CHAPTER FOUR
1198 Words
MARILYNS HOSPITAL
"Mr. Clyde Walter, it’s an honor to have you here. How is Grandma Ashley?"
"She's doing well". Clyde answered
“To what do I owe this visit this evening?"
"Well, remember I once told you about my mysophobia?"
"Yes, I do remember. Did something happen?” Dr. Brad Monroe asked, leaning forward slightly.
“Not really... but there something I don't understand. Except Grandma Ashley, I usually react when someone comes in close contact with me. But there is this young woman-"
“Ohhh, young woman uhn?” Dr. Brad Monroe interrupted raising his eyebrow.
"Come on, not what you're thinking. I gave her a lift to this hospital due to an emergency she had.
She sat next to me in the car, and instead of feeling angry and disgusted. I — I felt comforted. Something about all this feels off".
Dr. Brad Monroe tilted his head slightly and smiled.
"Comforting, huh? The last time I checked that word seems to be missing from your dictionary. Mr. Clyde.
Resting his elbows on the desk, Mr. Monroe asked, "What was it about her that made you to feel comfortable?"
"Well, there wasn't much conversation between us.
Her aura... She sobbed naturally and the way she looked at me... I can’t seem to get it of my mind".
Dr. Monroe smiled more.
"Mr. Clyde, that's worth paying attention to. You’ve lived with this fear for years and just another person doesn't trigger it.
Maybe it’s not just about germs- its trust". Or maybe, just maybe, you are in love with this young woman". Mr. Monroe teased laughing out loud.
Clyde glared." I just met someone just some few minutes ago and am already in love? You must be joking.
"Well you can never tell. It can be love at first sight. Matters of the heart are unpredictable. Dr. Monroe said.
“We’re done. I`m leaving".
He left shaking his head, leaving Dr. Monroe amused.
THE WALTER FAMILY HOUSE
Clyde met his secretary waiting for him in the car.
The car drove through the parking lot pass the hospital.
“Kendal, let's go get Grandma's ring. Where you able to meet the young woman?"
“Yes Boss, I did. We were really of help to her. Her mom collapsed this morning and was rushed to the hospital that's why she was in a hurry".
"Huh—ohh. Do a background check on her. I want it first thing in the morning".
"Yes Boss. Regarding the stolen necklace at the remembrance museum. It will be auctioned at The Heritage Wing this coming Friday".
“Get the invitation cards. We will be going there". Clyde ordered .
“I will do that Boss".
The car slowed as it reached the entrance of the Walter family house where Grandma Ashley leaves.
Clyde showed no emotion and leaned forward in his seat looking at the building, a flicker of something,
perhaps the memories of his parents— not quite a happy one but cannot be forgotten.
It had been years, but memories of the household never faded.
The compound was full with different flowers, overgrown trees with their branches forming a green canopy.
The same garden swing swaying gently in the breeze.
He sees himself seven years ago sitting under this same tree enjoying it breeze.
Running up those steps with scraped knees and a guilty grin — Laughter everywhere — making the compound lively. But now—
As Clyde entered he first noticed the same faded paint, the hallway glowing as always.
The familiar furniture, the same familiar lavender scent drifting out to meet him. He suddenly smiled.
"Grandma"
Grandma Ashley was waiting in the doorway, hands opened out to hug his Grandson.
Her short silver hair making her looks younger than her age.
He felt her gaze — her sharp eyes, warm as embers — scanning him before her lips curved into a knowing and loving smile.
She hugged her tightly not wanting to let go.
“Clyde, you're such an unfilial grandson. How many years today? It's been over a year now since you visited.
You’ve grown though and yet… haven’t changed a bit. I've missed you so much my son". Grandma Ashley sobbed, her voice carrying the weight of years.
Clyde allowed himself to be drawn in the warmth of the hands wrapping around him, — in these arms, there's trust, love and loyalty which comforts him.
“Grandma Ashley Walter, will you marry me?"
Clyde knelt on his knee holding out the ring she asked him to get from MariaRosa fashion house.
Grandma Ashley played along, stretched her out hand and received the ring.
Unexpected, the Butler, Mr. Cassie intervened— “you may now kiss the bride.
But Clyde didn't lose his Cool, got up and was ready for the next action when he was spanked on the back affectionately by his grandma.
"Save that for my future daughter in-law you cheeky spoilt brat.
“Ouch, Grandma, you should have told me to wear an armor.
“My baby, did I hit you hard?"
"Yes Grandma, I need a hug.
"Come here my poor child". Grandma hugged him— everyone started laughing.
No one in the house was surprised of the cold-hearted CEO being soft.
Because with His Grandma, things were different.
“Let’s have dinner everyone". Grandma Ashley's voice echoed.
“Cassie dear call Cassandra, Edward and his wife to join too, we’re going to have dinner together today.
It’s being a long time we've eaten together".
“Yes grandma". Mr. Cassie said grinning.
Ever since, Clyde left the house, no one ever
The dining room table was laid with Grandma Ashley’s best historical plates — flowers everywhere beautifying the entire room.
The whole table was surrounded by Clyde's favorite dishes — mushroom soup, bread rolls still warm from the oven, steak and his favorite wine.
Clyde sat by his Grandma still holding her hand firmly, directly opposite his uncle Edward.
He wore his usual sinister smile and poured wine for himself and motioned for Clyde to take some.
"So, Clyde Walter, setting down his wine glass, “it’s been like... a whopping one and half year, ohh almost two years since you last stepped your foot year.
I was starting to think you had forgotten about us — your family.” His tone was calm but very sarcastic.
Clyde met his gaze, his calm face retuning to its devilish look.
"Uncle Edward, roots don’t forget their tree, it’s only the branches that wants to extend away from its main source. Is a family, and have always been a family".
Edward sat with an awful face ready to pounce with his devilish mind.
Grandma Ashley chuckled and gave his grandson's hand a victorious pat.
"Well, we’re glad to have you home again Clyde. Besides family’s everything, isn't it?" Vanessa asked.
Clyde raised his glass to his mouth.
He knew what his Aunt meant — family’s everything sounded lovingly but in the world of Edward and his wife Vanessa, it was an indirect warning.
The rest of the meal was eaten with only Grandma and his grandson chatting lovely and the rest, glaring and eating in silence.
- Writer
