1 MFL Presents : Stranded On You - Chapter 1

[New York City]

Many called New York City a "city of dreams" or a "city that never sleeps", because people living in this city are so workaholic, driven and ambitious. Not to mention the expensive lifestyle in this city that push them to work harder than ever before. That's why so many people are having anxieties and burnout, and Liam Sanders is not excluded. He's 30 years old living in big apartment, dated so many girls but didn't stick to any one of them. He believes that looks and possessions are his assets to attract many girls. However, recently it seems things are slowly falling to pieces. His career is not in good state. He's been working three years now in a well-known publishing house as a content writer, however the competition among writers is getting tighter and the boss has big expectation on him. This past few weeks he barely sleep thinking on how to come up a good article and be able to maintain his spot in the top writers post.

His phone rings that makes him abruptly get up on the bed. He's groping and trying to locate it because his eyes are still partly close. He is still dizzy because he barely sleep the whole night. He glances the clock, it's eight o'clock in the morning. His phone rings again and he finally come to his senses when he see who's calling.

"G-good morning boss," he says in a frighten voice.

"Are you still in bed? Get your butt out there and come here in my office now! I need to talk to you!" his boss shouts on the other line and quickly hang up without letting Liam talk back, not even a single word. He just close his eyes knowing that today might be his last day at work.

All his office mates are staring at him while he's walking down the hallway, as if they are saying "you're doomed".

And that makes him even more nervous while heading to his boss's office. You can see how tense he is because he's sweating in a cool temperature room. He knocks twice and enter.

"G-good morning boss," he greets his lady boss working on her desk with a shaky voice.

"Liam, let's make it straight to the point, " she says in serious tone while looking at him intently. They are close in age but his boss is a little bit old-fashioned, that's why never on his wildest imagination that he attempts to flirt with her. Well most of the guys do it to their single lady boss.

"Liam!" his boss shout that startles him.

"Yes," he abruptly answer.

"Are you with me? You know I notice you are losing focus these days. You see, you're stats are dropping so low. You supposed to be my top writer. What is happening with you!" his boss is angry at him.

"I Uh...I-I am so sorry boss. I don't know either. Just that recently, all of these competition among us, those new comers with new ideas and your big expectation on me, it's just uh...it's just so overwhelming and slowly lose focus," he is too sincere to his words that makes her boss calm down.

"You're a one of our assets. You're a good writer. All these years, you're articles brought us to where we are right now. I don't want you to lose your biggest chance to be promoted. But you have to be back on the track, otherwise I'll let you go," his boss somehow frank yet consoles him in a way that touches him so deeply. He doesn't know that his boss values him that much.

"Please give me one more chance and I won't let you down," he begs his boss.

"I am not that awful boss you think I am. I valued the works of my writers, because without them there's no Turning Page today. However, I'm doing business also and I can't afford to go bankruptcy. I'll give you a second chance and don't mess around this time. If you're not gonna make this, you have no right to hold grudge against me when I fire you. Did I make myself clear?" his boss makes it clear to him.

"I understand and I will not let you down. Promise!" he even raise his hand.

"I need action, not words."

"Thank you so much," he almost cry in relief. At least he still have the job.

"I'll get back now to my cubicle, boss," he's turning around making his way out of the room when his boss speaks.

"Oh wait!" she says.

"Yes?"

"You know, I have a coupon here. Why don't you use it? Go for a vacation and come back with a solid article," his boss hand him the envelope containing the coupon. He quickly open it and see what's inside.

"Seriously? Are just giving this away? I mean this is an island trip and it's really expensive," he just can't believe his boss giving him such an expensive vacation.

"Well, I supposed to give that to my boyfriend but we broke up last night. Just take it, I think you deserve that more than my stupid ex. Consider it as an investment in you. Don't let me down." Although he still can see the pain on her boss's eyes but she's firm and strong, one thing that makes him admire his boss.

"Why are you staring me like that? Don't get me wrong," she's feeling a little bit awkward.

"No, I just admire you, boss. You're tough, kind and considerate..."

"Alright, enough or change my mind," she interrupts.

"Thank you. Really."

"Okay. Get out now. Out!" she sounds authoritative.

"O-okay."

He quickly exit the room with amazement. He still have job plus an expensive vacation. He can't just believe that he has that charm after all. Imagine, he is able to convince her boss and what's more suprising is the expensive vacation. While heading back to his desk, he can't help but wonder what if his boss had huge crush on him long before she met her ex. He projects a smile thinking that little crazy thought. He's now more determine to be on the top again.

"What the...hey!" his best friend Jess Tracy interrupts his thought.

"I've been talking to you but you're mind is flying out there. What happened? Are you fired? Argh! I knew it," frustration registers on his best friend's face. This geeky chubby best friend of his has been nagging him to behave since then. He's the only person left on his side since his both parents died. They've known each other since grade school. He's best friend is working in the HR department. He's the one responsible for Liam's recruitment.

"Relax. I'm not fired...yet. Don't you know that I have this charm?" he even manage to hug his best friend.

"No, seriously. How long you're gonna behave like this? You're not getting any younger. You have to stop dating many girls simultaneously. Get back your on goal. You spent so much time in dating and you lose focus in your career, to think that you just did it out of fun. I don't want you to end up one day alone, homeless and begging on the street," another sermon again from him best friend.

"Alright, alright. Calm down, you talk like my mom again. I'll be more serious this time, I promise. I'm scared either, more than you."

"Good. But wait, why are you acting weird earlier?"

"You're not gonna believe this."

"What is it? "

"Come here," he invite his best friend to get closer and let him see the the coupon.

"Damn. I have never known anyone here received such an expensive vacation," his best friend says in surprise.

"See? I couldn't believe either. I mean I was thinking that this day might be my last day here. But look, I am blessed," he says raising his both arms high.

"Indeed. I envy you, I've been working my ass off but I haven't had such an expensive vacation. Round trip, free accommodation in an exclusive island resort for freaking seven days. Argh! What a tragic life I'm in."

"But here's a thing, I'll be kicked out here once I comeback without a great article. So I have to work on this the way that I have never done before."

"Well, suit yourself. When are you leaving anyway?"

"I have to claim the coupon first and book the ticket as soon as possible. Hopefully the day after tomorrow. I really need this. Really. Maybe this is my turning point. Who knows, when I get there I'll come up a great idea," Liam sounds hopefully.

"Man, don't mess up this time. I won't be to help you all the time."

"I know. Thanks for always putting up with me," he suddenly sounds dramatic but he's sincere.

"Yeah anytime, man. But wait, why did boss give you this coupon? I am the only one missing out something here?" Jess sounds suspicious.

"Hey hold that thought. It's not what you think. She said this is an investment. She invests in me with trust so I can't afford to disappoint her."

"Alright, you said so."