SHAWN’S POV
He got to work in a good mood. He couldn’t tell why but he was happy. He even smiled and waved at his workers when they greeted him. He could see the looks of surprise on their faces.
He got to his office and a few minutes later, Rachel entered.
“I see, someone is in a good mood today. What’s the secret?” Rachel asked as she took a seat and stared at him in anticipation.
“Good morning to you too, Rachel. I’m just happy for no reason.” Shawn replied. He silently prayed Rachel doesn’t ruin the good mood he was in.
“Why don’t I believe that?” She asked, arching her brows.
“Well, you have to because that’s the truth.” Shawn replied.
“Will you go out for lunch with me?”
Shawn stopped what he was doing and looked up at her. “Why should I always follow you to have lunch?”
“I just like having you around me. Please? Please, don’t say no.” She pleaded and grabbed his arms.
“I’m sorry, Rachel, but not today. I will order takeout.”
“Fine. Can we eat together then? In your office? I know you won’t come to mine.”
“It’s still a no from me. Can you please exude a level of professionalism for once? What director in a company leaves her office to eat in the office of the CEO? Why do I feel you are abusing our informal relationship? This is a corporate environment and you should adhere to working ethics.” Shawn blurted out.
“Jeez, Shawn. Stop being a yuppie! There is no harm in having a little fun.”
“Fun? Remind me, is this a place for fun or work?” Shawn asked, and held her gaze.
“It’s fine. All of these admonitions because you don’t want to go for lunch with me. I will leave you to your work. Bye.” She said and walked out of the office.
Shawn exhaled sharply and returned to work. He had a lot to do and he had to finish up before going to pick Tiffany from school. He was replying to down emails when the intercom rang.
“Hello?” He answered the phone.
“Sir, your father is on the line. Should I put him on?” Leslie asked over the phone.
“Yes, please”
“Hey, son.” Mr Gold’s voice replaced Leslie’s.
“Hey, Dad. What’s good?”
“Everything except your reluctance in getting married.”
“Don’t tell me that was why you called.”
“Of course not. The one month I gave you has not elapsed. I called to tell you about my decision. I want you to represent me at the forthcoming Evolve conference.” Mr Gold said.
“What?” Shawn asked in surprise.
“You heard me clearly.”
“BBut the Evolve conference is strictly for Chairmans.” Shawn asked, confused the more.
“That’s right. But somehow, I convinced the board members to let you be part of it as my representative. After all, you will be a chairman very soon.”
“Dad? Do you think this is a good idea?” Shawn asked, not convinced.
“It is. Get prepared, you are leaving tomorrow at noon, from work.”
“That’s impromptu, Dad.” Shawn complained.
“Young man, do you still want to be made chairman or not?” Mr Gold asked in a Stern tone.
“Fine. I will attend.”
“Good. Further details will be sent to your email. Have a nice day, son.” Mr Gold said and the line went off.
TIFFANY’S POV
“Why have you been looking around since we got here? Freya asked, as they sat eating in the cafeteria.
“Have anyone seen Oscar?” Tiffany asked, sighing in resignation.
“No. I think the last time I saw him was at the hall.” Freya said.
“Is there a problem?” Timothy asked.
“Not at all. It’s just that he has not been in school and I’m worried.” Tiffany replied.
“This is new. Since when did you start caring about that boy?” Timothy asked, creasing his eyebrows in a frown.
“Since I realized he is not a bad person. Can you guys just stop with the hate? He is human like everyone else.”
“Fine. But I don’t like him and it’s on periodt.” Freya said and continued with her meal.
Timothy shrugged and faced his meal too. They did not utter a word to each other until after recess was over.
“You both go on, I’m going to look for Oscar in the grade 11 block.” Tiffany said as they walked out of the cafeteria.
“Are you sure about this?” Freya asked.
“Yes, I am.”
“Fine. I’m coming with you.” Freya said.
“Me too.” Timothy added.
“You honestly do not have to bother, guys.” Tiffany said, but they ignored her and walked ahead. She sighed and hastened her steps to Join them.
They got to the grade 11 block and stopped the first student they saw.
“Please, we are here to seeOscar. Have you seen him today?” Tiffany asked.
“Oscar, the new student? He has not been in school for days.” The student replied.
“Oh! Do you know why?” Tiffany probed further.
“I guess because of the injury he sustained when he fell off the stairs” The girl said.
“Fell off the stairs?” Tiffany asked in surprise.
“Yes. He told us he fell off the stairs. Is there a problem?” The student asked suspiciously.
“No, no, no problem at all. Umm…can you please show us his class?” Tiffany asked.
“Yes. We are classmates.” The student said and led the way to Oscar’s class.
“Thank you for your help. We will be going back now.” Tiffany said, and with that, she left grade 11 with her friends.
On their way back, her mind was plaqued with different thoughts. Oscar had told the nurse at the school clinic that he fell off his bike, and he told his classmates he fell off the stairs. Why would he lie about the reason for his injuries? Was he hiding something?
“A penny for your thoughts, Tiff.” Freya said and tapped her shoulder.
“What were you saying?” Tiffany asked, startled.
“Seriously? You zoned out? Why are you so concerned about this boy?” Freya asked suspiciously.
“It’s Nothing, Frey. Believe me.”
“Please, it’s Freya and not Frey. And no, I don’t believe everything is fine.” Freya said, at the verge of anger.
“I’m sorry, Freya. Everything is fine.” Tiffany replied. She was tired of Freya’s nagging and she honestly wished she could stay quite like Timothy.
They got to class, and did not say a word to each other until it was dismissal time.
“So, how will you go home? You obviously did not bring your car.” Freya asked as they walked to the parking lot.
“Shawn promised to pick me up.” Tiffany replied.
“Hmm…I hope he doesn’t disappoint like the last time. We will wait until he arrives just to be sure you won’t be stranded.
“Thank you so much, Best friend.” Tiffany said.
“I wonder if Timothy is in the parking lot already.” Freya said as they hastened their steps.
They had just arrived at the parking lot when Tiffany looked further and saw Shawn standing by his car and looking in her direction.