Crossed Paths

Episode 2

Catherine instantly realized how awkward she sounded, and without hesitation, she joined me in having a good laugh. "Erm, Ma'am Beatrice asked me to call you down for breakfast," she said, trying to catch her breath from laughing too hard.

"Mum? Okay... tell her I'll be out in 10."

"OK, sir, I mean Ro...Robert..." she smiled as she turned to leave.

I was already seated in our nicely furnished dining room, painted in white and gold colors with our family portrait hanging in opposite directions. My gaze made its way to a portrait of Dad and me. "Gosh, man, you're so fine." I flashed a smile, looking at me in the portrait. Lost in self-praises before Jason and Jayden joined in minutes later, disrupting my activities.

Finally, we're all complete. Mum turned to Catherine with a warm smile, asking her to proceed in serving what had been arranged for breakfast. Unexplainable silence filled the air as I watched Catherine carry out her duties neatly, with grace and style. I was so lost in thoughts, just staring away, "She's so beautiful" the words echoed in my head. I was wondering how one person could be so calm, hard-working, and extremely beautiful at the same time. I could watch her do this for a lifetime and not get bored.

I kept staring at her, creating beautiful pictures in my head when Mum's voice suddenly jerked me back to reality, vanishing all the beautiful scenes I had created in my thoughts. "Hey big man, how are you?" Mum's voice echoed in my dream land.

"I, I, err, I'm doing great, Mum," I stuttered, trying to get back to my composure, because we'd earlier parted ways.

"How was yesterday's meeting?" her gaze fixed on mine.

"Which one in particular, Mum?" I took a bite of the sausage lying sumptuous on my plate. "I had a series of those yesterday; I am still worn out and feeling completely exhausted."

I answered, as I munched. "The one you were supposed to have with the First Lady's aid?"

Mum hastily reminded me. "Ohhh... that one? Well, nothing extraordinary happened, just plenty of talks on how and when the exquisite furniture would be delivered to the White House and the government houses. Eventually, the deal was sealed."

I answered casually, concentrating on my breakfast. "Huh? Come on, Robert, it can't be that bad, besides I was told the First Lady was in attendance. In attendance... in place of her aid," she spoke with so much enthusiasm.

"That's correct, but it wasn't any different from the series of meetings I have attended after being asked to head Henry Johnson's group of companies' headquarters by Dad." I looked at Mum, wondering the reason for the excitement over a meeting.

"Well, I have news for you, and I know you'd like it." Mum winked at me. "Not again," I muttered underneath my breath. "Your father and I promised to share it with you after sealing the deal and doing great as usual. But as you most likely know, your father had to leave for some urgent business meetings that couldn't be placed on hold. With that, I got his permission to let the cat out of the bag."

She said, beaming with excitement. "I know that excitement; it looks familiar. I thought to myself, 'Please, Lord, not again. I don't want to relive another Loren memory,'" I prayed silently.

"Should I be scared, Mum...?" I asked, already quivering. "What is the news?" At this point, I was paying keen attention.

"Well, so after the meeting with her... I mean, the First Lady, I got a call immediately after, and guess what!?" She grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently. She winked at me, picked up her spoon, and started tapping on the merlot wine glass, drawing everyone's attention.

I was tired of the prolonged drama. "What is it, Mum? Just spill," I sighed.

"Okay, okay, first, she was up with some praises on how you're such an intelligent young man, coupled with the fact that you sealed a deal as huge as that effortlessly. You know, she went on and on; I was just listening with all smiles, feeling like the proud Mum that I am, obviously. Then she..." Mum's eyes started glittering.

"She what, Mum? Come on, enough of the suspense!" My voice trembled in fear of the unknown.

"She sent an invite!" Mum screamed, grinning from ear to ear.

"An invite? For what?" I asked, scared, lost, and confused.

"Here's the thing, son: an invite came in from her to you specifically, inviting you out for dinner at the White House! And also an opportunity to meet Lisa..." Leaning closer to embrace me, "Nooooooo...!" I hurriedly stood up.

"I know right; I know you'd love the idea!" she said, holding me tightly.

"Wait, Mum, what! No, no!" I flinched backward.

"I am serious, take a look, son!" She pulled out a customized box with my name specifically imprinted on it. Heaven knows I had no idea where she had kept it all this time; I didn't see it until now.

"Mum! You don't get it, do you? I mean no! I won't honor any invitation, and no! I do not want to meet Lisa. No! No!!" My bloodstreams were on fire at this point.

"Too late, son; it's decided on. You do not have a choice, neither do you have a say in this, so get prepared!" Mum spoke firmly without mincing words.

"Decided on? By who, Mum? You know I am sick and tired of you and Dad trying to live my life while I am still alive!" I slammed my fist on the table, extremely disappointed.

"I refused to relive Loren's memories! Never, Mum!!!" I stamped my feet tightly to the ground, boiling in rage.

Silence took over the entire dining room. I was so angry to my bones; how could they? After the whole stunt with Loren?! Memories flooded my mind, resurrecting so many unwanted thoughts.