Saving Each Other

CHAPTER 3 RETURNING THE SHINY THING

ROYCE

I checked on my wristwatch as I arrived at our company building parking space. Still on time, as always. When I turned off the engine, a shiny thing on the passenger's seat caught my attention. I chuckled, apprehending it as Nelly's phone left in my car. "Forgetful little doll."

I took the phone and tried to open it, but Nelly set it with a password. "Okay, let me try to enter two passwords. Hmmm... let's try 143444 - I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, BABY." I cracked up at the thought of the meaning of the numbers. CRAZY.

"Wrong password? Let's shoot 333314 - YOU ARE THE ONE I LOVE." I breathed a sigh of frustration after I took a second shot. But on second thought, I can make use of the IT expert in my office. So anyway, I only made fun of it.

When I reached the 8th floor, where my office was, I remembered to ask for help with unlocking a phone. "Good morning Jerry."

My secretary stood up when I walked over to his cubicle.

"Good morning, sir. Is there anything you need?"

"Can you ask someone who knows how to unlock a phone to come to my office? I need it right away."

"Yes, sir, I'll have someone in our IT department to report to your office. And by the way, Mr. Park, the board members are waiting in the conference room."

"Thank you; you may continue with your work now," I replied and went directly to the conference room.

The board members were all present when I arrived at the meeting room. The gentlemen seated on the circle-shaped table nodded as I made my way to my chair. As I sat, I nodded in return while my uncle raised a hand to start the meeting. We tackled the transfer of the President and CEO's position, including the lower hierarchy of the company. It lasted for almost 2 hours before we adjourned and separated ways. The board members left the room one by one, leaving me and my uncle Philip all alone.

I settled my feet on the table and gave a little thought to how things are going. Anywhere I look at the room reminds me of my good grannies. They were the most beautiful people I have ever known in my life. Beautiful inside and out.

"Time flies so fast, Royce. You were so little when aunt Margaretta and uncle Miguel used to take you here," Uncle said as he poured two glasses of scotch.

My eyes roam around the room, which used to be my playground when I was a kid. But, then, I was innocent and fragile, the reason my grannies mold me to be brave and independent.

"I knew that you'd take over this company one day, and that day has come," Uncle said, then he passed a glass of scotch to me.

I gladly took it and sipped a little. "Thanks," I mouthed as I raised the glass.

"Cheers," Uncle Philip raised his glass, then took his first sip. The fold on his forehead revealed as he raised his eyebrows. His temple creased when uncle looked at me. He smiled before he looked away and remained silent.

I stared at him. All these years, he's been with me even when both my grannies were still alive. I just realized that he had aged so much. The silence was deafening, so I started a conversation. "I still need you."

Uncle Philip jolted and shifted his gaze upon me; surprise crossed his face. He lets out a long breath before his expression hardens. "I taught you everything you need to know. It's up to you how you took all of those lessons. We have different life principles, but I hope you'll take your grannies' words on how to run a business." He paused, his eyes fixed on mine. "But seriously, I am still here for you. Call me anytime you want me." His entire face lit up as he gulped the glass of scotch. Uncle Philip stood up, leaned closer, and tapped my shoulder, right before when he turned to leave.