C44 Departing Day

Later that night, After Dinner My parents asked about my day, on how the picnic went. I told them it was a huge success. Deep down i knew as much as it succeeded, I still did not confess to Laura, words failed to come out. But none the less we all enjoyed it. I quickly sent a message to Laura.

At The Tryon Family, Laura stepped outside into the garden. The cool air helped her think clearly. She looked up at the sky, letting the quiet settle her thoughts. Her phone vibrated. It was Mike. She hesitated for a moment before reading.

“Picnic went well. Thank you for earlier.” Laura stared at the message for a moment, then smiled slightly. She didn’t reply immediately. Instead, she locked her phone and whispered to herself, “Interesting…” But even she didn’t fully understand what she meant by that.

After dinner, Mike informed his parents again about the overseas trip. Mary sighed. “It’s sudden, but if it’s work, we can’t stop you.” Quinton nodded. “Just be careful. Overseas isn’t like here.”

Alicia was also at home preparing for the upcoming trip. Her father had already approved it, though not without concern.

Mark crossed his arms. “This is business, not a vacation.” Alicia rolled her eyes slightly. “I know, Dad.” Peter chuckled from the side. “Let her go. She’s grown.” Mark looked at him. “But father, you always take her side.” Peter smiled. “Because I’m wise." Alicia appreciated it deep down. Still… something about the timing felt strange. She ignored the feeling.

Chris was also preparing at home.

His mother kept checking his luggage repeatedly. “Did you pack enough clothes?”

Chris sighed. “Mom, I’m not going to war.” David laughed. “Let him go. He’s with Mike anyway. Those two survive anything.” Chris frowned. “That’s either confidence… or concern.”

Late at night, everything was confirmed. Everything needed was packed. All of them were ready for tomorrow's travel.

The morning of departure arrived faster than anyone had expected. The sky was still pale when Mike woke up. Unlike the previous days filled with confusion, teasing, and emotional tension, today carried a strange sense of clarity. Everything had been decided. No more delays, no more uncertainty just movement.

He dressed simply, grabbed his luggage, and checked his phone one last time. Laura had sent a message earlier. “Safe travels. Don’t overwork yourself, nerd.” Mike stared at it for a moment, then smiled faintly before replying. “I won’t.” He placed his phone away and stepped out.

At the airport, the atmosphere was busy but organized. Company staff were already present, confirming documents and final instructions for the overseas assignment. The 12 selected individuals began arriving one by one.

Chris was the first to arrive, carrying his bag confidently. “International business trip,” he said proudly. “Feels official.” Alicia arrived next, dressed neatly but casually, scanning the area with her usual calm expression.

“Don’t get too excited,” she replied. “It’s still work.” Chris smirked. “Let me enjoy my moment.”

Then I arrived. The three of us naturally joined the group of other selected travellers.

Alicia looked at me. “Ready, Mike?” I nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Chris added jokingly, “If something goes wrong, Mike will hack the plane.” I sighed. “Please don’t start already.” They all laughed.

A short while later, Sarah arrived with Kelvin and Ben. The moment she stepped out of the car, the atmosphere subtly shifted. She carried herself calmly, but her presence was noticeable. Not in a loud way but in a way that naturally drew attention.

Kelvin walked beside her, speaking softly.

“Remember, this is not a vacation. Observe, learn, and represent the family properly.”

Sarah nodded. “I understand, Dad.” She then turned slightly and saw the group. For a moment, everyone was looking towards her. Who is this beautiful lady? Alicia asked thinking we knew her. Chris immediately responded " I am not sure either. But she arrived with director and vice director. Maybe she is someone close to them." I nodded "Maybe who knows."

Soon after, boarding procedures began.

The group moved together through security, paperwork, and final checks. Everything felt structured, official, and slightly overwhelming for what was, for most of them, their first major overseas business assignment.

As they walked, Alicia leaned slightly toward me. “Don’t mess this up,” she said quietly. Mike replied, “I won’t.” Chris added from behind, “If he does, I’ll deny knowing him.”

Mike shook his head. “So supportive.”

Inside the airport lounge, they waited for boarding. Sarah sat with Ben slightly apart, observing the group. She did not know any of them, but she could feel it there was something natural about how they interacted. Especially Mike, Chris, and Alicia. They were a total of 18 people.

From the Cybersecurity department, it was their team manager, Josh tryon, Bright Gomez, Alex Wolf, Sophia Guzman and myself, Michael Smith. From the Information Systems department, it was their team manager, Jamie Kingston, Abraham Duminy, Lindsey Kimberly, Hopewell Church and Alicia Mooney. From the Business Administration department, It was their team manager, Joe Sharma, Devon Reyneke, Rosemary Luus, Tricia Sunderland and Christopher Chambers. Plus Ben, Sarah and Kelvin Wood

Chris was talking animatedly. Alicia occasionally responded with short remarks.

Mike stayed quieter, occasionally checking his phone. Bright was talking nonstop but occasionally glanced at alicia.

Sarah slowly stood up and walked toward them. She was very beautiful almost identical to Alicia's beauty. Chris noticed first. “Oh, she’s coming over.” Alicia glanced sideways. Sarah stopped near them. “So… this is the famous group I’ll be working with overseas.” Chris grinned. “Famous? That’s generous.” I nodded slightly. “We’ll do our best.”

Boarding was announced shortly after. As they walked toward the aircraft, Kelvin’s voice called out from behind. “Sarah.” She turned. He paused for a moment, then spoke more softly. “Be careful. And don’t trust everything too quickly.” Sarah nodded. “I know, Dad.”

Then she smiled slightly. “I’ll be fine.” Kelvin watched her for a moment longer, then he got inside first and took the first seat. Soon everyone was assigned to their seats. The groups settled in, each adjusting to the reality that they were now officially leaving the country together.

Chris leaned back. “This feels unreal.” Alicia replied, “It hasn’t even started yet." I stared forward quietly. Sarah looked out the window. She watched the plane fly higher, she thought about all those times she had to visit her parents and flew over.