3. Life Goals

“What did you just say?” Brianna’s eyes flipped open, and like an arrow unlatched from a bow, it flew in Jack’s direction very sharply.

“Hey!” He flinched when he saw her reaction. He was expecting her to react, yes, but not like this. Like one wrong word from his mouth will send him to the gates of hell, face to face to the prince of darkness himself.

“Make yourself clear. I am not joking.” She sternly warned Jack. He is her guardian’s son, almost four years older than B. He was nine when they first met. He is like a big brother to her, and she is a little sister to him. Only that B is more mature and reliable, not the other way around. He is the big brother, but she is more sensible. Yet, he tends to help her in every way he can, in anything she needs. Whether he can do it or not, that won’t be the issue. He will do it, especially when it comes to her life goals. Things that aside from his dad, only he knows. Maybe, just maybe, more than what his dad knows. Brianna is more comfortable telling him than anyone else. And he is proud of that. Now is like a moment for truth. A moment she had been waiting for. He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and sat straight on his spot, facing the now indescribable expression on B’s face.

“I said,” he paused. Then he continued when he saw impatience starting to show on B’s fierce-looking eyes. “I saw an ad stating that the CEO of LM Realtors Group is looking for a Personal Assistant and Executive Secretary.” He stated clearly and slowly as if making her understand every word that he said.

“And….?” She asked with her left eyebrow lifted up. An expression she would do when the matter in discussion sounds irrelevant to her.

“And I submitted an application on your name?” He enthusiastically answered. His gleeful face cannot be ignored.

“What?! Why the hell would you do that?!” She jumped up from her yoga mat. She heard him say about becoming a Personal Assistant and Secretary. Why would she work as such?! She still has a lot of clients she can work for and earn a whole year’s salary for such a position in one single mission.

Now it was Jack’s turn to be shocked. He closed his eyes tightly and opened them again. “I can see her.” He said like he was talking to himself. Then he pinched his left arm with his right hand, and he flinched.” Ouch! I’m not dreaming either.” He tapped his face with both hands as if waking himself up from drowsiness. “Okay, okay. I’m awake!”

“Yeah, you better be! So you can explain to me why on earth do I have to do a collar job all of a sudden?!” She was now definitely furious. She felt weird about herself. Why is she getting so worked up? She thought Jack was the one getting worked up. It turned out he was making her really, really pissed.

“Well, Babe! You have been waiting for this moment, duh?! What is going on with you? Did your life goals change without my knowledge?” He felt so betrayed.

Hearing the word life goals made her ears flap and like bunnies do when they hear some noises that threaten them, she felt her ears stand in attention. She patted her chest and took a few counts of a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Then she sat down right in front of the looking hurt and pitiful Jack.

“Okay, I am so sorry. I don’t know what came to me just now. Can we start again? This time, make me understand clearly. My brain seems to be on break. I don’t think it’s working like the way it used to and the way it’s supposed to be.” Brianna patiently urged Jack.

“Okay. LM stands for Lucien Michaelson, and he is in need of a PA and ES, as in....” Jack started, but Brianna cut him off.

“Personal Assistant and Executive Secretary, right?” She seemed to have seen the light in the midst of darkness as her face beamed with excitement. But she quickly felt panicked. “But I haven’t had any experience in that area?” She had been on many missions. Bloody and dangerous tasks, but she had never tried being a corporate nanny. That is what the job looks like to her, and more is being a secretary. “Can’t I just get into the building and throw him out the window?” She asked desperately.

“Did you change your mind?” Jack asked her with a measuring look. “You always said you wouldn’t hurt the ones not directly involved. I believe Lucien is totally innocent with what happened to your parents or with what his grandpa has ordered to be done to your mom and dad.”

Brianna nodded. “Yeah, I said that. But I feel excited, panicked, and devious all at the same time.” She stood up, and for the first time in her life, she paced. She was nervous and worried that she might fail her once-in-a-lifetime shot, jubilant and excited, thinking that she could visit her parents’ grave, bringing good news for their peaceful rest.

“You can do it!” Jack boosted her confidence. Even if you have had experience in that field of work, every office and company has their own rules and regulations, that means, you will still undergo training and probation periods, and that means you can familiarize yourself with what to do and what not to do, according to your boss’ preferences.”

“Right! Okay.” She quickly walked out of the room. Jack, who was still sitting slumped on the floor, was cramping to stand and follow her.

“Where are you going now?” He shouted as she saw her already at the end of the hall. “Does she have flash’ ability to move that fast?” He asked himself, shaking his head in disbelief.

“To the study room.” She shouted back in reply. She needs to do a quick research on how a PA and ES should perform. She needs to equip herself with as much knowledge as she can gather to make sure her job interview would be irresistible and get hired. Her outstanding Intelligence Quotient would be easy to digest and adapt to the new identity that she will have to bring to life. Naturally, meticulously, effectively, and convincingly. She searched for professional tips and advice on videos and blogs, every multimedia that she could find, every tutorial and information, from behavior, clothes, posture, gestures, organizing, taking notes, scheduling, speed of walking on high-heeled shoes. She was like a robot downloading all necessary data into her brain, all eyes focused on the screen, oblivious of Jack, who was now quietly watching her every move. He was only watching her as he sat on the sofa in her study room, but he was feeling tired of her straight posture seated on her swivel chair facing her widescreen computer. His spot was facing her right so he could see her view from the side. He stood up, went to the kitchen, and got a glass of juice to give her. When he came back, she seemed to be waiting for him. He shot her a questioning look at her.

“When is the interview, again?” She asked with her eyebrows crossed.

“Tomorrow.” Jack shortly answered

“Damn!” She started cramping again. She looks like she just wanted to slurp everything she needed right into her brain. As if a law student who will take her bar exam the very next day. A sight so new to his eyes. He had never seen Brianna like this ever. She is always composed and confident. But hell, just looking at her being panicked, he feels even worse than that! As if her failure would be more painful for him than herself.