Chapter 2 De Martins

Chapter 2

De Martins

Ruby's Pov;

" What's it, Dad?" I asked during breakfast.

He forced a smile at me and shook his head. I know he's lying, but what can I do?.

I let it slide as I served breakfast. Michael looked excited and already dressed up for summer class.

I don't get why Dad had insisted on him going. I hate summer class like hell.

I finished dishing theirs, and dished mine before taking my seat.

I watched Dad closely from the corner of my eyes.

I knew something's wrong - something's definitely amidst.

I started noticing it, right from the day he told us there will be no vacation for us.

I had gotten so angry and furious and had locked myself up all day, but then I had a rethink - he's never done that before.

Dad loves spoiling us with gifts, and ever since I was a kid, we've always been going to vacations - term in, term out. We've never missed it. So, it didn't make sense to get angry at him just this once.

I tried to make him tell me what was wrong, but he wouldn't. I know all isn't well.

He didn't even get Michael something on his way back from work, yesterday.

If only he can just talk to me?Why can't he open up to me?.

Does he still think of me as a kid?.

For goodness sake, I'll be nineteen soon. Isn't that adult enough?

The breakfast was a quiet and quick one. He finished eating and picked up his briefcase, pecked us both before heading out.

" You better hurry, and let me go drop you off" I told Michael angrily.

He stuck his tongue out at me again.

" It's like you're forgetting Dad isn't here " I snapped at him.

He rolled his eyes and went back to his meal.

*

*

We finished eating and I had to clean the table and take the dishes to the kitchen.

I finished with that and went to get Michael from the sitting room, before heading out of the house, going to drop him off at summer school.

This is actually the first time Michael is attending it.

We are supposed to be on vacation now - maybe in a faraway country or anywhere.

I took my car keys on my way out.

We got to the garage and I helped Michael into the car.

I walked to the other part and got in also, igniting the car engine immediately

This car was my sixteenth birthday present from my Dad.

That day is one of the most memorable days in my life.

" Aren't you gonna help me with my seatbelt?" Michael whined close to me.

I glared at him, before moving closer to help him with it.

I don't know why kids don't understand body language.

Can't he tell I am not in the mood for his dramas and plays and just quit already.

I might scream at him next,or do something I wouldn't like, and that won't be pleasant.

" All done. Let's go" I said, trying to be as cheerful and as calm as I can be.

I don't know what's with my mood this morning?.

Guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

I did my seatbelt too, before handling the wheel again.

*

*

The drive was a quick one as we got there in time.

I parked and went round, to get Michael out of the car.

" You didn't buy me anything," he whined.

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Seriously?.

" I'll get you something on our way back home" I said, hoping I am convincing enough.

He pouted, folding his arms across each other.

" You're gonna be late Michael" I grumbled.

I know it's all my fault. I actually forgot to get him something - it had slipped my mind.

Courtesy of thinking too much.

But why didn't he remind me when we were still on the road? Why now?.

He's just trying to get on my nerves.

I don't even know what to say to him to appease him. I am so not in the mood.

" I promise, okay?" I said effortlessly.

" Promise?" he asked, loosening up.

" Yeah" I cooed, and played with his hair.

He giggled and hugged me, before running off into the building

I smiled at his display of childishness.

Just before he got in, he turned back once more and waved at me. I waved back with a smile on my face.

I don't think I can ever stay angry at this soul?.

I thought as I turned back, heading to the car.

*

*

I got home, really tired and exhausted.

There's nothing to do at home.

Is this really how I'm gonna spend the holiday?.

Oh, yeah! This is really how I have been spending it.

So far, so good, I've been surviving.

I'm supposed to be at the beach now or somewhere else - making friends and trying out new things.

What exactly happened? Why can't Dad just tell me? It's really bothering me alot.

There's nothing to do. I can't even watch movies anymore, because I'm tired of watching.

I leaned on the couch, thinking about it.

******

DE MARTINS COMPANY

Mr Martins walked majestically to the board of directors officers.

" What's the reason for this meeting?" he asked them, looking from one person to the other.

They murmured and whispered to themselves, before one spoke up.

" We heard the news about our associates in China, and we are worried," a middle aged man spoke up.

Mr Martins stared at him with anger.

" How do I keep repeating myself that my son has gone to China to fix it. He's doing something about it already, so what's the fear?" he asked them.

" But...he's talking too long already. What if they don't listen to him? I think it's better we start looking for another alternative now" another said.

" Really? And what better ideas have you all come up with?" he asked.

There was a short silence, before another cleared his throat.

" Well...we are thinking of giving in to their request. Why don't we just give them a share in the company? After all, it's gonna do us more good than harm" a man said, and the others nodded supportively.

Mr Martins looked at each of them.

" And you think this is the best way to go about it? Have you thought about what will happen if they finally succeed in getting a share in this company - it will be like giving them access to our lives - to the company, the shares, the stocks - everything we own. Have you thought about that?" he asked sternly.

None of them spoke up, so Mr Martins decided to go further

" You know very well how these people work and how they operate. This is a company - business enterprise. Giving them that leverage, will be like giving them our company,don't you know that?" he asked.

Murmurings filled the hall.

" What if Nathan is unable to talk to them? What if he's unable to negotiate with them and make them see reasons with him, what then do we do, that's the question?" another asked.

" Then, we'll think of another way. Let's just wait for him to return first. Let's wait and see how it goes. There are many alternatives to this thing. We can't just rush into decisions like that. If we are gonna start doing this ,it's gonna ruin the company and bring it down" Mr Martins said.

" And I know no one of you sitting here will like their sweat and hard work to go down the drain just like that, '' he said. They nodded.

" Good, and if there's nothing more to discuss, I'll like to take my leave now," Mr Martins said and got up from his seat.

He shook hands with some of them close to him, before walking out with his bodyguards.

*

*

Mr Martins arrived home after about one hour of driving

The car door was opened for him as he walked into the mansion.

The first person he saw was his wife - Tracy - Nathan's stepmother.

" How was It?" she asked, referring to the meeting.

He had told her before he left, that he was going to attend the board meeting which they had scheduled that morning.

It wasn't his plan to go to the company that day, but he had to, because of the board meeting.

" It was fine," he replied.

" What was discussed?" she asked, helping him take off his suit.

" Nothing of importance," Mr Martins said.

Tracy smiled and walked to the wine bar. She brought out a bottle of wine and two glasses.

She opened the wine and poured it into the two glasses, then handed one over to her husband.

" Perhaps, this might help relieve your stress," she said.

Mr Martins took it and gulped it down at once.

" Where's Ella?" Mr Martins asked her.

Ella is his child with her and their only daughter.

" She told me she's going out with some of her friends," Tracy replied.

Mr Martins turned to look at her.

" When did she leave?" he asked.

" This morning. Immediately you left" she replied.

" And she didn't tell you where she was going to?" he asked again.

" No," she replied.

" Stop worrying. She'll be fine. This isn't the first time she's going out. You worry too much" she teased.

He sighed.