A tap on the screen and another to the floor.
Shann seemed nervous.
"It's just one call Shann.. and it's probably gonna be short. No need to over analyze this!" He keeps mumbling to himself. Apparently, he is standing stiff in front of a plain off-white painted door with a medium sized rectangular sign, surrounded with a bright green light that says, exit. It was placed just right above the opening where the metal pull hinge is positioned. The secretary can't seem to decide whether to move past the large glossed wood or keep staring at the sickening neon color, flickering on the wall and ceiling. His two year old cellphone, clutched on his left hand, have been receiving the backslash of his nerves while the other is nicely tucked inside the mid deep pocket of his black, well - ironed slacks. No one would even notice that Shann has been fumbling his fingers since.
A few more seconds and finally he had the guts to unlock his phone, pushed the door handle and occupy the spacious tiled landing, accessed the wide steps of the quiet area which is exactly what he needed for the important call. A shaky breath was released, then a sigh of concern was heard. One ring from his phone was all that he needed to finally put an end to this misery.
"Hello Sir, this is Travis speaking" in his most professional tone, Blake's assistant tried to act calm and composed despite the turbulence he is feeling inside his chest.. and stomach.
"I do understand but the sched..."
"That's a bit of..."
"Do we really have to sh..."
"Okay Sir. I'll do what I can" and the call got cut off immediately without any regard whether Shann Travis still got something to say to the head of the Merrick's pool of secretaries.
"Fuck!" He blurted and who wouldn't do the same when within the five minute call, his words were ineffective, opinion were unwelcomed and his suggestions were always overruled.
He pulled his coat down, almost dusting it, as if to remove the negative vibe that maybe is still lingering inside its microscopic thread holes. The pat he did was loud enough to merit an echo that played nicely in his ears, surprisingly. With no other option, Shann returned to the VIP room where Blake is staying. Along the short walk towards there, he thought of so many ways on how to disclose what he discussed with Chief Gravel. The easy, the hard one, the simple versus a well- prepared explanation. Everything he could possibly think of at the moment until he reached the location.
Upon entering, he saw Eliza sitting on the couch of the well litted room. Blake, who's on his bed still was happily enjoying a well known unhealthy chips just like his sister. The siblings both turned their head towards Shann and automatically, a smile can be seen from their lips.
"I wish I could smile that way too" Shann calmly commented. Slightly defined wrinkles on his forehead, eyebrows curved inwards and meeting at the center, a bit of age lines becoming visible at the corner of each eyes and the pouted lips. Everything screams stress and the Merricks thought it couldn't get any worse than that.
"So where do you want me start, Sir?" He asked after shutting the door behind him.
"Sir?" What's wrong Mr. Travis?" Eliza asked first leaving Blake with no time to react.
"Shann? what happened on that short call?" Blake inserted.
"I will tell you sir but do you want the good news first or the bad one?" Shann answered with a question as if their is a trick behind it. His hands are on his back, fumbled with each other while he makes a serious face in front of his boss.
"Wow, I never thought I will hear this phrase in real life!" Eliza enthusiastically reverted. She stood up from her seat and signaled Shann to sit down. She then moves onto the edge of the bed, beside her brother.
"Sir, if I may, I can start with the latter." the secretary continued after settling on the couch.
"If that is necessary, then go head Shann. You know thisngs better than me." Blake responded and a brief silence fell upon the three.
"It was a small conversation but felt like eternity. My lungs closed in but I was still sweating bullets. I never felt more scared for my life before. I think I can volunteer now to fight in any active war!" Shann Travis started off with a bit of storytelling. Weirdly enough, he was gently smiling while mentioning those things. There even was a chuckle at the end of his sentence.
"Do we have mental insurance for our employees too? I think he went nuts." Eliza blurted, almost whispering.
"No we don't but I can propose that next time." Blake replied naturally.
"You! I can hear both of you. I'm not crazy!" Shann gritted his teeth.
"Thank goodness Mr. Travis. I thought you got infected by my brother." Eliza jokingly reacted and Blake just side eyed her sister. Shann smiled for a few seconds before a sigh escaped from his mouth.
"Sir, I'll tell it to you straight. Chief Gravel will arrive in two weeks time and he would like to discuss something with m..."
"Two weeks? well that's not so bad. You can prepare still. I will give me everything you need about him." Blake proudly announced while Eliza just listened in.
"It's not that simple Sir and he's going to be here for Miss Eliza, not me." Shann's voice started to tone down.
"Me?! What does Chief Gravel want from me Mr. Travis?"
"In two weeks, everything will be prepared for your bi.."
"Birthday! Oh yeah. It's my birthday." Eliza snucked in his sentence.
"No. please let me finish my sentences. it will be easier that way."
"Okay man." Blake agreed.
"So.. in two weeks, Chief Gravel would have prepared everything for the big wedding celebration of Ms. Eliza and Mr. Rafael."
"What?!" The siblings were in unison. Both were flabbergasted with what they heard.
"You are joking right?!" Blake inquired in a much more serious tone. Eliza wrapped her arms around Blake.
"I don't have the guts to joke about that Sir."
"..but I don't like that prick! Only met him thrice but was not even a date. One was even with my brother!" It was evident that Eliza is concerned about this shocking news.
"So what's the good news? That the Merrick's empire has yet again be strengthened by another powerful addition to the family?" Blake sarcastically suggested.
"Well, that's quiet true but it's not about that."
"Then what?
"You can stop this whole unwanted marriage Sir. Only you has the power to do so!"
"What?! How?!"
"Introduce a girl before two weeks is up. You'll get to choose your woman but they will have to see her first before you get married."
"..and by 'they', you mean??"
"Yes. Your parents. The head of the Merrick's clan. They'll be here, accompanied by Chief Gravel."
"I'm fucked!"