Chapter Two: The Proposal

“Congratulations,Serena!” ang pagbati ng mga ito sa kanya.

Most of them are carrying small balloons and they were also wearing party hats.

“Nicky?!You knew about this all along?!” ang gulat na tanong ni Serena sa kaibigan.

“Of course,Serena!Our Boss made it a rule that no one will say anything about your promotion...so here we are!Surprised?” ang biro sa kanya ni Nicky.

Lumuwang ang pagkakangiti ni Serena habang iginagala ang paningin sa lahat.

“Oh...Thank you so much,guys!” ang sambit ng isa.

“How about a speech there?” ang yakag ng iba.

“Speech!Speech!Speech!” all of them chanted.

Naiiling na napasunod na lamang si Serena.She cleared her throat.

“Really,guys...I don’t know what to say.I just wanted to say thank you for all of the support that you gave me throughout the years...” ang madamdaming pahayag ni Serena.

Nagpalakpakan ang kanyang mga kaopisina pagkatapos noon.

“Enough of this,guys!You’re making me cry...Let’s all go back to work,okay?And by the way,thanks for the greetings...I appreciated it.” nagpasalamat muli si Serena sa mga kasamahan,at pagkatapos noon ay nagkanya-kanyang balik na ang mga ito sa kanilang lamesa.Makalipas ang ilang minute ay nagging tahimik na muli ang kanilang opisina dahil pagiging busy sa kanilang trabaho...

Kinabukasan...

Huminga ng malalim si Serena habang tinatahak nila ni Mrs.Caldwell ang daan papunta sa private office ng President eng ABZ Television Netwok,isa sa mga top TV Stations sa Australia.This will be the day that she will meet with the President,Director,the actors and the actresses for the television soap that they will be working on based on her novel.

“Still nervous,Serena?” ang tanong sa kanya ni Mrs.Caldwell.

“Y-Yes,boss...” she admitted.

“Don’t be...I’ve known the President way,way back and believ me,Serena,he is the most comfortable person that you’ll ever talk to.” Mrs.Caldwell was trying to comfort her.

“B-But this project is too big for me to handle.” Serena can’t help but to feel more nervous.

“Don’t say that.This is your chance,Serena,and you have to grab it.” Pinalalakas ni Mrs.Caldwell ang loob niya.

Dana nervously gulped.

They finally reached the Conference Room.Kumatok muna ng tatlong beses si Mrs.Caldwell bago binuksan ang pinto.Pumasok ito sa loob,kasunod lamang si Serena.

“Good morning,everyone...Are we late for the meeting?” bati ni Mrs.Caldwell.

“No,not at all.We’re just waiting for the President.His secretary said that he got caught up with some work...” one 40-something man answered.

“That’s a relief...And you must be Director Ainsworth?” guessed Mrs.Caldwell.

Napangiti ng maluwang ang lalake.

“Yes,at your service.And you must be Miss Rosie Caldwell,the core of the Caldwell Publishing House.” Mr.Ainsworth said,as he raised his hand for a handshake.

At malugod naman iyon na tinanggap ni Mrs.Caldwell.

“Yes.And this is Serena Montana,the writer behind the amazing novel.” pakilala ng Boss kay Serena.

Nagsitayuan ang iba pang tao sa Conference Room.

“You’re Serena Montana?Oh,my!I’ve heard so much about you...I read your work,and I just couldn’t let it go.Natuwa ako nang malaman ko na napili mo ako para gumanap sa role na Jasmine...It’s really an honor.I’m Jasmine Lisbon,by the way.” ang pakilala ng isang babae,na nakilala ni Serena na isa sa nga bankable stars sa Australia...Ito ay may dugong Pilipino at Astralyano.

Pinili niya ito on the last minute upang maging bida sa gagawing drama series,knowing na marunong itong mag-tagalog since half of the dialogues in the script is in Tagalog.

“I’m so glad to know na nagustuhan mo ang gawa ko,Miss Lisbon.” ang nahihiyang sagot ni Serena.

“Oh,please,call me Jasmine.I’m so excited about this project,Serena...Imagine,half of the scenes is in the Philippines,so there’s a bigger chance na makakauwi tayo ng Pilipinas!Oh,I can’t wait for the shooting to start!” ang excited na sabi ng babae.

“S-Sure,Jasmine...I miss going back home,too.It’s been ten years since the last time I went to the Philippines...” ang pagkukwento ni Serena.

Hello,Miss Montana...I guess I have to introduce myself.I’m Patrick Harville...I’m looking forward on working with you,guys.” one jaw-dropping gorgeous guy suddenly joined in their conversation.

“Introductions are not needed when it comes to you,Mr.Harville.You’re one of the most popular actor in Australia,not to mention in Hollywood as well.” Serena was already comfortable with this group of people.

“Not to mention a simple human being too.” teased Patrick.

All of them laughed.Natapos lamang ang kwentuhan nila nang biglang dumating ang secretary,kasama na ang Big Boss ng ABZ Television Network.Matapos itong humingi ng paumanhin ng President eng kompanya dahil sa pagiging late nito,inumpisahan na nila ang meeting...

Makalipas ang ilang oras...

“It’s been a productive day,isn’t it,Serena?” ang tanong ni Mrs.Caldwell,habng naglalakad sila papuntang parking lot.

“Yes,it is.” ang nasisiyahang sagot ni Serena.

Naging matagumpay ang meeting na nangyari ng araw na iyon...Maliban lamang sa ilang diskusyon tungkol sa mga schedules ng kanilang artista,naplantsa naman nila ang iba pa nilang agenda.

And the project will be in full swing.

“You have to be ready physically and mentally on this big project,Serena.The pressure is just starting...” the Boss cautioned her.

Dana nodded,while looking determined.

Napalatak si Mrs.Caldwell nang mapansin nito ang oras.

“Goodness,is this the time?Matthew will be very mad at me!” she said,as she helplessy sighed.

“Oh,right.It’s your son’s football match today!” paalala ni Serena.

“I’m sorry,Serena,but I have to go to Matt’s school right now!Are you going to be alright?” ang nag-aalalang tanong ni Mrs.Caldwell.

Serena smiled at her boss reassuringly.

“I’ll be fine,Boss.I bought my car,remember?You’d better hurry or Matt might get angry with you.” tugon niya.

“Okay,see you at the office tomorrow.” paalam sa kanya ni Mrs.Caldwell,at lumakad na ito patungo sa sarili nitong sasakyan.

Lumakad na rin si Serena at tinunton ang daan kung saan naka-park ang kanyang kotse.She was surprised to see a big bouquet of yellow roses at the windshield of her car,with an envelope at the top of the flowers...

At alam na niya kung kanino galing iyon.She smelled the roses first before she opened the envelope.

“--- I wouldn’t dare to give these to you in public because I know you won’t let me,so I just left a note.Congratulations,babe.I’m so proud of you...I’m going to prepare a little dinner for us at my place,with your favourite champagne.It’s to celebrate your success.See you at 7.” Only yours,Liam.

Nangingiting ibinalik ni Serena ang papel sa envelope.Naalala niya noong nasa meeting siya ay medyo kabado siya habang kaharap ang Big Boss ng ABZ Network...Bukod pa sa pagiging President nito sa isang malaking kompanya,siya rin ang ama ng kasintahan niyang si Liam.Kaya akala niya noong una ay may kinalaman ang nobyo sa natanggap niyang big project mula sa papa nito...But Mrs.Caldwell assured her that it was the Big Boss’ own decision...

She smelled the roses one last time,at pagkatapos noon ay sumakay na siya sa kotse at pinaandar iyon.She drove her way to the office first...

Serena went straight to Liam’s apartment after a long day at the office.Pinindot niya ang buzzer and after a few seconds,the smiling Liam greeted her.Pinapasok siya nito sa loob...

“Did you like the roses?” tanong sa kanya ng kasintahan habang naglalakad papunta ng kusina.

“Yes,I did.It was lovely,thank you,Liam...” sagot ni Serena,habang sinusundan ang nobyo.

Serena’s gasp was caught in her throat when she saw the dinner table...

Petals of yellow roses were scattered on the floor,forming a circle where the dining table is placed.It was a candlelight themed-dinner.

“Shall we take a seat,then?” anyaya sa kanya ni Liam.

“T-This is beautiful,Liam...I-I’m impressed.” sambit niya.

“Glad to hear that.I’m a little hungry,y’know.Let’s have dinner,shall we?” sagot ni Liam.

Nang itaas ni Serena ang stainless plate cover,nagulat siya nang makita ang isa nanaman na envelope sa pinggan niya.Something was written on it.

Open me.

Namamanghang napatingin siya kay Liam,who just lovingly smiled at her.She decided to open the envelope.

“There’s a surprise hidden by another surprise.If you want to know what kind of surprise it is,take staircase that would lead you at the rooftop...Another clue awaits for you there.”

Serena teasingly rolled her eyes heavenward.

“Rooftop?How romantic,Liam...” she joked.

Liam chuckled in return.

“I know you would say that...C’mon.” he said,as he offered his hand towards Serena.

Serena accepted her hand and stood up.

Lumabas sila ng apartment at sabay tinahak ang emergency staircase sa labas.Pagdating nila sa tuktok ng hagdanan,amy nakita ulit siyang sulat doon.

“Open the door towards the treasure.A treasure only fit for a queen like you.” binasa ni Serena ng malakas ang sulat,at pagkatapos noon ay nagtatakang tumingin ulit siya sa kasintahan.

Liam just gave her an encouraging smile.

Serena sighed,pero medyo kinakabahan na siya.

This is getting interesting. She thought.

Itinulak niya pabukas ang pintuan.The gust of the evening wind greeted them.What she saw next that left her breathless was a red carpet,while Liam silently followed her.It was another candlelight-themed dinner.There were 2 person there playing a violins...

“Oh,Liam...” she was already near tears when Liam suddenly spoke.

“Lead the way,Serena.” he said.

Serena slowly walked at the red carpet,while Liam followed her silently.Nang sa wakas ay makarating na sila sa table,may nakasulat sa ibabaw ng stainless plate cover.It said “the treasure lies in here.”

Sa nanginginig na kamay,she slowly opened the lid,and the she saw a small velvet box.At hindi na niya kailangan itanong o manghula kung ano ang nasa loob noon.

“Open it,Serena.” Liam whispered at her.

With cold hands,Serena opened the box and saw a diamond solitaire which sparkled like a star in the sky!

Liam pulled the engagement ring from the small box and asked for her right hand.He bent on his knees and stared straight into Serena’s eyes...

“Will you give the honor to marry you,Serena?” Liam finally popped the question.

“Yes!” Serena exclaimed.

Liam slipped the ring on her finger and kissed it.

They both hugged each other happily...Liam carried Serena and spun her around...

After few hours...

Nangingiting tinanaw ni Serena ang papalayong sasakyan ni Liam.They had a wonderful dinner after the surprised proposal at pagkatapos ng ilang champagne glasses and little dances,she asked her fiancée to take her home since meron pa siyang mahalagang meeting bukas...

When Liam’s car was out of sight,she went upstairs leading to her very own apartment room.Binuksan niya ang pinto at inilagay niya ang bag sa pinakamalapit na couch.Pagkatapos noon ay pumunta siya sa kusina upang ilagay ang mga bulaklak sa vase at lagyan ng tubig.Papunta na sana siya sa center table upang ilagay ang vase nang biglang tumunog ang telepono.Serena quickly grabbed the phone dahil alam niya na ang papa niya ang tumatawag sa oras na iyon.The timing is perfect.Sasabihin na niya sa ama ang engagement niya kay Liam.

“Hi,Papa!I’m glad you called---! naputol sa pagsasalita si Serena nang marinig niya ang nag-aalalang tinig ng ama.

“---Serena!What happened to you?I’ve been calling you on your cellphone  since afternoon!” ang sabi ng kanyang ama.

Serena frowned.Minsan lang niyang marinig na magalit ang kanyang ama.Something is wrong...

“I’m sorry,papa...I just switched off my cellphone and I just got home...” ang sagot niya.

Narinig niya na malalim na buntong-hininga ng ama sa kabilang linya.

“A-Anak,I’m sorry if I snapped at you...It’s just your sister---she’s in the hospital.She tried to commit suicide in the morning.” ang anunsiyo ng ama.

Parang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si Serena matapos marinig ang ama.

“I-Is she alright now?How can she commit suicide?” ang sunod-sunod na tanong niya dahil sa pag-aalala sa kapatid.

“Let’s all calm down,iha.Via is in a stable condition now.She tried to swallow down a bottle of sleeping pills.At kaya niya iyon ginawa ay dahil sa sobrang pagkalungkot...And she was heartbroken because thing are not working well with her boyfriend...” ang paglalahad ng ama.

“Oh,Via...” ang naiiyak na nasabi na lamang ni Serena.

“Do you think you can come home,Serena?Alam kong meron kang trabaho d’yan pero ayaw ng kapatid mo na making sa akin.She only listen to you,anak.Dumito ka muna hanggang gumaling ang kapatid mo emotionally,physically and mentally.” ang pakiusap ng ama.

Isa lang ang ibig sabihin noon.Seryoso ang kondisyon ng kanyang kapatid na si Via.

“Of course,Papa...I’ll be able to go home and stay there for a month.” Ang sagot ni Serena.

Tamang-tama rin ang pagkakataon na iyon dahil sisimulan na nila ang shooting ng drama series nila dahil half of the scenes are in the Philippines...

“I’m relieved to hear that,Serena...At least magkakasama na tayong tatlo kahit sa kaunting panahon...” ang nasisiyahang sagot ng kanyang ama.

Nagtanong pa si Serena nang ilang bagay tungkol sa kalagayan ni Via.Pagkatapos noon ay nagpaalam na ang ama dahil bibisitahin niya ulit ang kapatid sa ospital.

Nanghihina na ibinaba ni Serena ang telepono.Kahit sinigurado ng ama na nasa mabuting kalagayan si Via,hindi pa rin siya mapalagay.Bukas na nukas din ay kakausapin niya si Mrs.Caldwell at ipapaliwanag niya rito ang sitwasyon ng pamilya niya sa Pilipinas.She will suggest na kung puwede na siyang mauna sa Pilipinas at hintayin na lang ang staff and crew ng network at ang mga artista para sa gagawin nilang shooting...

At kailangan din niyang magpaalam kay Liam.