Knowing You

Chapter Eleven - LUCK

The meeting did not end quite favorably and their funds are still insufficient. Although the determination burns inside them, the means as to how they can raise the money is still a problem. As the SUV moves past the traffic lights, both Louis and Carlyn are silent, both of them are contemplating what to do next and if they could truly own up to those courageous words they threw at Mr. Gibbs. Carlyn also feels she has done a terrible thing to have even suggested the meeting.

“Louis, I am very sorry about what happened. It was a total disaster. I should have listened to you in the first place.” She said apologetically.

“All is well Carlyn. We had to do it either way because we have to do whatever it takes and that is exactly where all of this was going. It didn’t turn out quite well but at the very least we showed him how far we are willing to go. Instead of pouting about it, we might as well just face the music and still look for another means.”

As Louis is talking, something catches Carlyn’s attention. It was a lottery stand by the road decorated with bright white lights. Carlyn couldn’t help but tell Louis.

“Lou, did you say that we must look for whatever means to achieve our goal?”

“Yes, I did…” he turns to Carlyn only to find her smiling mischievously. “Is there something you wish to tell me?”

As the car comes to a stop to the red traffic light, Carlyn points her finger outside and towards the lottery stand.

“Lottery…is that what you are suggesting? When I said whatever the means that was not supposed to include gambling.” he reasoned.

“Oh, C’mon! That is lottery for charity, it’s not necessarily gambling. Besides, we won’t lose much from it. We should try our luck.”

“No.”

Carlyn looked at him with those same determined eyes. As the green light goes bright, Carlyn and Louis have just turned and pulled over. Louis paid for two tickets while Carlyn excitedly chose her lottery numbers. Louis watches over her and is entranced at her childish facial expressions as she playfully scribbles on the tickets. But beyond those child-like grins, Louis could see the beauty of a lady. Her red locks flowing down her shoulders reflecting a burning red light and her lashes that are naturally and exquisitely curved but not exaggerated. Louis was starting to enjoy the view when she suddenly popped the tickets to his face and waved it playfully.

“Would you like to see my choice of numbers?” She said to Louis.

“Wouldn’t that spoil your luck?”

“Hmm…I don’t think so. Now, why would you think of that?”

“I don’t know…after what happened awhile ago, I’ve a feeling that I might not be a good charm. It was me who angered Mr. Gibbs after all.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself after forgiving me. It was I who put you in that situation after all. I was the bad charm…which makes me think maybe you should have chosen the lottery numbers and not me. Blimey…!”

“Seriously?” Louis asked jokingly and smiled. “We’ve got nothing to lose here right? Just a couple of bucks?”

“Yes, just a couple of bucks.” and they laugh.

Louis took the tickets from Carlyn and scanned the ten numbers before giving them back to the counter. They finally drove off and hoped for a better morning the next day and also, if by any chance, win the lottery.

Dawn is breaking through the pale red sky when a high pitch shriek awakens Tom from his slumber. He is forced to sit right up with his eyes still closed and adjusting to the light. Carlyn burst through the bedroom door, jumps on the bed and lands on Tom’s side. There could be no way for him get back to sleep now so he half opens his eyes to see how his friend excitedly holds a lottery ticket to his face. Tom gives her a quizzical look.

She whispers, “We won the lottery Tom…”

It took an amount of effort for Tom to make out what his beloved friend is telling him. Then out of the blue it struck him and he asked, “What are the figures exactly?”

“Over One… million… pounds…” Carlyn said delightedly.

“Over One million pounds?”

“Yes!”

“Over One million pounds?!” he repeatedly asked.

“Yes!”

They burst into a shriek that is so loud and so high pitched that could startle the neighbors upon hearing it. They just did not care. They were both jumping on the bed now while chanting “One-million-pounds”. Suddenly, it came to Tom that he doesn’t ever remember buying a ticket with Carlyn. He stops chanting and jumping and settles back down to the comfy bed with his legs crossed and catching his breath. Carlyn follows suit.

“Carly? Just one question.”

“What is it?”

“I am a hundred percent sure that I absolutely don’t remember ever buying a lottery ticket with you. So…why are you saying that WE won? I am just confused. Is there something you are not telling me?”

“Of course, I forgot to mention it to you. After having that horrible meeting with that terribly nasty old man Mr. Gibbs, Louis and I decided to try our luck at the lottery stand. Turns out I am a lucky charm after all.” She said as she giggled.

“So the WE here is you and Louis?” Tom said with his hands gesturing a quotation mark on “we”.

“Yes.” she could finally see Tom’s curious look, “Are you jealous of me and Louis? Oh C’mon Tom you really must not get jealous of Louis. He is a sweet gay man and I know you will love him. I swear he is a friend and not a frenemy. And he has nothing bad to say about you. He doesn’t badmouth about others. In fact, he is rather decent and agreeable.”

“It’s not that Carly!” Tom retorted. “I am not jealous in any way at all. I am just curious as to how fast both of you have become close lately. It’s just awkward and unusual especially hearing you refer to him as agreeable just now. But I can assure you that I am not jealous at all.”

“Are you implying that I am developing a connection that is more than friendship with him? Louis Travis? How could you!” She picks up a pillow and throws it at Tom.

“You can’t blame me Carly! And besides, if I were a woman, I too would find Louis an agreeable man. He is an excellent boyfriend material. I wouldn’t blame you if you fall head over heels in love with him.”

“Oh shut up! Why don’t you go wash up and we’ll have breakfast. I bought you some fresh fruits. You better hurry, our prize awaits.”

“You are truly the master of changing topics. Anyways, let’s go get those One-Million-Pounds!”

Carlyn was finds it as a joke but deep inside something stirs and she knows it and she knows she has to kill it before it grows. Both she and Louis know that the company must come first.

It wasn’t long till the One Million Pounds was finally transferred to the company’s account. That is after all the awarding ceremony and all the pictures taken. A grand celebration of all the members of the company was then organized at their quarters in Louis’ floor building. Louis’ students are all present as well and they had a presentation for everyone. They sang and danced to the tune of the generation’s music and although majority of the company members are past their early twenties and thirties, they enjoyed it very much and some even moved to the beat a little bit and turned the party into a disco. Everyone has a smile on their face. But no one else could feel the joy overflowing more than Louis because finally he has a chance of saving that piece of his past. The Burrow Theatre is finally in his reach. Carlyn and Tom joined the crowd and conquered the floor. Louis is enjoying the sight of his colleagues singing and dancing. Carlyn beckoned him to join her and Tom and he is just about to take a step towards them when his phone rings. He takes it from his pocket and swipes the screen to answer the call. To his surprise, it was Mr. Gibbs. His smile turns into a grim look and he gestures to Carlyn that he has to take this call by pointing at his phone. Carlyn nods and watches him walk out to the balcony. Tom grabs Maggie and the three of them dance. While outside, Louis stands by the railing with his left hand holding on the metal bar and the other holding the phone to his ear.

“Hello, Mr. Gibbs. I must say I didn’t expect you’d call me since the last time we talked I believe you told me right to my face that you did not want to negotiate. So why is it that we are having this conversation?”

“Believe me boy, If it weren’t for a pressing matter I never would have had this call. Listen carefully for I do not want to repeat anything for your sake. Meet me tomorrow night at the Russeau’s Restaurant at seven sharp. Bring Miss Stanley along with you. You will not want to miss this opportunity. Remember it’s seven sharp. If you are late then we will have no deal. That is all…a pleasant evening then.”

“Wait…”

And the line is broken.