Chapter 18 - His Friends
1197 Words
"This way Mr. Zacksworth," one of my family's bodyguards said as he guided me to our family's private car.
I followed and entered the car. Inside the car, I watched people busy with their stuff and the place around has not changed a lot.
Still the same, I guess.
I can clearly remember the memories of four years ago. I am that guy who was so stupid to believe a woman and fell for her trap.
I left Julie after I found Alodia in France and decided to be with her but Alodia ran away for the second time. That time, I realized that following her is a mistake and believing what Julie said is also a mistake.
I do not want to see Julie or Alodia.
We head straight to my great-grandfather's funeral. I saw my whole family who I have not seen for four years. My mom ran towards me and hugged me tightly into her embrace. The warmth of her skin filled my heart with love and longing.
I miss my mom, I miss my whole family.
"Xayne, you finally hear" my mom cried.
My whole family was looking at me. I could see the sadness in their eyes because of my great-grandfather's death. I was not next to him when he died. I have many things I want to explain to my family, especially my great grandfather because I didn't even say goodbye to him before he passed away.
I was so stupid and young for only thinking about myself. I was into Alodia and I completely forgot my family.
I miss them so much and I was so sorry for leaving them.
"Grandma... I am so sorry" I said when I went to her. She immediately hugged me and cried onto my chest.
Her tears wet my clothes and she cried, mourned, and filled the air with sadness. She really loved my great-grandpa a lot. I hugged her back and cried too.
I am too ashamed of myself.
My family held a private burial. My great-grandma wants to avoid the media because she really respects my grandpa.
After we got home, the bodyguards carried my luggage to my room while I was still in the kitchen eating with my family. There is an empty chair beside my dad. I remembered that that was my great-grandpa's favorite chair.
We talked less because we are all sad about what happened. My great-grandpa died of old age. Even though we missed each other, we do not have any right to celebrate. We can only ask each other and all I can do is answer their questions with a faint smile.
Not today.
After dinner, I went straight to my old room. I rolled my eyes across the room and noticed that it had not been neglected. Nothing has changed and it is still the same as before I left it.
"Since the day you left, your dad and I have been taking care of your room. We always asked the maid to clean and maintain your room" I turned my head and saw my mom, leaning at the door while crossing her arms and giving me her usual sweet smile.
My mother has not changed. She is still the same as before, her face is young, and her smiles are beautiful and gentle. My dad and our family were lucky to have her. Her love was so warm that it always brightens our day.
I walked toward her and hugged her tight.
"Thanks, mom," I said.
At night, I tried to contact Carl and Miguel. Luckily, they are still using their old numbers. We shared conversations through text. Carl suggested I create a social media account so I did for the first time.
I opened my phone and decided to have a video call with them. When they answered my video call, they were surprised to see me using some kind of stuff that I haven't done in my entire life.
"Wow! Xayne! Are you serious?!" Carl's exaggerating reaction made me want to laugh.
"Congrats man!" Miguel said. I rolled my eyes because of them.
These two never changed. I guess...
I heard that Carl was still a Womanizer bachelor, still going on to a different club even though he owns a lot of clubs that were active at night, he still preferred to flirt at the different clubs owned by his competitors.
"I am looking for opportunities in business while girls are just an ad on" Carl smirked at the video call.
"Shut up! Dude! That is an old song you cannot fool me" Miguel said, laughing at Carl's excuses.
"Hey! Why don't we meet up! Let's drink and celebrate Xayne's come back" Carl said excitedly. I nodded.
Carl and Miguel were both important people for me from college until now. After I left the country they did not cut our communication instead they still tried to send me greetings and emails.
I thought our friendship would be over because they really got mad at me for leaving Julie so I can be with Alodia while Alodia dumped me for the second time... My life was a mess because of what just happened but Carl and Miguel still did their best to encourage me and support me until now.
They are the best.
"So where do you want to Celebrate?" Miguel asked.
I tried to think of the best place where we used to hang out until I remembered the place where we first met.
"Why don't we celebrate at the Eastside?" I asked however as soon as I mentioned the place, the two flinched and got surprised like they were not expecting my answer would be Eastside.
"Are you sure bro? I do not recommend that place" Miguel sent me a faint smile while Carl nodded, avoiding my gaze.
Did I get curious because of their reaction? Why do they not want to celebrate on the Eastside? There is nothing wrong with the place.
"Why not? That is the place where I first met you two" I said, trying to read their minds.
"Well, that place is not a happy place like it used to be, Xayne. The Eastside changed a lot" Miguel said.
I shook my head. I still wanted to celebrate at the Eastside and no one can change my mind.
"I guess... We cannot do anything but agree with Xayne's decision" Carl shrugged.
After the long talk with the two, I now take a rest in my old bed. It still smells so nice that I didn't notice that I fell asleep. My body felt really tired from what happened
In the morning my dad called me to his office. He offered me to manage the company since I will be the one who will inherit the company in the future. Zion, my brother is busy with his study because he wanted to be a doctor and scientist.
"By the way, prepare yourself this weekend. We will meet Mr. Holt and his fiancé" my dad said.
Mr. Holt? If I remember, he is Julie's so-called uncle.
I nodded my head before leaving, somehow I felt something was about to happen...
- Writer
