Her mother had always told her good things came to those who wait, but she was tired of doing so. Waiting made her feel sick. She watched the water flow as she sat on the bank of the river. She took a handful of pebbles and began tossing them into the river. A habit she had grown to enjoy. This was her go-to when she felt the need to brain storm. The calm environment helped her think better. She watched a bird take a quick dip, taking a beak full of the water. She smiled. That was freedom. She thought. She would be a bird, maybe an eagle, if there were an afterlife. She loved its strength and resilience, she glanced at her phone as soon as she heard the notification tone.
She raised a brow as she read through the paragraphs, the familiar words flowing through her thoughts. She had read the same words for over a week now. She sighed as she shoved her phone into her back pocket. She wanted to feel sad or cry, but instead, she was indifferent. Today wouldn't be one of those days when she felt sorry for herself. She picked another pebble and tossed it into the river. She should start a business. She thought. She quickly reconsidered; her marketing skills weren't that good, how could she tell when she had never sold a thing in her life?
She let out a long, slow sigh, feeling crushed, then lay on the rocky bank, head up, and the blue sky blessing her eyes with its beauty. She and Chelsea used to spend the summer flying kites. She smiled as she recalled their childhood days. They will beg her mother to let them bake; she usually does. This resulted in having lots of cakes and other snacks they couldn't eat; they ended up sharing them with other kids. Her cakes were good, her mum always teased her, she learnt from the best; her mother's baking was excellent, she remembered begging her mother to start a home bakery, but was totally against it.
She rushed into a sitting position, like she had received a divine revelation. How could she be so blind? The answer was right before her. Everyone in the neighborhood loved her baking. She could start a home bakery. She smiled to herself, feeling proud. Chelsea could help her with the sales. The girl won't shy away from an opportunity that will provide extra cash. She pulled her phone from her pocket, tightening her grip so it wouldn't slip. Her hands shook as she tapped the call icon, excitement coursing through her veins.
"Genie!" Chelsea's resonant voice came up, she could hear music in the background.
Genesis arched her brows. "Are you drunk?" she asked. It was not uncommon for Chelsea. She heard her laugh. "No bitch I just got here" she replied a bit distracted.
She breathed an okay before going on, "I just had an idea you'll love," she began.
"Tell me about it."
"We could start a home bakery."
"Ooh my God!" she exclaimed "why didn't we think of this all along" she snapped her fingers "I'm in but I'm handling the sales" Genesis smiled as an image off Chelsea looking at her well-manicured nails popped in her mind "I hate affairs concerning the kitchen" she muffled. "I'm totally in."
Genesis combed her hand through her hair. "Mum still doesn't know I'm unemployed," she informed.
"There's no way around it, we have to tell her."
Genesis picked another pebble and tossed it into the river, feeling reluctant. She focused on the plop sound the water made; it pacified her. Dredging the idea, she replied, "Okay."
"A friend of mine is hosting a party and asked me to help get a baker, I think I've figured that out." Genesis beamed with joy, things were unfolding quickly. "Ooh, we have to go shopping for all we need," she could tell Chelsea was enjoying this more than she was.
"It reminds me of days we used to bake together," she let out a small shriek, "I'm so excited." Genesis smiled harder, feeling like a little girl. She loved Chelsea's energy, it had a way of easing her self-doubt. She knew how to fan her ego.
"Bills on me and you're not going to object because mom's chemo date is drawing near, I don't want you using the money you've saved up for it," she added. Genesis knew better than to object; Chelsea won't hear of it.
"Don't forget to tell Mom," she warned. Genesis remained silent. "You have to, she won't stress over it now you have new plans," she encouraged.
She straightened her back. "I will."
"That's my baby girl," she teased. "I'll see you tomorrow. Kelvin and I have a function to attend tonight."
Genesis lay back on the stony ground as Chelsea ended the call. She began to laugh in excitement. She laughed so hard that her stomach hurt.
***************************
Vincent sped through the busy road, smirking as drivers honked angrily at him. What better way to end the day, than driving through his home town pissing off other drivers? He cut through the sharp bend and didn't fail to notice a group of teenagers gaping in admiration at his car. He loved to drive and had a soft spot for sports cars.
"Fuck you!" he heard a man yelled angrily.
"Quite sad you can't," he replied, feeling good about himself.
It was a good day to be CEO, bagging a long-term deal with one of the largest jewelry companies in the world was the highlight of his day. Cyrus's old ideas couldn't do that. He should be in a retirement home doing whatever old folks do. He quickly stepped on the brakes as a man and his daughter crossed the road. That was a close one. He thought as they hurried to the other side of the road. He stepped on the gas, humming Little Queenie by Chuck Berry.
His gaze fell on the file Henry had sent to him. He ground his teeth against each other, he'll check them later, perhaps the following day. His 4-hour flight to Elko was to leave all the craziness at the company so he could relax for a while. He frown. He was running away from it all, this was a truth he wasn't willing to admit. His veins in his hands popped out, contracting as his grip tightened on the steering wheel. He didn't have much time, Henry had already gotten a court wedding date.
He stopped at the electric gate, waiting for it to roll away so he could drive through. He stared at the space hesitantly, contemplating whether to drive in or turn back. Steadily, he wheeled through the familiar drive-through, observing the environment. The lawn was well taken care of, green as the forest. He nodded slightly in approval. His gaze fell on the beautiful blooming flowers, just like his mother had been obsessed with. She would inspect them every morning, ensuring the gardener was doing a good job. He never understood her obsession with flowers, but he had continued the tradition after her death.
The mansion came into full view, its majestic structure towering over everything surrounding it. He looked at it with dread. Why had he taken the flight in the first place? He brought the car to a halt, ignoring the urge to turn the car around.
"It's so good to see you, Mr. Vincent," Bruce greeted as he opened the door. He had been Vincent's guardian after his parents' death and continued his role as the housekeeper, ignoring Vincent's disapproval. "Same, Bruce," he replied as he stepped out of the car.
"I was glad when you informed us about your coming, you've been away for a long time," he continued as they went up the grand steps. Vincent turned his gaze to the old man, "Work has been fun," he smirked as he slipped his hands into his pocket.
Bruce nodded with pride as he turned to face him, looking up as Vincent's tall frame towered over him. "And taking your position as chairman?" he asked.
"In a few weeks, I will be chairman."
Bruce reached to tap his shoulder, beaming with pride, "That's my boy." They continued towards the entrance.
"Grace spent the last few hours…." Bruce began as they entered the grand hallway.
"I was worried you won't come," Grace's voice echoed through the hall, interrupting Bruce. Vincent and Bruce exchanged side glances.
"I've missed you so much," she said as she held him to place a small kiss on his cheeks. "You look skinny!" she exclaimed, making Vincent rake his hand through his hair. He always looked skinny with her despite his built frame.
He was ten when she was employed as the family chef, she was older now. He noted. She aged like fine wine.
"I made your favorite three-course," she said as she pulled him towards the dining hall. He followed, amazed by her excitement. Had he been away for that long? He pondered.
The hall was grand and vintage styled. The table sat in the middle of the hall, its design hand-carved with expertise. The oak wood table was a reminder of the long family tradition. The Morales family must stick together. Pulling out the chair at the head of the table, he scoffed. "Guess I'm gonna disappoint the ancestors," he muttered as he sat.
He scrolled through his phone as Grace plated his meal. A nostalgic feeling engulfed him as he went through his schedule for the next day, making him pause for a few seconds.
"I'll go play the classic music you love," Grace said as he put down his phone. "That won't be necessary," he replied as he picked up a fork. His stomach rumbled as he stared down at the lamb stew Grace had plated, making him realize how hungry he was. Eagerly, he took the first bite, savoring the meal as he chewed. He was going to stay a bit longer. He decided as he went for the second bite.
His phone buzzed as he chewed on it. Quickly, he checked the caller ID. He frowned, forcing the food down his throat, and he declined and continued with his meal, aggressively placing the phone on the table. It began buzzing again, and this time he ignored it.