I stayed for a while, watching him making orders through my wide-rimmed sunglasses. I could not easily escape from the place because, if ever he had surveillance cameras, my action would arouse some suspicions. I was not the only female in town who used a motorcycle since most people in this far-flung area used this type of vehicle as their primary means of transportation.
"What kind of paint does the vandal use?"
"Acrylic spray paint," answered one of the men who gathered around the pulled-down signage.
"The vandal is some kind of a witless brat. Her fingerprints are scattered all around," answered another man whose sharp gaze behind his thick lens showed his years of expertise.
I began to panic. In my anger, I did not use my brain. I had underestimated this man's power and capacity. I gave him one last look from head to toe before I turned on my ignition key.
"I should go. I still need to prepare lunch for my brother," I told the man who answered all my silly questions. At the corner of my eyes, I saw the CEO glancing at us. I couldn't deny it, but admit that he indeed looked hot in his white, body-hugging shirt.
The man waved a hand at me, and I nodded my head before I swerved into the middle of the road. Once I was at home, I found out that the news had spread like wildfire. Photos of the paint-destroyed signboard flooded everywhere, making me horrified. People started questioning his integrity, and some accused him of doing dirty means as his means to succeed.
He deserved it, I thought. And I succeeded in destroying the CEO!
I tried to forget the event as I occupied myself in preparing lunch for Andy and me. I also browsed through the internet to look for an online job. The money that dad left us would only allow us to survive in the next few months.
Once done with my lunch preparation, I started setting up my DIY concept for Andy's birthday. He didn't have an idea that it was his birthday today. I wanted to surprise him. I even secretly invited his classmates to celebrate with us right after the class. Anyway, there were only about ten of them in the classroom.
Setting up my multi-colored cardboard and crepe cut-outs on top of several boxes, I created skyscraper buildings, floating UFOs, bursting flames, robotic cars, and gigantic men in their superhero attire. In a couple of minutes, I had turned one side of our living wall into a fantastic superhero backdrop. A long, rectangular banner stretched on top, greeting him a happy birthday.
Once I laid the cake on top of a blue-and-white skirted table, I also arranged the loot bags with goodies at the sides, together with the party hats. On another table, I set up a kiddie table for his gifts. In our front lawn, I also hang the piñata, a decorated vessel (such as of papier-mâché) filled with candies, toys, chocolates, and gifts. A blindfolded child will hit it with a stick, and the rest of the children will run and pick as many goodies as they can.
Time flew fast, and the kids arrived a few minutes after the class ended. Andy was all smiles as he didn't expect this celebration. I started the games, and everyone participated, including the parents. Their squeals flowed like music to my ears, but it brought tears to my eyes. I felt a sense of pity for Andy. He grew up without a mom. I knew no one could ever replace a mother's love, even me, who acted as her proxy.
"How about we go swimming?" a parent suggested.
"Sure, but where?" I asked in excitement, not wanting to end Andy's happiness too soon.
"In the fountain of Hacienda del Fierro, now Blue Ravens."
"But-" I looked at Andy, and he also stared back--both of us holding our breaths.
"Please!" the other children chorused, seconded by the parents.
"Are we allowed?" I asked.
Ever since my father died, we no longer went there for swimming. I just visited the place every time I needed strength. Watching the serene environment where the fountain flowed into the river was like feeling daddy's presence again. His love for Hacienda del Fierro was so great that this place was enough to remind me of him.
"Yes. The place is still open to the public."
Every one of us flocked to the heart of Hacienda del Fierro using the shortcut. The children jumped right away into the overflowing pool at the base of the fountain. Everyone was so happy, but I felt nostalgic. Walking some steps away from where the parents and the kids gathered, I followed the course of the river. I noticed later that there were some ongoing constructions already. There was even a huge pool, though it still needed lots of polishing. As I looked at it closely, the other edged of the pool connected to the water of the river.
This must be the infinity pool, just as daddy had planned!
I got so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize Andy was following. I only knew he was there when a loud splash in the water alerted me back to reality.
"Andy! You're scaring me again," I yelled in a loud and irritated voice.
I got a giggle as a response.
"Come on, Nana! Let's swim!"
I smiled as I watched Andy climbing out of the water. He stood at the end of the plank, throwing himself backward into the water in such a graceful move. Halfway above the water level, he rolled his small body forward in a perfect somersault!
"Wow! That was good!" I cheered and laughed before diving into the water.
Once Andy and I started chasing for our swim race, a loud and angry voice roared into our ears.
"Why are you there? Get out!"
Andy swam back towards me; his eyes widened in apparent fear.
"Nana," he mumbled, holding my arm. His lips started to quiver.
I glanced to see who owned the voice, only to meet the CEO's burning gaze.
Author's note:
If you find this story interesting and wish to read the whole book, please open this link.
https://booknet.com/en/book/i-slapped-the-ceo-b259761