Prank

"I still think we should try to see if they will try to make a decent deal with us. We won't lose anything by having discussions with them." William said while trying to convince her sister.

"Hmph, I knew that girl was trouble from the moment I saw her. She followed you from college to working in our company even though they have enough financial power to start whatever business venture they want." Stephanie was still doubtful about Melissa trying to make a decent deal with them. Intuition told her that she is going to cause more trouble in the future once she does not get her ways.

"Father, what do you think," William wanted to know their father's opinion as it seems Stephanie is too hot-blooded to think logically.

"We'll do what you say William. I give you full authority to use whatever resources you deem necessary for this business venture. However, like what you're sister said, this is a business venture. Nothing more, nothing less." Their father dismissed the topic for further discussion.

Stephanie looked like she had swallowed a bug, while William felt that his father and sister was looking out for his well-being. It touched his heart how his family supported him. He did not want to misplace that trust that they gave him, so he will give his all to make this possible.

Their father stood up and as he did so, he said some final words, "I'm going abroad for a bit. I got some good news from a foreign friend." He tapped William's shoulder and said, "Don't overthink and overexert yourself William. The Ford's research is not the only thing that could help us. It may have affected us a little, but technology is catching up to science that everything will be possible in a couple more years." His father gave him a gentle smile as he walked away with his parting words.

The brother and sister duo were left in the room.

"Sister, is what father said true?" William could not believe the words his father left him. From his and her sister's last discussion, she told him that the Ford's research was at the frontlines. He could not help but doubt his father's words as something to comfort him.

Stephanie, however, did not hesitate in her words, "Although the Fords are currently ahead, one can never tell what will happen in the future. Remember how our small company was able to bloom into being one of the top companies in a matter of years. What father is saying is possible, we just have to have faith that there is always hope."

Looking at William who was still thinking Stephanie decided to add, "Look at you. Don't you believe in our words? I and father have been roaming all around the world and having discussions about this research. The sudden advancement in technology is so surprising that robots will take over the human race in a couple of years." Stephanie jokingly said while pushing William to the side. This, however, did not work as William was a lean and tall bloke.

William laughed at her sister's words and said, "Thank you."

"Stop moping around and overthinking things. That has been you're problem ever since we were little. Remember the time when the boys from your class pulled down your pants as a prank but…"

Before Stephanie could finish her words, two large hands covered her mouth. But instead of her mouth, almost the whole of her face was covered. Stephanie put strength in her hands to remove William's hands and said, "Are you trying to murder your sister? It was such a long time ago and you were so little. It was so little… so little… so little…" Stephanie started to run for her life after she said those last words. She was laughing so hard that the whole house could practically hear her laughter.

William was left there standing all by himself feeling embarrassed. He checked around if there are maids lurking around near him. He gave a sigh of relief when he found no one other than him was around.

That prank was a long time ago. The other boys used to do that a lot, and since he was the smallest and slowest in the class. He always ended up as the test subject for pranks.

While thinking back to some of his childhood, he was grateful that social media was not yet around during that time or else it would not be just a reminder by his sister.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa