The Black Sparrow

LP: Chapter 1

TORONTO, January 2016

You can be sure that someone, somewhere will tell you that you’re wasting your time and talent, that you’re doomed to fail, that others have tried and failed before you, that the mistakes you keep making are portents of your own impending failure, that you lack the courage to even try, that your upbringing doesn’t match your aspirations, that your personality doesn’t mesh with your mission, that the task is too difficult.

That someone in Lucian’s life is his father. Time and time again, Don Lucio would remind him that his place was not in those glass revolving doors, confined within those four walls. But Lucian loved his job. He loves designing and understanding the rigidity, strength, and stability of anything he sees.

But most importantly, he loved Georgina. Loving her means choosing not to join his father’s organization. In the eyes of the public, Lucian is a Structural Engineer.

“Have you done the calculations for the East Canyon Suspension Bridge?” Lucian’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard Jackson’s voice.

He has been with the firm for almost three years now. And it had also been that long since he and Georgina got together. They haven’t separated since they met in Berlin. Or should he say, he hasn’t let her go since that day? He learned that she had actually graduated from college before him. The woman is freaking smart, but too secretive for his liking. Nevertheless, he loves her dearly and can deal with whatever she’s hiding. Sooner or later, she will tell him about it. Besides, she’s not the only one with secrets—he has his own.

“Here.” Lucian handed over the folder containing the calculations. “I’m saving it to the server now.”

“Thanks, man.” Jackson left, and a few minutes later, his cellphone rang.

Unknown number.

There’s only one person who calls him without a number—his father. Lucian didn’t know if he should answer or ignore the call. Don Lucio calls him on special occasions, including his birthday. Aside from that, he doesn’t hear from his father. And there was no reason for him to call now.

Lucian let it go to voicemail and continued his work. He still had fifteen minutes before he went home, and since it was Friday, it was date night with Georgina. She doesn’t like being called Ruthie. She says it’s too childish. What he can’t say to his beloved is that no matter what name she uses, her childishness is still inherent.

With ten minutes left, he was saving his work before shutting it down for the weekend. He never brings work home, and he and Georgina don’t discuss work at home on weekends. They talk about friends and family, trips to take, events to attend, but never work. If they ever do, it’s brief during the weekdays.

Someone knocked, and this time, it was Elaine. She’s almost sixty and very vocal about retirement. Elaine is the big boss of the firm and has mentioned to him several times the possibility of promoting him. The idea excites him, so he works even harder.

“You have a minute?” Lucian nodded and gestured to the chair in front of his desk. The woman dropped some papers and spread them out in front of him. “I need you to take a look at this quickly. I know it’s residential, and it’s not your project, but—I’m not satisfied with this. The town homes are three storeys. You’d think it’s easy and manageable.”

As Elaine spoke, Lucian began reviewing the drawings and the list of materials.

“It might just be an oversight,” he suggested.

“Improper drainage?”

“Maybe.”

“Poor design?” Elaine frowned, but Lucian chuckled softly. “What? I’m serious.”

“Alright, it could be the fill.” That’s what he thought might be the problem.

“The fill material?” she asked for confirmation.

“I have to see the site. But if the fill material used is not dense enough, it could cause excessive settlement. Consolidation. It can damage the foundation, interior finishes, or even framing.”

From Elaine’s expression, it seemed like she had a headache from what she heard.

“This is why no one in this team performs as well as you do, Lucian. Let me think about that and see what the on-site engineer says. Say hi to Georgina for me. Thanks again, and have a great weekend!” After thanking him, his boss left.

If you asked Lucian, he wanted to start his own firm. He could do it, but it would take a lot of work, effort, time, and money. The last two are something he doesn’t have. His family is wealthy, but when he chose Georgina, his father cut off all the luxuries he was enjoying.

And that’s fine. He can handle the money part; it’s the time frame that Don Lucio gave him that bothers him. He gave him three years.

Three years to cater to his whims. After that, Lucian had to take over and take care of the family. If he doesn’t, Lucian is on his own, and his father will cut ties with everyone, including his siblings. No help will come to him if he ever needs it.

Lucian smiled when his cellphone rang again, and this time, it was Georgina.

“Hey, baby.” Even though he was tired and had a lot on his mind, he brightened his voice.

“I miss you. What time are you going to be home?” As much as Georgina loves to tease, she can be just as affectionate. And when she gets angry, it’s serious and vengeful. She won’t stop until she gets even.

“I’m leaving the office now. Did you cook dinner?” he asked as he walked toward the elevator.

“Well… I was trying to roast the chicken, but then I got distracted and I sort of—overcooked it.”

“When you say overcooked, you mean burnt?” He couldn’t help but laugh because this wasn’t the first time she burned something. It’s a miracle their home is still standing.

“I hate you. You’re mean.” Georgina was more annoyed than trying to elicit sympathy. At first, she would panic. Over time, she learned to take it in stride.

“Oh, come on. I was just kidding.” Lucian bit the inside of his cheek a bit and then said, “How about I take you out on a date tonight, and I’ll help you clean up the kitchen afterwards?”

Georgina giggled. “Okay. Casual or semi?”

“Go with casual clothes. We will have dinner and then go to the movies.”

“Movies?” Georgina sounded excited. She appreciates simple things. “Okay. I’m game. See you soon! Be safe. I love you!”

“I love you more.”

Lucian drives a five-year-old BMW X5, and they still haven’t replaced it. It was a used vehicle when they bought it, but since he is a responsible driver and has taken care of it, they haven’t had any problems with its performance. It has never broken down on them. They just keep up with maintenance. Neither of them wants to be in debt. They don’t want to work just to pay bills and loans—they want to enjoy their life too. There’s more to life than responsibilities.

As for Georgina, she loves driving, so she chose a Mustang. She didn’t want a brand new one and settled for a 2004 SVT Cobra. It’s Mystichrome, and it changes color depending on the angle. At first, Lucian didn’t agree because the snow in Toronto is intense, and the car Georgina wanted wasn’t built for the cold winter months. But she was able to persuade him, just like she had in the past, and she bought the car.

She started an advertising agency, so she has control over her own time. There are days when she works from home and goes to the office twice a week. During winter, she spends more time at home. They are both busy working during the day, but they make it a point to have quality time together. It doesn’t mean they have to spend money; a simple cuddle on the couch while doing a movie marathon is their idea of a lazy, romantic day.

Life is good for them. But like the weather, no one can say how long they will remain this way.