New Identity

4. New Identity (1)

~Every day I try to get up. Even if thousands of insults come. What is the meaning of tears?~ Alex when facing bullying from the Yoga gang.

***

Tomorrow has come. Today is the most awaited day. For a teenager who was once discouraged, today was a new hope for him. Could this world really be fair?

Why when he was down, everything turned like a dream that he never even imagined. But this is indeed the reality as a teenager who is challenged to face any light, let alone just face today’s story. Courage has led him to walk with the support that God has given him.

“Remember, Alex. You have to take responsibility for yourself and whatever you lead. I gave you 4 bodyguards. They will always be there for you. And I’m watching over you even though I’m not here.”

“Okay Dad,” Alex said obediently. His father repeatedly spoke about responsibility. Looks like Mr. Waleed wants to teach that to Alex.

“Kiss my hand. I am your father. Why didn’t you look for me earlier? Your uncle is incompetent to take care of you!” he said again before leaving.

Mr. Waleed suddenly hugged him. Alex was half shocked. Apparently this man she called Dad had missed her for a long time. It was very visible when the man hugged Alex tightly as if he had long been expected to be in his arms and protection.

“Take care of yourself, Alex. In the future, you will often come to Arabia. Meet your family there,” he said as he let go of Alex’s back. Lord Prince Waleed smiled at him. He repeatedly tapped Alex’s shoulder.

“You’re a strong boy, Alex,” he said before getting into the private jet that was waiting for him. Prince Waleed Alan Tabarak was escorted by 6 bodyguards. Simultaneously board a private Jet. The man was wearing a typical Saudi prince’s attire. It was different from the suit when she first met Alex at the penthouse.

Marco, his secretary and assistant were standing next to Alex. Let the drama of Father and Son finish. Somehow. Alex’s chest felt tight. He wanted to cry. Why is this like a dream? Alex wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. Men can’t cry, can they? Must have responsibility.

The meeting was indeed very short. But certainly very impressive for Alex. Something that stuck in his heart. And maybe this is what is called blood thicker than water.

“The big master has been watching the young master for a long time,” Marco said smiling sadly, “finally you two meet too.

For years Mr Waleed could only stare at the Young Master from inside the car.” Marco tries to tell the story of a father’s love that has not been revealed for a long time. Alex turned to Marco. His eyes started to glaze over.

“The big lord knows whatever happened to Mr. Alex. He loves Mr. Moreover, Master is the youngest prince, the youngest son of Master Waleed.”

“Does he also know when I was splashed with sewer water by the landlady?” Marco nodded.

“Of course, the old master immediately ordered me to pick up the young master right away,” Marco said folding his arms.

“Now where are we going?” asked Alex still in a sad mood.

“To the office, sir. Just a little introduction. After that young master can go to school at noon.”

“So you’ve registered me?”

“Yes sir. Everything’s in order.” They got back into the luxury car. They left the airport. Towards the company. The sky looks clear. The clouds were pure white like cotton. The sky was pure blue. He tries to open the car window.

Then, he let his hand stick out. It was like he felt really breathing, breathing in the fresh morning air that had never been so beautiful and comfortable. Maybe, because he started to find his true identity.

“It turns out... I’m a prince too,” he said with a smile as he turned to Marco, “how dare they treat me so badly.” Marco and the driver chuckled at his words.

Behind their car, the bodyguard’s car continued to follow. From that moment on, they will always follow Alex wherever he goes. Then accidentally, the car he was traveling in crossed his old house.

Memories house with his cousins who chased him away like worthless humans. Even at a very young age. Never in his life did Alex get along with them, not even once, there was always something to argue about. So far, he has never been treated well. “Slow down the car,” Alex said to the driver.

There is an inscription on the front of the house. It is written very clearly in the editorial of ‘THIS HOUSE FOR SALE-HUB. ARDHY +62 88xxxxx’.

“How dare they sell my mother’s house,” Alex said, looking down sadly.

Every time he remembers the bitter taste of his brothers’ treatment. Marco just smiled as he watched his poor master.

It seems that it is not easy to forget the things that hurt us. It’s like a nail that’s been stuck deep, even if it’s been pulled out, there’s still a mark, it’s like there will never be an end. Maybe that’s how Alex feels right now.

Arriving at the floor of the company tower. Alex was greeted with respect by the employees. Everyone bowed as Alex walked into the office. By wearing a plain white shirt. And still wears a jacket on the outside. Alex wears age-appropriate semi-formal attire.

“Please come in, Boss,” said some staff there. Marco ushered Alex into the CEO’s room.

“Everything has been cleaned and redesigned. According to Young Master’s taste,” Marco said.

“Yeah! There’s a basketball hoop in my room,” he said then took the basketball and put it in the hoop.

Marco, the staff, and the bodydguard applauded him. Then, Alex tried to sit in the work chair. And play some stuff on it.

“Oh yeah, teach me about financial statements, uncle,” he said to Marco. Last night, Alex was taught about some office matters. So as not to be too surprised when he started to enter the office. Alex can definitely lead the company despite being very young.

Although at this point Alex doesn’t understand why his father trusted him at a young age, he believes that maybe his father wants him to learn about business. Before that, Marco animates the slides in the room, explaining some important points in about fifteen minutes. And, Marco’s explanation was finished.

“There’s a big meeting soon, sir,” Marco said, “in about ten minutes.”

“Okay,” he said casually. Ten minutes later, all the staff and employees of the company gathered in the great hall. Marco had everything ready. Alex sat in the front, next to Marco. The atmosphere looks semi-formal.

Different atmosphere every time Mr Waleed came.

“From now on. I lead the company. Even though I’m younger than you. Not that I’m stupid. Do as you please. Create new ideas and breakthroughs for each division and individual. Make me the blueprint. Collect it by tomorrow to my email at the latest. Marco will announce my email through some of the core staff. After that tomorrow I will evaluate it.”

The employees whispered to each other. And talk about this Young Master.

“He said he was only 16.”

“He’s Boss waleed’s son. The new CEO right?”

“Still in high school?”

“Our boss is a jerk, you know!”

“Eh... but so handsome...!” Being the subject of whispers among the female employees there will become Alex’s daily meal. But to him, it didn’t really matter, as long as they did a good job, other than that Alex didn’t care about anything else.

“It’s up to you whether you like it or not being led by a high school student like me. That’s the point, prove your abilities,” said Alex with a friendly face, typical of a high school teenager.

***