His Locked Soul

Part 3

Adelia (Lia)

"He did what?" I started laughing at Mitch's story. Cole's face was flushed red, but never took his hand from Mitch's. Me and Mitch aka Michelle were buddies from primary school. Cole aka Nicolas joined us in Grade 8. We were inseparable in school.

I recently completed my degree in business administration on Manufacturing and Logistics. I joined my dad in his "Worth Manufactures". I could not help but smile whenever I thought about my Dad. The company was his life apart from my family. Even though it was started by my grandfather, my dad made it a big success. The company and my family were like two eyes for him. But recently we were facing struggles due to recession. I was a big shock to see the situation of the company, because my Dad usually made it to look as if the company was running without any issues. Even my idiot brother never opened this before. He was working with dad for past two years. I shook my head thinking how my dad was still optimistic on the situation.

Cole joined Medical School and had still a one more year to become a qualified doctor. Mitch was a primary school teacher for Maths. Cole and Mitch found their love with each other in our senior high school. I was happy to see their steady relationship. In fact they were the only pair who found the real meaning of love, apart from my parents. Cole will be proposing to anytime now. But I think they are waiting till Cole finish his course.

"Yes, in middle of sleep he suddenly jumped and started running towards the door shouting 'Hold the patient'. I was scared to death when he started shouting at my ears. I had to hit hard on his head to make him realize that it was only a dream." Mitch was struggling to complete the story without laughing and failing miserably. I too joined her much to Cole's embarrassment.

"It was hell a lot of week. Too many shifts and emergency" he told sheepishly, which only increased out laughter.

We were meeting at Masa for dinner. I was Mitch's idea since she thought Cole was stressed out in school and felt to treat him with a relaxed dinner. I knew even though she was pissed off certain times at Cole's busy work, she loved him more to accept that.

"At least be happy that it was about my work and not about any other girl" he mumbled but Mitch heard it clearly.

"If it be Nicolas Banks that will be the last day in earth you will be walking alive." Mitch threatened him back.

I couldn't help but chuckle at them both. I felt a pang of jealousy seeing them and wondered if I find someone who would love me like that. I mentally snapped myself for feeling jealous at my friends.

Suddenly I felt as if something was pulling me. I was taken aback on this sudden feel and had never felt like that. I looked around to find the reason without an idea on what I was looking for.

"Are you fine Lia? Who are you searching?" I saw Mitch looking at me with a frown.

"Nothing. I mean No one. Is everything set for your trip?" I asked Mitch mainly to divert her. She would be visiting Cole's family this week end. As expected she had fallen for it.

"Oh, all set Lia. We are starting by Friday afternoon as Cole wants to go by car. It takes 8 - 9 hours to reach there. Why cant you join us? Cole's parents will be happy to see you too." Cole also nodded at Mitch's statement.

I shook my head in denial "Sorry Mitch. You know the situation in Dad's office. I am surprised how I didn't knew till time. I want to be with him to sort out thing."

Mitch suddenly look worried. "How stupid of me. I totally forgot this. Were you able to find some solution?"

"Our contract with Alastair Corporation is expiring this month. If we get that renewed we may able to make up to a percentage. Even that will not be enough. But losing the contract will be much worse. I saw their call for applications on this contract. I am worried what if we lose it. I am trying to contact their CEO, but no luck so far." I answered back slightly dejected.

"I heard Lucian Alastair took up the CEO position recently. Is it true?" Cole asked me and I nod back to him.

"Lucian as in THE LUCIAN? The Handsome Prince?" Mitch asked back breathlessly.

"Yes" I could not control my chuckle. Only Mitch can be like this.

"Baby, I should be the most handsome man for you." Cole said with a fake hurt.

"You are my Prince Charming." Cole beamed at this answer. I looked at Cole with pity. I could not believe that he still fall for this. As anticipated Mitch continued "But, It will not hurt appreciating good looking men baby? "

Cole shook his head with a smile. They both love each other but often pull each other's leg.

We were distracted by sudden laughter. I turned to look at the commotion. There I saw a group of guys commenting the waitress.

My eyes narrowed in anger when they crossed the limit on the comments and then saw one guy stuck his foot out. Feeling a sudden chillness on me, I realised that the drinks on the tray spilled on me from the waitress hands.

I looked up to see the fear in the girl's eyes. Without a second thought I scooped down to help the poor girl to pick up the glasses.

"Is there any issue ma'am? Oh my God. Maria what have you done?" I heard the restaurant manager voice in lined with shock.

"Please sir. This is not her fault." I smiled at him to stress the fact that I was not angry.

"We are extremely sorry for this incident ma'am. Maria this will go in your pay check"

"Mr. Manager. Please note that this is not Maria's fault. In fact we are very happy on her service. So I will be happy if you just leave this matter as such." I told politely but firm.
He finally understood and left the place.

"Thank you ma'am." I turned to see her timid thanks and smiled at her.

"No big deal Maria. I saw the entire incident and it is not your fault. Don't let those idiots' action bother you."

I finally saw her smiling back. With a small pat on her hands I turned back to my friends.

"Now we got a reason for shopping." I burst out laughing when Mitch told me with an innocent look.

We left the restaurant leaving a good tip for Maria.

"Havea safe trip both of you. If possible let's meet before you two leave forthe weekend." I hugged Mitch and Cole before waving goodbye and eased mycar in the traffic towards home. I made a mental note to try to reach outAlastair Corporation once again tomorrow.