NELINA As I made my way to the guest room where Ms. Lita had prepared for me, I was reluctant about setting my foot inside it. I stared at the door for a while until I decided to get close to it and twist open the bronze doorknob. The smell of lavender lingers in the air, pleasant and enticing to my smelling senses. The room was spacious; it had a floral sofa on the left side near the bed and a bronze frame mirror beside the closet. I closed the door behind me, put my things in the closet, and sat on the bed.   Royce made sure that I got everything that I needed for the night, especially sleepwear. Ms. Lita handed me sets of sleepwear that I could choose from. She was so polite to offer to come with me to my room and help me fix everything, but I said no. They've already cleaned the room anyway; I'm not a child who needs assistance getting ready for bed.

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."

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. &

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  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