Unbroken August

The Plan

August sat quietly in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. The atmosphere in the car was tense, with Jamal stealing occasional glances at her through the rearview mirror. His jaw was clenched, and August could sense the simmering anger beneath his calm exterior.

The silence felt heavy, broken only by the steady hum of the car engine and Jamal's occasional muttered curses. August's mind raced, wondering if Jamal had overheard her conversation. She wanted to explain herself, to tell him that everything she was doing was to protect her child, but the words eluded her.

As they approached a red light, Jamal slammed on the brakes, causing August to lurch forward in her seat. Concern etched on her face, she turned to him and asked softly, "Jamal, are you okay?"

Jamal remained silent, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. The light turned green, and he accelerated, the car lurching forward. August's heart raced as she struggled to find the right words to ease the tension between them.

When they arrived home, August and Jamal entered the living room, where Mr. William was sitting, reading a newspaper. August approached her father with a warm smile. "Good evening, Dad," she greeted him.

"Good evening, August. How was your day?" her father asked, setting the newspaper aside.

"It was good, thank you," August replied. "Dad, I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Mr. William nodded, giving her his full attention. "Go ahead, August. What is it?"

"I've decided that I'm ready to take over the company," August said confidently. "I also want to continue my business college to improve my skills. I know i haven't been to class for a year now, but I am confident I can catch up."

Her father looked surprised but pleased. "That's wonderful, August. I'm proud of you for taking this step."

August smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Dad. There's one more thing. I want to transfer some of my shares to a borrowed name."

Mr. William furrowed his brows in concern. "Why do you want to do that, August? I don't think it's a good idea."

August took her father's hands in hers. "Dad, please trust me on this. It's important for me to do this."

After a moment of contemplation, Mr. William sighed and nodded. "Alright, August. I trust you. Just promise me that you'll be

Careful."

"I promise, Dad," August replied, relieved. "And please, keep an eye on the shares. If you notice anyone trying to sell them, let me know immediately."

Mr. William nodded solemnly. "I will, August. You can count on me."

With that settled, August nodded and made her way upstairs, leaving Jamal alone with Mr. William. The older man turned to Jamal with a worried expression, his brows furrowed in concern.

"Did you notice anything out of the ordinary?" Mr. William asked quietly.

Jamal nodded, understanding the unspoken concern. "Yes, just the same thing you noticed. She seems determined, but there's also a sense of urgency in her actions."

Mr. William sighed, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "I don't know if I should be happy or sad. This is the first time since her mother died that we have ever had a conversation about the company."

A small smile played on his lips, tinged with a hint of sadness. "Look after her, Jamal. She's my only daughter, and I want you to make sure she's safe."

Jamal nodded respectfully. "Yes, sir. I'll do my best to look after her."

"You can go now, Jamal," Mr. William said, giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Thank you for your help today."

Jamal nodded and left the room, leaving Mr. William was deep in his thoughts. He knew that August was determined to take over the company, but he also sensed that there was more to her actions than met the eye.

August looked at the names on her wall." What's this?" Jamal asked as he got into the room. "This is a crime board," she explained to Jamal, who was growing curious. "What's the plan?" he asked, leaning in.

"First, I need to fix things with my friends," August said decisively. Jamal nodded.

"Next, I want to revive my career," August continued, a sly smile forming. Jamal looked puzzled. "But you're pregnant," he pointed out.

"Exactly. I'm going to be the first top pregnant model," she declared, determination gleaming in her eyes.

"And the final piece?" Jamal asked, intrigued.

August chuckled. "Money. Lots of it," she said, laughing as she headed towards the washroom.

In the washroom, August splashed water on her face, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Jamal's reflection appeared behind her in the mirror.

"Are you sure about this, August?" Jamal asked, concern evident in his voice.

August turned to face him, her expression resolute. "I have to do this, Jamal. For my child" she said firmly.

Jamal nodded, his eyes reflecting his support. "I'm with you, August. Whatever it takes," he said.

August smiled gratefully. "Let's do this," she said.

After Jamal left, August dialed Becky's number, her hands trembling slightly. After a few rings, Becky picked up.

"Hey, August! How did it go with Mateo?" Becky's voice was cheerful.

"I didn't actually meet Mateo," August started, her tone serious. "I ended up meeting his sister instead."

There was a brief pause on the line. "Oh, I see. What happened?" Becky asked, her tone shifting to curiosity.

"I... I said some really terrible things about Mateo to Karina," August admitted.

Becky's voice was filled with fake concern. "Oh no, August, that's not good. What did she say?"

"She was understandably upset," August explained. "She said over her dead body would she let me be with her brother." August lied without a flinch. Well, that was technically not a lie, because that was what she said the last time, she thought to herself.

"Wow, that sounds intense. What are you going to do now?"

August took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I need to find a way to make things right with her," she said, her voice determined. "I can't afford to have Mateo's sister against me, especially now."

Becky nodded, though August couldn't see her. "You're right, but don't worry August, I found out where Mateo lives and I will find a way for both of you to meet soon, okay."

August felt a surge of determination towards Becky. The last time Becky set them up together, everything she told her Mateo liked was the things he hated the most, but this time she would change everything and have him beg to be with her, she thought to herself.

"Thank you, Becky. That means a lot to me," she said, her voice sincere. "I really appreciate your help."

Becky chuckled. "Hey, what are friends for? Just let me know when you're ready, and I'll arrange everything."

"Thank you, Becky. I'll be in touch," August replied, before ending the call.