Four years later
I start to pack all the clothes I need, though I don't see the point. I mean, I can just buy new ones. I have used these clothes for the last four years in college but mam insisted I pack them and leave some which I'll need if I come to visit, hopefully.
As you are probably wondering, I have just completed my final year in college at University of California-Berkeley online. Yes, I completed my online course and finally graduated.
After what happened four years ago, mam and dad have kept me away from the public eye. But now, I have finally graduated and will be taking over their company as a new CEO.
I have been face-timing friends almost every day and they are doing quite well. Mam gave birth to a baby boy, Alvin Jacobs who is quite a pain in the ass. Tyler is an engineer now. He is married to my sister-in-law, Angelina who is pregnant with twins. They had a really stunning wedding in Florida and I was the maid of honor, obviously.
Melisa did an aeronautical engineering course, Patricia did a course in law, Carol went for a medical course, Amelia did a degree in broadcasting, communications, and we all went to different schools but remained best friends. Amelia decided to start a reality TV show about us all in the next three or four years, she wants us to be the next Kardashians.
After packing some of my clothes, I strolled my suitcase downstairs where my family is. Mam is wiping off her tears while staring at me, as expected. I actually expected her to lock me up in a room and stop me from going.
"Are you coming back, big sis?" Alvin walks up to me and hugs my legs.
"I promise to always visit and I'll bring you skittles." I say to him as I kneel down to reach the same level as him.
Yep, my little brother Alvin got my obsession too. He is also addicted to those beautiful babies.
"Promise?" he says while sticking out his pinky finger to seal the promise which I intertwine with mine.
"Promise." I smile at him, I get up and turn to mam and dad.
"Look at you......you have grown into a beautiful young lady. I'm so proud of you, sweetie." Dad hugs me which I return.
"Thanks dad." I smile at him.
"Honey..." Mam sniffles. "I'm so happy for you. We shall always be there for you always." Mam says as she brings me in for a hug.
"Thanks... where is Albert?" I ask as I look around for any trace of that stubborn teenage boy.
"Oh, he's out with some friends. He said to give you this." mam says as she hands me an envelope.
"Okay... I'll see you guys soon. Bye.." I grab my suitcase and head outside the door.
"Call if you need anything, honey." Dad says and I nod, "Of course, I will."
I open the door and take a deep breath. Finally, I'm out of the place also called home. Trapped in there for four years just studying and doing nothing was the worst but now, I'm free.
Don't get me wrong, I love home but sometimes it's too much, too much to handle. Last time I was out was when we were going to attend Tyler's wedding. My parents didn't allow me to go anywhere even though I am an adult. It was to protect me but now it's time to face the real world.
My aim for the next four years is to concentrate on work only and grow my business. Another thing is to stay out of the public eye especially paparazzi.
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"Good morning, Ms. Summers." My new P.A, Chad greets. He is gay and he is really funny to be around, I love his company.
"Chad, I said you can call me, Nora. And enough with the formal greeting. We are friends for Christ's sake." I roll my eyes at him.
"What if your parents get me greeting you informally, they'll fire me." he says with a shiver as he walks up to me with a file in his hand.
"They are retiring next week, relax!" I say to him. After twenty six years, my parents finally agreed to retire and they will be finalizing the hand over next week.
"Anyway, since you are the new CEO of this company, you have to renew the contract of the collaboration." He says as he places the file on my office desk.
"Okay, inform the CEO to come tomorrow for the signing." I say while typing some documents for the upcoming project, I'm working on.
"Sure," he says as he leaves my office and I continue my work. I am working on establishing a new branch in UK next month.
I open the file Chad had left me and freeze in my tracks. It's a contract with Parker Co. how could I forget about all of this? How could I not put piece and piece?
It's been four years since I saw him and I'm still madly in love with him. We haven't said anything to each other in years after what happened that night. I miss him so much but that was only way to protect us?
It's finally the end of the day and I have managed to complete some of the work. Chad arranged for me a place to stay. I'll be staying in a luxurious penthouse. He had given me different choices and they all looked very fancy. He also ordered some clothes for office wear and heels. Best PA ever!!
My phone ring tone goes off and it's a face time from Melisa. It's been two weeks since I last talked to my friends, I miss them. People say that your best friends in high school come and go but I managed to stick with my friends throughout the years.
"Hey girl!!" Melisa waves with excitement on her face.
"Hi, you look happy!" I muse.
"Yeah, I bought my own private airline for both aircraft and private jets." She says excitedly.
"That's really good. I'm so proud of you, girl!!" I say honestly. Melisa worked her ass off during college and high school to get enough money to start her own airline. She started a makeup line and it was really successful. I'm so happy for her.
Melisa and I talk for about two hours about life and random things then bid our goodbyes since we have busy schedules to attend to. We promised to meet up with the girls sometime this year and catch up.
I settled into my new huge penthouse and organized my wardrobe. Chad also hired a personal chef and a cleaner to help around. My first day wasn't that bad though exhausting.
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