Chapter 11 : On the run
Ben and Lincoln hadn't seen each other in a long time. By chance, they bumped into each other at the bustling Philip Jeremy Railway Station. Both were thrilled to reconnect.
"Congrats, Ben! What's your course of study?" Lincoln asked, eyes wide with admiration.
"Law," Ben replied.
"Wow! That's great of you," Lincoln grinned. "I thought you weren't into law. I imagined you'd go for Business Administration."
Ben burst into laughter. "Why that?"
"Well, your late dad had a couple of businesses. I figured you'd want to manage them."
"Actually, he had four—real estate and a furniture factory among others," Ben explained.
"Really?" Lincoln was stunned. "Then Business Management would've been more suitable."
"Not necessarily. A lawyer can manage property too."
Lincoln sighed. "I'm still torn between pursuing education or chasing money."
Ben frowned. "Why not both? Skipping school for money is like putting the cart before the horse."
"I don't think there's much difference. They're interwoven. You need money to fund education and education to make money."
Ben shook his head. "I don't get that logic. Traditionally, you study first and earn later."
"We're saying the same thing, aren't we?"
"How much have you made so far?"
"Not much."
"Exactly!" Ben exclaimed.
Lincoln was taken aback by the sudden outburst.
"Is it a crime to make money?" he asked defensively.
"No. But have you made enough to justify neglecting school?"
"Yes," Lincoln said with pride. "I'm richer than you."
"Seriously?"
"I just bought a beautiful car."
"A Ferrari? Lamborghini? Rolls-Royce?"
"I said a beautiful car," Lincoln chuckled.
"Is that its name?" Ben teased.
"Sure," Lincoln shrugged.
"No car has that name, but if it's truly beautiful—congrats."
As the train reached its destination, they shook hands and parted ways.
The conversation lingered in Lincoln's mind. He felt left behind—Carol, Eric, and even Ben were progressing academically. He consoled himself with his possessions: a stylish apartment, a car, a fat bank account, and the beautiful Whitney. Especially that car—it made him feel he could protect Whitney's heart from rivals like George, who once impressed her with his ride.
To impress Whitney further, Lincoln decided to host a party—not for a birthday or a wedding, just for fun. Friends, old and new, showed up: Riche, Eric, Ben, Carol, Susan, Debbie, and others. It became a reunion of sorts. At the event, both Riche and Ben found themselves drawn to Carol. Lincoln, already committed to Whitney, stepped back.
Riche, who worked with Lincoln, knew Whitney well. Once, he'd returned from China with a special gift for her. Ben, on the other hand, had known Lincoln for years. On a recent trip to Africa, he brought Lincoln a pet that still lived with him.
"Who should I encourage Carol to consider?" Lincoln pondered.
Eventually, he asked both to make their moves. He first tried to persuade Ben to step back, arguing that Riche, being employed, was better suited for commitment. Ben disagreed, accusing Lincoln of being biased. With no other choice, Lincoln gave both a fair shot.
Riche approached Carol first as her favorite song played. Just as she was about to dance, he asked to talk.
"Sorry, not now," she said politely.
Dejected, Riche sought Lincoln's help. Lincoln intervened, and Carol agreed to step aside for a chat. But Carol found Riche's short stature off-putting. What sealed her disinterest was his boast about having a job and being ready to commit.
She politely dismissed him and returned to the dance floor. A few minutes later, Ben made his move. To his delight, Carol welcomed him warmly. He was tall, handsome, and clean-shaven—traits Carol admired. Studying at Oxford gave him additional appeal. Their shared student lifestyle also helped.
Carol chose Ben. Riche was crushed by her rejection. Carol's charm was undeniable—her smile, irresistible. Lincoln still couldn't decide who was more beautiful: Whitney or Carol.
The urge to return to school grew stronger in Lincoln. He was ready but his job posed an obstacle. He booked an appointment with Dr. Cook, his boss, but changed his mind last minute.
As fate would have it, he ran into Jullie, Dr. Cook's girlfriend, on his way back to the office.
"Hey, aren't you Lincoln? You look familiar," she said cheerfully.
"Yes, I am. Sorry, I can't recall," Lincoln replied.
"You fixed your boss's SUV that broke down some time ago. I was there."
"Oh yes, I remember now. How are you, ma'am?"
"I'm fine."
Lincoln wondered if he should share his problem. Could she help?
"Something bothering you?" Jullie asked.
"No, nothing," he lied.
Just then, Dr. Cook stepped out to speak with his secretary.
"What's going on, Jullie? Come here," he called.
Lincoln seized the moment and voiced his request: to stay employed while pursuing a degree.
Jullie took interest. "Hey Lincoln, consider it granted," she said.
"Just like that?" Lincoln was shocked.
"Go back to your office. We'll talk later," Dr. Cook added.
Lincoln bowed respectfully and left. In his office, he remained uncertain. Even with Jullie's support, he wasn't sure things would turn out positively.