Plans

“I am planning something good for you as I'm taking your position away from you for a while. Just trust me Howard, I will not harm you because you are my son.”

What they talked about last night with his father was still  in Howard's mind. As usual, he had a gloomy feeling and he blamed everyone in the office. Everything has ruined, he canceled all meetings because he was not in the mood to face anyone.

He just frowned when there was a knock on the door. Although he didn't want to open who it was, the door opened on its own and he got annoyed because it was just Jared, intentionally messing with him.

“How are you Howard? Raymart is looking for you, you have a meeting,” Jared opened up to him.

“I lost my enthusiasm to meet all of them.”

The papers on his desk flew away so his cousin just laughed.

“If we only just didn't have to be formal here at SLI, people would probably think that you're crazy,” Jared laughed.

“Stop it Jared, you're not helping,” Howard angrily replied with a deadly glare.

“You treated everyone around you as if they were useless to you. Did you see your hard copy files? And you think you can fix that when you're the only one working? Probably not. Oh Howard, you can't be alone. You're not a God. You couldn't fix everything on your own”

“Admit it to me Jared, do you know anything about dad's plan for me? I know you as a competitive person. And I can already guess what's on your mind.” His eyes narrowed at his cousin who was just staring blankly.

“Yes, I admit that I want to be in your place but I'm not as aggressive as you, Howard. I never want to make everyone suffer. We're not rivals to begin with, but why do you even think about that?”

“Dad's plan to send me to Trias just for a vacation isn't really good.”

“It's safe in that place. Tourists even visit it.”

“Correction, that was before

 Now, that place was chaotic after the war. Terrorists are the ones who invade that place, not tourists.” Howard just sighed in annoyance.

“By the way, just sign the quotation I'm approving. Goodluck to you Howard,” Jared seemed to say teasingly before leaving Howard's office.

***

By hook or by crook, the plan for Howard must not go ahead. After office hours, he thought of going home to their residence and convincing his father not to do that anymore.

“Oh? Why are you here? It's refreshing, you never came home here before,” his father said coldly to him.

“Well, I won't let you do what you want. I love my career,” Howard said emphatically.

“No. You don't love your career, you just want to prove you're superior to everyone. You just want the title but not the job description, I can prove that.” Then Howard's father nodded.

“And what is the basis for you to say that to your son?” He was even able to measure his father's gaze.

”If you really love your career, you should also love the people around you, Howard. You're always mad at people you shouldn't be mad at. Have you been like that since Tanya left you? Maybe, you just want to prove to Tanya that you've achieved something now after you split up.”

That serves a slap on his face. He admitted before, he wanted to take sweet revenge for his ex-girlfriend, but it didn't work because she no longer sees the success he is enjoying now. Tanya is in another country and is married.

“Find yourself first Howard, learn to explore new things, new life and new love. I have to teach you a lesson, you can't hold other people's brains to be too bossy. I assure you that you will be happy in Trias. I will entrust you to my friend's nephew.”

Howard seemed to be running out of air because of his repeated sighs.

“Well, no matter what else you do, I will not give up my career. No matter how many times you are going to convince me, I won't follow you.”

“I've terminated the effectiveness of your position. There's nothing more you can do Howard. Your belongings are also packed. You're leaving the next day. Don't worry, I'll keep myself updated on you standing there.”

“Dad! If I ever die in that place, it's your fault!” he yelled.

“Fine.”

He was disappointed by his dad's response.

***

“I am Zannie, in-charge of relief goods and first aid. We need immediate assistance." Zannie raised her voice as she spoke to the Red Cross representative who was on his way to the evacuation center where he was. The war in the Trias area has been going on for several months due to the threat of terrorism. She was a little relieved because the government and other organizations who were ready to extend help were quick to act.

"Zannie. Zulu, Alpha, November, November, India Echo," she said on the other phone line as she spelled her name using the phonetic alphabet.

She smiled when she got positive feedback from her interlocutor.

“Thank you for the swift response Ma'am.” That was the last she said before hanging up the phone.

But her smile widened when she saw Jacob, the enlisted officer who was with her in Trias and also an assistant in taking care of the more approaching evacuees.

“Why are you smiling there Ms. Justiniano?” Jacob asked.

She averted his eyes. Aside from the early response of the Red Cross, she was pleased with Jacob’s presence. They have been friends for a long time and she has a secret thing for the young man.

“It is said that our first aid Officer Ynares will bring items needed," she replied. She wanted to call him Officer Ynares because he knew Jacob would be happier when she called him like that. Jacob is an enlisted officer who dreams of joining the army.

“Well then, I will participate in other activities of other soldiers. You know, I need to have experience. I hope the time will come when I will be with them in the fight for the country.”

Zannie's heart ached at what her friend had said. Jacob had a strong desire to be a full-fledged soldier. So he didn’t even look for a girlfriend to marry because he swore he would focus on reaching his dreams.

Zannie could only imagine the fate of Jacob when he became a soldier, she was sad and could not sleep at night. Because she knew that the lives of the soldiers were at stake to achieve peace in the country.

“Hopefully Jacob, hopefully your dream will come true,” Zannie replied, unwillingly.

“Pray for me Zannie, huh? Thank you because even here in Trias you still accompanied me. You even thought of volunteering.”

“You're serious! Do you really think you're the reason why I came here? I only need certification when I apply abroad,” Zannie reasoned that in her heart there was no truth at all.

“Okay. It's depressing.”

Zannie laughed when she saw Jacob's grimace. He became even more handsome in her eyes.

“Don't get upset. I'll just help you serve the evacuees' needs, okay?”

Jacob just laughed.

“Zannie. I'll say goodbye to Lieutenant, I'll just pick up your son from papa's comparator. He's supposed to volunteer here.”

“Ah. Man or woman?”

“Man and he's handsome, Zannie. You know, you'll like each other.”

She secretly resented Jacob's mockery. If it wasn't for Jacob, she'd rather be single forever.

“Eh, maybe he'll be lazy and maybe he won't work well.”

"I don't know but papa said, he's a rich son."

“Rich son? He won't last here. Let's bet?”

Jacob nodded. "What are you going to bet?"

“If he doesn't last long, we'll go on a date. Game?”

Jacob was shocked by what Zannie said. He is aware that Zannie ikes it but he is unable to reciprocate its prejudice because of ambition. He felt sorry for the girl.

“All right. And when he's late, leave Trias,” Jacob said while laughing.

Zannie's smile faded. Why did she even think of talking about betting? Even she was surprised to be told that he and Jacob would date. It was as if a needle had pierced her heart again.

'Do you really want me to leave here Jacob?'