Frederick could not hold himself with the beautiful news that he rushed home as fast as he could cover all along in the car he could not help but scream and sing. This time he was no longer lost in his thoughts but more to it, he was just full of Joy, a joy that would soon be communicated to his entire family.
"Wow!" he exclaimed all alone in the car. What kept him restless and thinking all night has been turned in for good just in a moment, he was so full of joy he really could not wait to break the news to his family.
At home, Emily had gone to see a long time friend who has been sick for some time, she couldn't visit all those days because of her engagements, from there she made move towards Aimee's school to pick little Aimee. After picking her up she made a resolve to go pick some stuff for the house from a close by supermarket, she had planned out her list so she won't buy things that are not too important, since the news on their business bankruptcy, she has been very careful in managing the resources at home. Aimee enjoyed shopping with her dad, she would always point at something sweet for her stomach, Frederick always had to buy chocolate ice cream or candy sweet for her. Fully aware of Aimee's appetite for sweet stuff, she left her in the car to buy her stuff herself.
"Mum, please let me come with you" Aimee begged.
"No dear, just stay here I will be short" Emily announced closing the front door of the car. Aimee was just relaxed in the car with her seat belt on, in her mind she only hope her mum would get something for her, she looked out through the front screen of the car she could see tall big buildings, their car was packed directly in front of the supermarket. She had visited here before but with dad on one of her weekends, the place hasn't changed a bit with the same signboard wrapped with disco light that made it so colorful in the night. Soon Emily was out with stuff that seemed like food stuffs and she was talking to someone over the phone. Aimee wondered who it might be, seeing the expression on her mother's face.
"Okay, we are on our way" Emily replied on the phone as she ended the call opening the door to the drivers seat her eyes meet with Aimee's who have been patiently waiting for her.
"Mum who was it?" Aimee asked in her peaceful tone.
"It was dad, he is back home and wants us all home, so home we go" Emily said holding on the steering wheel.
"Daddy daddy" Aimee called out running towards Frederick who has been singing out so loud in the kitchen, he seemed to be preparing something appetizing from the aroma that had gone to every corner in their home.
"Come here Aimee" He dropped the spoon he was holding to pick little Aimee up, raising her up above his head then brings her down and bends down so he could reach to her size.
"And how is my beautiful angel's day at school today?"
"It was fine dad, oh dad I'm starving what are you preparing?"
"Fish and chips" Fredrick answered trying to pick out three plates to dish out their meal.
"Wow!, I love it dad" She went straight up to her room to get changed so she can come down for her meal. Emily had pecked him but could not help, but wonder on her husband recently changed in mood, so she just stood watching him play out like a little boy, it's really been long she saw Freddie as excited as he was today. Earlier on, they had spoke over the phone and he told her he had news to break, she was just so curious as to what this news was.
Finally at the table with him was Emily and little Aimee.
"So, honey tell us the news you wanted telling us, our ears are itching" Emily curiously spoke out after feasting on her meal, she really loved it when Freddie cooks, his food has a special kind of taste and she would always let him know. Aimee on the other hand was not really interested in any news, all in her mind was on her fish and chips she was struggling into her mouth.
"Well, do you remember Samuel Taylor? That friend of mine that has refused to get married for heaven knows why" Frederick tried to recall his wife's memory.
"Yes I do, the one who traveled to the States" Emily tried to confirm.
"Yes dear, but he's back home and brought something for me. He handed the pile of papers Sam gave him to Emily, Emily grabbed it glancing as fast as her eyes could run through the papers.
"Yes "the smile coming out from her face could tell she had gotten the picture already.
"But h... ow?" she stammered, Frederick could not help but narrate all that happened right from his call to Sam and the occasion of their meeting that very day. That evening was one of the best for the Malcolms as the joy could not be hidden. Little Aimee, who really didn't understand any of it, joined in her parents joy all she knew was daddy had won a contract and mum said it was a huge one, it became even more interesting as her promised vacation is pending, probably dad would use it as an opportunity to make it even bigger.
Frederick called his secretary to begin making preparations for supplies. The news of his won contract spread as fast as wind, it was a huge one that would not only restore his business back to it's ground but also pave way for expansion. Of course he has to throw a party, he reasoned out, he would invite his business associates, family, friends and his workers, but first he has to inform his friends, he would call them all to tell them about the contract and invite them over. Emily would plan out the celebration party so everything was in place, Grandma Elizabeth for sure would be there. He smiled to himself like someone who was satisfied with his progress.
THE PARTY
The house was full as many people some of which were Frederick's close neighbors from the neighborhood move in and out. His friends, Dennis, Michael, Benard, Sam himself and of course the Horace were present but Gilbert was not able to make it. It was a big party. Actually, Frederick didn't like the idea of the loud music and inviting too many people.
He smiled and stared at himself in the mirror after he had finished dressing up.
"How do I look sweetheart?" he poised as Emily looked at him from head down to the toes, she had been so busy in organizing the whole party that she forgot to arrange for her dress. There she was turning her wardrobe up side down trying to get a matching shoe for her dress.
"Oh Honey I don't have time to begin complimenting your dress, you look good only that your tie..." she went up to him to help readjust his tie, He was wearing a black suit with a red tie, and his pair of Loretta Brocade platform shoes were shining as he had newly polished them. Emily was still seen searching for her shoe.
"Oh my God, Freddie did you see the other pair of my shoes? I can't find it."
"Calm down honey, I'm sure it's somewhere here" he tried to offer help to search for it.
"Thank goodness I have found it" she announced so happily as if she had won a trophy. "Let's get down to the party, you wouldn't want to be late for your own party. " Frederick said trying to get her out from the room, he really doesn't understand why women are always wasting time on the unnecessary.
"I will be right behind you, Freddie" she said trying to adjust her makeup over the mirror. She was wearing a red ball gown with silver ribbons around the waist line, silver jewelries that were shiny and her black heels to complement. For sure her look fit the host of the party, hurriedly she left the bedroom to catch up with Frederick who was now downstairs.
"My friend is looking so handsome, his wife for sure should be given credit, damn!" Dennis who was the first person to meet me said more to flatter him.
"Thanks" Frederick smiled. They talked for some minutes before sitting at their various seats. Dennis made for the microphone.
"Can I have your attention everybody" he said and everyone stopped what they were doing to focus their attention on him to hear what he had to say.
"The party has just began and yes the celebrant is sited looking handsome as ever, seems like this new contract added some more handsomeness to him. I believe I aren't lying" he went further, the crowd who by now were smiling began giving different answers that soon became noise and inaudible to hear.
"He is looking handsome, I'm I correct ?" Dennis asked again and everyone chorused a yes. Frederick laughed holding Emily's hands.
"Good then, let's all stand up and make a toast to his new contract won and more success to his family and business" he said and everyone stood up.
MINUTES LATER, refreshments started as everyone ate and drank to their satisfaction.
"Please, come join me over here. Let's remember the old times. "Dennis called to Frederick. Beautiful ladies and young men could be seen dancing to the rhythm of the high music, with their legs and bodies doing justice to the nice music.
Emily and Maya were seen chit-chatting, chilling and laughing over a drink. Probably, discussing about a new style of dress on the list.
Little Aimee was all around her grandma as her parents were busy welcoming their guest. She was wearing a pink Cinderella gown her grandma had sown for her. Emily had spent days planning and arranging for the party.
"Congratulations" Lewis said to Frederick.
"Thank you my friend" Frederick said offering his hand for a shake.
"I'm so happy for you, but how again did you win the contract?" Lewis tried to ask but discovered it would be rude, he waved it out "never mind" he has been into winery business for years if they was anyone to win such authentic contract to the supply of wine he should have been him. Standing looking up at Fredrick, he didn't even know weather to like him or to curse him. All he sees him as is a competition not just in business but in marriage too. Maya, his wife would not stop comparing their marriage with the all perfect marriage of his business rivalry because that is what he sees him as now.
"Congratulations again" he said walking away to meet his other friends. Frederick didn't know how to classify Lewis, his conversation with the man always ends up short. He had told Emily about his feelings towards Lewis, he appears to be very secretive with him, but Emily had told him to ignore him.
"I have to enjoy my self, it's my party" he said ignoring the thought of Lewis.
The party ended so well and everyone left to their homes happy, well we wouldn't say every one but Lewis. In the car he has been so quiet and kept to himself, even while Maya tried countless of times to start up a conversation with him, he ignored with his mind and put his attention on the steering. At the Horace house, Maya was nagging at Lewis, in her normal style. Again, she tried to compare her husband with Frederick whose party they had just attended.
"See Frederick, he is so smart to have won a contract as huge as that, why can't you become like him?" she went on "Did you even see the dress Emily wore to the party, I know for certain Frederick bought it for her..." she tried to say before Lewis cut her in.
"Woman, allow me some peace" he barked leaving their bedroom for the sitting room where he removed his suit and called Jasper nanny for a cup of hot coffee.