Planning A Novels & Stories

Having plans is simply walking freely, but with safe steps. Planning shows us the best path to reach the desired destination. Having a plan is like having a map that, of course, doesn't help us predict the future. But if by chance there are closed roads, with a plan in hand, it is always possible to find other ways to get where you want.

The first piece of my plan was falling into place. I turned back to my desk, my mind already racing with next steps, when the glass door opened again. Linda stepped in. “Ma’am, sorry I missed your call,” she said, adjusting her glasses. “I was in the break room, coffee machine jammed again.” “It’s fine,” I said, waving it off. “I need you to find a party planner for Grandfather’s birthday. We need someone reliable, creative, but not over-the-top. Family, close friends, a refined event, elegant bites, soft whites and golds for decor. Can you handle that?”

He said. “I don’t know if you're trying to do this on purpose but are you seriously not taking into consideration the fact that that would get people to know about us? You know how well the press is interested in your life, and you just want to give them something to write about, seriously eating lunch in the same place your sister would have just left?”

“You need to eat.” “Thanks, Mom.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Any time, pumpkin.” Joe laughed and sat in the chair next to me. “Give me the rundown.” I handed him the map labeled ‘A’. “This is the first plan we are going to run, if things go awry then I have six other back up plans. We can have stores here and here. In case we need more bullets.” “That’s good,” Joe said as he squinted at the papers in front of him.

I reply, settling into the seat and pulling out my planner to review my checklist. I let out a quiet sigh as I scan the endless list of tasks. How is there still so much left to do, even after spending nearly a month planning this event?

“You want to execute our plans right away, huh?” Mike’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a notebook and pen. “Let’s start now. What’s the first thing on your mind?” I smiled and chuckled, seeing his enthusiasm, which had been truly typical of a planned man. I sighed and started thinking about the plan. “First, let’s focus on finalizing my company’s strategy. After that, we can shift our focus to the wedding plan. I’d also like to consider some personal goals—perhaps that trip or new experience we’ve always talked about.”

Bella looked up from her phone. “Do you actually want that many people?” The planner hesitated. Clinton answered before I could. “It’s necessary.” I folded my arms loosely. “Maybe we could keep it smaller,” I suggested. “More private.” Clinton finally looked at me. “This isn’t about preference,” he said calmly. The room went quiet. “It’s positioning.” Positioning. Like a brand launch. Or a corporate merger. Not a wedding. Jessica smirked faintly but said nothing. I lowered my gaze and stepped back from the table.

"And I need you to start brainstorming a marketing plan. If we're going to do this, we need some quick turnaround time. Figure out how we're going to get the word out there. And come up with a few general layout plans for the room. We need some templates to show people who might be interested in using the space." This is the Dad I've missed, the one who disappeared when the bills started piling up. This is the Dad who started the Center, who helped an entire community grow and flourish beneath his hands. There's life in his eyes again, the spark of determination. "Of course," I say. "I'll have something for you by the end of the day."

They spread everything across the living room floor. Magazines. Fabric swatches. Color charts. Catering menus. Bisi's notebook with pages and pages of notes. Maya stared at the chaos. "This is overwhelming." "This is wedding planning. Get used to it." Ethan brought coffee. Sat on the couch. Watched them. "You're just going to sit there?" Bisi asked. "I'm providing moral support." "Moral support doesn't help." "That's all I've got." They started with the date. "Six months from now," Maya said. "Spring. The weather will be perfect."

Grace went on to explain more about their conversation and try to find some clue in what he’d told her that could help them find a direction to search for something that would help them. “They planned for this? How do you avoid something you’re planning for? That sounds weird.” “I don’t know. Many people plan for their own funerals or weddings. I still think it’s weird that they plan for those but not for have kids.” “If that’s the case, everything we’re doing here could help or hinder their process. It’s a matter of precedent and if we mess with what they are working off of it could pooch any deals or decisions they’re going for.”