chapter 4

Honour

Campbell

My meeting turned into a family gathering and now my two older brothers Liam and Travis are sitting next to me with a sullen face. Both look at their watches every few minutes and scream at their Personal assistant every half hour.

That was provocative for Travis because Liam's assistant is Iris. The two brothers stare at each other, before concentrating on their laptops. They are not the ones who have a job; I have a job as well. I promised Star that I would help, and now I'm here. Until my parents finish the meeting, so we can MEET. Something didn't make sense. I've never been in this building, and all of a sudden I'm invited to the boardroom for a 'FAMILY' meeting.

"You didn't respond, How do you know Chad?" Travis asked me again.

I took a breath of frustration. I already answered that I don't know Chandler Lyons or any Chad, but Travis is not ready to accept. Thanks to the past.

"Who is Chad? Interrupted Liam.

"Chandler Lyons." Travis was staring at me.

"And what about HIM?" Liam asked Travis.

"He's in the process of building a new showroom, so he's put out a tender. I participated, and now he wants me to work with Millers on it."

"Miller....." Liam whispered. "Roy Miller." We witnessed Liam's transformation into a raging Liam. "All of my brothers are imbeciles."

"I am not part of your problems... He was formal. I think he found something spiritual." As Travis looked at me, "But you." He pointed to me. "Distance yourselves from both. Both Roy and Chad." He finished.

"You're talking to Roy." Liam is taken aback.

"He comes and gets Hope. He is harmless." I was trying to explain myself again when I had done nothing. They have problems with others, I am a simple soul without hate... Yes, some are exceptions but for the most part, I am good.

"All my siblings are insane." Liam turned off his laptop and pulled out his phone. He walked down the hall, and Travis and I see him through the glass in the conference room, walking and yelling at somebody.

"I hope he's not fighting with Star," I whispered.

"No, he's not going to do it." Travis looked at me seriously.

After Liam joined us, he had a word with Travis. He described the conversation with his accountant who was late in submitting the monthly account. That's how he calmed down. I knew why Liam told Travis the whole thing... Iris is the reason. I don't see Liam losing his temper, except in the case of Roy Miller. Liam has always been successful in maintaining the situation.

"What are you two doing here?" We noticed that Mother was standing with all her perfection and looking at her sons.

"You called her," says Liam.

"No ... Derek called her." Mother took her seat.

"No, you did. Dad will never get in touch with her." Liam insisted on this point. "I was curious to know what you were looking for, so I changed my schedule."

"I am curious too." Travis chimed.

"What are they doing here?" Father comes in with tablets and records. When he saw me, he sent away the anonymous Personal Assistant.

"Curiousness." Mother smiles lovingly at her father.

Turning back the same favour, Father embraced Mother before taking his seat. He typed something on that tablet while Mother gave the file to Liam.

"This is insanity," Liam shouted. "You know them... There is no question that we want to be related to them." He looked at Mother.

"I didn't do it. Derek is the one." Mother was on defence. But we are all aware... Anyway, it is she behind on behalf of the Father. He never makes a move without her. The same is true of Mother.

Hading the file over to Travis who was sitting across from Liam at the roundtable, Liam hid his face in the palm. He's a little nervous now. It must be exhausting dealing with his business, and now our parents have done something to disturb him.

"Honor... I want you to see this." I was frightened by Father's straight face. He's the master of that face.

I was taken aback. He never talked to me directly, calling my name was anything but a dream. Something about this is wrong. First, he called me here, second, my two elder brothers look disturbed. Third, Father called my name.

I took a couple of steps and watched Liam. Then I went a little further and watched Mother. And yet another final step, looking at Travis. Eventually, I got to my destination. Father.

Without exchanging words, Father handed over the tablet that had a picture of a... man... No. It's men. I read about it. That's Whitfield, all right. They seemed kind of descent. Businessman... and it's father-sons. What do I do about it?

Pointing at the man, who looked in his late 20s, "This is Chance Whitfield... your husband-to-be." Father said.

"We arranged your wedding." Mother faked her excitement.

"Chance's mentally ill." Travis was mad.

"You have an issue with everyone". Mocking, Mother folded her arms over her chest.

"He's got a point. He's more familiar with him than we are. He was his classmate." Liam was looking at Father who was looking at everything except us. "She's too young to get married." It is not new, that Liam took my side. He never shows this, but he knows as well as he does his duty as elder brother.

"We found her a good husband." Mother argued. "I don't see him as mentally ill. He makes a good living... he's one of those bachelors I know. He's right for her."

"Because he talks sweet." Travis was covered with his palm.

"She doesn't have a problem with that." Mother beamed and looked at me.

Following her, everyone looked at me. Now they all want my answer. Before that, I was invisible. They were discussing me and my future without involving me. Now, as a formality, they want an answer from me.

"Not expressing yourself is emotional suicide."

Remembering what Chandler said, I cried. I expressed myself. It was the first time after 16 years that I cried in front of them.

"I'm afraid, Mum." I cried while looking at the woman with hope.

"I'm not your mum." Mother was full of hatred.

"I don't want to leave Papa, Mrs Campbell," I said the words, as she likes.

"That's it," Father was furious. "The last time was sufficient." He said to mother.

"Chance doesn't deserve any chance." Travis ripped the pages and tossed the file onto the floor.

"He can't be so bad." Mother was strong-willed.

"I don't trust the family." Liam pulled me out of the boardroom.

"Chance Is terrible?" I asked Liam, crying.