2 Chapter Two: Past: Revisiting memories

"Surprise!" 

Having entered the boardroom I was surprised to find all my co-workers baring gifts. 

"Congratulations on your new promotion as CE and happy birthday Thora. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, loyalty, and perseverance in this company. You started here six years ago, after your graduation from college, and never in my life have I seen such in a young woman. You are a visionary and I hope more for you." My boss Michael said.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!" 

"Oh, my gosh you guys this is way too much," I said as I began to cry.

"Hey! Don't cry," Lucy said as she hugged me.

"Group hug!" Justin said loudly, coming close only to grab my behind.

"Justin!" Michael scolded.

"Sorry, sir!"

I laughed. "It's alright. Thank you so much, everyone. When I started here at Vision Publishing, I wanted nothing more but to show what I was capable of. Michael, believe it or not, wasn't always this kind to me. He was distant and very persistent to make me earn every penny I got. For that I am thankful. Never forget to find yourself in the dedication you give. Every hard work comes with a good and bad reward. The good is that I finally made it here. The bad is that it took so long." I groaned as people laughed. "But I made one of my many visions come true. To Vision Publishing!" I toasted.

"To Vision Publishing!"

The day was carefree for once, with no one running around or stressing overwork. Michael had allowed everyone to leave early, taking day also to his own liberty which was rare. Having chosen to stay behind, I fixed my new office and carried in stuff from my old workstation with the help of Justin and Lucy. Finally feeling blessed for once in my life, I couldn't help but smile as I arranged everything, knowing that when Monday came. It wouldn't be stressful.

"Okay, so we're going out today. I don't care what you say. It's the 4th of July. It's your birthday, you got a promotion, there was a party for once in this company and plus it's our country's day. Let's go home to change!" she yelled as though a little girl.

Laughing, I nodded as I realized she was right. The company for once was deserted already with people having deserted quickly. Maybe because they feared that Michael would change his mind. He had a tendency of making decisions as though a joke and you would fall for them until he gave you a straight face and you realized it wasn't a damn joke. I noticed the change of security and figured that it must be the overnight security already taking their posts. I let out a heavy sigh as I figured that for once Unico needed a night out in the wild, feeling someone's gaze I looked up only to find Justin.

"Hey 'touchy'" 

"Hey, sexy. So, you coming with us, right?" 

"Yes. For once let's go have fun."

"Finally, you are giving into me."

I rolled my eyes. "I meant the innocent kind"

"It can be innocent"

"Stop being a pervert."

He fakes a gasp. "That means I should be blind. I'll have you know God gave me eyesight for me to enjoy the pleasure he provided. You on the other hand are the mother to all kinds of sexy."

"You are the father to all kinds of 'can't keep it in my pants'."

"Hey it's not illegal"

I laughed. "You are an idiot."

"Yes, but I am your idiot." He winked.

"What am I going to do to you?" I sighed.

"I have an idea or proposal, which one do you want?"

"Family zone"

"That's just the devil talking."

I laughed. We stepped out and walked into the elevator as people continued to shower me with gifts and compliments. Honestly, I was just grateful.

At 7 pm precisely we entered the block party by Low street. It was massive. People had gone all out for this year's 4th of July. Oddly, I know this might sound selfish, but it felt like it was for me. Lucy dragged me through the crowd with Justin following suit.

"Hey, handsome! 3 dirty shots" she yelled at the bartender due to the noise.

He winked at her and nodded.

I quickly downed it with them and went dancing. Hayley Kiyoko's song called feelings came on and more people joined in the dancing. We were dancing as a group but we slowly turned into pairs as a guy came to Lucy and Justin danced with some girl. A guy came behind me as the drop beat of the song came on. I didn't mind if he didn't go into any kinds of restricted zones. I had a good right hook if he dared. I danced with him for 30 minutes straight before I decided to go sit since my heels were starting to hurt me. As I sat by the booth I didn't realize that the guy who danced with me had followed suit.

"Hello there"

"Hello"

"I'm Owen, your dance partner."

"I've never heard of such in my life. Is that a new pick up line or what?"

"Oh, damn I've never heard such. I'm bad at pick-up lines."

"Really?"

"Yes, my cousin once told me I sound like I'm trying to pick up dust when I'm water…"

"That means you create mud." I laughed.

"I'm that bad."

"Throw me a few maybe I might give you some redemption."

"You sure? Cause I need to attempt to get your numbers."

"Just try, you have my undivided attention."

"Oh well… I'm new in town. Could you give me directions to your apartment?"

"Go on"

"I seem to have lost my number. Can I have yours?"

I simply kept quiet.

"Hi, my name is Owen remember it because you'll be screaming it all night."

I burst out laughing, never have I encountered such. The men I usually bump into know their words but Owen was a simple drought. I had to give him points for warning me beforehand. Otherwise, I would have tuck tail and ran. Yet his physic made up for it.

"You're really bad. Like no you're horrible." I said as I wiped my tears from laughter. He blushed red.

"I make up for it in other areas though."

I went still and blushed. I was about to talk when I saw Justin and Lusi approach us.

"Come on, we need to go home it's 11 pm and I got a text that your mom is coming over tomorrow. We all know what that means." Lusi grumbled.

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Owen. Thank you."

"Wait can I at least have your number?" he murmured.

"If we meet again. Bye." I hugged him and left.