| Fan Fiction |
by kglove
Kim smiled, walking towards her office. She works as a Communications Trainer at a call center in Makati City. “How many times do I have to tell you, just call me Kim? I feel so old when you call me like that.”
Jane blushed. “I'm sorry. I find it odd calling you by your first name, Ms. Kim. You're my boss.”
“If you call me Ms. Kim one more time, I am not writing you a recommendation letter.” She said warningly.
“Okay, if that’s what you want, Kim.” Jane emphasized her name, smiling.
“Sounds better, doesn’t it?” Kim began sifting through the envelopes that Jane handed her as she sat down. “So, are you ready to get down and dirty today?” she glanced at her intern then proceeded to opening her letters.
Jane’s smile disappeared. “Honestly, I'm very worried about today.”
Kim looked up at her once more. “Why would you be worried? I gave you some CD’s and reading materials to study over the weekend did I not?” Jane nodded. “Well?”
“Oh, I listened to the CD’s and read all the materials that you gave me.” Kim’s stare relaxed a wee bit. “Its just that today will be the first time I will be taking over a class. I don’t know if I can handle them. What if they don’t listen to me? What if...”
“Jane, I'm sure you’ll do just fine. Don’t stress yourself over this. It can be nerve-wracking, believe me I know. But I will be there to guide you every step of the way.” Kim smiled, assuring her intern.
“Thanks, Kim. Well, I’ll see you in half an hour at the training room.” Jane stood up and headed to the door.
***
“I need you guys to be back here after an hour, okay? I don’t want anybody late from lunch.” Kim said to her trainees. She then helped Jane organize the clutter at the desk. “You did well earlier. I'm impressed.”
“Geez, I thought I was going to pass out when you told me to take over.” She then turned off the computer monitor and followed Kim outside the training room.
Kim put her arms over her intern’s shoulder as they walked to her office. “I told you, once the initial shock wears off...” she stopped in mid-sentence as she saw a familiar figure talking to Michael Hucalla, the Training Director, just outside her office. Jane followed her boss’ gaze with a confused look. “Uh, go ahead at the pantry. I’ll be there shortly.” Kim took a deep breath before walking over to her office with her head down, hoping that the two men wouldn’t notice her.
“Kim!” her heart almost stopped when she heard her name. “Can you come here for a sec?” She poised herself and smiled before turning around. “Hey, Mike!” she smiled. “H-hi Gerald.”
“Hello Kim.” Gerald smiled gently at Kim before turning to Mike. “I better go Mike.”
“No. You don’t have to leave. Kim, you know Gerald Anderson, right?” Kim meekly nodded. “Well, starting this week he will be transferred to our department and I want you to work closely with him.”
Kim’s eyes widened in shock at the news she just heard. “W-What?” she felt uneasy at the situation.
“Kim, you are considered one of our best trainers in Communications and Gerald is your counterpart in Products. I assure you he needs very minimal assistance but just in case he does, can I count on you to help him out?”
“Did somebody resign? I mean, every class has a trainer, right?”
“Have you checked your emails today, Kim?” Kim shook her head. “Well, that figures. Anyway, another account just opened up and we are expecting more trainees in the weeks to come. So we need all hands on deck.” He was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. “I need to get this. Excuse me.”
An awkward silence ensued, both Kim and Gerald thinking of something to say.
Gerald broke the silence first. “Look, if you are not comfortable with this, I can always ask them to put me back in Products. I haven’t signed the transfer papers anyway. I don’t need to be here if you don’t want me to.”
Kim thought for a moment. “Y-yes. I mean, no, you don’t have to do that. You heard what Mike said. All hands on deck, right?”
“Are you sure?” Gerald asked. Kim nodded. “I'm sorry. I should’ve asked you first.”
Kim shook her head. “Gerald, you don’t need my permission. Look, uh, I’m going to be uh, late for my class so...” Kim stuttered.
“Oh. Yeah. Sure. I have to sign some papers over at HR anyways.” Gerald smiled and left.
Kim found her way inside her office and closed the door. All pent-up emotions crept up to her in a flash. She hasn’t seen Gerald since that day he left the apartment a month ago. They both work for the same company but chances of bumping into each other were unlikely to happen because he works at night. She didn’t expect that she has to face him this soon. Seeing him today, though, brought back all the memories, all the pain, all the hurt she was feeling. She didn’t realize she was crying. She heard a soft knock so she immediately composed herself and wiped the tears. “Come in.” Kim turned on the monitor of her computer and pretended to be busy.
“I thought you and I are having lunch together.”
Kim smiled apologetically. “I'm sorry. I was about to go when I realized I haven’t checked my emails today. Sorry.”
“Are you okay, Kim?”
“Yeah. Why?” Kim smiled half-heartedly.
“You seem so... tensed. Do you want something to eat? We still have 10 minutes. I can get you something at the pantry.” Jane offered.
“No, don’t bother. I'm not hungry anyway. Go ahead. I just need to read these emails before we go back to training.” Jane stood up and left.
Kim read the email that was sent by their Call Center Director regarding Gerald’s transfer. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before hitting reply to acknowledge the email. She checked the clock and realized she only has a couple more minutes before lunch break is over. As she stood up and gathered her things to go back to training, she noticed that Michael was leading Gerald into the office across hers. Her jaw almost dropped to the floor when it became clear that not only does she have to work closely with Gerald, she has to see him everyday from her office.
“God, help me.” Kim murmured to herself.