Something Like Gold

Chapter 10

Many years passed

The twins had grown to be young adults, they’d grown up surrounded my love and laughter.

Leo and Ria bonded so well. They’d play, eat and do so many things together.

On a Saturday, they’d talked about their plan for the summer.

“So Ria, what are your plans for summer,” Leo asked taking a bite from his pizza.

Ria never planned to do anything or go anywhere though but since Leo brought it up. She thought of something.

“Well, i will love to go on a vacation with my friends to Hawaii,”she answered, smirking slightly.

“Ou!” Leo exclaimed. “Girls stuff yeah?”

“Yeah!” Ria answered. “What about you? What are your plans for summer?”

“I want to learn how to play basketball, you know I’ve always dreamed of playing in the NBA” Leo said tossing his hands in the air as if he was throwing a ball into a basket.

Ria shook her head.

“Son, you should be more concerned and focused on your studies, because you will be my heir and the next CEO of the company.” Mr Fred Anderson said gazing at Leo.

“I know dad, but I can also learn basketball and focus on my studies too.” Leo insisted.

Mr Fred nodded

“Leo, you’re the future heir to our families company. You need to focus on your education and learn the business. Basketball is just a hubby.” He said

“Honey, let’s allow our son follow his passion” mrs Avril intervened. “Life is not just about business, it’s about happiness and fulfillment. Maybe Leo can find a way to balance both.”

Fred raised an eyebrow, “but the family’s legacy—“

“Our legacy is about family, too.” Mrs Avril gently interrupted. “Let’s support Leo’s dreams, even if they differ from ours.”

“Yeah dad, mom’s right,” Ria nodded in support.

Fred nodded slowly, “you’re right, let’s talk about how Leo can pursue basketball while still learning about the business.”

Leo’s face lit up, “really dad? Thanks mom.”

“So you won’t thank me to, for my support,” Ria said, placing her right hand on her waist.

“Thank you sis,” Leo finally said

“You’re welcome, twin” Ria said with a broad smile while rubbing Leo’s hair playfully.

“Okay kids, can we now head to the dining table, mummy is hungry,” mrs Avril said while heading to the dining table to dish out the food.

They all laughed and followed her.

Ria’s eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the harsh morning light. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the vivid dream she just had.

She sat up, the smile on her face began to fade. Something felt off. She looked around her room and her gaze landed on a photo of her and Leo on her nightstand. They realization hit her like a wave. Leo wasn’t just away, he was gone. He’d passed away when they were teenagers, and she’d never going to experience those carefree days with him.

“So it was all a dream,” she managed to say, tears forming in her eyes. “Leo, you’re no longer here with me.”

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she realized the dream had felt so real. She missed having a twin brother to share her life with. The ache in her heart lingered. A reminder of what could never be.

Mrs Avril walked in and found Ria in tears holding on to the picture frame of Leo.

Mrs Avril moved closer to the bed and sat at the corner side where Ria was.

“It’s okay sweetie” mrs Avril said, hugging Ria tightly.

“Everything will be fine, Leo wouldn’t like to see you like this. You need to stay strong for him. Your dad and I need you, you are all we have now.” Mrs Avril said trying not to cry.

“We’ll get through this together”

As they hugged tightly, Ria knew she’d always carry Leo’s memory with her, even if he wasn’t physically present.