Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

**Lisa’s POV**

I have already started sending my job application to companies that were in line with the course I finished while having my review for the board exam. Most of the companies that have sent my CV have replied and requested me for a job interview.

The first on the lists was the largest TV network in the country. Though they needed a licensed engineer, they gave me a chance to be optimistic of the position I am applying for. I need to pass the board exam to get the job they offer.

Next was the domestic satellite station located somewhere in the mountain side of Rizal. I was set for an interview and I was so shocked that it was not an ordinary interview, but a panel of interviewees. Though a little nervous of the questions they threw at me, I was so glad that I answered it all correctly with the aid of some drawing that can be explained by just one word. Though it was so far from my mother’s house as well as my father’s, they provided a service bus to take all the employees from the city to this mountainous place. I took the job before I could finish the class review for the board. I was given two options by the company where I wanted to work, Management or Operational. I choose operational because it is where the action is. My first assignment was tower reading. I need to go up the steel tower to read the frequency of the signals thrown out and received from our receiver. Though afraid, good thing I don’t have fear of height. I worked for more than two months until my father noticed that I am losing weight due to travel and strenuous work that I am doing. He asked me to stop working because he was afraid that my anemic will come back if I continue working from the mountain. With my father’s persistent and nagging at my kind of work, I give up my work. Though literally I looked like a walking corpse due to the travel and shifting work we have. I am jobless.

After I recovered from my normal health condition, my father encouraged me to study analytical programming. Though this study is within the scope of my course, it was not taken broadly. Now my father encourages me to broaden my knowledge on this study. I enrolled in an analytical programming course with the study of programming languages and analyst. Before I finished my course, I already applied for another job interview. Luckily, a lot of companies responded to my application and one of the big groups of companies whose business catered from real estate to department stores. I take this job because it is near my mother’s home and I just need one ride from this company. I will be supervising the EDP department whose sole purpose is to develop programs that are needed by the company from the group depending on the nature of business of the company that needs it.

I was lucky enough that the people I will work with are all welcoming. Here, I met Sheena who is one of my computer operators. She is bubbly and easy to be with. She always wears a smile on his face and always has a ready answer anytime you ask her.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” She asked from nowhere. I was adamant to answer her. Though she wanted to know the answer.

“I don’t.” I answered her.

“What?!” She was surprised by my answer, but I was more surprised that she doesn’t believe me.

“Yes, I don’t have one. But I plan to.” Just to tease her on her real intention of asking me that question.

“Don’t fool me! You’re beautiful and I guess you’re just in your early twenties and you don’t have a boyfriend?” It was like a statement rather than a question.

“Yes, I don’t. When I was in college, I had a boyfriend but we broke up and don’t ask me why, Ok? I ‘m still young, I’m just 22 and I’m not in a hurry to have one.” I glare at her.

“I have a friend who is looking for a girlfriend. I would like to introduce you to him, maybe you two would click.” She told me.

“I told you, I’m not interested.” I reiterated to her.

“Maybe sometimes when he gets here together with my boyfriend, I will introduce you to him. He is the landlord of the apartment I am renting in the city.” She explained.

I just looked at her for being persistent in her idea. In fact, I’m not at all interested in what she was saying.

**Lisa’s POV**

After two months of working at my present job, I met this guy whom Sheena is talking about. He came after office hours together with Sheena’s boyfriend and she was so excited to introduce me to William Paredes. Yes, that is his name. He looks similar to an actor in the Philippines. Though he’s not that tall, he really looks handsome. I don’t feel the tingling sensation that I felt with Leon. I just don’t feel anything.

I just felt that he was staring at me during the time that we were introduced. I just felt cringe. He invited us to eat at the restaurant below our office building. Me, William, Sheena and her boyfriend headed to the restaurant below. The conversation started with some questions focused on me.

“So, you are an engineering graduate?” William asked.

“Yes I am.” I answered.

“Actually, the apartment where Sheena lives here in the city is my sister’s property, but she’s not living here anymore. She’s already in Denmark, living with her husband. I only managed her property until her petition for me arrived. Sheena’s boyfriend here is my best friend, so we knew each other for years now.” I was just listening to his story.

“Where do you live? Can I send you home? I just hope nobody will get angry if I send you home.” I was shocked with what he uttered. We met just now and he was asking me if he can take me home? I find it weird.

“I’m sorry but I need to pass by my aunt after. She got sick and my mother wanted to know her condition.” I lied, just to shake him off from my side. Though I don’t hate him that much, I’m not yet ready for this kind of situation. “Maybe next time.” I added.

“Ok then, I’ll just send you to have your ride. If that is ok.” He insisted.

“Ok. So, let’s go before it gets dark. Thank you for the snacks.” I stand up heading for the main lobby of the building. We walked side by side until we reached the bus station. “Thanks again for the snack.” I told him before I stepped into the bus.

“It’s ok. I just hope I can see you again. I hope next time I can send you home. Be careful.” He bade goodbye.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.