C36 Picnic On The Weekend

When I returned to work, I forced myself to focus on my tasks. Meanwhile, news began spreading throughout the company.

Apparently, an emergency meeting had been held during lunch by the higher-ups. Nobody knew the details, but rumors were everywhere.

At the same time, another topic caught everyone’s attention. Ben Wood and Samantha Heaps wedding would officially take place in eight weeks. Many employees were discussing it excitedly.

Surprisingly, the news no longer hurt me. It felt strange. Not long ago, hearing something like that would have ruined my entire day. Now I simply listened and continued working. Perhaps I had truly moved on.

Just before it was time to knock off, my phone vibrated. My heart almost stopped. Quickly opening the message, I saw Laura’s reply. “Sure, no problem. Let me know when and where. I’ll be there, Nerd.”

My eyes widened. I read it again. Then again. And one more time. A smile slowly spread across my face. For the rest of the afternoon, I could barely focus. When it was finally time to leave, Alicia appeared at my desk as usual.

This time, however, I immediately stepped aside and avoided holding her hand. After all, the rumors from before had already caused enough trouble.

The moment we met Chris outside, I showed them Laura’s message. Both of them were genuinely happy. “See?” Alicia said proudly. “I told you not to panic.” Chris nodded. “You almost gave yourself a heart attack for nothing.”

Then both of us slowly turned toward Alicia. She blinked. “What?” Chris crossed his arms. “This picnic was your idea.” I nodded. “So tell us the entire plan.” Alicia immediately smiled. A dangerous smile. The type of smile that usually meant trouble.

For the next fifteen minutes, she explained everything. Where we would meet. What food we will be eating. What games we should play. Which areas had the best views.

By the time she finished, Chris and I realized she had already planned everything before we even asked. “You thought about all this already?” Chris asked. “Of course.” “Why?” “Because unlike you two, I actually prepare things.” The three of us laughed before finally heading home.

Back at home, I told my parents about the picnic plans. I mentioned Chris. I mentioned Alicia. I mentioned the location. But I carefully left out Laura. I didn’t want them thinking she was already part of our group.

I still didn’t know whether she would reject me someday or accept me. If she rejected me, I would quietly move on. If she accepted me, then I would proudly introduce her to them.

Alicia also informed her family about the picnic. She told Mark that her two older brothers had entrusted her with all the planning. Mark laughed and praised her.

However, Alicia never mentioned Laura. Even she couldn’t understand the strange feeling in her heart. Whenever she thought about Mike spending more time with Laura, she felt uncomfortable. She kept reminding herself that relationships come and go while family remains. Yet the thought that someone was slowly taking her brother away kept returning.

Every time it appeared, she pushed it aside. “If it was really a problem,” she told herself, “then Chris would be worried too.”

At the Chambers family, things were slightly different. Chris casually informed his parents about the picnic. Unfortunately, Laura’s name accidentally slipped out. “Laura?” David asked. “Who’s Laura?” Chris froze.

Valeria immediately became interested. “Yes, Chris. Who is Laura?” Seeing no escape, Chris reluctantly answered. “Laura Tryon.” “The daughter of Mike’s Team Manager.”

The questions immediately multiplied. How did he know her? Why was she joining? What was her role in the picnic? Unable to answer without exposing Mike's situation, Chris did the only thing he could. He ran. Straight to his room.

The moment he locked the door, he opened their Weibo group chat. “GUYS! I MADE A MISTAKE!” The messages immediately flooded in. Alicia replied first. “What did you break now?”

Chris typed rapidly. “I was telling my parents about the picnic and somehow Laura’s name slipped out!” Alicia sent three laughing emojis. I laughed as well.

Chris continued. “THIS IS NOT FUNNY!” “My parents are asking who she is!” “Help me!” Alicia replied instantly. “You got yourself into trouble.” “Get yourself out.” “What kind of younger sister are you?” Chris complained.

“The smart kind.” I added. “Brother, maybe tell them the truth?” “No!” “Why not?” “Because then they’ll know Mike likes Laura!” Alicia laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone.

For the next hour, the group chat was filled with arguments, teasing, and laughter. In the end, neither Alicia nor I helped Chris. All three of us went to sleep smiling and looking forward to the weekend.

Early the next morning, I woke up feeling unusually energetic. After taking a shower and getting dressed, the first thing I did was take out my phone.

For a few seconds I stared at Laura's profile picture before typing. "Good morning." To my surprise, she replied almost immediately. "Good morning, Nerd." A smile appeared on my face.

We chatted for a few minutes. She asked about my plans for the day and I told her I would be working as usual. I asked about hers, and she said she would spend most of her day attending her classes and then later she will be helping her father with a few things.

The conversation wasn't long, but it was enough to put me in a good mood. When I finally walked into the dining room, my parents were already having breakfast. Mary immediately noticed the smile on my face.

"Son, you've been very busy these days. We hardly get to eat breakfast with you anymore." Before I could answer, Quinton laughed. "There is no need to guess who is keeping him busy." Mary nodded knowingly. "That beautiful Minister's daughter is taking all his time." I nearly choked on my food.