Semper Fidelis

22. Predator

Forth stared at his ringing phone and glanced at the house where Beam is inside doing their laundry.

"Lam?" Forth answered the phone.

"We made it Forth...we are on the top three. We will present the bidding again on friday in front of the major investors where they will already choose" Lam cheerfully but nercously informed Forth the instant he picked up the call.

"Thats good news" Forth exclaimed while feeling so happy for his friends.

"You have promised..." Lam suddenly became serious which made Forth heaved a sigh.

"Yes Lam... I did" Forth responded with sincerity.

"We will see you on friday" Lam added with finality.

Forth heaved a sigh as he begun to think of what to say to Beam and Thad, but he has to honor what he have promised to his friends.

"Yes...see you on friday Lam" Forth faintly smiled before the call ended.

Forth stared blankly at the beds of vegetables in front of him while contemplating on what to do. Its only wednesday, three days after they went home but he needed to be in the city again on friday.

"P'Forth? Its almost four, lets get Thad from school" Beam suddenly appeared and interrupted Forth's deep thoughts.

"Yes, Im coming..." Forth hurriedly went inside the house while wiping his sweaty forehead.

They are already in the vehicle when Forth kept on glancing at Beams side.

"What is it love?" Beam suddenly asked which startled Forth a little.

"Huh?" Forth gaped at Beam.

"You are so distracted since we left...what is it?" Beam asked with his intent look.

"Ahm...nothing..." Forth opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind.

"I know there is something bothering you...spill it out" Beam gently encouraged the troubled man.

"Ahm...I have something to do in the city on...friday" Forth hesitantly said while glancing at Beam with his worried look.

"That's it? Why are you so troubled. You know we will be going back to the city on friday" Beam stated matter of factly while staring at Forth.

"Huh? We will? I thought you..." Forth gaped in confusion and lost track of what he is saying when he saw Beam glared at him.

"Didnt I say that I wont leave your side from now on? You are thinking that I will be in the city while you and Thad are here...arent you?" Beam confronted Forth with his disappointed tone.

"Im sorry...I misunderstood" Forth admitted with his sullen face.

"Its okay...now Im telling you, I wont spend the night away from you if its not overly important" Beam seriously but tenderly assured Forth.

Forth nodded with his apologetic smile.

Came friday and they again boarded the private plane to bring them to the main city.