Lost and Found (A Novel) by Kathy Adams

deal is proof of your capability. Now let’s eat.” Marine chided, pushing a paper plate towards Caelie. A chorus of agreement came from the rest as they swooped in on the table of food like hungry hawks.
     
    “Tsk, tsk. How come I have never gotten this type of reception after clinching so many deals?” Wynne sauntered in, shaking his head in mock reproach.
     
    “Aw, come on boss, we all know you are a master at it.”
     
    “Yeah, this is Caelie’s first time.”
     
    “Yeah Wynne, don’t be a sour grape.” Alex joined in the jibes nonchalantly. Surprisingly, instead of sulking as always whenever Alex made fun of him, Wynne elbowed her playfully and went to grab himself some food, joking with his team members at the same time. Caelie was clearly taken aback by his demeanor that day. Wynne seemed to have gotten rid of his bad bones. Maybe, he wasn’t so bad after all, she thought just as her handphone rang. Seeing Annetta’s name flashing on her phone screen, Caelie smiled and stepped out of the rowdy room to take the call. She couldn’t wait to share the good news with Annetta.
     
    “Hey Annetta, guess what?” Caelie said excitedly the moment she pressed the answer key. She could hear Annetta clearing her throat in the background.
     
    “What dear? You sound so happy.” Annetta’s voice came out in a soft whisper.
     
    Frowning, Caelie’s forehead creased slightly. “Why are you talking so softly, are you okay? You sound strange.”
     
    “What? No, it’s nothing. Just losing my voice a little, you know with the flu bug and all. Besides, I just missed you.” Annetta chuckled from the other line.
     
    “Sorry I couldn’t make it back this morning.” Caelie’s voice dropped. In her excitement, she had forgotten about her routine trip to Annetta’s house. She hated it when she had to break the routine.
     
    “Don’t be sorry, you had work to do. Now, what was that you wanted me to guess?”
     
    Her face lightening up again, Caelie recounted her success. “Oh yeah about that. Remember the proposal I told you about? Well, I did the presentation today and the clients loved it! We got the deal Ann.” She squealed excitedly.
    “That’s good Caelie, I’m so proud of you.” The pride Annetta felt was evident in her voice.
     
    “And the team did like a little celebration party for me, it was just awesome. I’m really touched by their support for me Ann.”
     
    “Of course, haven’t I been telling you that they would make wonderful friends?”
     
    “Yes, you did.” Caelie smiled. “Listen, let me just grabbed some food to eat so that they won’t get offended then I’ll make a move. I should reach there by late afternoon.”
     
    “No, no it’s fine. You just enjoy yourself there with your friends. Don’t rush out here for my sake. It’s not all the time that you get to socialize with them Caelie.” Annetta’s voice was thick with some emotion that Caelie could not discerned.
     
    “Are you sure Ann? Won’t you be lonely?” Caelie’s voice was now tinged with worry.
     
    “What’s there to be lonely about? I have Wilburn here with me.” Caelie could hear Wilburn’s voice in the background but she could not make out what he was saying.
     
    “Okay then, if you are sure. Take care of yourself Ann. I’ll see you soon.”
     
    “Sure, you take care of yourself too Caelie. And remember that I will always love you. Be strong my dear. Goodbye.” With a click, Annetta had already ended the call. Caelie stared at her phone for an instance. She couldn’t seemed to shake the weird niggling feeling she had from her conversation with Annetta. Not wanting to think about the worst, Caelie brushed off the feeling and rejoined her colleagues.
     
     
     
     
    Caelie had so much fun that she did not realized a few hours had passed. She usually dread social gathering as time seemed to pass slowly but with this group of people, she was at ease and for the first time, she actually enjoyed