No Letting Go

Chapter 28: All I Want For Christmas

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FICTION.
Disclaimer: All and fully disclaimed.
For ADN. 💚💚💚💚💚

*******ALDUBPARIN****************
Chapter 28: All I Want For Christmas

~~Office of the President, Friday 2 weeks before Christmas~~

Prof. Tindley called them to his office. His back was to them when they came in, sounding grim. "I've got some good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"

Ray and Maine looked at each other in alarm. It was Ray who spoke up first.

"Let us have the good news first?"

Maine looked at him strangely, mouthing. "Why the good news first?"

Before Ray could answer her, Prof. Tindley had turned around to face them and tell them the news. "Well, the good news is First National has agreed to the merger with Lloyds Bank. The signing will be in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday."

Maine squeaked. "And the bad news is?"

"They have requested both your presence there."

"I'm sorry Professor but I have to decline. It's my son's first Christmas and I want to be home for the holidays."

"Don't we all?"

"Maybe I can just go?"

"No. They need you there both since you need to attest to the genuineness of the figures in their business portfolio. The merger won't happen without your attestation. All our hands are tied, there's no way around it."

Maine sighed in irritation and frustration. "They better make sure they have booked us return flights."

Prof. Tindley pulled out their tickets from his drawer. "No need to worry about that," sliding the tickets to them, "they've sent your tickets over. First Class."

~~Twyford, Berkshire; Maine's parents' house~~

Maine parked her top of the line BMW X3 in her parents' driveway. She got out of the SUV and walked over to the backseat to unbuckle Sebby's car seat and walked up the steps that led to the front door.

Her parents greeted at the door. Her mother took Sebby from her while she and her father went back to the SUV to get Sebby's things, as he would be spending time with his grandparents until Maine returned from her business trip. Father and daughter walked arm in arm back into the house, closing the door to the chill of the winter season.

Unbeknownst to them, they also closed the door to a man in a Ford F150 truck parked on the side of the street in front of their house.

Man: (talking on his mobile) Yes, sir. They have just arrived and I think Ms. Mendoza and her baby are now settled inside. Of course sir, the plan will be executed on time. I have all of the documents with me.

~~Heathrow International Airport, Sunday late afternoon~~

Maine paced back and forth in the V.I.P. lounge constantly checking her watch and looking out the lounge over the whole airport terminal wondering and worrying where Ray could be. She tried calling him on his mobile but she only got his voice mailbox. The P.A. system announced that their flight was now boarding and still there was no sign of Ray. She was already buckled in her seat when Ray plopped himself down on the seat next to her.

"Where have you been and why didn't you answer your mobile? You had me worried that you might miss the flight."

Ray was still catching his breath. "I had to settle some things before I left. Sorry, my battery went dead on me."

A few minutes later, their flight was airborne.

~~Manila, Monday Evening~~

The night was still young. People, both young and old were out on the streets. Most were going to the street markets to take advantage of the pre-Christmas bargain offerings. Tonight was supposed to be the night when they were going to have a boy's night out but unfortunately, his two partners cancelled out on him, saying that they have family matters to attend to.

~*~*~Flashback*~*~*~
~~Phone Conversations~~

Alex: I'm really sorry RJ but Issa wants to start putting up the Christmas tree as early as now. I know we could leave it to the maids but she wants to start a new tradition in our family. She says that Christmas is for families and love ones. She was wondering if you would like to join us. Oh, okay. Thanks for understanding. Bye!

Corrine: Hello RJ? It's Corrine. Mark can't come to the phone right now. He is busy putting Ava to sleep. She has been fussy all day and a bit feverish because she has new teeth growing and wouldn't let anybody near her except her daddy. I'm sorry you guys had to cancel your night out because of this. I know you were looking forward to it. Thanks for understanding. Bye and take care.

~*~*~*End Of Flashback*~*~*~

Instead of wasting the night away by going back to work, RJ decided to push through with the plans, substituting a stroll around the district for clubbing at Revel at the Palace. After he finished one block, he started regretting his decision. Everywhere he looked all he could see was happy faces, friends and families together. It emphasized his loneliness.

He turned and traced his steps back to Revel. He thought that he could seek solace in the dark corners of the club that fits his mood at the moment but alas, he was wrong. Even there, he was confronted with groups celebrating god knows what.

RJ declined their usual private table when he was led by the waiter to it and went to the sit at the bar instead. As soon as he sat down at the bar, he started to hear the strains of a Christmas song being played as the background music.

RJ placed his hand on his forehead. 'Not here as well! Is just me or does everybody seem happy to you," he asked the bartender.

"It's not you Sir, it's them. They are happy. Christmas is the time when there is lots of giving and as well as receiving. It makes people think and feel that they can get what they want. What do you want sir?"

RJ looked at his empty shot glass. "Another shot perhaps."

The bartender smiled as he filled his order. "I meant what do you want for Christmas?"

RJ getting bored with the conversation, smiled cheekily. "World Peace?"

"That would be good Sir, but what do you really want this Christmas? maybe Santa can give it you. Humor him."

RJ laughed dryly at the bartender's attempt at conversation. "I don't think Santa can give me what I want this Christmas," he stood up and paid for his drinks.

RJ walked aimlessly for about an hour, mulling over the bartender's question. He knew what he wanted but didn't know exactly how to ask Santa for it.

RJ smiled to himself at his thought. 'Does my being a very good boy count in persuading him to give me what I want?'

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A/N:

Our mystery man is on the move. What does his cohort want at the Mendoza residence? What documents does his cohort have and more importantly, what is the plan?

RJ, kanta ka 🎶All  I want for christmas is yoooouuuu🎶 😆😂

*******ALDUBPARIN****************
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FICTION.
Disclaimer: Fully and all disclaimed.
Thank you for reading. 😊💚