My boss was smiling ear to ear as he approached my workstation. It was unsettling the way it made his usually stern and serious face into something... else.
Two weeks ago, I was talking with a newly-hired person about his pre-employment requirements when my boss opened the door to the meeting room and, with a voice both clear and imposing, he said, "We're getting [Distance Learning applicant whom Program Manager rejected]."
I was stunned. "But [Manager] rejected --"
"We're overriding that decision," and then he shut the door.
Wow, I mouthed. Such power. Such... reiatsu. It made the hair at the back of my neck stand and prickle. I think the new-hire spent a whole minute trying to call me back to the waking world.
So, knowing how much power the person standing on the other side of the cubicle wall has, one has to wonder what could lie behind that person's eerie smile. My mind raced. Because of my stellar performance and working above and beyond the call of duty, I will be given a well-deserved 6-digit raise? Instead of having just weekends off, I can report to work anytime I like?
"Pii... ?"
They suddenly realized I live in Makati and they're giving me a car, AND they're throwing in a cute driver to motivate me to go to work everyday?
"... can you..."
They have seen the light, accepting the error in their ways, and they are scrapping the recruitment effort for Distance Learning? I shifted in my seat uncomfortably and bit my lip to suppress an impending chuckle.
"... report for work tomorrow?"
The chuckle stopped halfway up my throat. "Wh -- cough -- at?" And then, "I mean, what, sir? I mean, sure, OK, sir."
"We need HR coverage during holidays. You know how it is." There's that smile again. Nevermore will I be deceived. "Thanks, Pii."
And so it was, I shall be laboring on Labor Day.
