"I don't think you have to be scared of anything, and you can't blame yourself if something goes wrong. This is a chance many of us would love to have, so I don't see why you should run from it.
And as per what I've heard about your training so far, I think you are the only capable person to command the parade. Moreover, you know the coordinator can not ask anyone from the other services to command apart from the police service, because they come before all the other services available right now, unless any of the three military service arrive.
You know you are the only one that knows the drills well. You don't have to say no because you think you can't do it, or because you are scared." He lectured me but I didn't say anything, so he continued talking.
"By the way let me ask you, since you graduated from training, I mean after the passing out. Have you ever command any big parade," He asked.
" Yes but not this big"I answered shortly
"How many contingent was the biggest you ever command, and how was it." he asked again, making me turn to face him, which was uncomfortable.
"Even in my whole life, the biggest parade I commended was of three contingent, and it was way back, even before I went to the training grounds." I answered truthfully.
"That means you haven't proven to anyone that, you deserve the award and title that was given to you, infact, I also want to know if what they say about you is true or you are indeed the best in drills." he said and that gave me some energy, but I said nothing.
"Let them know you are capable enough to handle them, let them see why that award was given to you but not them, I'll like it if you show them how best you are in drills, and it doesn't matter how many contingent, you should be able to do it."
"And I think your friend Gasper and Steno would also want that, that is why he's trying to let you do what you don't want. So please do it for them, for yourself and for everyone. And also for me." Enoch encourage me, saying the last sentence to himself, but I heard it.
Like a generator being filled with fuel, I got powered up. I stood up to leave but for some odd reason, I wanted to hug him so badly, but I resist to do so.
"let get back, I think it's time already, I have ten contingent to command, I can't be late and keep them waiting. And you have to lead your people as well." I said and lead the way back to the venue, fully energetic and ready for anything.
My actions made Enoch laugh a little but he stopped when he noticed I was serious. He couldn't believe I was the same person who almost cried out of fear and nervousness minutes ego.
We got to the venue and realized we were almost late, the program had already started, and in few minutes, we'll have to mach to the parade ground.
I called for all the leaders and representatives of all the services that were participating in the march, and gave them few instructions and tips on the kind of drills we are going to perform, so they can inform their members before we start.
I wanted to play safe, so I made the three gentlemen who were all by my side now, work on my behalf. I made Gideon the RSM, Gasper the adjutant, and of course, Enoch my 2IC (second in command)
Right after forming up, I took my position as the commander of the parade, which obviously didn't sit well with many of the personals, but I choose to ignore their ranting, so I can concentrate.
Each contingent had their own commander, but all of it together was under my control, with the help of my new found three body guards.
The parade was a short and quick one, filled with lots of drills. Infact, it was perfect that I was surprised I was the one who commanded it, attracting lots of applause from everyone around.
As I was standing among the people as the program continue, I heard Enoch's voice coming from behind, I turned to look at him to see why he was shouting but I was shock at the revelation.
He was shouting at three ladies and it looks like he'll hit them if he had his way, so I run to him. Upon getting close, I recognize the ladies and wished I had not come running, because I had an idea as to why Enoch is angry with them.
They were Gina, Vicky and Rosey, my coworkers from the same town and office. But they hate me for no reason, and always pretending to be my friends. And they badmouth me whenever they get the chance, but I still saved them.
"Enoch, stop it please, people are watching, and they are ladies, why are you talking to them in that tone, please calm yourself, you are too angry and it's not good for you or anyone." I said to calm him but he didn't.
"Did I hear you say ladies, among the five of us here I see only one lady and a man, but for the rest, I don't know how to describe them." he said with a mocking tone to me and continued to address them again.
" You see, the one you were talking nonsense about, she is the same person saving your ass. Think of yourselves as her co-workers, not her enemies. And get this into your head, she is wise and capable than you all together."
He forth for me, Enoch forth on my behalf, but why, I've never seen anyone fight for me with this passion on his face, and he looks proud when he was talking about me, yet I saw his anger, the anger that can make one kill. But he was still talking calmly as if it was just a conversation, I think I am.....
"Shall we go now Queen?" His question made me jolt from my thoughts, but I continue to think even more, did he just called me queen, was he saying my name or he meant his words. But how can I ask him, I need to know why he called me Queen.
I kept thinking as we were walking alongside each other silently, till we reached the other partners of ours, standing and talking to steno, close to the platform.
Steno smile at me to express how happy he was on seeing me do as he wanted, but I decided to ignore him, so I won't get angry in front of Enoch.
We stood there for some time till when the program was almost over, talking to ourselves and not really listening to what the speaker was saying.
Just as the speaker was about to end his speech, I noticed the two men at the platform, who were from my family, talking and looking my way with smiles of pride plastered on their faces. I would have been okay with that if they kept sitting and looking at me, but not in my dream will they do that.
I saw both of them getting up and getting down from the platform. All of a sadden, my instincts told me to leave, but I was with my coworkers and I can't just leave.
I watch them as they got down from the platform and turn to my direction, making their way to me. I tried clinging my fist but instead, I squeezed Enoch's fingers in my hand, making him turn to me with his full attention.