Chasing an Angel

THE COMPROMISE - C3.1

Alden arrived at their house just in time when his parents are about to eat their breakfast.

"Good morning Dad, Mom," said Alden while walking towards her mother, kissed her on the forehead, then, seated himself on his place in the dining table.

"Good morning son," chorused Mr. and Mrs. Faulkerson

"Join us for breakfast, it's been an eon since you've shared with us partake a family meal," kidded his mom.

"Mom don't exaggerate, you know it's not true, I love and miss times like this," Alden said then stood up and hugged his mom from behind.

"Sorry son, you grew up with us not with you most of the time but we know you understand why."

"No worry mom, I know how much you and Dad love me and that love is the reason that compelled you two not to be on my side always while I was growing up," replied Alden while going back to his place in the dining table.

"Come on hon, let's enjoy this moment and stop being sentimental, our son is an intellectual who could effortlessly understand every situation. I am very proud of his accomplishments and the person he has become," Mr. Faulkerson said then looked at Alden.

"I thought you will see me at the office today. It seems that what you told me over the phone last night that we need to talk seem to be of utmost importance to drag you away from Leo at a very early hour in the morning," commented Mr. Faulkerson.

"Leo's more than a brother Dad and I think he is partly the reason of the situation that I want to discuss with you."

"We know son, and your mom and I are very grateful to him and his family for they had more than filled in what we had missed in your growing up years. They are such good persons that had also influenced you positively. We are very thankful that you meet Leo at a very early age. Now, let us finish breakfast first then talk whatever is on your mind. Let's discuss it here at home. It is very hardly ever that my son requested for an audience and I won't let this opportunity pass. I declare a holiday today."

And with that he dialed his secretary's number to give some instructions and informed her that he will not be reporting for office today.

"Count me in," said Alden's mom excitedly and likewise dialed both her assistants on each of her boutique and flower shop to advise each of them to take charge and just call her when needed as she will not be showing up on both shops for the day.

Despite having already eaten his breakfast at Leo's place, Alden joined his parents and eat wholeheartedly.

After breakfast, Alden and his parents went straight to the library which sometimes also serves as his parents' office in their house.

After comfortably settling themselves, his parents looked at him concern in their eyes and his dad said, "Now son what is it?"

"Dad I am sorry to have been stubborn when I refused then to assist you in running our business after graduation. I was so young and carefree then that I wanted so much to soar on my own free from restrictions. Maybe unconsciously, I was also afraid that I may not live up to your expectations knowing how good and efficient you are in handling its operation thus making us the most trusted and leading transport company in this region. And you have consistently maintain this status for years, a feat that honestly scares me. What I am now, I owe it to you and mom. You both have provided for me everything that I need, love, understanding and support. You had made life so much easier for me that attaining whatever dreams I have, had never been a cause to worry. I am very lucky to be your son."

"Mom, your claim for inadequacy in spending enough time with me is not true. You and Dad may not be physically present always but you had always ensured that somebody is taking over in your stead to attend to my needs. You both have provided and given mo more than enough in all aspects of my growing up life be it physical, emotional, intellectual and material. I have never felt lacking and wanting in any of these aspects. But what have I done to recognize all your labors? None yet so far, hence, I owe to show you how I appreciate all your efforts."

"Son it is our duty and joy to do everything we could to make your life comfortable. What you are, and, who you are now as a person had made us very contented. You proved to us that we did not fail as your parents and nothing else could make us feel more happy and triumphant than knowing this fact", said his father which was agreed by his mom by nodding her head.

"Now, where and what then is this discussion leading to?" ask Alden's father.

"Dad I am now considering on being your understudy in our business. And as distance from my present job would make my physical presence impossible, we will make use of web technology to make this feasible. Tomorrow, I'll spend my whole day in your office and I demand that you personally conduct a familiarization tour for me. Once a week, please provide me a brief report of the whole week's operation to educate me on the "ins and out" of the business' operation. Once, I'm back at the office, I'll talk to my boss, our CEO and discuss my working schedule with him so that I could be 'on physical duty' here once a month even for a couple of days only."

Mr. Faulkerson gaped at Alden while her mother is covering her mouth with her hands saying nothing too.

At last Mr. Faulkerson found his voice and asked. "Son are you serious? Do you have a problem? I can't believe I am hearing right. What made you changed your mind unexpectedly? If I remember right a month ago you were still steadfast on not meddling in my own territory. It's a wonder that in a snap you're already singing a different tune. What happened in between son?"

"No too much questions dad please. Am I not entitled to change my mind? However, if it is not amenable with you then I won't push myself," Alden said to his father with a big smile knowing that this is what his parents had been wanting to from him. Moreover, he himself could not understand too what really caused him to suddenly reconsider so how will he explain this to his parents.

"Ah we know you're a man who stand by your word and value credibility too much. I was just very curious of this sudden change of decision. Fact is, you made us very happy son. At last your mom and I could start planning for our retirement activities," and his dad laughed enthusiastically.

The three went out of the library and the joy and excitement are very evident on the faces of Alden's parents. Then her mother declared.

"I'll prepare a special lunch for us today".

She called Ate Linda their most trusted house help who is considered a family and requested her to help prepare the necessary ingredients needed then turned to Alden.

"What do you think if we go to your dad's office after lunch and then make rounds of the whole transport compound together? I am too happy and excited of your decision and future plans for our company and I want so much to be part of the initial action."

"Nice idea, the sooner, the better so why wait for tomorrow. Is it alright son or do you have other commitments today?" asks Alden's father. "No objection dad, I only had a few days left so starting today is the best."