50 Days to His Heart

Day 14: Lorraine

Henry decided to stay at home today and just work on his proposals here. He said he wanted to take care of me and spend quality time with each other.

I am amazed on how God can actually change both of hearts that even if we are still struggling, we now have a stronger wall where we can stand and put our trust into. Eventually, I would want to share the same faith with my father. After all, he is still my dad and even if he used me for his advantage, I know deep down in his heart, he wanted to be successful because of our family too.

That night when he asked me to get near to Henry, I had no idea that it was part of his plan to make Henry noticed me. I was even wearing a very light make up that made me even look more "beautiful".

It was never hard for me to act. I mean I was even awarded a junior actress award for some of the school plays but what I felt for Henry is real. I really wanted to be the one who'd comfort him when Eunice left him shattered.

I still remember that business workshop my father sent me to. I had no idea what was it about so I armed myself with researches about business and even wrote down some jargon words just in case I forget.

When he got in the conference room I am sure it was not just me who was impressed of how he carried himself. He was wearing a yellow polo shirt and khaki pants and he didn't look way older than me. He could even pass for a college student and I told myself, I'd do everything to make him fall for me, after all, he is a good catch.

"Why do you think there is a need to invest guys?"

Most of the ladies in the room shared their thoughts and every time someone would answer, he'd say, good, that's nice, you are right and blah. I was at the back and I hate it that he could not notice me. My fellow attendees were all active and I could not butt in!

My irritation has caused me to scratch my head and say, urggggh and without me knowing, my action has made him noticed me.

"Ahmmm... hello kitty lady, do you wish to share anything?"

I was taken aback with what he said. Did he really call me hello kitty lady? My father was right after all. He said wear something that is noticeable. Hello kitty!!!

What am I supposed to share when I am lost by just looking in his eyes?

Think Lorraine. Think.

"Ahmmm, I... I was just thinking sir, investment...is ... Is like love."

"Love?!" I heard my fellow attendees burst into laughter. I didn't even know why I said that.

"Ahmmm.. Yes sir... Like love."

"In what way are these two related?"

"Ahm.. With investment, you have to... To check and feel which companies have better stocks, but you won't really know until you take the risk and buy... And once you have that good stock, you won't let go of that one... You'd keep on investing... Love is someone like that... You get to meet a lot of people, who knows, even those younger than you.. And you won't know if he or she is the one, unless you get to know about the person and... Give yourself a chance to love."

I got a standing ovation mostly from the guys with some asking for my contact number. I could not help but feel awkward of what I just said. As in duh, of all comparisons I've thought of it!

"Very good Ms. Hello Kitty. You got yourself some fans."

The guys cheered once more and I wanted to just disappear!

"But seriously, Ms. Hello Kitty..."

"Sir, my name is Lorraine."

"Oh, yes, Lorraine is actually right. With investment you have to be extra careful where you place your money because who knows, you might just break your heart."

And everyone laughed at how our lecturer could this be bubbly.

I texted Henry the night after the workshop and thanked him for complimenting me. At first, he was kinda snob but eventually, our text messages became more frequent until I woke up one day, telling myself I wanted to marry this guy, not because my dad had plans but because I love him.

***

I went to check on how Henry's doing and caught him looking blankly at the window behind his study table. His business might really be this bad that he didn't even notice I sneaked in.

I prepared sandwiches and went back to his office, this time his head is on his table and it seemed that he is really tired.

"Daddy, I've got sandwiches."

"Oh.. Baby, you're awake." He smiled and gave me a kiss.

"Yeah, it's almost lunch time daddy."

"I know. I'm sorry. I was meaning on preparing our lunch but I'm so caught up with this. I'll just call for delivery?"

"No need. We've got sandwiches and I placed a lot of tomatoes on yours."

"Oh."

"Can I help you with anything daddy?"

"Ahmmm.. Well, we're trying to come up with a new application apart from games."

"Oh."

"I can't seem to think of a new one. A lot have suggested but it seems like there's already in the market."

"Who is your target market?"

"Well, we have to think for couples, yuppies, teens and kids and I'm so clueless now. Good thing you came. At least I am more inspired now."

"Daddy, remember the first time we met?"

"You mean in the party?"

"Ahmm, no, I mean, the business workshop."

"Okay, what about Ms. Hello Kitty?"

"You're a bully!!!"

"I'm not, you were really wearing Hello Kitty then."

"I know but let's not talk about hello kitty."

"Okay."

"What am thinking is, maybe you can come up with an application that monitors stocks and offer application development to companies whose services have something to do with being a broker and all that. Instead of developing an application for a general market, do it business to business. Design something specific for a particular brand or company. Say, the banks, they have their own apps right and it's really easier for the consumers. I don't know, that's just my thought. I hope it helps."

I saw Henry smiled and the next thing I knew I was sitting on his lap! What does he plan to do at 12 in the afternoon?

"Baby, you just made daddy very proud of you. That's a brilliant idea! What do you think of spending a week in Baguio?"

"I'd love that. But the kids..."

"Yeah. The kids."

I moved away from Henry and decided to eat. Maybe, we can feel better after eating.

"Let's have lunch daddy. I can eat a horse."

"But you were not hungry earlier."

"Well..."

"We will find our children soon baby. We will find them."

We ate in silence perhaps both of us thinking if our children are eating too.

"Baby, God is faithful. He is taking care of our children."

"I know. I know daddy."