Chapter 2

The sound of the microwave beeping brought us all back to the present. "You got promoted?", I wishpered asked, to which he slowly nodded his head. "Yahoo. Congratulations dad" , I exclaimed, a big grin taking over my face.

"Woohoo... Way to go old man", Rock, congratulated him with an overe enthusiastic pat on the back.

"Why were you so nervous about the promotion?" he asked with a fat ass grin. "Cause I'm promoted as the head architect for the new branch at Blackwood Valley" he stated in a gloomy tone. "What do you mean?" I whispered asked. He sighed, took a deep breath in and then began to explain "I got promoted as the in-charge of the new Vibe branch in Blackwood Valley. You all remember that big deal with the mayor of the town I told you about?", Dad inquired, "Ya," Rock answered for both of us. The deal that Dad is talking about happened a few weeks back. The one which had caused a lot of sleepless nights in his part, and once it was finalized, had Dad in ecstasy. "The new office being created there is ready and requires an experienced person as in charge. Also, the assignment requires the continuous supervision of an architect. There are lot of transformation to be done. Gina thinks I'm the perfect candidate to be in charge as I'm one of her oldest and most trustworthy employees and a head architect. The Mayor is also on board. I told them I need to discuss the matter with my kids and I'd get to them on this later. So what do you think?" He finished, looking both of us in the eyes as if trying to hear our inner thoughts. Gina or Aunt G is the dad's boss and a good friend. Dad is probably one of the earliest employs she has from her starting days. And without a doubt a great architect.

After what felt like a century, but had been only a few moments, Rock broke off the silence. "What do you think of it?" He counter asked Das about the saud deal.

Dad collected his thoughts for a few moments and then began, "I think the offer is good. I mean not only would I be the head architect, but also in charge of the company branch over there. Moreover, I put too much in this deal to let it go into the hands of some amateur. I'm not ready to let all of my hard work go down in the drain. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, for me, for the company, for Gina, for all of us." From the way Dad was explaining all of this, you could hear from his voice how much serious and significant the matter is, not only for him or for "The Vibe", but for all of those associated with it. And besides, working for the betterment of the community, and having his own architecture firm has also been his life goals.

"You both don't have to say yes if you don't want to. I'm sure Gina will understand, and so will Mr Black. I understand you both have your life going around in here, and it's difficult to just be up and go. I mean, we can find an alternative or something. Or, maybe I can just supervise..." He rambled on

"I'm okay with it.", I blurted cutting off Dad's one of the infamous rambling. " I mean I anyway have to move schools, so shifting one is not a big deal for me. It's not like my life here is too high and mighty. And as of leaving London, I don't think it would have that much of an impact on me. I've heard Black Valley is a beautiful place surrounded by forests and lakes. I enjoy nature more than the red bus. So, what I'm trying to say is I don't mind honestly. It is not that big of a deal for me" I explained as nonchalantly as possible, trying not to show my inner turmoil.

"It's not that of a deal for me too. I mean changing school is not that of an issue. It's not like I have any best buddies in here to miss. Maybe small-town life would suit us? Who knows." Rocky shared his. The way he said small-town life, seemed like he is talking in some other context. Or maybe that's the nerves talking.

There was a long awkward pause following Rock's response. It felt like again, Dad and Rock were having one of their 'eye to eye' talks. I don't know how they do it, but whenever they are stressed or insecure about a decision, this kind of communication eases them a lot.

"See Dad, it's not as bad as you thought. We are okay with the move. When are we planning to anyway?" Rock said the final bits of their talk out loud.

"The renovation work in town is to start within the next 2 weeks. And also in about 10 days Pup, your summer camp is going to start. So I'm planning on moving by this weekend. By tomorrow, I need to give them my final answer and then the day after that I need to go to Blackwood Valley to finalize and look for the accommodation." Dad summed up, trying to be as neutral as he can, but the hint of excitement was still heard from his voice. "So in about 4 days" I calculated, seeing as it's Monday today. "Ya. To be honest, I forgot all about this summer's camp." Rock confessed. The summer camp is a tradition for Rock. He has been going to one since he turned 12. But this time is the first when he would be away for the better part of the vacation. For him, the holidays start the day after tomorrow and exactly from a week after that, the camp starts. Also, it ends about a week after the school reopens. "I didn't. We also need to enrol you both in the school before you are off to camp." Dad said. "Now who wants lasagne for dinner?" He questioned and proceeded to make the said food when we both gave confirmation. And that's when we realised our Mac n Cheese was still untouched in the microwave.

While he was preparing, I turned to Rock and mumbled: "We are moving huh." He just stared at the floor and mumbled back "I guess we are". Indeed, both of us had not yet come in terms with this decision, but our Dad's happiness is way more important. Also, it would be utterly foolish of us to let go of such a golden opportunity.

Shortly dad came in with our food. We all ate in comfortable silence. "Do we start packing tomorrow?" I questioned seeing we had very little time to. "Ya, I was thinking we could pack the library, our closets and essentials first. Then after confirming the housing, we can plan on packing the furniture if required." Dad ended in a questioning tone. "Hmm. That could work. I can help around by packing the 'gym' after school," Rock said, augmenting our packing plan. After finishing the dinner, and helping with cleaning, all of us went to bed, calling it an early night.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to fall into that blissful darkness. My mind was all over the place, thousand and one thoughts racing through it simultaneously. I gave up after a bit and just picked a random book from my overflowing desk to read and to liberate the said thoughts. It just happened to be 'Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Askaban', my favourite book from the series.

Oh, I didn't give you the description of my Dad or brother right? We got interrupted by Father Principal. My Dad is 37 years old, a bit short of 6', has turquoise blue eyes, soft brown curls, round baby face and a swimmers body. In short, he is a sight to behold, and everyone apart from him knows that. If you hadn't figured it out by now, he calls me Champ and Rock Pup. But only he has the right to call us that.

Rock is 6' in height, got one of those athlete's physique with muscles building up in right places. He has brown wavy hair, sea-green eyes, sun-kissed skin, with sharp facial features, giving him one of those jock yet bad boy look. Similarly, if you hadn't noticed, Rock calls me Angel.

Furthermore, if you all happen to be wondering, I live in a contemporary style, a two-stories house in an upper-middle-class society. The ground floor harbours living room, kitchen, dining area, and dads study, the first floor holds up three bedrooms, with me and rock sharing a bathroom and an extra storeroom which had been renovated into a small library. The house has two garages, the back one renovated into an in-built gym. It has a treadmill, bicycle and quite a few weights. And a backyard little above the average size.

Now that you all are caught up. Let me get back to my book.

I don't know how long I stay awake reading, but I believe halfway through reading about the 'map' I went to bed and laid down. Momentarily, the sleep overtook, and I dived into LaLa Land, with thoughts of our upcoming life and book opened on my chest.