Now let’s begin the purpose of this meeting shall we? The first portion of the inheritance that you three shall receive—”
Ms. Clarisse coughed. Her eyes watered up as she tried to control her itching throat. I almost stood up from my seat to assist her, realizing she’s no longer here. The image of Ms. Clarisse reached for a glass of water and drank it to calm her nerves. Even with her makeup on, her ill health is visible on visual video. The suspension irritated Troy, he folded his arms and watched his mother in fury.
When Ms. Clarisse relaxed, she apologized for the interruption.
“Hurry up and tell us!” yelled Ben from the dark.
Ms. Clarisse scratched her head and looked up at the ceiling, searching in her old mind. She lost her train of thought and openly asked herself what she was talking about. Her hands finally clasped together.
“Now I remember—silly old me! About your inheritance…you will all receive absolutely nothing.”
Ms. Clarisse let her words sink by silently staring at the camcorder, implying to us that this is no joke. Then she proceeded to speak.
“The company, money, land, stock market, all properties will not pass to any of our grandchildren much less your spouses. That inheritance you value so much—will no longer be in your control. If so, you’re probably wondering where the Mable fortune has gone. I know you’re desperate to know because money and property are the reasons why you’re even in attendance. You’re not here to see my face, nor are you interested in listening to what I had to say. But fear not my children.
You no longer have the right or responsibility to affiliate yourself with the company and assets of the Mable family. You may keep the money in your personal accounts, but you are hereby locked from all accounts within the States and out. The family trust funds has been transferred, changed, and is no longer accessible by you. I took it upon myself to donate my valuable belongings and some land to so many numerous non-profit organizations, that I lost count to name. Our family heirlooms went to museums, they were grateful and honored to take them.
Now let’s return to that question. What will become of the company and Mable fortune? The company, properties, and contracts has been transferred and will be managed by another old, but respectable family—the Helen family. A large percentage of the profit you three traditionally receive will exclusively support and fund an orphanage founded by Mr. Helen. His team and staff will provide excellent care for boys and girls who didn’t get the opportunity to have parents. My…how ironic.
Don’t worry, the rest of your father’s legacy and my family’s long history of wealth will not disappear, rather it will be in good hands. I personally know Mr. Helen, he grew up among the best circles in society, and I much rather leave my money in his hands than in yours. He is a good man, and I have faith in his vision.”
Ms. Clarisse closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Her gaze returned at the camcorder. Her lips smiled and relaxed. She called on Troy who led the company after Ms. Clarisse’s husband passed.
“Troy.” she repeated. “My son—you are fired!”
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this!” cried Ana.
“She’s joking.” said Ben. “This is a joke.”
Ms. Clarisse continued.
“If you want to work for the company, you must begin as an intern until your now superiors promote you. Ana and Ben—you will not receive a penny anymore. For goodness sake, do something with our life!
If you hate or despise me for doing this, then I welcome it. I hope you do, if it will spark any self-ambition in you. I know you will protest everything I have said, but this is no accident, no mistake—for I have a confession to make.”
Ms. Clarisse pulled out a sheet of paper, and observed it with a smile on her face. She placed the paper on her lap and returned her attention to us.
“This was originally your father’s idea and I have the document that proves it. Sometime in your adolescence, you have all changed, and over the years you have all turned into strangers, you became distant, and bitter towards us. After his retirement he saw how differently you three treated him. It wasn’t until his last month that he realized how underserving you all are. The day he got sick he overheard you three arguing like hyenas over his Will, one of you even wished him dead. You three have hurt my husband, but as you mother I forgave you.
I opposed him on the idea to strip you three from the inheritance, I convinced him to let you three enjoy your lives like you have. Before his death, Austin couldn’t come to a conclusion so he revised his will, and passed everything to me. He said I was blind, and would soon be the one to decide. I was confident I saved our family from a destructive decision. That is until I saw for my own eyes what your father saw in you. You had a second chance and what did you do with it?
You left me in Gilia, not once stepping a single foot to visit me. I fooled myself into thinking you would change your ways, but you have all proven me wrong. I hated myself for thinking Austin was a bad father for wanting to do this, but now I see.
In my torment, I met a young woman who gave me strength—she suffered in worse situations. Every day she battled financially, mentally, physically and yet—she gave me compassion, even when I didn’t deserve it. On her own she tried to survive unbearable conditions, none was for the sake of selfish gain—but for the child in her womb. Could you do the same for your children?—could you?!
I don’t want you to suffer when you reach my age, so I end this visual video with one question. Look at your children sitting beside you. If you couldn’t take care of me or visit me, do you think your own children will? I hope you never have to experience what I have—what those people in every elderly home have to endure. Troy, Ana, and Ben, don’t confuse this decision with us not loving you, because our love was always there. I am only sorry I failed you as a mother.
I will never get an opportunity to redeem myself, and it kills me that you don’t give me the chance to be in your life. Very soon I can rest, and leave this lonely feeling on this earth. Your now deceased mother, Clarisse Elliot Mable.”
When the visual video evaporated, the room has never been quieter. Mr. Müller began packing up his papers. There is nothing left for him to do. Turns out Troy is right—he isn’t going to be the family lawyer anymore. The sound of texting and whining ceased. Ana’s son was too young to understand, he went on jumping on the seats.
Everyone thought that when Ms. Clarisse stopped receiving treatment that she would die alone, even Mr. Müller believed it. No one knows that I paid Bradley to let me be by her side. Ms. Clarisse chastised me, worrying her death would affect my baby, but she admitted she missed me. On her last moments of life, she shared a secret I did not understand until now.
“For once.” she said. “I’m going to give them a good spanking”
When Mr. Müller finished packing, Troy jumped from his seat and hollered.
“You know we can fight this Müller!” His finger pointed at all the muted lawyers. “You backstabbing bastards, you think you can take away what’s rightfully mine? You just wait until I sue you all—this is an illegitimate Will!”
“This is anything but unlawful” said Mr. Müller. “You will all receive copies of the pertaining documents that exempt you three from receiving any—”
“Shut up!” yelled Troy. “You’re all going to jail, I’m taking each and every one of you to court!”
“That won’t be necessary.” said an entering voice.
Among the tall young men in suits, a mysterious man revealed himself from the red drapes of the stage. He stepped down with a smile and greeted us, his light brown hair fell over his eyes—a green meadow.
“Who are you?” demanded Troy. “Who summoned you?”
“This is Mr. Helen.” responded Mr. Müller.
“The bastard who took our hard earned money?” exclaimed Ben.
He left his seat and charged pass Mr. Müller, his fist went for Mr. Helen. As if it was choreographed, the silent lawyers
surrounded Helen like body guards and asked Ben to step back. Ben didn’t swing, the lawyer’s reaction is enough for him to retract his steps. Turns out these young lawyers belong to this one man, Mr. Helen.
“Give back what rightfully belongs to us!” yelled Ben.
Ana began to cry, while her son sat calmly, for once. Troy’s wife remained quiet, she shook, silently staring at her husband. Mr. Helen walked towards the table Mr. Müller used and poured himself a glass of water. He stared at it like he found some secret writing and returned his attention to Troy and Ben.
“Let me make one thing clear. I don’t need any financial help from the Mable family. You clearly know who I am, and how well my family’s wealth sustains me. What your mother did was out of her own good heart, a blessing on that matter. My orphanage doesn’t receive government help, I’m sure you already know that. But if you want to fight me in court, you will have to include every non-profit organization Ms. Clarisse clearly lost count to name. Sounds like an awful amount of time and money to me. Now you can hire your team and fight this, but don’t misunderstand me. I am not afraid to see you all in court, and yes—I will win.”
Mr. Müller and Mr. Helen went towards the exit together. I left my seat and followed after them. I looked behind one last time. The back of their heads remained like statues, unmoving and gloomy. We left the beautiful ballroom and returned to the arched halls where I shadowed their steps.
“It takes a lot of courage to make a difficult decision like that.” said Mr. Müller. “I only hope she didn’t regret this.”
“I believe Ms. Clarisse loves them enough to let them out of the bird nest.” said Mr. Helen. “They’re behavior doesn’t surprise me. Everyone knows about rumored neglect from the Mable children. Clearly her decision to wean them doesn’t mean she doesn’t love them.”
“Her love exceeds the Milky Way.” I replied, uninvited to their conversation.
Mr. Helen froze his steps, realizing I wasn’t a maid. Mr. Müller excused himself, and introduced me.
“This is Lola, she was Ms. Clarisse’s personal attendant and a much cherished friend.”
Mr. Helen’s green eye’s looked at mine, then at my belly.
“I hope you become a good mother.” he said. “Children deserve good parents.”
He reached for my hand to shake. I took his strong firm grip and let his hand shake mine. He looks around the same age as mine, but he holds a very mature appearance.
“I couldn’t agree more.” I replied. “Do you have children?”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be suited for parenthood.” he commented. “Besides, running an orphanage keeps me busy.”
Mr. Müller and Mr. Helen walked me towards the exit where Benjamin waited. The house workers have started packing, they were briefly told of the situation and it looks like no one is loyal enough to see if they will get paid.
“Thank you for coming.” said Mr. Müller taking my hand and gently shaking it. “I take it you will be leaving to WA State soon.”
“Yes.” I replied. “I think it’s necessary before this belly grows too big.”
Mr. Helen excused Benjamin from leaving his seat and opened the door for me. He offered his hand to me, and I sat down with ease. I have never met such a gentlemen before.
“It was nice meeting you.” said Mr. Helen. “Have a safe trip and a safe delivery.”
On the road back to the hotel, Benjamin and I discussed the decision Ms. Clarisse made. Even Benjamin didn’t see that coming. Admittedly, I am a bit fearful for Ana and her son. Troy looked like a mess, his teenagers were finally able to look away from their toys, and his wife couldn’t stop shaking. Ben reverted to mumbling after Mr. Helen took Troy’s threat as a challenge. Who wouldn’t feel intimidated, Mr. Helen’s lawyers offered themselves as shields to Ben’s angry fist!
Ms. Clarisse decision to take her children’s inheritance shocked us all, but she couldn’t do that without having faith in them. Their father made a name of himself, and their mother is a strong woman. Maybe they have it in themselves to pull through, and in that process they might grow, and appreciate what matters most. Family.
Kinoki jumped into the kitchen counter. I snapped out of my memories: Ms. Clarisse’s room, Bradley’s greed, Mr. Müller’s politeness, Mr. Helen’s green eyes, Troy, Ana, and Ben, all of it evaporated.
Kinoki rubbed her cheek through my hand. I scratched her temple and massaged her shoulders. Through the weeks that my belly grew, Kinoki’s baby fur disappeared—now replaced by a thick coat. She always reminds me of my memories at Gilia. A place I met a precious old soul, with the undying hope to reach out to her children. With Kinoki by my side, leaving California was less painful, but none of this would be possible without one person. I wouldn’t be here without her. I looked around the kitchen, embarrassed, but hopeful.
“Ms. Clarisse.” I said out loud. “I hope you’re really watching over us. I miss you, and I want to thank you—for everything.”
Chapter Ten
Over a Glass of Water
“A whole parade is going be here, first thing in the morning…”
In my sleep, I feel myself submerging in heat. When I woke up, I gasped for air and pulled my bed covers off me. My body is drenched in sweat. The heater has been running non-stop. I searched for Kinoki, she often slept with me, but she wasn’t around. I pulled my hair into a bun to ventilate the drops of sweat on my neck. If I haven’t woken up, I don’t know what could’ve happened—would I have died in my sleep? My lips smacked for a glass of ice cold water. Before I went to the kitchen, I look a look at the heater settings reading 90 degrees. I listened for the heat to come through the ventilation, but there’s nothing. My default settings are for 71 degrees, nothing should go past that, it shouldn’t be this hot.
“You got to be kidding me.” I groaned.
This is no other than a visible sign of a broken heating system, now I have to dig into my almost non-existing savings and get it fixed. Going downstairs didn’t get better, the living room felt more humid, almost to the point broiling. The windows have fogged up and a radiant light peered through every window in the cabin, I ignored the light thinking it was a passing car. Then I looked again, remembering I live in the forest—not the city.
A rumbling wind gnarled and shook the windows. Kinoki woke up from the sofa, she leaped onto the window, facing the porch to see the commotion. I followed her, wiping the fog from the window.
There isn’t any cars, but I can clearly see the pine trees. It should be pitch black, but something is casting a strange light. My eyes followed a reflection on the windshield of my truck, it mirrored something above.
Curiosity—murderer of cats, led me out of my home. I notice a strange tint in the sky, but the roof on the porch is blocking my view. As I crept downstairs, the sky began to expand, there, I fixated on the atmosphere where all of space has started to unraveled before me. The stars are doing something they never had, they’re moving. Like a recorded time lapse, the stars warped around a parade of meteor showers. The grumbling is like a jet plane passing by, the noise is growing more explosive. The hot rocks in the horizon are burning a blue flame and disintegrating in the distance. Each enflamed rock illuminated the forest, I watched in awe, having no rational explanation to this fabled sight. My feet soaked in the cold wet grass, as a part of me grew frightened of this abnormal sight. Kinoki kept indoor, she looked through the window, her yellow eyes glimmered from what casted above. Her behavior is strange today, she’s often the first one to dash out of the door. Something about this distorting sky is keeping my cat in.
The shifting stars lost my sense of balance, at least, that what I thought it was. The ground beneath me shook, and the furniture on the porch rattled. I held on to the rail of the stairs. The night sky kept expanding with billions of stars whirling among each other. The sky started to screech, like hundreds of nails clawed on a chalk board. Among the tiny passing meteors, one began to submerge. Somewhere in the ozone layer,
a massive rock didn’t disintegrate like the rest. It descended near us, with it—carrying a frightening moan. The blasting sound elevated, it roared like a volcano ready to erupt, rumbling, and swishing the trees around us. The closer it got, the more my ears were ready to pop.
This large meteor is descending with great velocity! At last, the friction with gravity became too much, chips and pieces burned—disintegrating as it got closer to land. The rock now diminished its massive size to 50 feet. I rushed back inside the cabin, and slammed the door shut. In the distance, the trees cracked and snapped. A gunshot sound hit the ground, and then, silence returned to the forest.
Afar, I can hear the cries of crows—their voices resonated in the distance. The impact must have disturbed their sleep or maybe they perished within the crash. I can hear the galloping locals, the doe’s and buck must be running towards the opposite direction of the landing. I opened the door and slowly returned to the porch.
As if nothing has happened, darkness returned to the forest. I looked up at the sky, the shower of meteors and the stirring stars have stopped. Everything is back to normal. Night existed as before, the stars are blinking innocently at me. In just moments, this phenomenon disappeared as if it never happened.
When I went back inside the cabin, something didn’t feel right. The cabin is longer scorching hot. The windows have cleared up, leaving no stain or water residue. I went upstairs and checked the settings of my heater. The temperature fell down to 30 degrees in just minutes.
The Birth (The Black Wing Book 1) Page 9