Broken Strings
Chapter 39

MELISSA QUIZON

One year later…

“Reid, come back here,” I called Reid when I saw him outside the resort house again.

“Just a second, Mom.” He said while looking up. He was flying the plane that Wright had given him a long time ago.

We are here at a famous resort because I have a meeting to attend. It was good and Reid was on vacation so I took him with me.

“Ma’am, you still have three minutes before the meeting starts.” My secretary caught my attention.

“Thank you, Miss Clara.”

She left after I told her that. I went outside to Reid and leaned over to hug him.

“You are something. You’re getting hard-headed.”

“Because the view here is beautiful, Mommy. It’s nice to fly an aeroplane.” He says while moving the controller.

We have a high place and you can see the beautiful scenery of the place.

“You love your aeroplane more than me.” I pout.

“Mommy, no.” He quickly flew the plane towards us and turned off the plane after it landed on us.

He hugged me back and kissed me on the cheek. We entered the resort house holding hands.

We watched as Fritzie rushed inside. She’s obviously in a hurry.

“Melissa, you’re five minutes late. This meeting is important.” She snapped.

“Not as important as my son, Fritzie.” I squeezed Reid’s hand.

Fritzie took a deep breath and swallowed hard. “Fine. Fine. We need to hurry now.”

“Reid, stay in this room, okay? I’ll come back after an hour.” I crouched down in front of him to keep our eyes level. “If you need anything, just ask Miss Clara, ok?”

“Yes, Mommy.” he nodded. “Can I play my PSP? Can I? Can I? Can I, Mommy?”

I laughed softly and stroked his soft hair. “Of course you can.”

“Yippee!” he ran to his bedroom.

I stood up and faced Clara. She was kind and I knew she wouldn’t mistreat Reid while I was away. “Don’t leave him alone.”

“Yes, ma’am.” she politely answers.

We entered the conference room and saw a few heavy businessmen. I apologized to them before I sat down in my chair. Fritzie leaned over me and thoroughly explained to me what was going on in the meeting. I immediately understood what she was saying because I was already doing a home study of business management.

I admit I struggled. I was nervous and didn’t know what to do but when the wind whispered to me ‘Reid needs you’ I calmed down.

“This project will be successful, Mister Thompson,” I told them.

I shook his hand and smiled sweetly at him. I guess Mister Thompson and I are about the same age. his body is still elegant and it looks young.

“I know. I know. I trust your company even though it is under new management, Miss Quizon.” He huskily said. My eyes narrowed as it squeezed my hand. “Do you mind if I invite you for dinner?”

“It’s a good idea but I decline.” I wryly smiled at him. “You see, I have a son waiting for me.”

He nodded and nib his lower l*p. “Oh. Next time maybe?”

“Uh, yeah. Maybe.” I have no appetite as I say those words.

When he left I breathed a sigh of relief. Fritzie and I were the only ones in the office.

“Flirts nowadays.” I shook my head.

“He’s cute.”

I stumbled upon what Fritzie said. “Seriously, Fritzie? That guy’s married.”

“What? I just said he’s cute. I didn’t say that I will date him and I’ll be his mistress.” she fixed her glasses. “I’m too beautiful to be a mistress.”

I laughed softly and walked out of the conference room. I was in front of our resort house when I thought of facing Fritzie.

“Spend the rest of the day, Fritzie,” I said calmly.

She tilted her head. “Are you done chasing your happiness, Melissa?”

I smiled broadly. “I’m working on it.”

I went inside and Reid greeted me immediately. Clara politely came out to give us a moment of my son. I picked up Reid and pressed a k**s to his cheek and neck.

“Mommy! What took you so long.” He frowns at me.

“you are so impatient. Do you want us to go swimming?”

He nodded continuously. I put him down so we could put on swimwear. After that, we went to the white sand beach. I laid out a blanket and a large umbrella for us to have shade.

“Let’s go swimming, Mommy.” Said Reid.

“Wait. I haven’t put sunblock on your other arm yet.”

When he felt that I was finished, he immediately ran away. I chased him. I slowed down to pretend I couldn’t catch up.

“Mommy!” he laughs while running.

“Reid, I’m close. I’ll catch up with you.”

I caught him and immediately hugged him. I took him to the sea and we went down. We were having fun and laughing. When we got tired and out of breath we decided to go up and lie down on the blanket we had laid.

“I hope we’re always like this, Mommy. Always happy. but…” Reid said as he leaned into her arms and stared at the blue sky.

“but what?” I will ask.

“In case I miss Doc Eugene and Daddy.” he looked at me. “Do you miss them too Mommy?”

I sneezed. “Y-Sure.”

“I hope they come back.” I could feel the sadness in Reid’s voice.

Reid and I hugged and watched the beautiful sunset. After that day, we also went home to Manila immediately because of the amount of work I was taking care of. I left Reid at home with his caretaker and Bobbie.

I was looking at the wireless phone on my table when it rang. I took that and answered.

“Ma’am, Chef Heena (Hi-Na) Fermin wants to see you. She brought the new dishes you’re asking for.” Respectfully said of my secretary.

“Let them in.” I immediately said.

“Good day there, Madame. How are you?” Chef Heena greeted me when she entered my office.

Wright also runs a restaurant that serves only Visayan recipes. I was supposed to go to Restau today but as much as I was doing I asked the head chef for favours that if possible he would go so I could taste the new dishes.

“Good morning, Chef Heena. I’m fine too.” I said smiling and stood behind my desk. I only know basic Visayan words. I often hear that when I go to the restaurant.

“What’s the new dishes?”

The beautiful woman applauded and her assistants came out one by one holding a Stainless container containing Visayan recipes. Chef Heena introduced the food one by one. He gave me a taste of each one of them.

“This is good.” I complimented. While chewing the food in my mouth.

“Thank you, Madame.”

After I approved them they left. I thought of calling Reid to know what he’s doing again.

Only a few rings and he answered.

“Reid, what’re you doing?”

“I’m playing my new piano piece, Mommy.”

“Have you eaten?” I ask worrying.

“Yes. Yaya Siling cooked for us.”

I leaned back in the swivel chair and blinked for a moment. “Where’s Ate Bobbie?”

“She’s playing with her Barbies.” That’s why.

I chuckled. “‘Don’t fight, will you? Don’t give Yaya Siling a hard time.”

“What time are you going home? I miss you, Mom.” Reid’s voice was tinged with impatience.

“I’ll be there before you know it, Baby. I love you.” I said softly.

“I love you too.”

Then I took a deep breath before cutting off the call. I stared at the papers in front of me and suddenly my head hurt.

I shuddered when I heard my secretary’s voice. “Ma’am Melissa, Mister Andrei Lopez is here.”

It was as if water had been poured on me and I was sitting up straight.

“Let him in,” I said quickly.

Moments later the man in the black v-neck t-shirt entered my office. I pointed to the chair and it immediately sat there.

“Good morning, Madame.” This greeting smiled.

I folded my hand over the table. “Good morning. What brings you here, Investigator?”

“I have good news for you, Madame.” He says. “We already found him.”

I smirked. “Good.”