Chapter 96 - Lazy Vessel

A smile tugged on Jake's lips as he remembered what happened yesterday. When Jade had offered to cheer him up, he didn't believe she'll be able to make him forget all the negative and murderous thought blaring through his mind at the time. Okay fine, he wouldn't lie, his mood greatly improved the moment he laid eyes on her, waiting at the bus stop. He has to admit there was something about Jade that was oddly appealing to him, something he hasn't experienced before, at least not from any of the women he had been with. Everything about her keeps drawing him in, so much he finds himself completely taken by her.

Jake couldn't believe he had given in so quickly, when she did those things she did. She didn't have to do much, just watching her as she led him around and seeing her smile so beautifully while they played visual games at the arcade was more than enough to liven his mood. Not once did he think about Kyle or Hillary or about the fact that he was having a tiff with his brother and grandfather. Jade had made him forget all his worries, so much that he was beginning to doubt himself if he has ever done anything fun or exciting in his whole life. If he has ever been truly happy.

When Jade offered cheering him up, he could guess it wasn't because she wanted to, but because she was trying to be smart so she could let herself off the day's session a bit earlier than usual. Naturally, he had planned to make things difficult for her by wearing stoic look all through those two hours, but he had failed miserably.

Being at the arcade with her, he had discovered that that girl was a devil at playing games. He felt proud when he watched people stare at her in awe. For a moment there he had thought maybe, just maybe, Jade had offered to cheer him up because she wanted to do something fun herself.

His smile broadened when he remembered those times when she stuck out her tongue or bit her lower lips in her attempt to concentrate fully, most especially when the level seemed a bit hard. Maybe he should take her to show those conceited fools, Rick and Mike, how to play a real game. Those two wouldn't let him live in peace whenever they won a round of game. It wouldn't be such a bad idea, if Jade ripped them of their self acclaimed titles, Zeus of games...pft. They possibly can't hold water before his Jade.

'His Jade? Jake you're way over your head'

When did she become 'his'?

What was that she said about having something sweet again?

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things, Mr Beau"

"Mr Beau just eat some ice-Cream and everything will be okay. Ice-cream make everything better" She had said before ordering a huge cone of ice-cream for him, which he accepted.

A soft knock on the door pulled him out of his reverie. He could guess who was currently at the door. He was sure it was, Blake. Blake was the only one his secretary would let in without calling.

"Come in" He said as he raised his gaze to the door. He watched Blake walk in with heavy steps and a depressed look on his face. He looked like he just got a death sentence. Blake slowly approached his desk with his eyes lowered and his lips pursued tightly.

"What is it?" Jake asked when Blake remained quiet.

"Big Bro I'm sorry. I really am. I hate it when you don't talk to me. Look at me, I'm feeling depressed. Forgive me okay" Blake said ruly.

"So what are you sorry for?" Jake asked leaning back on his chair with his hands folded across his chest, as he stared intensely at Blake.

"For everything" Blake replied lowering his head while Jake watched him silently.

"Do you think apologizing will fix things whenever you do something wrong? Do you think you can forgive yourself if something happens to granpa on your watch? Do you think you'll be able to let go and breath freely if something happens to him, because you indulged him in doing something detrimental to his health? The answer is no Blake. You'd never be able to, no matter how many times you apologize to yourself. You'd always wish to go back in time and do better. You'll always wish you did things differently, wish you paid a bit more attention and said no when you should have" He said calmly but his words were strong.

"Grandfather is all we have left, and we both know his health condition is bad and we should both look after him with all we've got. He might have been fine this time, but you can't guarantee what will happen next."

"There will be no next time I promise. I'll look after him well and I won't indulge him in doing that again. I promise" Blake promised with utmost sincerity. It was obvious Jake's silent treatment was boring a hole in his heart.

"I hope so Blake. And I'll hold you to that promise. Now wipe that look off your face, you look stupid" Jake said with a straight face.

"Well this is my sad and depressed face. I can't be happy when you're angry with me" Blake said with a sad pout.

"Now take it off your face, before I get angry again. You don't want people thinking that I'm maltreating my brother, do you?" Jake asked tilting his head.

"Of course not" Blake exclaimed. "Does that mean you've forgiven me?" Blake asked as his eyes  lit up.

"Only if you can improve that look on your face and not look like you've been served a jail sentence" Jake replied, his smile returning to his face.

"Really Bro?" Blake asked just to be sure, but he smiled nevertheless.

"Mmm" Jake's smile widened when Blake jumped at him, hugging him and his chair tightly.

"You're the best" Blake praised with a happy smile. His mood has changed by 360 degrees.

"I know" Jake replied smugly. "You might die without me"

"Of course bro"

"Now let go, before I change my mind" Jake threatened. Blake was squeezing him to death.

"Oh sorry" Blake quickly let go of him. "You should never do that to me again. I almost died because of you. Don't treat that way again okay."

"Alright fine, I won't. Now get out I have work to do" Jake said.

"Can't I stay a bit longer? We haven't spoken to each other since yesterday?" Blake complained.

"No you can't" Jake answered firmly. He still has a lot of work to do.

"But why?" Blake asked with a sad pout, as he lolled himself in a seat.

"Because I have work and I'm sure you do too"

"Ha, I don't have any. My secretary is on it" Blake said proudly.

"Wait, you have a secretary?" Jake was confused. He shouldn't be what he was thinking.

"Yep" Blake replied with a very proud smile. Jake's jaws dropped in shock. This was news to him.

"You really have a secretary?" Jake was still in doubt.

"Of course" Blake bobbed his head smiling from ear to ear. Jake was stunned, he dropped the pen he was now holding as he stared at Blake incredulously.

"On whose pay roll?" It had better be his or else....

"On the company's of course"

"What?" Jake couldn't believe it.

"Why do you look so surprised? It's only natural for me to have a secretary after all you do have one. And believe me work in my department is hectic. I might need more" He said like it was a great idea to be considered.

Jake was speechless. What the hell is going on in his company?

"You had better fire him or her, or else I'll slash your salary by 60%. If possible you'll have none or simply pay from your damn pocket" He threatened. If Blake was doing this, then what would the other staffs do? Hire chauffeurs and cooks?

"W-Why would you do that? That's not fair."

"What's not fair is you hiring a secretary under my pay roll. I mean what the hell is going on?" He yelled staring daggers at Blake.

It was fine that he didn't work as much as the others did. He always got his work done and that was the most important thing. But hiring a secretary??

"But my salary is barely enough. I have to save up to buy a new sport car at the end of the year. So how do you expect me to pay? Bro don't be stingy"

"You should have thought about that before hiring one. Blake I'm warning you, don't squander my money for heavens sake"

"It's not just yours, it's ours. No,  it's grandfather's. It's not like we are broke and it's just a mere secretary salary"

"One more word from you and I'll throw out the window. You're shamelessly lazy. Blake get rid of that secretary or you're paying"

"It's not news that I'm lazy. It's my proud talent. You and grandfather brought me here so it's also your responsibility to make me comfortable, so I'm keeping my secretary"

"I dare you. I seriously dare you Blake Beau. Try me and see if you won't find yourself jobless with no credit cards" Jake was fuming with anger. Who did he wrong to be punished with a brother like this. A laziy vessel.

"You're just mean. I think I'll just leave you to face your work so you can make more money for us." He said as he stood up to leave. Jake frowned and threw his pen at him, but Blake deftly dodged it as he burst into laughter.

"You'll grow old soon at this rate" He teased as he got to the door. "And oh, I'll be waiting by your car at the close of work, we need some bonding time big bro" He said blowing Jake a kiss.

Jake couldn't believe this.. Indeed Blake was his punishment in this life.