Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 21

Torres & Sons is a prime conglomerate,
dealing in everything security and merging diverse firms that deal in non-governmental intelligence activities, insurance, financial security and personal security services.

With the advancement of technology, the Torres & Sons proposed to partner with Carlson Corp to be able to also provide cyber security services for all their clientele. Carlson Corp., as the leading technology corporation, has recently rolled out a top notch software with a powerfully inviolable encryption. That software could make Torres & Sons the number one on the market and they needed this deal badly.

The last three years saw the Torres &Sons finances go downhill. The Torres resolved this year to spare no effort to revive the conglomerate's steady finances.

Carlson Corp. was willing to trade that multi million software for 15% of shares in Torres & Sons.
Kaiden was overwhelmed by his father's decision to accept the deal. They had never floated shares of the company. Yes, he knew the software will bring in millions of dollars but was it worth the family's business?

Ever since his life turned upside down after what happened about three and a half years ago, his dad turned a deaf ear to his standpoint during decision making, especially for the establishment.

He messed up and wasted about four years of his life, he was fully aware, but he wondered when his dad, and everyone for that matter, will finally get to over it.

But none of that mattered now, all he craved for was a hot cup of black coffee- no sugar, no cream and steaming hot, just like he liked it. He went through the business proposal and detected no loop holes. Not surprised. The Carlsons were known to be honourable people, especially because of their faith.

They were devoted people and that loyalty extended to most aspects of their lives. He particularly admired Jayla for those short prayers before and after meals and how she'd send him daily messages for his quiet time and how she'd take advantage of every opportunity to point someone to Christ without nagging.

Faith... Jesus, to him, was the most amazing person. He was the light that beckoned him out of the darkness he created himself.
4 months ago, before enrolling in Harvard College after his degree in Business Administration, he gave his life to Christ, and boy has he never regretted it.

His life changed enormously ever since he experienced Jesus. It was like his life finally had a purpose and a direction. He was a living testimony that God could take any mess and turn it into a masterpiece.
Though many, even his family didn't believe in his new life, he's learnt to live not for people but for God and that has what has been keeping him moving.

*. *. *.
Renèe who was aware of the awkward situation, motioned her husband with her eyes not to push it.
"Be back before midnight or I'll pull the plug on the party."
"Okay okay..... can we go now??" Jael whined
Jeremy shook his head and exhaled deeply.
"What will I do with you Jael?"
"You love me daddy." She winked.
"Let's get going girls." Jayla prompted.
"Take care girls. Love you." Jeremy bid them but they stood still.
"What?" He questioned.
"Aren't forgetting something? ... your "no drinking, no hookups..." lecture." Carrie beckoned.
Jason laughed.
"What can I say I trust my girls. Besides, I know you're very well aware of 1 Corinthians 6 :19."
"It's hidden in our hearts dad." Jael affirmed.
"Bye dad, bye Jay." They bid in unison.

*. *. *.
Austin, Texas. This was Kaiden's second time here and it was for business, as usual.
He was glad to be meeting Jason tomorrow at Carlson Corp.'s headquarters. He didn't want to risk running into Jayla. The awkward tension between them couldn't get any worse.

He knew he'd disappointed her even before he had a chance to be with her but if there's one thing that's he's learnt is that in everything, if it's God's will, then it'll be done. Besides, he didn't think he was over Whitney yet.

*. *. *.
Once the girls got in, they were swooped in by the crowd. Meeting old friends was the best. It was a great reunion. Lost friends were reunited; contacts exchanged.

The three retreated to the stand where they helped themselves to some fruit punch and observed the party's atmosphere. People were drinking, making out, hooking up, dirty dancing like there was no judgement.
"Lord, have mercy!" Jayla muttered under her breath.
"He is... His mercy and grace are over flowing in these times more than ever. People have just turned a blind eye to it." Carrie, who had heard Jayla's faint plea, responded.
"Girls girls... guess who's walking up to us right now?." Jael gave Jayla an eyebrow flash.
"Wh-
"Hey." A deep masculine voice cut in
Jayla was dumbstruck as she turned in the direction of the extremely familiar voice.

"E- Elijah?!"