For the Camera

17. Mr Governor.

RUBY.

The noise and laughter that surrounded me when we entered the elegant mansion of the Daniels family were unsettling and somewhat disturbing for someone like me, who prefers solitude. The presence of a fleet of luxurious cars and bodyguards dressed in black suits and dark sunglasses did not give me any indication of what awaited me inside.

Two days ago, Mr Daniels had summoned Toby and me, informing us that he had important news to share, news that would greatly affect us. Trust me when I say that he conveyed the last part with utmost seriousness in his voice.

Toby swiftly disappeared among the group of overweight men, most of whom were dressed in expensive suits. There were only a few women present, adorned in shiny and colourful clothing, including Clara, Mrs Daniels herself. I found myself looking around, curious about the occasion and who would satisfy my curiosity. The echoes of laughter and the name "Mr Governor" filled the air as they laughed and indulged in expensive wines.

"Oh, isn't that Toby's wife? Such a beautiful lady. Our Toby must be doing an excellent job; look at how healthy she is. A testament to a good life," one of the men finally acknowledged me in an accent that I couldn't quite place.

I forced myself to smile and greet them. The same man pulled me closer, and his strong cologne nearly suffocated me. "Young people these days! How are you? You should be careful about your actions from now on! My Governor, have you told them yet?"

Shyly, I took a seat among them while struggling to keep my eyes on the large-screen TV that was displaying a telenovela. "No, I wanted it to be a surprise for them as well. So I'll be breaking the news to them today. Let me start with Toby..." Mr Daniels began as he turned to Toby, who was seated next to his mother.

I couldn't miss the smile and joy on Mrs Daniels' face.

Everyone seems to be in a jubilant mood today.

"You will start at the Daniels' Group Global headquarters on Monday. You are now the new president of the Daniels' Conglomerate," Mr Daniels announced, followed by applause, congratulations, and pats on the back.

Toby was grinning from ear to ear. It was evident that he had been waiting for this moment his entire life. Well, he was the heir, after all; who else would become the chairman? But what intrigued me was why Mr Daniels was retiring early.

"Thank you so much, Dad. I promise not to let you down and will elevate the family business to new heights," Toby said.

"Well, I haven't given you full authority yet, so I still have the power to make or break it. Disappoint me, and you'll be demoted to someone's secretary."

That's a great way to dampen the mood, sir.

"It's already noon. The program is about to begin," one of the men announced, changing the channel to a popular TV news station. The room fell into an eerie silence. We all watched as Mr Daniels appeared on the program, greeted with laughter, applause, and well-wishes.

The fact that the program claimed to be live made me wonder if the person in the room with us was his doppelgänger.

A bunch of dishonest people, indeed.

"Mr Daniels, there have been rumours circulating about your interest in running for governor of this state. Can you confirm if these rumours are true?" The elegantly dressed woman inquired.

"Well, it is true this time. Not that it wasn't true the last time, but I lost during the primaries. However, this time I emerged victorious." I couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment before I could even process my thoughts.

"That's wonderful news. As someone who is adored by the nation for your humility, philanthropy, and kind-heartedness, I'm sure over seventy per cent of the population will be thrilled to hear this, except for the other party, of course, since you're running against their potential candidate."

"Jared Kingston is my very good friend, and running against each other doesn't jeopardize our friendship. After all, we live in a democratic society where the people's choice should prevail." Mr Daniels responded with humility. I could swear he wasn't the same man who would swear at his family and display bipolar behaviour.

The next question posed by the woman concerned Mr Daniels' intentions for the state if he were to win. I prepared myself to hear numerous promises that were likely to be broken, as usual. It baffles me how people still believe in some of these promises.

"The first thing I'm going to do is ensure universal access to preschool education. I will also enhance affordable housing credits and create job opportunities for up to one hundred thousand graduates. You should know that I create job opportunities even when I'm not the president, so imagine what I can achieve when I hold that position."

"If you become the president. Jared Kingston has the upper hand, and I honestly prefer him."

The rest of the interview was filled with more empty promises, and I rolled my eyes as he reiterated and emphasized each one. Finally, the program came to an end, and one of the women present broke into a cheerful chant.

"Libertarian!"

"Progress!"

"Libertarian!"

"Progress!"

"Libertarian!"

"Progress!"

"Congratulations, My Governor!" One of the men exclaimed as they exchanged hugs. One would think it was already his inauguration party.

The election hasn't even started yet. These political parties can be quite amusing. I observed as Mr Daniels and his wife escorted their guests amidst conversation, songs, and laughter. The silence in the extra-large living room became deafening as I focused my attention everywhere but on Toby.

Ever since my birthday party, which ended on a sour note with embarrassing GIFs and remixes of my fall circulating on the internet, Toby and I hardly spoke or confronted each other.

I preferred it that way.

"You're getting so fat," his deep voice remarked as I finally glanced at him.

"I wasn't exactly slim before," I retorted, although my voice came out squeaky.

"Well, yes, but you're even fatter now," Toby mocked, while I simply looked away, having no response. I was aware that I had gained a significant amount of weight, primarily due to my reliance on junk food these days.

"You need to hire a personal trainer. Being both unattractive and overweight is not a good combination. Choose one and stick with it," he instructed, glaring at me.

Mr Daniels and his wife entered the room at that moment.

After scanning between Toby and me, as if sensing the tension, he spoke, "Now that you all know about my political ambitions, particularly my aspiration for the governorship, I hope you understand that good behaviour is expected from each member of this family. Good behaviour entails fulfilling your responsibilities, going where you're supposed to go, avoiding unnecessary drama and internet nonsense, and, of course, campaigning for me. Clara, try not to be the unpleasant person you often are towards others, at least for now. Your actions could jeopardize this, and I swear, I won't hesitate to take severe measures. And Toby, if anything goes wrong with your wife, I will hold you responsible, so keep her in check."

We remained silent as he issued these stern instructions. I didn't want to be on this man's bad side. Even the family who have lived with him for years fear him, so who am I to defy that?

"I hope with these few points of mine, I have been able to convince you, and not confuse you, that losing is not my thing and that I always emerge as the winner no matter what!" Mr Daniels playfully concluded, breaking into a grin.

Bipolar tendencies seem to run in the family, that's for certain.

"FM!" he called out.

A middle-aged man dressed in a black suit and dark sunglasses rushed in.

"My family needs increased security. Make sure of that! I don't want to hear any regrettable stories!" Chief Bankole instructed him before heading towards the inner rooms.

"Yes, sir!"

It seemed like a necessary precaution. I wouldn't want to be shot for no reason.