Eating has never been this good.
Get a load of one of the classics of McDonald’s.
McDonald’s Angus Bacon and Cheese - a heavy third-pound 100% pure Angus beef patty in between irresistible premium buns topped with savory bacon, golden cheese, onions and pickles.
Now who says the classics rot in the past? If this is among the classics I’d hang out with, I’ll definitely stay for good.
Maybe you’ll find falling in love over and over again way too powerful to overlook…
The Engagement
THE man, in his late forties, stood tall and proud behind the podium. The crowd was beaming. It was his cue. He has to start. He adjusted his tie, cleared his throat and held his head high. He re-adjusted the microphone and looked at each and every person within the hall. This is going to be the perfect party for his family.
“Good evening everyone.” His voice boomed over the sitting guests. He smiled warmly. He was never good at giving any speeches at all. However, his nature of work calls for it. Eventually, he learned the craft of speaking yet in the hardest way. Nevertheless, it was all worth the humiliation and embarrassment. “I am very much pleased to see you all joining my family for this momentous event. You don’t know how grateful I am to see you all here tonight, dressed up and pampered by your make-up and perfumes. There are 3 reasons as to the conduct of this activity. First is the continuous development and flourishing of the Preston Incorporated centering on different business arenas. For years, people worked in our company with one goal in mind – prosper and grow. It is with great pride that I announce that the construction company will be working on 3 new projects by this year including a worldwide expansion of our construction material exports. Additionally, 4 new trustworthy and equally adept business investors tie up their assets with our company. We will have Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Eastwood of the Eastern Lands Company who will own 15% of our stocks, Mr. Edward Smith with 6%, Ms. Adelaine Smische with 6% and Mrs. Kathryn Olsen with 4.5% coming to our buildings and sites soon enough. Investors, in behalf of my company and family, thank you for the trust you have spared for us. Welcome to the Preston’s Construction Company and we are looking forward to see all of you in our offices, once in a while. Again, thank you.” A warm round of applause emanated from the crowd.
“For my second reason, may I request my beautiful wife and my lovely kids to join me here up stage?” He removed the microphone from the stand, went down the podium and started to assist his wife and daughter up the stage. They look like a panorama of a happily-ever-after family. One of the biggest business tycoons with their equally popular children in the center of the stage stood proudly with each other’s company – what a sight. “I am taking this event as an opportunity to thank my lovely wife and my children for their great contributions to the success of my career. My wife, Elise, has put on great efforts in the expansion of the company and I couldn’t be more thankful to have a wife who understands my needs and the line of job I have and a patient mother to my children. This event also gives me the privilege to publicly introduce my 3 joys. Gerald Paul, my youngest, is currently at junior high, owning 10 branches of his very own clothing line – Variations. Brandon Hansen, my middle child, is at senior high. He is going to Harvard University next year and has qualified himself among one of the most outstanding applicants of the Business Administration Department. He is probably the one who’s going to replace me soon. As a matter of fact, I take the liberty of abusing his expertise at stocks and forex.” A few giggles and chuckles erupted. “My little princess who is not little anymore is a prima ballerina of the Julliard School of Music at New York. She is a registered nurse who recently passed the board examination and is currently taking her Master of Science in Nursing Degree Major in Psychiatric Nursing at the University of South California. She is going to play the role of Odette in Swan Lake 5 weeks from now at the theater of Julliard. I can never be much of a proud father than I am now. They are my bundles of joy.” He planted a kiss on his daughter’s forehead and one more on his wife’s hand.
“Last reason as to why this event is very dear to me and my family includes knotting of ties. May I request the Eastwoods to please join us here up stage?” Mr. Eastwood, a small figure with upright and tight façade, Mrs. Eastwood, a demure, tall figure and their son, a curly haired man with deep brown and reluctant eyes stood up from their seats and slowly joined the happy family up front. “Knotting of ties. More than the business venture that my family and the Eastwoods have, there is more to marketing and stocks that will bring these 2 families together.” There was a buzz from the crowd. It was getting really interesting. Mr. and Mrs. Eastwood nod their heads in agreement. Their son has no idea what is going and, thus, remained neutral and insensitive. “We, as parents, are proud to announce the upcoming marriage of my daughter, Gabrielle Preston to the Eastwoods’ son, Patrick Nelson Eastwood. This event is not yet the engagement party per se but a public acknowledgement of my princess’ and Patrick’s growing understanding of each other. More so, this is an announcement of a soon public engagement and matrimony.”
“What?” Patrick turned to his mother and mouthed this one single word which spells out disaster.
The PRETENSE
PUBLIC engagement and matrimony? Growing understanding of my princess and Patrick for each other? She doesn’t even know the guy. They didn’t even date. What is wrong with her dad? She shook her head vigorously as she stared at the ceiling of her room. It’s way past 2 in the morning and she could not find the reason to sleep or change for that matter. She is still in her white cocktail dress and stilettos, lying on her bed like a princess gone mad.
It has been nearly an hour or so after the party has ended. She still couldn’t quite figure out why her dad has to lie about her relationship with the guy at the party. She has never seen him. And as far as her memory tells her, they have never even been friends nor set eyes on each other before. Then, just now, her dad will tell her that she is going to marry him. That is beyond madness. She took another deep breath. The applause was deafening after her father’s public announcement of her humiliation. The guy, Patrick, was as caught off guard as she is. He was mouthing ‘what the hell is going on?’ to his mom. Well, she couldn’t blame him. She would have done the same exact thing if it weren’t for her listening little brothers.
She and Patrick tried to talk their parents over the marriage after the last person has left the hall. Apparently, they still remain unmoved.
“This is for your future. You two are the perfect couple.” She could still remember clearly the words of Mr. Vincent Eastwood. It ran in her mind like creepy worms.
“How could you possibly say that? We barely even know each other. We haven’t even met. She’s barely 22 and I’m not even 23 yet. Dad, if this is some kind of prank, I advise you to stop it right now because it’s not even half of a joke.” Patrick’s words pierced her heart with hope. She could have kissed him for the things he said.
Their parents look at them with eyes they have never seen before. They are not joking about the wedding or the engagement. They are not toying around. This is not merely for publicity’s sake. It’s for real.
She shook her head vigorously. Am I dreaming? She sat upright and tried to console her thoughts. She is not going to marry him. There will be no engagement or wedding. None! She heaved a long tired sigh. Tomorrow is her scheduled date with Patrick. Gosh, will this even work out? Her mom and dad agreed to the Eastwoods of regular dates, wherein they can go anywhere they want to and anytime of the day just as long as they are available and with each other. Every plan laid out on them gave her the creeps. She will be dating her for the next weeks and months until they get to realize that they are perfect for each other. The engagement will be done a month after her ballet concert at New York which will be attended by the Eastwoods and Patrick as well. Before she flies to New York 4 weeks from now, she and Patrick have to spend a week at a resort in Malibu which was booked by her mom as a gift to them. Is she supposed to consider it as an early honeymoon gift? This is driving her nuts.
She took off her stilettos and threw it aside. This is not suppose to happen to her. This is beyond imagination. She curled her knees and grabbed them gently. Her mom and dad are going beyond everything she has ever imagined they can possibly do – wrecking her future.
…to be continued…
The PARTY
All she can see were handshakes here and there. All she can hear are words of congratulations and thanks. She could barely hear her own voice saying ‘you’re welcome’ and ‘thank you for coming’. This event is one of the highlights of her father’s company. It’s a big turnover of stocks to different investors. Her father is still the major stockholder with 47% seconded by her mom with 40%, but their latest venture in the marketing world led to the selling of a few of the company’s shares to some worthy investors whom her father saw as great potentials for global expansion. After all, their company is all about the construction and aircraft materials. Sooner or later they will really need to reach out to other countries. This event marks one of such expansion. The new investors are welcomed in the company’s family along with the signing of a false contract since real contracts are signed in her dad’s office – just a show-off to the media for publicity. And of course for the other special occasion her mother said was a secret and she will know later in the party. In all honesty, she doesn’t really care that much. All she wants to do now is get away from this crowd.
She turned to her 2 little brothers. Apparently Bryan is playing with his PSP not caring if the world in front of him or the chair he is even sitting on right now exists. Gerald, on the other hand, has been marching up and down the staircase along with a handmaiden who has been following him around. He is too much of a baby for a 15 year-old.
She got herself a martini and slumped herself on a seat next to his brother. 10 minutes of sitting around didn’t help her feel that the party will be starting soon. She is getting restless - again. She has to breathe. She needs to get out of here. She stood up, grabbed her cell phone and marched towards the open space by the end of the hall.
She turned to his brother shortly after her first 2 steps. “Call me when mom or dad looks for me, understood?” She doesn’t expect a response. Bryan doesn’t give an affirmative one.
“You will still know when they look for you. By that time, you will be here beside me again, trying to be a good girl” Without taking his eyes off the game, he answered.
“You are so hopeless.”
“Thanks sis. I never tried anyway.” Gabrielle gave him a long stare, made a face and started to tread the crowd towards the veranda ahead. She needs air.
The FATE
This is the party. All the people seemed to be familiar with each other. Even their parents seem to be known around there. Well, who would have missed the Eastwoods? They’re one of the richest people alive in USA – their whole race is. All he can hear are his ‘thanks’ and ‘nice to meet you’. All the people inside the function area seemed to be all pampered and dressed up. It’s like choosing the right clothing is the only thing they have done today. The ladies were particularly captivating but none seems to have caught his attention.
The Eastwoods, his family, and the Prestons, the hosts of the party, as claimed by his dad in the car have been into business and partnerships for almost half a decade already. The Prestons specialized in materials and equipment while the Eastwoods in firms and architectural designs. One particular thing that the Prestons have in common with the Eastwoods is the innate need and desire for expansion not only through territorial means but as well as expansion in business scope. Their youngest child, as a matter of fact, has already started a clothing line of his own called ‘Variations’. At the age of 13 he already decided to design clothes and run a small clothing line of his own. Now, Variations have up to 10 branches in 4 neighboring states including California in just 1 year and a half and is planning to further expand to Ohio, Illinois, Texas and Detroit by the end of next year. It was a clear exemplary performance of the company.
There is no doubt about it – the Prestons are born as business tycoons, much like his dad expects him and his brother to be. Well, they are not much of a public figure. As a matter of fact, most rich kids are not. The only way they get dragged into the limelight is because their mom and dad say so.
He took his seat beside his mother. He is so restless. He needs to get out of this party. He tried to look around for a good way out but it seems the CEO already settled himself behind the podium and ready to start the boring party. Now, there is no way out.
He looked sideways. There she is! So far, she is the most precious thing he had seen in this ultimately lousy party. Creeping in between two boys, the lady in her white cocktail dress tried to fit in her seat. She must be one of the Prestons – the eldest one. He has heard about the Preston girl being a prima ballerina at Julliard School of Music at the same time a BSN graduate and a board passer of the state board exam. She seems so witty for someone who would be late in her own father’s party. More than that, she looked kind of pissed just like him – dragged along. He smiled. Isn’t this amazing?
… to be continued…
THE BALLERINA
She looked at herself in the mirror. This is her life. This is her – in a pair of black jazz pants and loose shirt. She stared straight at her reflection on the mirror of the dance studio. Frustrated ballerina – that’s her! She did a couple of turns and some more pirouettes. It’s an undeniable fact that she can move and that she can dance. As a matter of fact, people applaud for her, people throw roses at her feet and people adorn her room with tulips. Yes, she can dance, she can groove and she can simply blend well with the music. That’s her – Gabrielle Preston.
She took a face towel on top her duffel bag and rubbed its soft fabric over her face. How long has she been like this – a rich spoiled girl? After graduation, her father doesn’t seem to display any interest of leaving her on her own. As a matter of fact, her father won’t even let her leave home for work. He told her she was too young to be on her own and deliberately too naïve to just get into the hospital and start practicing her field. It was the most absurd thing she has ever heard in her whole 21 years of existence. However, her mother said to take it slowly since her dad is not yet ready to let go of her. Aren’t things getting way too complicated for her to handle? She is getting restless. She could barely contain the thrill of getting into one hospital and start caring for people she doesn’t even know. Studying for a master’s degree is not taking her attention off the need to get into practice as soon as possible. Let’s just say, it’s her innate need to get some adventure for herself.
The plain reason she took nursing and not business administration is the fact that she doesn’t want to stay locked up in an office. She doesn’t want to be like her mom or dad – every day boxed within their separate offices and companies. Although there is joy in traveling – and that’s one thing she knows she will utterly miss, the stacking papers and the uncontrollable presented figures are way too much for her to handle. She admits it; she is not born to manage their business. No matter how much her dad will push it, her little brothers will always be the ones who will come in between the both of them. After all, there is a way better future in business ahead of Bryan and Gerald. With her, na-da, nothing. All she has is her dancing, wit, charm and BSN degree.
She sat cross-legged in front of the mirror. How long will her dad and mom keep her behind their walls? She is way too old to be their little princess anymore. She already has a life, right? It’s a matter of days until her ballet recital at New York. She will play Odette of the Swan Lake. It was a rare opportunity given by one of the finest ballet schools of the state – Julliard School of Music. It was a dream-come-true. One dream she would want to experience before she face her bitter reality again.
“Ms. Preston, the party will start soon. Mrs. Preston called to inform you that the salon has been waiting for your arrival.” A tall brunette poked her head and wavy curls through the door, cautiously noting her reaction.
“Oh my gosh, I totally forgot.” She quickly stood up and grabbed her duffel bag. “Please call the salon, Melissa. Tell them, I’ll be there soon. I’ll just take a quick shower.” She was rushing towards the shower room adjacent to the studio.
“Right away, Ms. Preston.” Melissa, the secretary, was pulling her cellular phone off her pocket chest.
The running water felt good. For a while, she was all soaked. The next thing she knew, she was at the back seat of a white Mercedes, treading the south lane. She’s dead meat.
THE BASSIST
He grabbed a black bow and tried to readjust it over the coat. He looks so good yet so wrong. He threw the bow aside and took a tie. One deep brown tie to match his dark brown eyes. It was perfect – the coat, the tie, the shoes and the waxed hair. This party is getting in his nerves. He could have been in the gig of Rhianne and not in some classy formal party. His mom and dad were so persistent to take him into the party that he ended up with no choice but to go. How lucky his older brother can be? He is currently in Puerto Rico with his girlfriend savoring the sun and the beach. How unfortunate for him to be just grabbed and put into a situation he barely have control with? He heaved a long sigh. He is so excited for this night to end.
According to her mom, the party is due to start at 7pm and will end by at least half past 12am. By that time, he can still make it to the bar and be able to watch his friends slam their guitars down. He heaved another sigh. If it wasn’t for his mom, he will never tag himself along in this stupid company party. He doesn’t even know who the hosts are or what the purpose of the party is, per se. He is to attend it only – plain and simple.
So this is how rich kids attend occasions of some other people they don’t care about. He has been rich all his life but he was so busy at school his mom and dad never took the liberty of taking them to company parties unless it’s a family concern. How long can he keep up with this type of life? Many people would gladly take in his position right now – billionaire at a young age, heir to a family business expanding worldwide, talented, rational, with good looks, charms and definitely a good labeled wardrobe. However, all these things seem so superficial to him. What he needs is not what he wants or what he has. He can buy the state of California if he wants to and the hell he cares about the riches he can throw away but it seems like there’s something missing. And despite his growing career as a bassist, there is still a piece of him he could not find, not even in the midst of his friends.
“Ready to go Patrick Nelson Eastwood?” He sighed again, this time at the sound of his name. When they sound too formal, they give him the creeps. A slender blond woman stood by the opening of his door
“Ready when you are mom.” He smiled as he took his cellular phone, placed it inside his pocket and motioned towards the door.
“You look astounding. We should do this often.” His mom fixed his tie.
“Is that even necessary? I mean, we can just hang out, right? You, me, dad and Christopher – in a vacation at Hawaii. Now that’s swell.”
Her mom gave out a low chuckle. “You never cease to amuse me, my dear.” She gave him a light kiss on the forehead and started to walk towards the stairs where his dad was waiting at the bottom of the staircase.
“I actually don’t try to amuse you mom. I’m just telling the truth.” He dragged his feet towards the stairs. This is going to be a long night.
The night breeze was calm and cool. The moon was up high and was glaring down at them. For a while, there were traffic jams and racing cars. After a moment, he was standing beside his mom arm-in-arm with his dad and they were all staring at the grand entrance of the Hilton Hotel.
…to be continued…
