Chapter3
1408 Words
Jude, The Orphan
Where's my dad? Little Jude sobs on the hospital bed.
His grandpa was by his bedside. Calm down as he pressed the hospital bed button for the nurse.
Great, he's awake, said Trisha.
The nurse reached for his pulses and checked for his vitals. He's better, Nurse Trisha said.
Jude had an accident with his father. After his father's congratulatory party, Mr John Black walked up to little Jude and knelt before him as he was standing on the balcony with Jessie as they enjoyed a cup of ice cream together.
John Black, down on one leg, hugged his son. Jude congratulated his father on becoming the CEO of BLACK GROUPS. “I'm proud of you dad”, the ten-year-old Jude uttered this to his father.
John Black replied," I worked so hard for this position so that you can succeed me one day. Pardon me for being a dad who misses your soccer day, drama nights and school programs.
It's okay dad. Aunt Hilda and Jessie were present for me. They're my biggest supporters, he said with laughing as he showed the last bronze medal he won on Soccer day. He carries it in his pocket to show his dad when he has time to spare.
John Black's eyes were teary as he also said, "You're really my son. I'm super proud of you.
To make up for all my excuses these last few years, we're traveling tonight.
Happy Jude, Are we going to Paris? I can't wait to see the Eiffel Tower.
Mr John Black carried him shoulder-high and said," It's a surprise.
Jude looked down at Jessie." Go and get ready Jessie, you heard dad, we're traveling.
Mr Black was sorry to disappoint his son again. Jessie will join us on our next trip. This is a father-son affair. Jude's smile faded a little, but he was happy to spend quality time with his father. He had prayed and wished for that moment.
Mr John Black's wife passed away a few years after battling with cancer and Jude was barely five years old. Hilda, Jessie's mum, is a servant in the Black's house who takes a warm role in Jude’s life.
The cold hands of death grabbed Mrs Black, a very young, promising lady, but cancer made her lose all her beauty.
Hilda was grateful to Mrs Mary Black, so the best way to render her gratitude was to love and care for Jude wholeheartedly, which she diligently did.
Mr Black buried himself with work after the demise of his wife. He loved her badly and his work was his second love. He didn't have time for Jude. He missed all his school programs. Jude always longed for his dad’s attention, but his father's reaction all the time was cold. However, Hilda & Jessie were constantly there for him, so he knew them as his immediate family.
Jude was barely a teenager when his dad became the CEO of the Black Group and promised to be his good friend afterward.
They left for Indianapolis that night. It was a long drive. Mr Black wanted a memorable trip with his son, so he opted for a drive instead of a flight.
A huge reception awaited them at the restaurant of The Alex Hotel.
Are you Mr Black? The receptionist with the name tag Tom asked Black.
Yes, no problem. Mr Black was a bit alarmed.
No problem please, the manager wanted to meet you personally when you arrived. Kindly wait in the hall for him.
Alright, Mr John Black obeyed.
Mr Lawrence appeared in a well-tailored blazer, a button-down shirt and pants. He wore a tie, cufflinks and a polished shoe.
You're warmly welcome Sir as he stretched his hands for a handshake.
Thank you, Mr Black responded.
Actually, I wanted to personally welcome you when I noticed you would be here today.
Both exchanged pleasantries.
Lawrence called one of the hotel staff to send the CEO's luggage to the Royal Suite.
Mr Black actually booked an executive floor, but the manager opted for the most lavish and extravagant room in the hotel. The Royal Suite is spacious and has the best amenities and services. It has exclusive privileges, including a personal butler.
Mr Lawrence then ushered Black and his son to the restaurant. A huge reception awaited them there. Two hostesses greeted them and guided them to their table. The reception area was adorned with chandeliers and exquisite artwork. Jude couldn't believe his eyes as he jumped onto the plush seating to sip the cocktails and started enjoying the appetizers.
Mr Black looked at the hotel manager," I'm sorry, we're probably mistaken for the wrong guests. We didn't call for all these.
Yes you didn't. It's our way of welcoming the CEO of the BLACK Group into our hotel.
Wow! Mr John Black was astonished. How did he even know I would be here? No privacy again, I guess. He thought.
The BLACKS are our biggest clients and sponsors, so we give you our first-class services.
Thank you, the newest CEO said as he joined Jude at their table.
Alright Sir, I will be heading back to my office. Enjoy your stay here," Manager Lawrence uttered.
Jude had already finished the cocktail.
A well-trained waiter came to them for their menu. Mr Black requested Oysters Rockefeller accompanied by Soy sauce, Wasabi and Pickled ginger. He is a vegetarian. Jude called for grilled octopus with potato fries. Their dishes were crafted with artistic flair.
A red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting came as their dessert. Jude requested that for them.
Black was ecstatic to see his boy enjoying everything. They later retired to their fancy suite.
They had bonded there for three days as father and son. They played video games together. Jude was actually new to the games, but Mr Black carefully taught him the tricks and the third day he was pro in the gaming. They went swimming. They also participated in a competition at a family fun fair at The Alex Hotel and lost woefully. It was a heart-warming moment for Mr Black and Jude.
Black actually planned a week off to be with his son. He had lots of activities in mind, but an urgent call from work interrupted their week-long vacation.
Dad, you looked worried. Jude asked his father.
I'm sorry son, we've to head to Los Angeles tonight," he answered his son.
But why? Jude was a little bit disappointed.
Duty calls, Mr Black responded and dropped his phone.
Jude's face dimmed but he couldn't complain. He was actually having a good time in Indianapolis. He reached for his bag to pack.
Black hugged him from behind. We will be back. I promise. He assured Jude.
Jude returned the hug and said," Promise that you're going to be present" at my activities' day at school.
Black answered," Hence, you're my priority. I'll be there for you.
They checked out from the Alex hotel at 9pm. After an hour's drive on the highway, Jude had already fallen asleep, Mr Black had his left palm in his right palm as he drove. Jude was very handsome and had his mum's eyes. Black really missed his wife, but he was glad he'd now chosen to spend quality time with his son.
His eyes switched from Jude to the road. A truck at a top speed had his high lights on. What's wrong with this driver, he's not in his lane? The truck moved facing his direction.
Seeing the speed, all he could think of was to get out with Jude and jump into the water beneath the bridge. There was no way he could turn his car or reverse.
As he unfastened his seat belt and rushed out of the car for his son at the other side. The truck hit him as he stepped down. The hit sent him flying into the air as he landed on his windscreen. The truck sped off as Jude's eyes opened. He screamed “dad” as he saw his father on the windscreen.
In a jiffy, ambulances and police were at the scene. How they got to the scene that fast without Jude calling was a puzzle to be solved. Jude passed out as he saw his father's lifeless body on the stretcher.
Grandpa Black and the Black brothers rushed to the hospital where Jude and his father were taken.
- Writer
