Chapter 3: Chapter 1
Sometimes we're too lonely that we forgot other's loneliness.
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1
Where do you start?
"With this project, we can guarantee our company's image and future." one of the presenters said. The PR team of the company was presenting a campaign plan.
Everyone in the conference room gave them a round of applause, except me.
I am pleased with their strategies and tactics but there's a bit off with the plan.
"That's the end of our presentation, our team is now open for questions and room for improvement."
The team leader said. I quickly opened the proposal and look for the part I highlighted earlier. I should've folded the pages instead of going through all of it.
"I don't have any question." The president of the company said while smiling at the presenters.
"I do have one," The moment I said that, I felt that they started to feel tense despite the distance between us. I smiled at them to relax them a bit. "Relax, it's just a concern."
I smiled wider and tried to calm them. I know that they wanted this to be perfect.
I tried to sound casual as I know how hard it is to present in front of people. I was once like them too.
"You said you're open for room for improvements."
I chuckled the moment they nodded altogether. I slightly nod at them to assure them that everything will be fine before I glanced again at the documents.
Everyone in the conference room became quiet while watching me flipping the pages of the paper. Aside from the small noise from the fan, the papers was the only thing producing sound.
"Well, to be honest, the plan is perfect." The moment I said that, the team nodded, as well as the other members from the board to show that they agree as well. "It's too good to be true but," I saw one of them squeezing her hand tightly. Probably afraid of what I'm going to say. "It's doable." I almost laughed to the presenter who really sighed out of relief. As if something heavy on their chest lifted.
We have to be critical at this very moment or we'll face consequences in the future once we implement the project.
"You just have to adjust the numbers to make it more feasible." I simply said, hoping they already knew what I was saying.
"Miss Alcantara, the numbers are doable. We insert those numbers based on our client's budget."
she said explaining how they came up with the figures in their presentation.
I bit my lower lip and crossed my arms as I leaned back on the swivel chair.
She's actually right, the proposed budget is doable, in terms of the client's request.
"I know. That's why it's perfect for the client. You adjusted the budget until you reached that specific number." I argued back, emphasizing the word client.
"Yes Miss Alcantara. With these specific numbers we can guarantee our client's approval for the budget." I nodded to show that I acknowledge her thoughts.
I know that she did her best to come up with the digits in front of us. I know that, however, those digits will make the project complicated once we start it.
"Fine. I'll let you use that budget plan. If your number doesn't match our supplier's number, will you be the one paying for it?" I didn't mean to sound rude or strong but if I'll be. gentle to them then I'm not doing my job. "Please show us the supplier's demand."
The one assigned in the tech, moved the slides and showed us the slide where the supplier's figures are written.
I stood up and brought the proposal document with me. I went in front and took the whiteboard marker and wrote the numbers side by side, showing the difference between what they proposed and our suppliers figures.
"Does this match?" I asked. They all looked down on their feet, couldn't answer. "Don't be so down. You're plan is perfect. We just need to improve the feasibility. We don't want to cause chaos aren't we?"
I tried to encourage them because I know how hard to formulate campaign plans. But they also have to understand that it is my job to point things out, especially things like this.
"I believe that Miss Alcantara is right. Your plan is doable. Proceed with the financial department so they can help you with the budget. That's all. This meeting is adjourned."
The moment Lea said that and left, I also left the conference room, leaving the team to contemplate.
I went inside my office and remove my cardigan and hang it on the rackm
"Miss Alacantara," the team said as she enters my office.
"Come in." When I said that, she sat down. "Have a seat." I said and so she does.
"I'd like to apologize for the mistake we had." She looks so down. I've known her for three years, and in those years, she has been doing her best to have a perfect presentation.
"You don't have to apologize. That's the reason why we hold conferences, to have room for discussions and possible improvements." I gently said, trying to calm her down.
"I know you're a perfectionist. But don't be too harsh on yourself. Before implementing a project, there are mistakes, always. So yours wasn't really a big of a deal, because budget planning wasn't really the forte of your team but having those digits a while ago, you can improve a lot." Slowly, she was able to accept the result.
It wasn't that bad and that is an objective opinion from me.
"Miss Alcantara, thank you so much po for helping us to improve." I smiled at her to give her assurance.
"That's what senior PR consultants do." I said and smiled. "Always remember, sometimes, mistakes are the best because they can make you learn."
"Thank you so much Miss Alice. I'll go ahead now. We still have a meeting with the finance department." I nodded to her and watch her leave my office.
The whole morning, I didn't do anything aside from reviewing papers that my team sent me. It was another proposal that I have to review.
I didn't try to rest. It's not a usual thing that I would do. I wouldn't want it anyway.
There were times that I would drown myself with work stuff as I don't like having vacant time. It makes me overthink, which is something I wanted to avoid for the past years.
So at about noon I picked up my cell phone in my handbag and typed a message.
To: Clara
Are you available? I'm on a lunch break.
And immediately hit send. While waiting for Clara's reply, I continued working on the last plan I was reviewing. We had to adjust the locations of the event as it was not really suitable for the brand.
A minute or so, my phone beeped. I picked it up and saw that it was from Clara. I opened her message and read it.
From: Clara
I'm here at Sandy's. The usual?
Her reply. I immediately replied back.
To: Clara
Yes please. Thank you! I'll see you in a minute.
After I sent it I just turned off the desktop and left the papers in such a way that I could easily remember the last thing I thought while doing it earlier.
I just grabbed my handbag, left the office, and went straight to the table of Lou-Ann, my secretary.
"Lou, I'll be eating outside. If anyone will look for me, please cater his or her needs. I'll be quick. Eat yours too." I told Lou directly, I did not wait for her to respond. When she nodded at me I walked away.
I pressed the basement button in the elevator. I quickly got on the elevator, maybe the other employees were already outside because it was lunchbreak.
I am all-alone in this secluded place. My mind went messed up in an instant. It's like I'm being chased and I just really want to get out of this place.
It seems suddenly the time slowdown the moment I was alone and doing nothing.
The moment the elevator's door opened, I was able to breath properly, again. My thoughts were cut off as I walked inside the parking lot, looking for my car.
I fumbled with my keys as I tried to slide the key in the hole.
I almost cursed when the key fell on the ground. I just signed and picked it up again.
I have to calm down. I took a deep breath three times before I opened the car door and hopped in.
When I got myself in, I couldn't help but stare at the steering wheel without doing anything.
"Not now, Alice." I whispered to myself, prevented from thinking anything else.
I stayed there for a minute before I started the engine.
I really need to see Clara, maybe she could help me forget the things that I've long wanted to forget.
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