271: THE DEAL

THE DEAL

STILL IN SILVER COUNTRY…1

"Mom, did you remember that when I was a little, you told me that I should not only settle on one place but as well explore other places." My mother stilled and then looked at me.

"Just what are you implying Clark?"

Clark looked at his mother. She remained quiet when she got to hear his words. A soft breeze brushed off her hair. I took her hands, enclosing it on mine.

"Mommy, as much as I wanted to explore more since I think my experiences were not enough.." he trailed off.

"What do you mean by that son?" suspicion started to come into view to Ingrid's mind, but she hated to acknowledge it.

"Initially, I planned to start my own company, but when I noticed dad's grey hairs, I realized that I have been too selfish and didn't even consider his health and yours…" Clark let out another breathy sigh, freed his mother's hands as he turned his gaze to the vast horizon,

"How will you accomplish your plans?" her voice quaked with unease, but Clark knew that his mother will always support him no matter what as long as it won't endanger him.

"…I wanted to start from the bottom, mom, by using my second name and your maiden name… I will apply to the company.."

She covered her mouth in surprise, but her eyes showed gladness. "You'll do that? You won't leave us again?"

"Yes, mommy. I won't, but please allow me to pave my way to the top."

"Can I still persuade you to change your mind?" she probed.

"Nope. I can't bargain anymore," Clark grinned. She nodded, thinking. Later she declared,

"Whatever you say, I'll support you." Then, she embraced me.

"But then again, mom, I will come back to our home, the moment I become the new CEO. For the meantime, I will find my own apartment. Besides, I still have savings with me that could buy a decent apartment."

"As you wish, son. As you wish. But for now, let's enjoy our time together and let's have some vacation. After that, we'll go back to Vienna and I'll let you live on your own. But promise is a promise. The moment you become the CEO, you'll come back to our home and you will reveal your identity to everyone. Deal?"

"Yes, Mrs. Briggs, deal!"

…:heart_suit:…:heart_suit:…:heart_suit:…

THE MOMENT I reached Vienna, I took a cab and went straight to our house. I know my father is already awake at this time. He will be thrilled to see me. The driver assisted me in taking my luggage from the car's compartment, and I thanked him after paying the bill.

Before I entered our home, I stopped and looked at it outside. There was a vague memory flashed again on my head as I looked at the house. But then again, I shook it off my mind, I don't want to think of anything besides that I cannot explain.

I took my steps to enter the house, pursing a smile on my lips.

"Father I'm home!" I shouted. Within seconds, my father came from the kitchen with a spatula in his hands.

"I knew you'd be home!" he smiled, which I dearly miss so much. I ran to him, leaving my things behind, hugged him tightly.

"I miss you, father!" I exclaimed. He kissed my head.

"And I miss you more," he guided to the kitchen, then he asked, "will you stay longer this time?" I just smiled sweetly and winked at him and didn't respond. He just sighed and shook his head. "I cooked your favorite!" he diverted the topic instead.

"Yum! This is what I miss the most of you, father!"

After the heavy breakfast, I went immediately to my room. It has not changed after all these years. The lilac paint on the wall was still lively, and I know my father would clean my room daily. Everything is in place, but my father knew that it'll be colossal chaos when I occupy my space. I can't think entirely if everything is in order because I could only feel comfort. There were times that I was tidy, too, particularly if I have nothing to think about.

"But I have so many things to think about, sorry father in advance," I grinned.

I jumped to my bed and felt its fluffiness, which was lacking in our quarters' beds. We're always on the go, so our beds were not comfortable. As long as we could be sleeping in it safely and securely, that's all that matters.

But for now, I needed to face reality. My father's getting old and sickly, and he needed me now more than ever. Even though he won't mention anything to me, I know he has been longing for my presence. The coming days will be a great battle. I need to find a part-time or a full-time job.

Within minutes, I dozed off.

THE NEXT DAY, I woke up early and decided to have an early morning jog. I stood outside the gate as I stretched my body before I jogged and decided which way I should go. Just a few minutes, I was already in the streets.

The neighborhood was in a duplex type of house. Some of it was not yet occupied, though. There were still some empty houses that have been on sale. They've been in the neighborhood since… well, I can't remember.

I do hope some of my friends are still here.

"Hmm.. I'll pay them a visit next time," I decided.

When I came back, I took the daily newspaper from the mailbox. I wanted to check some job vacancies if there is some exciting job. As I entered the living room, I noticed two empty cups on the coffee table.

"Father? Did you have a visitor earlier?" but no one answered.

So I searched for him in the kitchen, but he wasn't there. So I knocked on his bedroom.

"Are you there, father?"

"Yes, come in…"

He was standing near the window. Holding an old framed picture, and when I was near him, it was my mother's.

"Is there something wrong, father?" he looked at me, his eyes washed in tears.

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