C84 Hidden Plans

The atmosphere inside the company was noticeably lighter than usual. It was the final working day for the retiring department managers and, more importantly for the three of us, our last official day as interns.

Almost nobody was focused on work.

Senior executives walked from department to department, shaking hands with the retiring managers, sharing stories from years past, and congratulating those of us who were about to begin our full-time positions. The entire building felt more like a celebration than an office.

By lunchtime, the three of us gathered at our usual table. Alicia smiled as she unwrapped her lunch. "So... any plans for tomorrow?" I grinned. "You already know yours." She laughed. "That's true. I'll be spending the day with your parents."

Chris leaned back in his chair. "I'm thinking of going to England." Both Alicia and I stopped eating. "What?" Chris repeated calmly. "I'm thinking of visiting Sarah." I blinked several times before setting my fork down. "Brother... wait, wait."

He looked at me innocently. "What?" "You do realize England isn't just around the corner, right?" "I know." "A flight from Glasgow to London is only about an hour and a half, but with airport check-in, security, and travelling, you'll practically spend the whole weekend there." He simply nodded. "That's fine."

I stared at him in disbelief. "Your feelings have grown that deep already?"

Alicia looked equally surprised. For a brief moment, something flickered across her face. Envy. Not because she wanted Chris. But because Sarah was being pursued so openly. A man was willing to spend an entire weekend travelling just to see her. Meanwhile... She had never found someone who truly interested her. The only man who had ever managed to disturb her calm heart...

Was Mike. And Mike already belonged to Laura.

She quickly buried those thoughts beneath her usual smile. "Honestly," Alicia said softly, "I think it's a beautiful gesture." I turned to her immediately. "You're encouraging him?"

She nodded. "If someone travelled that far just to see me... I don't think I'd ever forget it."

I rubbed my forehead. "You two have completely lost your minds." Chris burst into laughter. "Relax, Mike." "I'm serious!" I pointed at him dramatically. "Going from Glasgow to Aberdeen is one thing. Going to England just because you miss someone is another! What if you get lost?"

Chris laughed even harder. "Do I honestly look like a child?" "...Sometimes." Alicia couldn't hold back her laughter. Chris shook his head. "I'll be fine. I'll see Sarah, spend a little time with her, clear my head, then come back." Seeing the determination in his eyes, I finally sighed in defeat. There was no changing his mind. If anything... The more people opposed him, the more stubborn he became.

After lunch we returned to our respective departments. Not long afterward, Josh entered our Cybersecurity office carrying a folder. He clapped his hands loudly. "Everyone, may I have your attention?" The conversations stopped instantly. Josh smiled proudly. "Today marks the end of Michael Smith's internship."

Several colleagues applauded. He continued.

"From this moment onward, I officially announce that the office behind me belongs to Strategic Engineer Michael Smith." Everyone clapped louder. "He is no longer an intern. I expect everyone to give him the respect his position deserves. Michael, congratulations. I look forward to working with you as we continue protecting this company from every cyber threat that comes our way."

I stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Josh. I'll do my best." More applause echoed through the department. When everything settled down, I slowly walked toward my new office. For several seconds... I simply stood outside. My eyes remained fixed on the polished silver nameplate. Strategic Engineer M. Smith

A smile slowly spread across my face. Three months ago, I had walked into this company terrified that I wasn't good enough. Now... I had my own office. I gently pushed the door open. The room wasn't large, but it was perfect. A spacious desk. A powerful workstation. Bookshelves. A comfortable chair facing the large windows overlooking the city. I couldn't help but laugh quietly. "I actually made it..."

Across the building, Alicia was receiving congratulations of her own. Unlike me, she already had an office because of her analyst responsibilities, but today her appointment became official. Flowers arrived from several departments. Managers personally came to wish her success. Everyone knew how valuable her analytical mind had become.

She accepted every compliment politely, though her thoughts wandered elsewhere. She wondered if Mike had smiled when he saw his new office. The afternoon passed peacefully until I thought of Chris. His trip to England still weighed heavily on my mind. I remembered every difficult moment we'd shared growing up. During my darkest days... He had never abandoned me. If anyone deserved happiness... It was my brother.

After work, I looked at him. "So... since you've already decided." Chris nodded. "Yes?" "Do you need anything? Money? Help booking your tickets?" Before he could answer, Alicia joined in. "Yes. Tell us if you're short on anything." Chris smiled gratefully. "The problem isn't money." "What is it?" "My parents."

He scratched the back of his neck.

"I have absolutely no idea how I'm supposed to tell them I'm leaving for England for the weekend." I immediately raised both hands. "I'm out." They both looked at me. "What?" "We have a professional analyst right here." I pointed dramatically toward Alicia. "She'll analyze every possible outcome and find the perfect solution."

Alicia rolled her eyes. "You make me sound like a computer." Chris laughed. "He's not wrong though." She folded her arms. "Mike knows your parents much better than I do." Chris nodded. "Exactly." Both of them looked at me expectantly.

Unfortunately... My mind wasn't cooperating. Every time I tried thinking seriously... Laura appeared. Her smile. Her laugh. Her soft lips from yesterday's kiss. I sighed helplessly. "My brain isn't working." Alicia noticed my absent-minded expression and smirked. "Still thinking about yesterday?" My ears immediately turned red. Chris burst into laughter. "Our brother is hopeless."

Ignoring them, I cleared my throat.

"So... Analyst Alicia?" She remained silent for several moments before suddenly snapping her fingers. "I've got an idea." Chris leaned forward. "What is it?" "It doesn't guarantee your parents will agree..." "...but it'll give you the best chance."

We both listened carefully. "Tomorrow I'm already going to Mike's house." She looked at Chris. "Invite your parents too." Both of us frowned. She continued. "But Mike..." "You cannot tell your parents the Chambers family is coming." I blinked. "Why?" "Because surprise works better."

She then looked at Chris. "You tell your parents I need their help with something important and ask them to meet me at the Smith residence." Chris nodded slowly. "I think I can manage that." "And tell them not to call ahead or prepare anything." He smiled. "That actually sounds believable."

I still looked confused. "Alicia..." She looked at me. "What exactly are you planning?" She smiled mysteriously. "If I told you now..." "...it wouldn't be a surprise." Chris and I exchanged glances. Neither of us understood what was happening. I frowned. "You're planning something dangerous, aren't you?"

She laughed. "If it were dangerous, would I be smiling?" "...Yes." Chris nodded seriously. "Actually... yes." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "You two have absolutely no faith in me." "We have faith." I smiled. "We're just worried about everyone else." The three of us burst into laughter once more.

Although neither Chris nor I knew what Alicia was preparing... One thing was certain. Whenever she smiled like that... Someone was about to be completely caught off guard.

And tomorrow... That someone would most likely be our parents.