RONI
I woke up at dawn as the air-conditioned room's coldness wake me up. I groaned and pulled the comforter up to my shoulder. I was about to stood up to turned the air-conditioner off, when an arm snaked on my waist. With a smile on my face, I turned around and kiss him on the lips.
"Good morning." I whispered. Jack groaned and smiled even with eyes closed. "Good morning, baby." He huskily whispered back. I kissed his forehead before getting up out of bed. I'm in my pajamas already, neat and clean compare to what I... I looked around me and stare at each side of the wall. I sashay to my kitchen and mini-bar just to make sure this is not a dream. That means the full moon and unreal attacks last night really happened. I held on the bar for support as my head began to ache. This isn't easy to forget. I would always remember that.
"I'll pick you up later. Just rest for now, okay?" Jack opened the car door and immediately sat on the driver's seat. I held the robe tighter by crossing my arms on my chest. I smiled at him. "Are you sure you're okay on your own?" He asked. I nodded and laughed a little. We've been arguing for the last thirty minutes about this. He wanted to stay but he has a work today and I don't want to be selfish.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry, I'll call you if something came up." I muttered. Jack sighed and that made me roll my eyes. He's really pushing it. I smiled at him and walked near the car. "Seriously, Jackson. I'll be fine here, alright? I need you to work, okay?" I bend down and kissed him softly on the lips. I'll miss him but I can handle it for half a day. "Drive safely." He nodded and bid his goodbye before finally going away. I laughed and shook my head.
He's being overprotective of me lately. Well, can't blame him. Especially too, what happened last night. I have to visit her one of these days. I went back to my unit and prepared a hot coco. I don't feel like eating breakfast yet so I'll just read the results further. I went to the bedroom and grabbed the brown envelope from my shoulder bag. This needs a solution and fast. I need that plaque of recognition and award for the trip I am planning to have on Jack's birthday. I sat at the bed and supported my back with a pillow as I rest my head to the headboard.
When I fished out the documents out of the envelope, I immediately grabbed my journal to compare results. I need a hit. A DNA pattern that matches the first breed we've done. My fellows aren't really into this project so I've been doing this on my own. The results differ in toxin dosage. One of the lab rats though seems fine and has accumulated an increase in stamina and self-healing which is a good sign. I can now proceed with injecting the formula that I've been creating for two months. But. I glanced at the two small tubes at the side table. One contains a blood type A+ and the other is type O. It's mine and Jack's. I got our blood for samples and in order to know which blood type is compatible with the drug. However, I haven't discussed a human trial with the bosses yet and since I'm having a day off today and tomorrow, I'll have to wait til Monday.
"I should do it here then." I muttered to myself. I got up and went to the study room I have on the unit, that's where I put all my log books, research documents and some apparatus. Jack have been telling me to rest properly during my rest days since my job is stressful but I just can't lay around. Something in me wants to finish this now. ASAP.
When I opened the door to the study room, a silk wrapped gift with pink ribbon sat at my brown rectangular table. I swiftly moved and then inspected the gift. "This seems nice. The wrappers are perfectly wrapped too." I smiled as I untied the ribbon. Since there's no card or anything written on the outside, I figure it's from Jack. After all, he loves surprises.
When I finished unwrapping, a sparkling necklace and earrings set made me gasped. These all look expensive. Judging from the name palette on the upper corner of the blue box, it's from a designer jewelry shop. The necklace looks extravagant and almost look like a royalty's choker. The lace is sparkled with little diamond like jewels. Wait. This isn't real diamonds right? Jack, what would I do to you. I tried the necklace on. It fits perfectly on me. It hang a little low that it showed my collarbones. The small stones formed some tiny wave-like line that accentuate the earring well. This looks good on me. I might pass as an expensive charlatan if I wore a black dress with this. I giggled at my thought.
There's a card below the cardboard and when I opened it, a picture was pasted on the inside. This was taken on our graduation day. I was smiling while showing my diploma to the camera and Jack kissed me on the cheek while showing his medal too. He graduated with Latin honors. Proud girlfriend it is. Next, I opened a smaller box. I was speechless as more marvelous jewelries caught me. It's a ring and a bracelet! But compared to the first ones, the design has smaller stones of diamonds circling the emerald stone.
"The heirloom." I whispered. Jack showed me the ring and bracelet last year when we celebrated our fifth anniversary. I was speechless and emotional when he said that he'll only give it to me. No one else. It melted my heart. I decided to wear the jewelries for our get-together later. After taking a shower, I went to my closet to check for a dress that'll match the diamonds. I pulled out the new knee-length dress that I bought at a designer's clothing shop. It's a laced of shoulder maxi dress that feels comfortable even though the fabric hugs on my buddy. I put some light makeup and gave out an orange, tangerine in pastel and sparkles palette. I opened the shoe box that I have hidden under the bed. It's a White stilettos with a silver lining on the heels. I brushed the ends of my hair after blow drying it. The meeting place is fifteen minutes away and Jack will be here any soon so I applied the brown matte lipstick I got on the drawer.
"You look pretty." Jack whispered as he snaked his arms around my waist while staring at my reflection at the huge mirror I got installed in the bedroom. I was asking him tons of times if I look okay. And I got the same answer all over. I rolled my eyes and grabbed the Chanel silver purse on the bed. Jack's wearing his denim pants paired with a plain shirt that I gave last Christmas, and a leather jacket that matches his shoes.
We head down to the building and rode on the black mustang parked at the space provided. I texted Prim that we're on our way when he already passed the express way. We'll meet at the Oak and Tree restaurant which was reserved by Arturo. I haven't gone to that place yet, but Lauren suggested it.
"Are the others coming?" Jack asked without looking at me. "Yup. Prim and Art are there already. Lauren and Matt will arrive soon too." I answered after reading the messages from the group chat. "Are you going to tell them the good news?" He finally turned to me after the question. I nodded and smiled at him. I squeezed his right-hand gently. I've been meaning to tell them that but I think Prim and Art already know what I'm about to tell.
"Art and his smart mouth, can't believe he told you that!" I whispered to Prim when we finally arrived. She even sulked a little after not telling her about it. I was kind'a hoping I'll deliver the news to them myself but since were all have busy schedules, I opted not to tell anyone.
"Well, we already know it's coming to that. Jack's been agitated last month. He even asked us some tips. But who knew it'll be last week?" Lauren teased.
"He did show me a ring last year but only proposed last week." I uttered amidst their meaningful stares towards us. I sighed and showed them the family heirloom that I got this morning and as expected the girls gasped.
"Jack you rich! Can't believe you really gave her this. Did you bribe your Grandma for this?" Prim raised her left brow at Jack who's just smiling from ear to ear.
"Or did you stole this from Tita Melanie's jewelry box?" Lauren added the question. Everyone anticipated for Jack's response but all we got is a shrug. He's not giving away too much information so I sighed again at my friends. "He got me a different ring and Tita Mel freaked out. She said I should've worn the heirloom but what can I say? Jack was nervous the whole time that if ever I say no, at least he only used a different ring."
"Because you were giving me the cold shoulder at that time. I thought you'll decline since your mind isn't working properly at that time." Jack argued like a baby. I drank the red wine from my glass before facing him with an annoyed expression.
"Cowardice Jackson, aren't it?" I teased with a smirk. He just shrugged at me. "You're the commander. Isn't it obvious?" He whispered. "Ooooooh!" They all make face at the two of us saying we're so cheesy and corny towards each other. Lauren even faked that she'll throw up.
"To Jack and Roni's harmony in matrimony!" Art raised his glass and we did the same. We clinked our glasses and enjoyed the chitchat we've been missing.
"I got you a present." Prim joyfully handed me a small gift box. "Aw. Thanks." I said as I unwrapped it and opened the tiny box. "I got it from the mail this morning. It was so hard to get that. I had contacted our other branches just to have that." Prim added. I smiled at her. I've been bewitched by this silver amulet with a six angle stars inside the circle. We saw this during our trip and visit to Prim's workplace. Since then, I've been dying to have it. Something in me feels like it's part of me.
"Silver, huh." Arturo muttered. Lauren stare at the amulet before turning to Matt. "It kind'a look like the amulet from the book we saw on the national library." Matt nodded at her before borrowing the amulet. They both stared at it in awe and after a few seconds, Lauren smirked.
"If I didn't know you, I'll be wondering if you're part of a cult or something." We all laughed. Sure the amulet looks like an ancient necklace of a certain tribe but it just so pretty to me that I was really happy that day. Anything in silver will make me smile. That's how much I love it.
"Dr. Heartfillia." Someone knocked the door. I'm busy re-reading my research and it's outcome that I have been in my office since I got here. "Come in." I uttered without looking. "I didn't mean to disturb you but Mr. Edwards wants you in the boardroom now." Jelly, my assistant softly said. I sighed before nodding at her direction. The shareholders are holding these meetings almost everyday and I don't know why but one thing's for sure: they want my research immediately. I inserted the documents on my binder and grabbed the laptop on my desk just in case they want me to present the progress.
"Should I fetch you some croissant and latte?" Jelly asked. "Yeah. Thanks, Jelly."
I haven't gone to a single break this shift and when she asked me that, I felt hungry all of a sudden. I went up to the 25th floor, unto the executive boardroom and was ushered by the secretary. Though the room's in a glass wall, I can't see everyone cleanly because it was quite dark.
"Ah. Dr. Heartfillia. Come on in." Mr. Edwards and the others stopped listening to the presentation and averted their eyes on me. "I'm sorry that I'm late, Sir. I wasn't informed."
The lights turned on and my eyes widened in disbelief. They're all smiling at me. I can't believe they're here! What are they doing here anyway? Don't they have work today?
"I assumed you are all familiar to these well known scientists." Mrs. Aurora Edwards turned to me. Prim waved a little as the others winked on my shock expression. Jack's crossing his arms with a smirk plastered on his face. Art was presenting something on the screen and he just shrugged. Both Lauren and Matt are seated at the far end together with their bosses. "I am indeed familiar." I whispered while raising my left brow at them. They could've texted me about it.
"Everyone, this is Dr. Veronica Heartfillia. She's our head in the research Department. She's been with us for three years and her accomplishments are remarkable." Dr. Kim introduced me to the other big shots in the room. I smiled shyly at them. "You're flattering me, Doctor. I am just a newcomer." I uttered in complete embarrassment.
"Dr. Heartfillia is currently the head of Team Light burn. They're conducting and running tests for a certain vaccine and since she's also our head in the Zoology department, Dr. Heartfillia is almost done with her remarkable work:alternative universe research." She added. Everyone nodded in pleasure while my friends clapped their hands. Jack's very proud, I see. I gradually walked and sat at the vacant seat which is adjacent to Jack's and next to the corporate owner of Bella Grande, the biggest pharmaceutical company in the country. Art proceeded with his presentation and I noticed the topic. The incoming phenomena, a blood moon for seven days straight. Not natural since it only happens for a certain alignment of the cosmos.
"Everyone might be wondering as to how you're all here." Dr. Kim went to the platform after Art presented. She navigated on her laptop and we all saw a series of slides. "We all agreed to send our best asset to an expedition. You." We all looked at each other with a puzzled expression.
"Operation: Lotus. Our very own Dr. Heartfillia will lead the team. Our scout team just found out the hidden gem on the mountains. Unknown flowers, unknown plants and unknown animals are in that certain parameter. Dr. Matt and Dr. Jack will help us with the old writings on the statue of Mercedes and the scrolls at the tomb on Mount Alphanium. The scout saw some valuable objects and artifacts and we need Dr. Primrose to determine which one would be a great discovery for our history. Dr. Lauren will be needed for the place is unknown and in the depths of Mount Alphanium is a large body of saltwater. Finally, Dr. Arturo's research for the blood moon. We'll have the expedition happen on the week after next, when the first day of blood moon night appears. We will facilitate and fund the research."
"We'll give you the best scientists we have in the country to help you. So, are you up for it?" Mr. Crawford asked us. We all looked at each other again, waiting for someone to speak up. Sure it's a big opportunity and the success would make us distinguished and famous but the risks aren't that simple. It's dangerous. I heard from Jelly about something that the scouts discovered.
"We'll do it." Art muttered after a few seconds. Prim and Lauren nodded in agreement. "It'll be a huge discovery." Lauren convinced Matt. Jack reached for my hand across the table. I looked up and saw an assured smile on his face.
"I'll protect you." He whispered gently. They all smiled at me after.
"Well then. It's settled. Let's prepare for Delphilia then."