The world was black and white, not even blood was colored. Everyone was there. Soldiers were behind the barriers waiting for the enemy to walk closer, so we could’ve launched a surprise attack. I grabbed my weapon and got ready to jump out.

The enemy ran closer. They were inches away, I could smell their sweat from anxiety and the run. My commander stared at me and nodded as he gave the command. Everyone jumped up from the floor and started holding down their trigger.

“What the hell are you talking about”

I stared at Stella as I tried to say my excuse on why I can't go to the mall with her, midway through I even lost myself and just continued rambling on for an interesting story.

“At this point, I don’t even know. But, I don’t want to give the mall a visit”

Her eyes widened as if she tried giving my puppies eyes to persuade my decision, but it only stared into my soul. At some point I thought it turned me into stone. I had to look away but I couldn't. I had to stop this or there was no return.

“Deal, deal. Just stop, please.”

“I’ll go get ready”

As she walked over to her unpacked suitcase, there were two calm knocks on the door. It couldn’t have been Stephan; he should be in work by now. I cautiously walked toward the door and slowly opened it.

“Hello, oh Mr Ralph”

“Good day, Mr Emmanuel. I just came to drop off the car Mr Cole requested you have”

“He wasn’t joking”

“I hope not Sir”

I followed Ralph toward the parking lot, expecting an ordinary used car for the both of us. Until I saw the sleek, curvy, full black Ci⚫ic. I couldn’t believe my eyes, I even tried seeing if I could’ve flied just from the unreal situation that was in front me.

“Why did you just leave me? At the. Apartment”

She had the same reaction as me, while she watched as I marveled over the beauty that stood in front of me. 

“Well sir, I’ll be leaving you two with this car. My driver just arrived. Good day”

I could’ve cried at the situation at hand. As i got inside the car, tears came down my eyes. I couldn't believe my own boss knew me so well. 

“Stella let's go a drive”

*

“You got him a car? A car”

Father swinged around on his chair, being as dramatic as possible. He rested his elbows on his desk and used his connected hands to hold his head. I started thinking he plans out his entire route of actions.

“Yes, Yes I did. He has been working here for a good amount of time, so It was a gift from me personally. I also had to make sure there was no excuse in which he couldn’t attend dinner with us”

My face went blank. I was flabbergasted by my fathers words and actions. I couldn’t even get a car like the one he gave Emmanuel. Sometimes I wonder if I should resent him and go on some kind of villain arc.

“You also invited him to mom’s birthday, without telling him it was her birthday or telling her about his wife, have you gone mad man”

He chuckled in his seat and stared out the window. I could see the smile on his face through his reflection.

“I know what I’m doing… I hope”

“What was that”

“Nothing. Don't you have work to attend to, or are you leaving it up to your team members”

I gave off two real coughs, and slowly walked out the room. I would love to see how this birthday event is going to unravel. I couldn’t stop thinking about all the possibilities the entire day, I can't wait to see this showdown.