Magic Ball: the Billionaire in Ranch

9 Quit the job and fire the boss

The sunlight went through the tiny spaces of a bunch of leaves hanging above Noah and his dogs. It’s been a week since his trip to Maple city. He’d been deliberating what action to do next. He may appear to be rash and abrupt about the decision he made, but Noah had never been sure this sure his entire life. The Magic Ball provided him with a once in a lifetime opportunity he never anticipated to be given.

Upon arriving at the airport a week ago, Noah had this undisputable decision in his mind of quitting his job. He would render a whole month’s notice, but he’s already decided to take on a new role in his career. The paintings were worth fifty times the paycheck they’re paying him for his routinely, tedious job. Why would he even think twice about it?

He began composing his resignation letter three days after his trip to America. He wanted his boss to know how generous he was when it comes to salary, but Noah didn’t like the fact that he made him do things not included in his job description.

Buying him donuts, picking-up his laundry, having his kids safely escorted, shopping his favorite Dior perfume—Noah felt distasteful about the said tasks his boss assigned to him.

When he came to work late for the very first time, everyone around him speculated what was happening, especially when he went straight to his boss’s office. Upon entering, he immediately slid the folder on his boss’s desk. He stood and patiently observed how his eyes watered, his mouth quivering awkwardly along with the reddening of his nose.

   Days went by again, and for the first time ever in his life, Noah took a vacation leave for an entire week. He promised Dave to bring him back a souvenir as he wallowed in despair, thinking that their boss would find him as Noah’s replacement after his last day at work. Trisha, on the other hand, consoled Dave and wished Noah the best of luck in his new-found career. He assured both of them that he’s going to live a life he had always wanted. Trisha said that she’s considered quitting because Noah inspired him to. Dave looked at her as if he was ready to kneel on the ground, kiss her feet, and beg her not to leave. Trisha was, of course, disgusted by it.

Both of them argued for an hour or so, and Noah realized he’s going to miss his white-collared job, as well as the people that made it bearable everyday.

Noah had his phone between his shoulder and cheeks. He pulled a weed out, and it grew back again. He already stretched out his creative juices and couldn’t think of a way on how he can make this lawn able for planting vegetables.

Any news about the auction? Brice said on the other line. Noah heard the hard tapping of his keyboard.

“The bids up at sixty million dollars, I think.”

Man, I swear you’re going to live a blissful life. How are you even so chill about this?

Noah gripped the weed between his hand and pulled, “It’s so surreal. I don’t want to jinx it.”

Have you heard from Michael about the other painting? The one with women on it?

Noah nodded even if Brice will not see, “It’s already up at the museum. They’re planning on displaying it soon.”

Dollars are swarming your way, Noah. You should start looking for a wife.

 Come to think of it, Noah hadn’t had the time to date. He looked at the weed in his gloved hand, “I’m actually considering your suggestion.”

He heard more intense tapping and a hearty laugh, Talk to you in a bit. Let me know how everything goes.

Brice hung up, and Noah gave-up cleaning his weed dominated lawn. He can’t start any of his plantings if this goes on. He heard loud barking from afar and sighted Mik and Cole playfully biting each other. Ginger joined them, and Mik licked her face. Cole barked at Mik as if he wants him to stop, and Noah found Mik smiling—the dog way he does like he was teasing Cole about Ginger. Their ears are already pointy, an indication that they’re adult dogs.

He whistled, and all three of them ran to where he is.

The drive back home was long and bumpy. Noah hadn’t been back for a very long time. He’s sure his father would scold him for not being able to attend his mother’s fiftieth birthday, exchanging it for the workload he had going on.

He placed his luggage at the foot of the door and rang the bell. He heard shuffling footsteps from inside.

“Coming!” someone shouted as the door burst open, his sister greeting him with the same caramel eyes like his.

“Noah?” she said in disbelief.

Noah smiled bashfully—he doesn’t know why he felt that way. Mary enclosed him a tight embrace.

“Where have you been all these years?” Mary said as a light punch landed on his chest.

“Why are you only coming home now?” her face contorted into a fury, “mom’s been waiting for ages!”

Noah sighed, his face filled with guilt, “I’m sorry. There’s work, then various stuff happened.”

He heard another footstep from behind Mary.

“Who’s at the d—” his younger brother emerged, a grin in his face. There’s at least someone happy to see him.

“Noah!” Elijah hugged him so tight his chest and shoulders hurt.

“Mom!” shouted Elijah as Mary called, “Dad!” at the same time.

Muffled voices on the second floor came while Noah dragged his baggage on the living room. His mother appeared at the foot of the stairs, and she almost broke down crying as she supported herself on the railings. Noah’s dad was behind his mom, his face stern with a hint of surprise.

“You’re here,” his mother hugged him. She still smelled and looked the same; roses and her favorite cream dress with daisy prints all over the cotton material.

“What took you so long? Is everything going fine at work? Has something happened?”

“Slow down, Martha. Noah’s still tired from his trip,” his Dad scolded.

He gestured all of them to sit in the living room as Mary made her way to the kitchen, telling Noah that she will make him tea.

When they’re all settled in the sofa, Noah’s father stared like he was freezing Noah in place with his ice-cold gaze. His father had never been the mushy-supportive type in their family. He was always strict about academics. He didn’t allow Noah to play unless he gets to finish reading fifty pages in his textbooks and answered every question on his assignments. By the time Noah gets to accomplish everything, it’s already late, and he needs to prioritize sleep over playing with friends. It’s not like he had any friends to play with.

It’s a dull childhood memory, but Noah wouldn’t trade it for anything, especially the face his father made when he decided to take a course unrelated to what his father wants.

After university, Noah headed straight to Knox city. He contacted them occasionally, but he never got the chance to show them how well he was living his life—a life his father would have opposed to if not for his persistence on the matter.

“What brings you home?” his father asked, his voice uninterested.

“Oh, don’t mind him, Noah. He’s just sad you haven’t contacted us that often.”

“I’m not, Martha. Don’t make stories.”

His mother giggled and said, “He visits your room from time to time. He misses seeing you study so diligently.”

His father coughed—perhaps it was an indication that he’s embarrassed. Noah couldn’t help but shake his head at how stubborn his father was at keeping his affections to himself. He didn’t get how his mother had fallen for such a man. Although Noah had the idea that his mother liked him for his sincerity. Noah proved it through the years that he had seen them together. He actually knew his father cared more for their mother than his offspring, and it’s not like he would blame him for that. His mother was the most lovable woman within the four corners of their house. 

Mary placed the tea on the coffee table and sat too close to Noah that she had pushed him to the edge. She clings at Noah like the little child she is when he’s seven, and she’s four.

“I missed you, big brother!” she hugged his muscled arms, “Dad didn’t want to admit he misses you, too. His pride would shatter into pieces.”

“I agree,” Elijah said while prying Mary away from Noah. “So, tell us, what have you’ve been up to for the past years?”

“Well,” Noah said while sipping the tea Mary made, “don’t look too shocked, though. I’ve been employed to a company that produces high-quality cheese,”

“So, you’re into cooking after all?” his father interrupted. “If I knew, I would’ve enrolled you in cooking class,”

Mary made a face and said, “No, Dad. They produce cheese, not cook them into a tasty meal.”

His mother laughed loudly, “Now, now, Erick. There’s a difference. Listen to Noah.”

His father grumbled and rested his arms behind her mother.

Noah continued, “But I’ve quit that job and—”

“What?” Mary shouted.

“But how are you supporting yourself?” Elijah inquired, “the IT industry is a booming thing right now. I can recommend you there if you’re fine with that.”

“I knew it, Martha. I told you he’s going to be a disaster when he’s away from us!” his father practically fumed beside his calm-looking mother.

“Tell us why, darling,” she urged a silent Noah.

“I—I actually made lots of money,” he answered shortly before Mary interrupted the conversation with a gasp.

“Please don’t tell me you’re not doing something illegal,” she said the words like a chant.

“He’s not!” Elijah argued, “Noah wouldn’t do that.” He defended his brother like a champ. Noah had been his back and bone, after all.

“Then, what is it?” Mary followed, “why quit when it’s a well-paying job? How did you manage to make money?”

“I accidentally found paintings that are worth millions of dollars. Not just one painting but—”

“You’re an art collector now?” his Dad interrupted again.

Noah shared the glare her mother had, “Will you please stop interrupting the child? He’s trying to explain things here.”

His father didn’t talk afterward.

“I had the paintings auctioned after verifying its authenticity. It’s currently up for bids as we speak.”

“Million dollars, you say?” Elijah was in deep thought. “You’re a millionaire now?”

Noah saw the shine in his eyes, and he returned it with a grin. “Can’t say I’m not,” he said while his mother squealed beside his slightly open-mouthed father.

“I’m still waiting for the final bid, though. The manager informed me that it would take months,” he confirmed, “and I’m planning in changing my citizenship into American,”

“What?” his father practically jumped out of his seat, exclaiming. When he glimpsed beside him and spotted his wife crossing her arms, Noah watched him retract back in his chair slowly.

“I mean, why?” Elijah queried.

“Taxes and stuff. Apparently, I had the painting auctioned in America. They charge higher taxes for foreigners that transact with them.”

“I can’t believe you’re winning in life,” Mary hugged his arm tight.

Noah forced a smile, “Not yet. We still don’t entirely know what I’ll do with the money.”

“I’m proud of you, Noah,” his mother enclosed her hands on his. “You’ve been an independent kid ever since. I’m glad things turned out this way for you.”

His mother had been his number one supporter throughout his journey. Noah made sure to give them a share of some of the amount he’ll garner once the auction is done.

“Come on, now, cry-babies,” Elijah sniffed, “let’s make good dinner.”