ROYCE
"Get up, lazy head," I said as I knocked on Nelly's door. The third time I called out her name and knocked on her door, I lifted my right arm to check my wristwatch; it said 7 am.
I shook my head, realizing she hadn't been awake at this time. My grannies trained me to be the successor of their company; I was used to getting up at 5 in the morning. They say the earlier you start your day, the better. In their younger years, they woke up even earlier than 5, and they have proven beneficial, especially for business. This is what I'm used to for many years already, though it was difficult at first. I needed to make a huge adjustment from the lazy boy habits to a successful routine and mindset. But I should say it was all worth it.
"Nelly, we should be starting the driving lesson by now. Nelly, wake up."
ROYCE When I sat in the driver's seat, I noticed Nelly wiping her face. She didn't want to show it to me as she looked at the open window. "I'm listening, Nelly." Only then did she shift on me. I smiled, hoping that it would assure her to let go of anything troubling her for a long time. She took a deep breath. "When I was in high school, my brother used to bring me to a racing track because he thought I enjoyed it, which is true. He started teaching me how to drive, and I was a fast learner, as he has said. But mom and dad refused to let me drive my car. They hired a driver for me, and Mark couldn't protest because they insisted that it was for my safety." Nelly paused; she lowered her head and rubbed her hands together. I was about to reach out for her hands when she spoke again.
NELINA "Hello there, beautiful besty." Marica welcomed me with warm hugs and kisses. It's Monday, and back to work again. Loads of work, to be precise. "Good morning, besty," I greeted as I gave her hugs and kisses back. I handed her a paper bag of chips, Royce's newly launched products. "What's this?" Marie asked, opening the bag and holding one of the sweet potato chips and hurriedly checking the chips' label. "Nice, organic?" "Yes. Royce gave me a box of their assorted products. You should try them too. It's not popular yet, newly launched." "Sure. So, what's up?" "I missed you, besty," I said, beaming. &
NELINA I agreed to visit Royce's company after work and spare at least 30 minutes viewing his office in the evening. Royce's white Mercedes Benz 2016 parked in front of the salon at the exact time we agreed. Thank God Nelly was out of the office late in the afternoon, or else there would be a whole lot of questions for Royce and me. Royce handed me a bouquet of Tulip's red roses with a card in it when we got in the car. "Thank you," I said, retrieving the card. It reads, "Nelina, KNOW THAT I CARE ABOUT YOU." I swallowed a lump in my throat as I looked at him; Royce winked at me as he started the engine then drove off, which didn't help my already tense hands. I squeeze the
ROYCE I still couldn't believe it. Nelly wants me to take her home. I had to tap my nape, making sure I really came to my senses. And yes, without a shadow of a doubt, Nelly said it right. "Would you like to tell me why the sudden change of mind?" "Well, since you are here, might as well take me home as you asked earlier. Do you mind doing me a favor after I did you two favors earlier?" I cracked at her words. "So it was a favor visiting our office?" I scrunched my face as I acted displeased by her involuntary visit. "Of course not; I truly want to see your company; it was interesting. When I was young, dad used to bring me to his company as well. I think it was his one way of convin
ROYCE Another weekend, and I was so excited to finally meet Nelly again. I haven't seen her for 4 days, and it's like a month for me. We had different and hectic schedules, even in the gym. I had to work out at night, and she had to do it early in the morning. The last time I saw her was when I took her home, Monday night. It was the second time I met her mom and the first time meeting her dad. That night I had the chance to ask permission from her mom to take Nelly on a date tonight. The anticipation of obtaining things I want to achieve fuels me up. I settled on black jeans paired with a royal blue long sleeve folded in my elbow. Around 7 in the evening, we park at the yacht port. "Surprise," I said, pointing at the Yacht on the dock. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at me and the Yacht back and forth.
ROYCE A question is no longer needed if she wants to go back to the port. Looking at her innocent face was enough. "I'll take you there," I said before she could even ask. I gently squeezed her shoulder, and I led her back to the chair, then dialed the captain's number while pacing back and forth. "Please turn us back to the port right now, and please speed it up," I ordered. I brought a chair close to hers and sat on it. "What happened? "Mom took dad to the hospital; he might have another heart attack," she said, clenching her fist. "I ordered the captain to turn us back to the port. We should be there in about 15 m
NELINAI rolled in bed when I noticed the light was on. Mom was probably here. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table when an excruciating pain cramps in my head. I pulled my hair tight, trying to ease the pain. As I checked my phone, it said 9 in the morning."Thank God, I'm having a day off today." I turned off the light, tucked in my blanket, and slept again. It was one of those rare times, having a long break from work.My phone's ringtone waked me up. "Who's that?" I mumbled to myself, pissed off for disturbing my sleep.Upon checking my phone, it said MARICA. I swiped the screen to answer, then put it on speaker mode."Hello dear? How's your he
NELINA"Hi, Aunt Melissa," he walked close to mom, handed the flowers, and then kissed mom on the cheek."Thank you, Royce. These are beautiful." Mom said, a smile not leaving her face. He did win my mom's heart."Of course, they're beautiful just like you and Nelly," he said the latter as he glanced at me.I was delighted, but I tried to hide it from him, and I ended up giving him a forced smile. He winked at me when mom wasn't looking. Oh, God, he obviously knows how to charm a woman. My face heats up seeing his simple gesture."Thank you, Royce. Please have a seat; I'll prepare the cake I bake for Nelly."