BOUNDED BY GREY

"Lana!" Fourteen year old Bryan called his older sister from the living room,

"We got less than twenty minutes for the event to start and you don't want to be late for your own graduation." Bryan continued as he took one last look at himself then he adjusted his tie,

He's looking good for his sister,

"I'll be right there!" She yelled back and he shook his head with a sigh.

If there's anyone he holds to high standard,

It would be his older sister,Lana.

Ever since their parent's death about four years ago,

Lana had been the one taking care of him.

She wasn't only an older sister,but she acted as both his father,his mother,his nurse,his teacher,

All put together as one.

Lana Campbell was in her final year in high school and her brother,Bryan was in his fourth grade when they'd received the news of their parent's death from Mr Martinez,their family friend.

The man had personally brought them home from school and he broke the tragic news to them,

Both siblings had cried their heart and their soul out while Mr Martinez and his family consoled them.

Their parent's were laid to rest a few days later as their death was classified Automobile Accident and there wasn't any need for investigation or running and autopsy on them.

Both siblings had gone back to school after grieving their parents,

All thanks to the trust fund that has been set up for them by their parent's before their sudden death.

Their educational finances were covered but knowing how tough things are going to be for them,

Lana decided it was best to withdraw Bryan from the private school and she got him enrolled in the public school were tuition fees were lesser.

And now,she was graduating from Paxton College,

She'd sent application to three different companies where she can do her six month internship program and hopefully,

She was waiting for their reply and sincerely hope she get accepted to one especially Blue-Stone Corp.

"Ding dong!" The doorbell chimed,

Bryan got up from the chair and walked to open the door,knowing who it was already.

"Hey Bryan." The familiar male figure walks inside the house,

"Hi Tristan,

Welcome." Bryan asserted with a smiling face,closing the door behind Tristan.

"Where's our graduant?" Tristan asked beaming with smile,

"She's still getting prepared,

You know how she's...."

"I heard that!" Lana's voice boomed as she joined them in the living room,

Both Bryan and Tristan were gobsmacked when they saw her walked in.

"Damn,you're looking so...."

"Gorgeous." Bryan completed Tristan's words,

Although he'd wanted to use the word stunning,

But gorgeous can pass too.

"Thanks boys,

Now let's go." She said especially to Tristan who was gawking at her like he'd seen angel,

True she's an angel and he'd had his eyes on this angel since he was a child.

Both their families had been great friends as their fathers had known each other from their college days.

Tristan had been with Lana all her life,

He was a few years older than her and had acted like a big brother than a best friend to her,

He was overprotective of her then and it hasn't changed up until now.

When the tragedy had happened,

He'd given her a shoulder to cry on,

He'd left his school and had stayed with them for a few more days after the funeral,

He'd to be sure she wasn't crying herself to death.

No matter how busy he was,

He didn't fail to call and ask how she was faring,

Didn't fail to take her out for lunch or dinner even though she always choose the less fancy and cheap restaurants.

Before she'd gone to college and was confused which career path to take on,

He'd been the one that guided her,

Giving her all the advice he could give her.

She didn't date any boy in college and he was happy and contented with that fact,

He loves her and all he has done for her is because he loves and want to make her his wife,

Although he hadn't told her yet,

But he's going to tell her soon.

He'll propose to her in the most romantic way ever,

Then they'll get married and have kids together,

At least those were his dreams and he was working towards making them turn reality.

Lana is a girl anyone would die for,

She's beautiful,

A five footer and a few inch,pale rose skin and light golden brown

Old world blue eyes that made her look more like an angel than a human,

She couldn't look any cuter.

It had surprised both Tristan and Bryan that with all the boys that were crushing on her in college,

Some even bought her gifts and drop them at her house,pegging them as anonymous while other brought their upfront but still,

She'd chosen not to date any one of them and it baffled them.

Especially Bryan who knew his sister was beautiful but her reason for not wanting to date any guy was an unresolved mystery to him,

While for Tristan,

It'd surprised him though but it gave him immense joy,

He didn't want any of them around her as she was clearly his.

"If you guys continue gawking at me like that,

I don't think I would want to go anywhere again.

You guys are making me feel like I'm wearing a banana costume in winter." She said,snapping both her brother and her best friend from staring,

"Who told you I was staring..."

"Whatever,

Let's go." She said to her brother then walked ahead to Tristan,

"You're making me shy." She whispered to him cause it was evident he was still staring,

He came back to his senses and gave her a wry smile.

"Let's go." He said to her,hiding the reaction his body just because of the proximity between them,

She nodded at his request and took his hands,

Then they walked pass the door,

While Bryan locked the door,she followed Tristan to car.

"Wow Trist,

You bought a new limo?" She asked in ecstacy as she saw the black limousine parked outside their house,

"No I didn't,

I'd had this for six months now,

Just that I don't get to ride it often,

Just for special occasion." He replied her while she admired the car as the chauffeur opened the door for her.

"But you've never driven this to work..."

"You're so dumb Lana,

Who drives a limo to work?" He asked in a mocking laughter,

"Whatever." She sighed and got into the car,Tristan did too,

Still having the aftermath of laughter in his face and Bryan joined them,

"Let's go." Tristan said to the chauffeur and he began the drive to her school.

When they got the the auditorium,

Lana was separated from them as she'd to be with other graduants while Tristan and Bryan made their way to the front row to get a full view of her.

A few minutes after eleven,

The Chancellor came from the back stage,behind him was the two vice chancellors,followed by the senior professors,all decked in their black and red regalia.

Everyone stood up to welcome the school staffs,

While some waves,others nodded while a few went with bored expression,

"Mr Waters look like he'd just gotten up from the bed." The girl beside Lana mocked,

The other girl chuckled but Lana didn't,

She didn't really find it funny these girls were mocking the man.

She had not been really close with anyone,neither students nor professors but knowing Mr Waters,the English comp professor,

The man is a nice man,although strict but nice.

The best student of the year was up,

A girl from Linguistic department and she gave her speech,

Title: What's Next After College?

A speech Tristan pegged long and boring while Lana on her side,found it realistic and educative,

In all they applauded her when she finished.

Afterwards,

The graduating students were called out and given their diploma.

"This reminds me a lot of when I graduated college." Tristan said looking at Lana who was talking to another girl seated beside her,

"You guys are lucky,

I'm the only one studying now." Bryan whined from beside him,

He gave a light chuckle and ruffled the boy's hair,

"Don't worry,

In a few years,you'll be done and you'll look back and wish you weren't done." He assured the boy and the kid sighed,

"I can't wait and definitely won't have such lame wish." He muttered,

Tristan just ignored him,

After all he's just a kid.

After the whole graduation ceremony,

Lana and Bryan were in the limo with Tristan and they were headed to their favorite restaurant, Eat n' Take.

"Men,

That girl's speech was long and boring." Tristan said dryly, Bryan chuckled but Lana wasn't amused,

"Stop it Trist,

That was a nice speech she gave back there.

Wish I was intelligent enough to compose something as education, realistic and inspiring like that." She retorted,

Tristan scoffed and pulled the leather strap of the seatbelt,

"You're far more intelligent that anyone I've ever seen,

She might have composed that educational, realistic and inspiring speech like you said, not my saying."

Bryan chuckled from his seat.

"But Lana,

You're still the most intelligent person I've ever seen met,

You're smart, beautiful and intelligent."

"Awwn."

"Yes,

I'm serious.

So when are you going for you interview?" He asked her,

She picked her diploma and took off the red band that held it.

"By next week I guess,

I should be hearing from them by next week." She said to him and he nodded,

Left to him,

He would have wanted her to do her internship in his company,

He didn't want her to go wait for hours in waiting halls,

Waiting to be interviewed by some company directors.

But knowing she would never agree to intern in his company,

He'd come to a final conclusion,

A conclusion he'll put to action from next week,

For now, spending time with her is the most important thing for him.

When they got to Eat n' Take,

Lana went to their favorite spot, at the other side of the restaurant while Bryan and Tristan went to get their lunch.

The place had been their favorite eating spot since Lana's first year in Paxton College.

It isn't the normal restaurant where you've waiters ready to serve you or take your orders,

At Eat n' Take,

You go get your order yourself just like in high school cafeteria,

You get your meals and pay for them,

Then come back to your table to eat.

To Tristan,

It's stressing and annoying, especially when you've to wait in a queue to get your orders,

"Why waste my time in a queue when I could get some waitress to take my order and bring it back to me?" He'd asked Lana the second time he got to wait in a queue,

She'd smiled to him and said,

"That's the fun of it all."

He didn't want to be coming there but Lana loved coming there,

She wouldn't eat in any other restaurant if not Eat n' Take,

So he'd to join her there and slowly,

He had started to like the place.

They came back a few minutes later with their tray of food,

"Pasta salad and asparagus for you." Tristan said as he pushed Bryan's lunch to him,

"Tacos and your favorite apple juice for you." He kept Lana's plate and the two juice box while she grinned like a child who'd been given her favorite chocolate,

Satisfied with the smile on her face, he sat down with his plate of lunch, same with Bryan's

Pasta salad and asparagus.

Lana was about to dig into her meal when he stopped her,

"Wait!"

She stopped and looked at him,

"What's it?" She asked impatiently,

Her mouth was already watery at the sight of the food in front of her.

She's no big eater but tacos is one food she can't resist.

"I've a gift for you." He said and brought out the small box from his pocket,

"C'mon Trist,

You know you didn't have to..."

"No, I'd to.

You gave me shift on my graduation,

How can I not get you on yours?" He said to her.

"Bring you hand."

She brought her right hand forward,

He opened the box and brought out the diamond bracelet,

"Jeez!

This is too expensive Trist, "She complained seeing the bracelet, it even glitters.

"As expensive as you.."

He wanted to add my darling but chose not to,

He didn't want to be too forward.

He wore the bracelet around her wrist while she looked at it with great admiration,

"Thanks a lot Trist." She cried in uncontrollable happiness,

"You're most welcome, Lana.

Happy graduation." He said to her and Bryan squealed,

"I wish I was the one graduating instead."

"Don't worry,

Your gift awaits you." He assured him, still not taking his eyes off Lana who was still admiring her bracelet.

The joy in her face made his heart screamed in happiness,

Oh!

How much I love this lady and how far I'll go just to be with her?

The next morning,

Lana woke up to her ringing cellphone,

She kicked away the comforter and got up from the bed to take her phone from where she had left it to charge,

It was Tristan calling her.

"Hello sleepy head,

Are you still sleeping?" He asked her in a mocking laughter,

"I won't be taking your call if I was still sleeping,

All thanks to you,

You've just ruined my much needed rest." She sighed as she walked back to her bed.

"Rest you say?

Lana you aren't in college anymore and you should learn how to get up early,

It's almost eight am on a Sunday morning and you're still in bed..."

"Thank God you said Sunday morning,

It's Sunday and I'm permitted to sleep till whatever time I want to and so you know,

I'm an early riser." She said, driving that particular point to his blunt head in case he'd forgotten how she use to wake him up early whenever she's sleeping over at his place.

"Yeah I know.

Well, mom said she wants you guys to come over for lunch,

Since they didn't make it to your graduation ceremony yesterday,

She wants you guys to come over for lunch." He informed her.

"Awwn,

Aunt's such a sweetheart,

I still can't get why a loving woman like her would beget a wicked son like you, robbing people off their sleep."

"Me!

You just broke my heart Lana." He feigned a broken heart my clutching his chest with his palm, faking a painful groan.

"Oh I did,

Don't worry,

I'm gonna get it mended when I come over for lunch.

Tell aunt I won't miss her lunch for anything and you hold on to your broken heart till I get there." She said to him,

"Okay,

I'm waiting." He said and she ended the call.

Still smiling to himself,

He walked back into his room,

Brought out his laptop and went to his mails,

The door opened unexpectedly and he looked up from his laptop,

It was his mom at the door.

"I told her already and she said she's coming." He informed the woman,

"And you're thrilled about it?" She asked even when the answer was obvious to her,

"Being thrilled is an understatement mom,

I'm super happy," He got up and stood on the bed,

His face happy like he'd won't a trophy.

"I'm super excited mom,

I'm so excited I feel I'm gonna explode soon." He said to the woman and she smiled watching her son,

She too can't wait to have Lana as her daughter in-law.

She'd found out her son loves Lana when he was still in high school,

He was in his senior year then and she was four years behind him.

Countless times she'd came to make sure he was sleeping well and those several times,

She'd hear his nocturnal confessions and all revolved on one girl,

Lana Campbell.

It went on till one day, he finally confided in her and told her his true feelings for the girl,

He was in his sophomore year in Harvard Business School then,

And he'd came home for a short break.

A senior from Lana's school has asked her to be his date for his junior prom and Lana had blurted it to him out of excitement,

He had taken the news calmly but she knew he wasn't happy,

He refused dinner that night and even breakfast but lied to everyone he was fine.

Later the next day, she went to his room and he, in a fit, he confessed his feelings for Lana to her,

She asked him to tell her and even wanted to help him but he refused and made her promise she was to going to tell anyone.

Eventually,

Lana didn't go with the kid to prom again cause he got down with diarrhea the week he was to go to prom and he was hospitalized,

So promise was canceled for her and for the kid,

Poor kid.

While her son continued to hide his feelings for Lana, masking it as friendship as he's waiting for the right time,

She continued to wait with him and several years had passed since then,

She's still waiting, although it won't be for long now.

After the call with Tristan,

Lana kept her phone on the bedside drawer and went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth before going out to know what's in for her for the morning.

Coming out of her room,

It was quiet everywhere,

Apparently,Bryan was still asleep in his room.

She walked to the kitchen and made herself of cup of tea,

She's no fan of coffee,just like her mom.

Holding the cup of tea,

She sauntered back to the living room and slumped on the sofa,

Her mind traveled to the speech that was given yesterday at the graduation ceremony,

What's Next After College?

What's next for her?

She was expecting the companies she'd sent her application to would call her that week,

After which she would go for her interview and then,

She might get a pass to one of them and start her internship there.

The one company she really wants to intern in is Blue-Stone Corporation,

It's the most exclusive corporation in New York and it's owned by Gray Salvador,

She'd hear a lot about the man but has never been opportune to meet or even see him.

There,her chances of learning and earning is going to be high there,

Their modus operandi is competitive and cooperative and she heard that just six percent of internship application are considered yearly,

That was why she'd applied there immediately she heard they were open for internship and now,

She's just waiting for the reply.

"Good morning sissy." She turned and it was Bryan,

His dark brown hair tousled up as his groggy eyes scanned the whole place,

"Morning kid,

How was your night?" She emailed after taking another sip from her tea,

"Fine." He said groggily and came to the sofa beside hers,

He slumped on it,

"I'm so tired." He yawned,stretching his limb sleepily,

The sight made her chuckle.

"Aunt has invited us for lunch." She informed him and immediately,all traces of sleep in his eyes vanished,

"What?" He asked,

"Yeah,she invited us for lunch to make up for not coming to my graduation ceremony yesterday." She explained to him,

"Awwn,

That's so thoughtful of her..

When are we leaving?" He asked in excitement,

Definitely,he wouldn't want to miss her lunch for anything.

"Dunno,

I didn't even ask Tristan." She sighed and looked at him,

"Go get me my phone from my bedroom." She said to him,

He got up immediately and rushed to get the cellphone while she continued sipping her tea.

It was decided,after much persuasion that Tristan would come pick Lana and Bryan by one pm,

"Hope it isn't gonna be much trouble for you?

You've done a lot for us already and we can..."

"Lana." He called her,

"Yes Trist." She replied,

"I haven't done half of what I want to do for you,

I haven't done a quarter of it and this...

It's nothing okay.

I'll come by one,so get ready." He told her,

She exhaled and nodded,

"Okay."

"So go get ready,

You gat just five hours left and you know best not to keep mom waiting,

She'll have your head for lunch instead." He reminded her and she nodded,

"Aye,aye captain." She chuckled,

"Okay bye." She finally said,ready to hang up but Tristan wasn't saying anything.

"Trist.."

"Sorry,

Go get ready." He finally said and hung up.

She felt it was kinda weird the way they stayed silent for awhile,

Just like they were waiting for who to speak first,

But she shrugged it off and kept her cellphone,

She's known him for long and he's practically the one guy she's comfortable with.

She prepared scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast,

Gave Bryan his share which he ate right up and came back wanting more,

"Don't tell me you've..."

"Don't blame me,

Blame my stomach and your delicious meals,

I just can't get enough of them." He smirked,

She exhaled and gave him part of hers as she knew she wasn't going to eat them all.

She took out a bowl and poured little cereal inside it,milk and two cubes of sugar,

Then she took it to the living room,together with her egg and bacon,

"You're gonna eat all that?" Bryan asked in disbelief,

It's no secret she's a small eater and would nibble on one plate of food till thy kingdom come.

"Yes,

I'm gonna eat all of it." She said and crossed her legs on the table and started picking the floating cereals on the milk bowl.

A few minutes after twelve,

She went to her room to shower and asked Bryan to go do the same.

Bringing out a summer strapless gown from the wardrobe,

Then with a matching summer sandals,

She laid them on the bed and went into the bathroom to freshly up.

Coming out later,

She applied lotion on her bare skin then dried her wet hair with the blow dry machine that used to be her mom's.

She picked up a lacy underwear which she wore then went to the bed,picked up the gown and got dressed in it.

Packing her hair in a messy ponytail which she rolled into a bun,

She applied eyeliner and mascara,followed by her favorite strawberry lipstick.

"Bryan!" She called her brother when she came out of the living room,

It's so unlike Bryan to dress up late,so she went to his door and knocked,

"I'm almost done sis." He yelled from inside,

She nodded and went to sit down.

But the doorbell didn't allow her,cause it rang right when she wanted to get seated,

She rushed to the door and opened it,

"Trist." She called in sheer excitement as she hugged him.

Tristan's heart tumbled in ecstacy as she hugged him,

Never had her felt so nervous before and not especially for a girl,

But having Lana hug him,

He felt so many emotions in one and didn't want her to let go.

"You came early." She said when she finally pulled away,

"Yeah,

You know mom hates it when we come late for lunch,

She acts like a woman whose child has just rejected her food." He mocked and she slapped his arms playfully,

"Not funny,

She just loves it when you're on time that all." She said in defense of the woman.

Brian joined them later and they headed to the car while he locked the door,

With Lana in the front passenger seat beside him and Bryan at the back,

They started the drive to his house.

The Martinez lives in Lockwood Estate,Manhattan

About fifteen to twenty minutes drive from Shore Park where Lana lives.

The family had bought the multi millionaire mansion from the real owner a few months after Tristan turned ten,

They'd it renovated to their taste and had lived there since then.

The house,a large white modern house,situated on the two acres of land and twenty thousand square feet,spread on most landscape of the estate,

The house is one of the most expensive in the estate.

Tristan's car drove the driveway and he stopped the car,

Threw the key to his valet and opened the door for Lana while Bryan helped himself out,

"Still as magnificent as ever." Lana exclaimed as they walked towards the main entrance,

"Yeah,mom would be thrilled to have you over." Tristan said as he gave her soft palm a light squeeze.

Mrs Angela Martinez was waiting for them in the living room and seeing them come in,

She got up and walked to them,beaming with smile as she hugged Lana.

"Good afternoon aunt." Lana greeted the woman as she pecked her,

"Afternoon dearie,

I heard about your graduation,

Sorry Tony and I couldn't make it.

Congrats." She said,giving her another peck on the other cheek while Tristan and Bryan continue to laugh at them.

"Thanks aunt." She said to the woman,throwing a death glare at her best friend and her brother,

I'll kill you both!

Her eyes spelled out as she stared at them and prayed the woman releases her.

The woman eventually did and she walked to Bryan,

"Good afternoon aunt." He greeted too and like he expected,she enveloped him in a big hug,

"My baby boy." She said hugging him,

"You've grown so big," She said then looked at Lana,

"What're you feeding him?"

Still looking at her,waiting for a reply,

Lana shrugged,

"Everything edible."

Everyone laughed at her words while the woman slowly detached from the boy.

"Not funny." Bryan whined,

The woman took his hand and her and led them further into the house,

"Don't mind her,

She's jealous because she's as skinny as a rail,

Wonder if she does at at all." She said.

Bryan stuck his tongue at Lana from the woman's blind spot and she stuck her back as they walked towards the dining hall,

While Tristan just followed behind them,

Watching in love and admiration for Lana as she continued to stick her tongue at Bryan.

Mrs Martinez led Bryan and Lana to the table while

Tristan joined them uninvited,just a a third wheel.

On the table,

She dished out the food to Lana and Bryan,

Making more emphasis on Lana's as she added more than enough for her,

"Aunt,

I don't think I'll..."

"You'll have to." She cuts her off,

"Look at how skinny you're,

You'll have to eat a lot to gain more flesh like Bryan."

Hearing her use him as an example to Lana,

He began to bloat,

"Aunt tell her,

She thinks I eat too much." Bryan said to Mrs Martinez and the woman laughed.

It's no secret Bryan is walking stomach,with mini attachment of head,arms and legs,

His thoughts revolves more around what to eat than what to do.

"Don't mind her Bry,

She seems to have forgotten food are the most essentials in your life" Tristan asserted and everyone burst into laughter when the double meaning dawned on them.

Lana was so filled she couldn't move out if the seat,

Mrs Martinez had made sure she ate a lot,not even her flimsy excuses could get her off the woman's hook.

"Lana can you follow me to my room?" Tristan asked her,

She turned to Mrs Martinez and the woman just shrugged,

It was evident from her son's look he's dying to be alone with her.

"Go on." She smiled wanly and got up from the seat,

"I'll be in my room." She said to them,

Giving one last smile,she left the youngsters and went upstairs.

"Bryan,

You could use the Xbox in my game room." Tristan said to Bryan and he squealed in excitement,

"Yes!"

"Follow me and I'll open it for you." He said and got up,

He signaled Lana to wait for him and she concurred with a nod then Bryan followed him to the direction of his game room,

A room he'd been to a couple of times and still haven't had enough of it.

Tristan's game room is practically the most exclusive room in the mansion as it has mostly all indoor games any child would wish for,

It'd every indoor game,from arcade basketball to arcades machines,

Not excluding the video games consoles,Xbox games and all,

It'd had almost everything a game room would have and even more.

So far,it's Bryan's second favorite room after the kitchen and the dining and it's Lana's least favorite,

Boys and their toys.

After unlocking the room for Bryan's disposal,

He went back to the dining room was Lana wasn't there anymore,

She was in the living room,

"There you're." He called her attention and she turned to him.

"You're back?" She got up from the couch and walked towards him,

"Let's go." He said,taking her hand into his,

She obliged and they walked towards the stairs.

"So what are your plans for tomorrow?" He asked her when they got into his room,

She sat on the bed and slumped on it,

Letting it comfiness fill her.

"Nothing.

I'll stay at home and..."

"Come with me to the office tomorrow." He cuts in,looking at her for approval as she got up from the bed,

"I'm not asking you work for me or be my intern,

I just want you to follow me to work,

Just be there and keep me company." He explained when he saw the question that lingered on her face.

"But..."

"No buts Lana,

You're just keeping me company and two you'll get to see how the corporate world works too,

So I'm kinda helping you,you know?"

And helping myself to your company too.

He said to himself and his lips formed an arc.

"Okay,

I think it's a good idea and I can be your intern for one day,

That's good." She finally said and his smile widened,

"Thank you." He said and rushed to hug her,

She hugged him back and gave him a slight pat on his back,

It was normal for them to hug as best friends,

Plus is wasn't their first time hugging,

At least those were her thoughts,

But were they his?

When they pulled away,

He fought the urge not to kiss her,

Damn!

Those alluring lips of her,

Those lips he'd dreamt of kissing countable times,

He'd to call up all the angels of the heaven to keep him from losing his sanity with her.

"Are you okay?" Lana finally asked him when she noticed how mecurial he'd become,

He shook his head,

"Nothing,

I'm just wondering what it would be like if we..."

"If we what?" She asked when he paused,

"Like if we stay together." He breathed out and she smiled,

"Awwn,

Don't worry Trist,

I'm never gonna leave you okay.

You're my best friend and you'll always be,

We're inseparable." She assured him with a peck and he smiled.

"Yes we're." He mouthed,

If only she knew what are words are doing to him...

And he wished she'd give him the peck on his lips instead..but at least,a peck from her means a lot to him.

Later that evening,

Tristan drove Lana and Bryan home after they'd had lunch in house and his mother had insisted of them taking some home too.

Bryan left the car to open the door while Lana stayed back with Tristan,

"So..I'm coming to pick you by eight thirty am." He reminded her and she nodded,

Ever since she agreed to come with him to work,

He'd been super thrilled and can't wait for the day to end.

"But what should wear?" She asked,a slight friend traveled across her face,

"You don't have to bother on what to wear and what not to,

You look good in everything you've only." He assured her.

So far,she's the only lady he knew that even wearing a less fashionable clothes,

It would look damn do good on her,

She practically looks good on everything she wears and it astounds him.

"Okay." She picked her purse,

"Goodnight Trist,

Have a lovely night." She said to him as she stepped out from the car,

He nodded with a smile and watched her walked towards the house after waving at him.

When he saw she was safe inside,

He smiled to himself and started the car,

Then he drove into the night.

The next morning,

Lana woke up early,Bryan had school and she'd go prepare breakfast and lunch for him as he insisted on taking homemade lunch to school everyday.

She made pancakes and served it with Marple syrup and tea to Bryan,

Then packed his lunch of baked mac and cheese,

She kept hers in the refrigerator then went to her room to shower.

Dressed in a simple and free floral skirt and an impeccable white shirt,

She sought out her white sandals and a matching purse,

Packed her hair in a neat ponytail,applied her eyeliners and her lip gloss,

She was good to go.

Bryan was already done with breakfast when she came out,

"You look beautiful sis." He commented when he saw her,

She flashed him a warm smile and said,

"Nice choice of outfit,

You look good."

He smiled and mumbled a thank you.

Soon the school bus blew their horn outside,

He rushed to her and gave her a goodbye kiss,

"Have a nice day kid!"She yelled after him as he rushed out with his school and packed lunch,

He waved at her and dashed into the bus and it drove away almost immediately.

Tristan arrived a few minutes later and she,after locking the door and keeping the keys for Bryan,

She joined him in the car,

"Good morning." She greeted him,

He mumbled an inaudible reply as he was lost staring at her,

She snapped her fingers in his face and he teleported back to reality,

"Holy cow!

You look damn stunning." He said,

She gave a shy smile and told him thanks,

"I'm sure gonna fire any of my male workers that looks at you." He asserted,half seriously and half jokingly,

"Stop it Trist,

You won't do such." She blabbed,

"They should should better not look at you." He stated as-a-matter-of-factly.

When they got to Sterling Corporation,

Tristan drove his car into the underground parking loft and parked the car there,in the VIP parking space reserved for him.

He came out of the car and walked round it to open the door for Lana,

"Welcome to Sterling Corporation." He said to her as she placed her hands on his,

With a warm smile,she stepped out of the car and stood beside him.

"Let's go inside." He said with a smile,

She nodded,took his briefcase even though he insisted on carrying it himself,

She took it and towed beside him.

They took the stairs from the emergency exit and went up to the lobby,

His secretary,Pamela was waiting for him there.

Seeing him walked into the lobby,

She smiled but the smile vanished immediately she saw the lady beside him,

"Who is she?" She asked herself as jealous and envy cut through her as she stared at the lady.

She was a first class beauty,that she could attest to,

Look more like an angel walking on earth,

It was so evident that she was no match for this new girl.

But then it dawned on her who she's,

A name she'd gotten familiar with,over the years working for Tristan,

His so called best friend he'd been crushing on,

With this realization,

She couldn't help but get angrier.

"Good morning sir." She greeted Tristan when he got close,

He nodded with nonchalance as he continued to smile at the girl beside him,

"Pam,

This is Lana,

My best friend."

"And Lana,

This is Pamela,my secretary." He introduced them,still not taking his eyes off Lana and it made Pamela more furious.

"Nice to meet you Lana,

I've heard a lot about you from my boss here." Pamela said,masking the jealousy in her voice,

"Awwn." Lana drawled,stealing a glance at Tristan who could see past the fake politeness Pamela was showing,

"Never knew he have something good to say about me,

Well,

The pleasure is mine,Pamela." Lana said,

She brought her hand for a handshake which Pamela took.

She took Tristan's briefcase from Lana who's willingly given it to her and she led them towards the elevator.

While she was reading out Tristan's schedule which fortunately for him,

It wasn't full so he'd more than enough time to spend with Lana.

When it got to the twelvth floor where his office has occupied most of it's space,

The elevator stopped and the door opened for them,

Tristan ushered Lana out and followed her while Pamela came out,breathing out balls of fire like an angry dragon.

Tristan led Lana to his office and Pamela followed like a third wheeler,

She kept his briefcase on his desk and walked away from it,

"Anything you would like to have,sir?"

"No...

Don't worry Pam,

I'll call you when I need anything." He replied her and she left the office,

Leaving him and the awed Lana.

"She's nice." Lana said after Pam had left,

Trist nodded and sat down on his seat,

"Yeah,she's,

She has been my secretary for over three years."

"Wow,

You've known her for that long?" She exclaimed,surprised at his confession,

"Yeah,

I've known her for that long." He said as he opened his briefcase,

He brought out his laptop and kept it on the desk.

"What do you want to do first?" He asked her,

She looked away from the transparent glass wall behind him,

"What do you want me to do?" She asked smiling,

His heart skipped a bit as he'd to look away for awhile to catch his breath.

"What do you want me to do?" She asked again when he didn't reply the first,

Just give me the pleasure of your company." He blurted immediately,

"Okay,

I'll.

I'll be your manager for today." She said,

He smile again and went back to his laptop,

Although a greater part of him had listen the concentration to continue his work.

Pamela didn't come to Tristan's office till noon cause everything he wanted,Lana got it for him.

His coffee,his Daily Newspaper,she read out a couple of files for him while he worked on them,

He even allowed her sort out his mails for him and was really pleased with the aftermath of her work.

"You'll make a good intern." He said after he went through the mails and saw the did a good job of them,

"Don't flatter me Trist,

Anyone could've done than and even better too." She said shyly,getting up from the seat she'd sat on.

"No I mean it,

You would make a good intern.

So bad you won't be working for me," He said sadly,waiting for her reply,

"We aren't going to talk about that again,are we?

I told you already,

I don't think I'll focus on work more if I intern here plus,

I don't trust you not to play favoritism." She explained to him,

He knew she was going to say this.

"I need somewhere I know no one and definitely more one knows me,

Somewhere no one would play favoritism with me cause he's my bestest friend and somewhere I would be put on hot seat to work harder.

Have I made my stance clear?" She asked him and he nodded from where he was seated.

"Yes ma.

Now let's go for lunch,

It's almost lunch break and since you're here,

I want to treat you to lunch too,

My principles."

She knew best not to argue,so she got up and walked towards him,

"Let's go boss." She gave a slight bow and he got up from the seat,

"Yes Ms Intern." He replied her and they walked out of the office,

Laughing their gullets out.

The next two days was the same for Lana and Tristan as they went to his office together and stayed together till closing hours and he'll bring her to her house before retiring to his.

This went on till the third day,

Like always,she'd followed him to his office and had gone to get coffee for him from Starbucks while he was in his office when he heard a ping from her laptop,

He didnt want to go see what it's as it was personal and he didnt want to be going through her personal stuffs.

But a few seconds later,

His curiosity got the better of him as he got up from his seat and walked to her desk,

He turned the laptop to himself and scanned through it,

It was a mail from Bluestone Enterprise and to cut the long story short,

She had been rejected from the internship program that they'd advised she tried again the following year.

He was mortified for her,

Like,

He'd seen her application,

He'd reviewed it for her before she'd sent it to them and so far,

That was the best application he'd seen so far,accurate details and perfect.

Which dimwit would reject and internet with such application even when they haven't done any interview on her to see how good she's?

This people must be crazy,

He'd came across series of application and none could match up to her and yet they rejected her.

What else do they want?

An angel with an halo on his head or even Jesus Christ himself,

Those people must be kidding.

He knew Lana would be very unhappy when she sees this cause she'd wished to get the internship with Blue-Stone,

It'd been her dream,

He'd seen her doing countless research on it,their modus operandi and now it's shattered,

He'd to do something about it,

He doesn't want her to be sad or unhappy,

So he'll have to do something.

Think Tristan,think.

Think of something....

Then an idea popped up in his head.

He deleted the mail and kept the laptop how it'd been.

First of all,

She shouldn't know she'd been rejected,

Second of all,

He'll have to get in touch with someone there to re-review and give her the credit she deserves,

That's what he's going to do.