Chapter 88: Their Meeting (2)
Fem ignored the clinking of wine glasses and the light laughters coming from the living room. Some voices sounded familiar while some were new to her ear. However, a certain male voice that sounded like a commander was distinct and piqued her ears but she didn't give any thought of glancing over. She entered straight to her room to get changed so she could help in the grilling outside.
Since it was December, it was a bit cold. She grabbed a skinny blue ripped jeans and light yellow long sleeve blouse. She put on her favourite wide rimmed blue cap to prevent her hair from swaying to her face. She tiptoed back from her room to the outside past the back of the living room not wanting her presence to be noticed by whoever those people are.
Just as she joined the other girls in their grilling enjoyment, Bryan patted her and pulled her aside.
"Ma'am Fem, just leave this to us. Someone is waiting for you inside." He said.
"Waiting for me? Who? And please stop calling me ma'am. Am I your teacher? Or am I the one giving you salary?" She frowned at him. This humor sent Bryan into an amused mood that instead of pushing her inside, he made jokes with her in return.
"Kidding aside, there's really someone inside waiting for you Fem. He was invited by boss Ernest. That's why boss sent me to pick you up because he has been asking about you." Bryan said.
"You don't expect me to entertain a visitor with this awful smell, do you? Why don't you go and prepare the tables. Food is nearly done." Fem suggested pushing the neatly postured man away.
"Okay, sure madam!" Bryan turned and pulled Manuel with him as they went inside.
Actually, the tables were already all set. Only, the grilled food was lacking. It was supposed to be a funtime barbecue for all but the plan was changed last minute when the boss invited the respectable Major Arevalo which the latter surprisingly accepted. The humble boss didn't expect that this young and over-achiever man would appear in such a lowly gathering. It would not be proper for him to be smelling smoked when he goes home.
The dining hall was in the basement of the house. Its more like an underground but there is actually an entrance at the west side which is concealed to everyone.
There were only about 30 people gathered. Mostly friends and some long time employees of the Wang's in South City. Their main influence is in their hometown at North Province anyway. Congressman Wang's sons only come once in a while to visit this house so the it's mostly ran by the trusted helpers as caretakers. It's also the reason why the house is open for lodging because mostly, it is empty.
Back a while ago in the living room, the CEO of WangCargo Express, Ernest Wang, was introducing Major Arevalo to everyone. There were few single ladies whose ages must be ranging from 30-35 years old.
"Actually he is waiting for his promotion as the youngest Major General in history at just 26 years old! He is still single and..."
"Single but taken" Mark cut in before his host could finish his cliche`.
"I was about to say that Major... Single and waiting for someone to appear." Ernest corrected with a laugh.
Everyone laughed except for Mark who smiled with zipped lips . All the while as they were chatting, his mind was drifting and wondering what time will that lady arrive from work.
"Oh oh.. yeah, of course! How could I be so forgetful." the CEO lightly laughed and turned around to search for someone. He spotted Bryan by the door and signaled for him to come close.
"Have you picked her up yet? Why is she not joining us?" Ernest whispered in his ear.
"Boss, she's already outside helping the girls with the food. They said dinner is now ready." Bryan replied.
Ernest nodded then turned to his guests. "Lets go down for dinner now. The girls are calling. " He politely invited them all to follow him.
Ernest is the second eldest of the five sons of Congressman Wang. The eldest was managing his own chain store but later followed his father's footsteps as a politician, leaving his wife to manage their business alone. Ernest, however has been the side-kick of his father almost acting as his driver- body guard but at the same time, the respected CEO of the family's shipping company. He is a kind-hearted and soft-spoken man, but his words could cut deep once he speaks seriously. His siblings are so envious of him for being the favorite of their father.
All the guests got up and followed their host downstairs for feast. Upon seeing the line of at food at the centre of the large dining hall, everyone's eyes grew wide except for one whose eyes were roaming around the hall as if searching for someone. His eyes could bore a holes into the wall, like laser beams penetrating the thickness of the concrete wall.
Everyone stood around the food with plates and forks in their hands. The arrangement was a buffet style. Everyone can grab their food and find comfortable seats around.
'Why doesn't she appear yet?' Mark cursed in his mind. His eyes still scanning each head of his fellow guests. It was advantageous of him, due to his height, to look down on everyone's head.
Turning to Bryan who was beside him. He asked "Where is Fem? I thought she lives here as well? Why don't I see her?" His voice revealed impatience and as demanding as usual.
Ernest did not mention to him earlier that he has sent someone to pick her up from work. It was suppose to be a surprise for him and her. Little did he know that these two have yet to iron out something. He just thought that they were just long lost lovers.
"She must have gone to her room Major. They were just here a while ago." Bryan answered with all respect.
"Can you go and call her now?" As soon as he said this, a tall slender figure wearing a cap and ripped jeans appeared carrying a large box of food and placed it at the far edge of the table. She was wearing a light yellow blouse. Her face was partially covered with her wide rimmed cap.
Mark was stunned and froze at his posture upon seeing the figure but his eyes were following every move of the girl who just entered.
Twisting her cap to reveal her face, Fem smiled and called out everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is our way of saying Merry Christmas to all! So Merry Christmas and please help yourselves around and enjoy!." She said like she was the host. Her eyes swayed to her boss Ernest and squinted her eye as she smiled apologetically for having acted as the host.
"Yeah, let's eat and be merry. Merry Christmas to us all!" Ernest caught her drift and continued as he lightly smiled in kindness.
"Major, that's her! She is Fem" Bryan's voice brought Mark into his senses.
"Oh! I see, yeah! I know" He said as he lowered his gaze and started picking up some food. He heard her enthusiastic voice, saw her graceful movements and her humor was still intact with the way she forms her words. He had known this about her before but when he saw her again like this, his confidence was like crumbling again and his mind muddled up! He thought he was prepared to meet her. But here he is, just one appearance and a single sentence from her made him feel useless!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone