Beyond Boundaries

07 | the fear of failing

07 | the fear of failing

I sat in my office with Rhonda the next morning. The two of us watched the news, criticizing Cole's appearance on the television. Of course, he was the bright, shining star today - being the overly handsome son he was of his successful father. He was finally taking over his father's company.

Interviewers and journalists swarmed his personal space trying to extract every bit of information they could. He wore sunglasses with a black suit and blazer, stylishly eyeing everyone.

"What will your next move be? How do you plan on adding a different front to the biotechnology industry?" A brunette journalist asked, sticking her microphone so close, it almost seemed like she was going to hit him.

Rhonda snickered, "He's gonna make sure he models for Seventeen." Which earned a laugh from me, but I quickly shut up when Rhonda stuck a finger in front of my face to closely hear what Cole was to say.

Cole charmingly smiled. "As a new generation of the Houstons, I want to bring a greater front of modernization people haven't thought of before. There will be further revelations tomorrow." With that, he quickly began to walk away, leaving the press querying as to what he meant.

"So he plans to drop his bomb tomorrow - the day I take over." I figured aloud. Very clever, I thought to myself.

Under the video, there was written in large writing:

COLE HOUSTON TO REVEAL BIOTHETIC'S FUTURE PLANS

Rhonda grabbed the remote, shutting the television off instantly. "Don't listen to this bullshit. Baby girl, you've gotta focus on YOUR plans now," she said, getting off her chair and heading for the door, "and make sure you're at the cafeteria in an hour."

I nodded, mentally making note that really I could make my big break tomorrow too. "Of course, I would never forget that we have to surprise dad. I'll be there." I promised. We were throwing a farewell party for my dad; after tomorrow, he wouldn't be working here for full time hours. While it was bittersweet for the company, we all knew we wouldn't lose my father forever. He was way to invested in the company to just disappear after retirement.

My father and I were giving each other a silent treatment however. Usually, every morning, he'd make the effort to come into my office to inform me of the daily tasks, but instead, he sent Rhonda - an indication of his stubbornness.

I wasn't any less, however. I didn't bother paging my dad when important phone calls came in; I'd transfer the line to Rhonda.

Rhonda shut the door behind her and I quickly resumed to work, ready to announce ProsthoWorks' new plans tomorrow.

An hour later, all the employees of ProsthoWorks were ready in the cafeteria to surprise my dad. He was to walk in with a casual Edward, and we'd all scream surprise. There was a gigantic cake sitting in the centre of the table, ready to be cut by my dad. Everyone would blast their streamers and give my dad a warm group hug; a gesture for ten years.

Rhonda was yelling orders at me, "He'll be here any minute, get everyone to muster down!"

"Okay, okay," I nodded, and then looked at everyone who had their eyes on me, "guys, shut up!"

Everyone hushed each other, slowly falling into a silence and the lights were turned off.

I noticed two silhouettes forming at the door, becoming clearer that it was indeed my dad and Edward approaching the cafeteria.

In a quick response, I counted everyone down as quietly as I could. "Three... Two... One..."

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted and my dad jumped back in shock to see the lights rapidly turn on and every employee eager to hug him.