Uncle P. Uncle P (Alfredo E. Phipps, Jr)

the telephone extension in his office rang. Rather than picking up a file, he picked the phone.

      “Jeffrey Scott speaking.”

      “Hello Jeffrey, this is your manager calling.”

      “Good morning, sir. How may I help you?” replied Jeffrey.

      “I need you to come to my office as soon as possible. I have a few assignments for you to be completed in the next few days.”

      “Sure. I’m coming to your office right away,” replied Jeffrey.

      Jeffrey hung up the phone, got up from his chair, and walked out of his office, toward his manager.

      Knock.

      The manager saw Jeffrey through the glass door and signaled him to come inside. As Jeffrey turned the doorknob and opened the door, his manager invited him to sit.

      “Come, Jeffrey; have a seat!”

      “Sure, thanks.” With this, Jeffrey sits on one seat facing his manager.

      “How have you been, Jeffrey?”

      “I’m fine. What about you?”

      “I’m fine too.”

      “No news as yet; everything is marching in order, huh?” said the manager.

      “I am glad that everything is going as per your wishes,” replied Jeffrey.

      “First, I would like to congratulate you for the excellent job that you are doing!” said the manager, on which Jeffrey smiled.

      Jeffrey had a successful career as an English journalist. He had worked for twenty years for the Freedom Newspaper of London, England.

      Now he was working for the newspaper, The Light of Washington, and had moved to Washington, DC. This was his fourth year with this newspaper and publication house. A professional and witty journalist, his interviews always left the audience talking for a long time, and his words buzzing among the masses. He had a reputable name in his field and had a legacy of keeping his bosses happy. This instance was also an example of that.

      His boss continued, “All the staff gives a very good reference for you. They always have something good to say about you. Everyone keeps you in high regard, and they all tell stories about how your experiences have helped them all along.”

      “I’m glad,” added Jeffrey.

      “The company is also happy about the work that you are doing. Each interview that you conduct leaves people with a greater urge to know more regarding the issues they highlight you. Also, here you go, with a gift from the company. A gift for a job well done.” Saying this, the manager offered Jeffrey an envelope.

      “A gift? I hope this won’t get me in trouble.”

      Jeffrey still hadn’t taken the envelope, on which, the manager kept it in front of him and said, “Well, if you don’t want it, then I can get it deposited into my account. I also don’t vouch for anything bad either.”

      Upon this, Jeffrey responded, “One moment, sir. I didn’t say that I don’t want it. I just want to make sure that it won’t cost me in near future that is just my concern. Thanks for the recognition and the bonus, anyway.”

      “We also have some assignments lined up for the next two weeks. We considered sending another journalist, but since he wasn’t available for the dates, so we are relying on you for a job well done.”

      “Okay, so what do I have to do?”

      “We require you to write two articles and an interview.”

      “Fair enough.”

      “The first one will be at a basketball match. The Jefferson High school has a match, and you have to attend the match and write to motivate parents to get involved in the sport and show support to their children who have the sporty knack.”

      This was before the basketball match that took place at Jefferson High School. Jeffrey would cover the same basketball match in which Ariel took part.

      The manager continued, “The second is an interview with Mrs. Amanda Wilson. We all know that you have a healthy relationship with her. The interview will cover her success as a businesswoman. The purpose of this interview will be to urge young women to take up programs offered by nonprofit organizations who strive to develop more independent and successful women in the region.”

      “I’d love to,” Jeffrey added. He appeared more interested in the second assignment.

      “The third assignment is an article about an event taking place next Friday, followed by the basketball match. It will hold this event at Williams High School, called ‘Challenging the Unknown’ by their Spanish teacher, ‘Uncle P.’ He is a mentor and a motivational speaker. He tries to inculcate the spirit of optimism and positivity among masses.”

      “He sounds impressive,” said Jeffrey.

      “He is. He has words of wisdom for anyone who values it. You will also have a good time in that event. It is not only an assignment, but it has educational benefits.” With this, the manager smiled.

      “I will keep this in mind,” said Jeffrey as he smiled back.

      “I would wait to know what you have to say about Uncle P and his story,” replied the manager.

      “I would like to share my valuable experience with you, sir. Also, this sounds intriguing. You can count on me!”

      “Thank you so much! I knew you would do it.” With this, the manager got up from his seat and so did Jeffrey. Then he added, “I will have to retire for the day. I have a few commitments to attend to. Don’t forget, I’m counting on you.”

      Both of them shook hands, and Jeffrey took his leave. Once he returned to his office, he began to organize things. Known for a job well done, he always did his homework, so he began to plan on his assignments. He updated his to-dos, dropped an email to his designer that he would require a suit for a special meeting and then; he took his phone in his hand and looked for Amanda’s name. He called her, but no one answered the call, so he left a message.

      “Hi Amanda. How are you? I hope you are doing well and that you have had a good trip while coming back. Please call me when you’re free, and also, if you don’t have any other commitment, I’d like to invite you to dinner. I’ll be waiting for your call. Take care.”