Chapter 2: Plastic Fete

Wake Louchette

The rain roared with this hazy morning, pattering each corner of every colossal building. The clouds were getting porpoise with bare crepuscular light touching my face through this transparent thick, laminated layered glass. With steeple fingers, I sat on a swivel chair inside my office while spotting at some people coming in of our busy entrance running, probably because they're late at work. I felt dejected to see how incompetent people are during rush hour. 

I frowned. What a wonderful day ahead!

I turned back, facing my desk. I placed my elbows over it while my hands held together. My eyes narrowed as I was in a deep consciousness of the possible feedbacks we will receive about the grey matter simulation, which our team did towards our newfangled specimen. 

I was in the middle of deep thought when my colleague rushed towards my office with heavy steps and rapid breathing. 

"I got the result!" He exclaimed. Woah! It sounds like he was bringing a piece of good news! My eyes twinkled as he pressed closer with enthusiasm, but I remained impassive towards him. 

"What's the good news?" I inquired while getting a bunch of newspapers beside my desk. I flipped some pages and focused more of my attention on the ones written under the editorial section. 

I heard him laughed. "Lmao, stop acting like you do not even know what I am about to tell you." 

I glanced at him for a while before I sneered at him. "Spill it, Lance Spiller."

"Stop saying my full name! It sounds suffocating when you're the one pronouncing it!" He belted like a chipmunk. He was acting like a damn child again. 

I was aware of the report he was about to tell; it's just that I don't want to make first moves. I pretend to calmly put back the newspapers, massaged my temples, and shook my head in front of him. 

"Alright! Then why are you here?" 

He roamed around my office while having a great walking posture. He lifted his head, chest out, and spoke. "Well, well, well. Guess what?" He shuffled towards me with his healthy eyes. He slowly grabbed a paper inside the folder he was holding then showed it in front of my face.

"We are given a promotion because of the work we've done!" He rejoiced while making an awkward dance move all over the office. 

It was kind of annoying to see him doing that stuff, but I was glad I made friends with him. 

"Hand over me the papers, please," I commanded, neglecting the silly thing he did.

"What a delicate expression of yours, my friend." He stepped closer while giving me the papers. "Here, get it. Make sure to check the reports, word for word, including the board's feedback. " Then he immediately kept a bit long distance between him and the table. 

He kept on glancing at me as he added. "Also, do not forget to attend the short celebration at the hall later, as usual."  

I quickly scanned the papers and ordered him to go out. Although he made a teasing sound before he finally left, at least he was gone.

-

"Congratulations!" The surprising honk and whir sounds from traditional party gadgets embraced my heavy arms as I got home. My mother hugged me immediately without her noticing that my shoes were still on. She kissed my cheeks while my fellow siblings continued to make noises. 

"My son, I heard you got promoted. I already knew you could do it. Well done!" My mom cheered. She clapped her hands and hummed while going to the kitchen with one of my siblings. Apparently, they also prepared some food.

I tried my best to carry my tawny-colored bag full of workloads, but my eyelids were heavy, and I couldn't stop yawning. Damn, I felt so tired. 

"You need help, Wake?" My brother, Josh, asked with an encouraging voice. He held my bag and smiled. I stared at his leathered jacket for a second, realizing that he was wearing an expensive one. 

My brother noticed me. He touched his jacket, and he asked. "Wh-why are you staring at my clothes?" 

"I am wondering how much money you earn from your job for you to buy that expensive apparel." 

He kept on glancing sideways and rubbed his eyes before answering me. "I earned more than enough." He declared while shrugging his shoulders.

I sensed something off about his response, but I chose not to take it seriously. 

I paused for a while before I replied. "Okay," I gave my bag to him, "bring that to my room upstairs." And with a blink of an eye, I left him.

I ran towards my room, hopped over my bed to take a rest. After Josh placed my bag under the table, he immediately went back downstairs. 

Everyone was busy except for me. I was exhausted. Other neighbors went to our house to enjoy the mini party too, and of course, because of the food. I watched the visitors through the room's window; I only knew some of them. They were once again here for the food, not because of my promotion itself. They were celebrating.

A few minutes later, my phone rang. I hurriedly took my phone from my pants pocket and saw that it was Lance calling me. I let out an exasperated sigh and pressed my lips together before answering the call.

"What's the matter?" I shouted a bit due to extreme annoyance. 

"Oh bro, chill, I called you because the board wants you in the office right now. They said your presence is a must."

"Does it really need to be right now? Can you tell them to have it tomorrow? It's already 2 PM."

"I did, but they insisted. They said it's something urgent."

I clasp my wrist behind my back. "Ugh, wait for me then." 

"Thanks, hurry up! We are all here." 

After hearing his response, I quickly dropped the call, grabbed my bag, changed my blazer outfit, and went back to the office. 

Fortunately, it wasn't raining anymore.