Christianas' POV;
I walk out of my bedroom adjusting my hair. Tucking some of the stray strands behind my ear before walking briskly down the stairs and towards the meeting room.
In a mansion as big as this, there are many rooms, halls, passageways, and the likes. So much so, if care is not taken, one can get lost.
The house isn't just grand because we have the money to flaunt about, but because we are a huge family. We are 17 in my family, but if we're counting cousins wives, and kids, we are a total of 25. I know right! huge number!
We aren't always together at home though, Uncle Willow, Grandma's eldest child, and my eldest paternal uncle, doesn't live with us, he and his family live in a different state.
He has three sons and is a grandfather of four. Two girls from James and a girl and boy each, from Oscar. His last son Frank is still unmarried and isn't a father yet.
However, the rest of us, do stay together. Leaving 16 of us home.
We have a full house right now, because it's a new year, and every new year, Uncle Willow brings his whole family over to celebrate with us.
I walk into the meeting room and everybody is present except my father and husband. Every single person is present.
Uncle Willow, his wife, aunt Hanna and their three sons. James, Oscar, and Frank.
Aunty Samantha the family's second eldest child, with her husband, uncle Bernard, and their daughters Rose and Summer. Including Summer's husband.
The twins, uncle Billy and aunt Lilly are also here. Uncle Billy is divorced so only his spoiled-brat son, Drake and his daughter Susan are here with him.
While Aunty Lily and her husband uncle Samuel, are here with that skunk, their daughter Stella! Oh yes, she's also here with her 'amazing' husband.And me, the daughter of the youngest child. Alone. Not with my father, nor spouse.
Grandma didn't give Raymond a job in the company because she doesn't like him, and 'he lacks experience. However, Raymond doesn't seem to mind not working for my family's company. He's currently job hunting.
I take a seat beside the door and not long after, Granny stands in the center of the room and begins to address us.
"The new jewelry branch we set up in Brazil, isn't doing well. I need someone to take over that place and give me better results by the end of the month.
Anyone? "She says and I look around the room to find no hands up.
"Anyone? "She questions again and still, no hand goes up.
'Come on Christi, this is it. Your chance to prove yourself. Don't let it pass! 'My subconscious screams at me and I throw my hand into the air.
Grandma's eyes land on me and I flash a nervous smile at her.
"Anyone? "She questions again and my heart hurts. It hurts but I don't put my hand down. She has to pick me.
"Are you telling me there's no other person who feels they can handle this situation? "Granny yells and that's when every other person in the room realizes that someone has volunteered. Me.
One after the other, they all turn and find my hand up. And just like that, they turn back to grandma. Aunt Samantha flashes me an encouraging smile before turning back.
"Durans! "Granny scold further and I roll my eyes in frustration.
"I can do it, grandma. "I finally speak up and just then,
"I'd do it. "Stella's voice follows right after mine and granny turns to look at the young woman who's now standing.
"Sure? "Granny questions and my jaw drops.
"With my previous achievements, this should be child's play. "She replies and grandma smiles.
"It's official then. "She says to us all in the room and my heart bursts. Stella smiles at me before taking her seat and I feel my throat dry up. I bring my hand down in hurt, shame, and embarrassment. Aunt Samantha turns and makes a face at me. Trying to tell me not to think about this too much.
I pretty much lose concentration for the rest of the meeting as I battle tears, and soon the meeting is over.
I remain rooted to my spot as everyone walks past me and out of the room. Just when I rise to leave,
"Give up Christi. This path is not yours to tread. Leave it to bosses. Why not go join your dad at the animal junkyard? "Stella coos into my ear before walking past me and I clench my fists to avoid dragging her back by her hair and beating the sh*t out of her.
She's only older than me by a month and her husband would know better than to interfere. It sure is a fight I am looking forward to.
My granny makes to walk past me and I speak.
"I will prove myself to you. "
She turns to look at me and flashes me a smile. A smile that reveals her perfect pearly whites.
She then turns around and walks briskly away with her hands in her pockets.
I have no idea how an 80-year-old woman can keep so fit and firm, but I guess with money, a lot of things aren't impossible.
I turn around and look back at the empty room. Just then, Stella's words playback in my head,
"Why not go join your dad at the animal junkyard? "
No. I won't give up. One day, I will stand before all of them in this very room, and they will respect me. I will shame them all especially that Stella and make my father proud.
I will make my late mother proud and I proud as well.
I will prove myself.
I dab at my escaping tears with my handkerchief and adjust my dress before walking out of the room. My heels creating click sounds with every contact it makes with the ground.
I need to see my dad.
Raymonds POV;"So, what's the situation with Miss. Cutie? "Rayon questions. Sinking his teeth into the croissant in his hands.This French nerd is my best friend and has been so for as long as I can remember. We met at the orphanage home and have kept a tight bond ever since. 'Miss cutie ' is the nickname he gave my wife, cause, according to him, 'That lady is out of this world cute. '."Still the same. It's just... There. To be honest, I think it's getting worse. "I reply taking a sip of the coffee in my hand."Worse? "He questions and I nod as I swallow."Yeah. You won't believe the stunt she pulled last night. "I inform once I'm done swallowing and he stares at me with furrowed brows."What did she do? "He questions and I show him a bland smile."She pretended to be asleep just to avoid talking to me, and only ended her act when I made to touch her
Christiana's POV; "Dad! I need help. I can't continue like this. She always ridicules me. Why can't she see we are after a right course? " I scream in frustration and my dad smiles. "You know your grandmother. As long as we are not making money, or as long as we aren't also running a branch that brings in millions of dollars, we are unfulfilled. "He replies and I grunt in frustration. " But that's not fair! "I wail stomping my feet. "Careful, you'd scare the fishes away. "He notes and I recall I'm in a canoe. "Oh, sorry. " I apologize "No problem. Look, honey, follow your passion. I know you love animals, but you also desire to be in an office behind some big desk. Christiana, it's okay. I support your dreams. I know my daughter is nothing less than a victor. So get up, and show them what you've got. "He says and I blush. Something pulls at the string of his fishing line and excitement clouds his face,
Christiana's POV; We are all at the newest Duran branch and all the family members are present. All except Uncle Willow. He had to travel out of the state to sort some business issues out but he ought to be back by this weekend. We all are here to celebrate and so is the media. My father refused to come. He said to me that he'd rather let the world know he's discomforted than fake joy and pleasure. He says no matter how hard he tries, he can't be fully happy at any Duran meeting so he opted out of this one as usual. All we Durans line up before the crowd and grandma stands before us all addressing us. She finally calls all our family members to stand by her and once we all assume the position, the media takes photos and videos of us. The crowd cheers and grandma cuts the ribbons. Officially opening another massive Duran boutique in New Jersey. As we all are about to step back down to give way for people to come in and t
Mr. William Durans POV( Christiana's father) ;"So, how is she? "I question. Cautiously stiring the piping hot tea in my cup with a teaspoon."Who? "The young man questions as I threw the question at him out of the blue."My daughter. It's been a while since we spoke on personal issues. "I reply and the butterfly drawing on the table suddenly becomes very interesting to him."Ah... Uhm, she's... She's... She's fine. "He replies and a smile that almost turns to laughter splits my face."Fine? Really? "I question and he steals a glance of me."Sir, she. She's... We don't really talk much so I... I don't quite know what exactly to say. "He replies and I smile."Then say what you know. What you see and the sides of her she shows you. "I reply relaxing in the chair and he looks up at me.He clearly is uncomfortable discussing my daughter with me. Raymond and I have grown to be very close over the ye
Narrators POV;"I will not do that!" Mr. Willam. Christiana's father, screams at his mother in anger. They are alone in her bedroom and the tension in this room is enough to cause the temperature to shoot up."Yes, you will Willam! Do you forget that I am your mother? "She screams back at him and he rolls his eyes."I never forget that. I never forget that cause you keep reminding me.What is so hard to understand? I don't want to be a part of the family business.All four of my elder siblings are already part. Isn't that enough? My daughter is showing interest yet you don't want to give her a chance, and you keep chasing me. Where is the sense in that? "He yells back and his mother glares at him."Is this rebellion because of that petting zoo? "She questions coldly and Mr. William remains silent."All those years ago, when you asked for a chance to prove yourself, I never let you because what sort of idea is 'T
Raymonds POV;I grunt lightly as I open my eyes. I'm feeling a bit tipsy and my vision is a blur. I shut my eyes back in a bid to comport my system and get better control.This feeling is slightly worst than a hangover. I feel exhausted, fatigued, and sleepy. I inhale deeply before opening my eyes again.This time, my eyes are welcomed by a somewhat dark and misty appearance of a room and it only takes me a few seconds to realize I'm in the middle of this room.The chair I'm seated in is situated in the center of this room and there's a huge center rung beneath me.I am not bound to this chair by any physical ropes but fear has an upper hand hence keeping me put.There is a desk a considerable number of feet away from me and a large leather chair behind it. There's nothing on this table a d no one in the sit and asides from the couch at the side of the room and paintings I'm the room, there's nothing else.
Raymond's POV;I make it to a tard road panting heavily. I have been running through a desolate area full of abandoned buildings, for what seems like forever.I stand by the roadside, cradling my sore elbow, which has now extended to a sore arm. Zero to no cars pass and I decide to start walking towards the north.I am too tired to keep running, and besides, I found no one chasing me. I was just running for fear of being caught.There are trees on both sides of this road and all I can hear asides from the chirping of birds, are my labored pants.Up ahead, I spot a truck. Its back doors are non-existent and the back is empty. It must be a personal vehicle I think to myself.I spot a man I presume to be the driver of the truck beside it, peeing in the bushes, and just then, an idea hits me.I silently increase my pace. Checking behind me to be sure I'm not being watched or followed. Once I get to the truck, I sile
Mr. Williams POV; "Who do you think is behind this? "I question Raymond who now has his left arm in a cast. The doctor said it's not too serious and would be okay in a week or two. I've told him to keep this a secret from everyone else at home, as I don't want any sort of drama. Besides, we have no idea what actually going on. Raymond looks up at me and that all too familiar look that clouds his face whenever I make to discuss something relating to my family, clouds his face, and I understand."You think my family is behind this? "I question and his eyes widen. I watch him shift uncomfortably in the hospital bed, still refusing to say a thing."You know you can trust me right? "I question and he looks at me for a few seconds before letting out a sigh in surrender."I don't know. I think grandma is behind this. "He replies avoiding eye contact with me."She... She's really not a big fan of mine. "He adds and I smile.