.
" I miss you ate El! "
She whispered into my ears .
" I miss you too gia, how are you? "
I replied.
" I'm doing fine , I just want to see you and give you this. "
She said as she handed me a box of cake.
" I bake it thanks to Ate Kelly , also ate Kelly sends a regards to you. " She said, and she smiled at me showing her gummy smile and reveal her left dimple in my sight.
I pinched her cheeks and said.
" You looked so cute with your outfit for today? Where are you heading to? " I asked and accept the box of cake that she baked with Kelly.
" I'm going to the mall with kuya Ash Ron to buy a gift for my kuya Jude's birthday tomorrow night. Come over ate El! My baby sisters want to meet you in person.
" Wow , sounds great! Sure, I'll come over . " I replied and kiss her cheeks after .
" I like you Ate El , you are so sweet! " Gianna complimented.
" Not really! " I said and laugh at her statement.
" I'll pick you up tomorrow, El . " Ash Ron said and he sits down on the couch near the office table.
" Take a seat Gianna, I'll call my secretary first. " I said and went to my table and call Venice number from my phone.
" Yes, Ms El? " She asked as she answered the call.
" What is it? " She asked again.
" Can you buy us a snack and another set of coffee? Or juice instead? " I added.
" Okay, Miss . " Venice response as she ended the call.
After a couple of hours talking to Gianna and Ash Ron who come and visit me in the office, I feel relieved and I'm ready to read and study the papers above my table.
Another cup of coffee too much my vibes in reading those report papers of the previous year success and database regarding earrings and revenue of the company in a balance sheet.
It's past 8:30 when I visit the last page of the compiled report papers that I've read for an entire day without blinking. It makes my head hurts because I don't even have a single idea how to manage the company, just like my father did as a CEO. I grab my bag and went out of the office and go to the parking lot to find my car. When I saw Ash Ron standing beside where my car is located.
I walk towards him and fake as I cleared my throat to get his attention.
" Hey, what are you doing here? “ I asked as my nibbled my bottom lip and looked away .
" I'm here to fetch you , can I drive you home? I know you're tired already. " He remarked.
" Sure, thanks Ash. " I whispered, but I know he heard my response as I entered my car in the passenger seat while he open the driver's door and entered.
On the way to the house, no one in the car dear to talk and break the silence. When I saw a cat that is about cross the street in the side where we were.
" ASH , STOP! " I shouted .
When I gazed on Ash Ron , his face is written by confused and his forehead creased.
" What's wrong? " He asked me, but I didn't answer him instead I hurried open the door and walk out and went in the middle of the street.
I saw in peripheral vision that Ash Ron went out of the car and followed me.
I bend down on my knees and looked at the poor cat who is injured. Lucky the cat is still alive. I was about to touch the cat when Ash Ron handed me a handkerchief and said .
" Don't touch the cat, used the handkerchief to protect your hands if the cat will bite you. " He said as he stared at the cat In front of me.
I didn't say a word and do what he says. I slowly hold the cat and the cat meow . The way the cat moves, it can tell me that this cat is in pain. Poor little cat , I can sense that this cat is abounded one. There's no person who follow the cat or even a person think of saving this cat that who is lying in the middle of the street.
" Come here kitty, you're safe. I'll take care of you. " I said as I curried it with me and walked towards the car.
Ash Ron didn't say a comment and drive me home .
When we arrive at the house and the car already park in the garage area.  I want to asked for Ash Ron's opinion about my sudden decision. I will inform my father soon if I already have a final decision about my idea in my mind.
" Ash Ron. " I called his attention.
I looked back at him and face him this time.
He gazed at me waiting for my response.
" I would like to go back in college , study BS-Bussiness Marketing because IM having hard time being a CEO with no knowledge regarding in business. " I said as I looked into my shoes.
" Hey , of course it's a great decision, El. It will help you to be a better CEO. " He responded.
My smile faded, and my fave went poker face and stare at him and said.
" So I'm not good enough? " I asked.
" I'm not saying you are not good enough, but I know you will become a better version of yourself. " He declared.
" Of course I do! " I exclaimed.
" Now can I take my leave? Goodnight El. If you need help, you can call me anytime. " He said and wave his hands and bid goodbye.
" Goodnight . " I whispered and run towards inside the house .
The moment I entered the house. I feel a presence from the kitchen, so I went there silently without making a noise.
" You won't believe me. " I heard a conversation from the kitchen of the house.
I also hear someone is crying silently but still, I can hear it from the distance .
" Do you want proof, just for you to believe? " A man said.
" The day that El's born , I wasn't there. I lied to meet someone, but I run away on that day. I take advantage of your vivid memory lost, so I shifted with Daniel Sam position. I become your family bodyguard while he pretend to be El's father, which is me, actually. " I heard my father's voice from the kitchen. I walk towards the kitchen and saw my mother who is crying on her shoulder sitting aside of the corner while my father is kneeing down on his knees trying to talk or calm my mother from crying .
" Dad. " I called him .
" El. " He whispered enough for me to hear while I run towards his direction and hug him tight.
" I miss you dad. " I said.
" I miss you too El. " He responded and grab my mother's hand and kiss it.
" Coleen. " My father uttered my mother's name. My mother's eyes swam with tears and then hug my father tight.
It's good to feel at home , no to fakes . But with my real dad who I thought that was dead because of gun shot. I wish everything will last .
----- End of Chapter Twenty --------