I took him upstairs to my room and closed the door behind us, then I sat down on a couch placed nicely in my master bedroom. I arranged my gown properly as not to get it all ruffled up before I turned my attention to him.
“Ok? We’re alone, what do you want to talk about?” I asked plainly without any emotion.
“Well, I wanted to congratulate you on turning 30. It’s amazing how a little girl could grow up into a wonderful fine and intelligent woman.” He stated with small smile tugging his lips.
This must be a trick of light from my room because there’s no way my father is smiling, let alone to me.
“Is that all? You could have just said that to me in the kitchen.” I replied back unfeelingly.
I watched as the smile lift from his face and a sudden look of regret graced his aging face.
“I know I don’t deserve a second chance with you especially after the stunt I pulled few months ago, but I sincerely wanted you to know how proud I am of you and your brother. And I’m very sorry for treating you like a regent all your life instead of giving you the respect you deserved as an outstanding brilliant lady you’ve become. I took all your achievements for granted and I’m very sorry about that.” He stated sadly.
Whatever his game is, he’s sure using new and different cards this time.
“Daniel and I are not trying our best because we want you to be proud of us, but because we want to prove that we’re nothing like you.” I replied sternly.
If he’s trying to crawl his way into our lives again just to use us for his selfish purposes, I’ll make sure to stop him before he even gets the chance.
“And I’m glad you both are nothing like me. Daniel proved that to me already and had me thinking just how far I have fallen. Believe me when I say that I didn’t come here to try and ruin your happy day or anything like that. I just thought you should know how much I respect you and would like to get to know you better…” he stated disheartened.
“… I’ll be on my way now, but if there’s anything, anything at all you need from me, don’t hesitate to ask me. Ok? Do have a wonderful year honey.” He added to my surprise.
He looked sincere, hell he even sounded sincere. My father have never told me that he wants to get to know me before, so that got me puzzled for a moment. Maybe he’s trying to change.
As he was about to leave the room, I felt like running to him and hugging him, but I held myself. I’ve treated men like a commodity and never took them seriously until i met Jeffery, and that was all because I never had a good relationship with this man I call my father.
He had treated me like less all my life, but tonight he’s asking for a chance to get to know me?
“Dad?…” I called out as he was about to leave. “… If you don’t mind, I’d love to see you after the party tonight to talk about my new business. I’d really appreciate it if you’d be an investor.” I request with a smile that seemed to lighten up his mood.
I couldn’t run to him and give him that hug, it’s a gradual process. But I can at least stop him from leaving my party early.
I saw the smile return to his face as he nodded gently . It wasn’t a trick of light, my father- Tion Winfrey is actually smiling and I smiled even brighter.
It reminded me of my 5th birthday and Daniel was 1. Our mom was still with us then and dad was genuinely happy on my birthday.
Those were the good days when life was still innocent and peaceful. Days when we still had love that wasn’t replaced with duties and obligations or my father’s greed.
If he truly has changed, then that would be the best gift I could ever get on my birthday.
My mind went back to Daniel. I know he’d flip if I tell him what dad just said, but I can’t do this without him.
Daniel
Shanghai has been boring ever since Penelope left for Canada a month ago.
I arrived in Minnesota yesterday morning and was glad to be home. But after the stunt my father pulled 2months ago, I wasn’t comfortable staying at home, so I’ve been at Heather’s place since I returned.
We agreed to avoid our father tonight, so imagine my surprise seeing a smile on Heather’s face as she walked the stairs into the crowded room wrapped in his arms.
She smiled as she made her way to Markian, Jeffery and I, but I didn’t smile back.
“Heather what the hell?” I asked upset in the presence of Markian and Jeffery.
“Hey brother, hold your horses. At least ask me what happened first?.” She requested and I obliged curiously.
“Ok. What happened?” I asked sternly.
“A wise person once told me that ‘anyone who forgives has a big heart’ and I agree…” she stated glancing at Jeffery.
“Well, that wise person must not have met our father now, has he?” I asked back throwing shades at Jeffery.
She always does this every single time. She gets her hopes up that our father would change and see her for who she really is, but he never does and that breaks her heart every time.
“As a matter of fact I have. I extended him and invitation to the party today.” Jeffery stayed and my annoyance grew.
“You shouldn’t have done that. You have no idea what he has done and what he might still be planning to do.” I stated seriously.
“… well, dad came to meet me in the kitchen and asked to speak with me. I was reluctant at first but he insisted it would only take a minute, so I listened to what he had to say. He said he wanted us to know how proud he was of the both of us, and that he’s sorry for how he had treated me all these years. He said he wants a chance to get to know me, and I really feel like he’s changed. Maybe it’s time to put everything behind us once and for all.” she added calmly.
“And you think that’s a bright idea, even after the stunt he pulled 2 months ago? Our father would never change. He knows exactly what to say in a minute to get you hopeful and excited all over again, don’t you see that? I’m pretty sure he has an ulterior motive for approaching you now.” I countered with so much disdain towards him.
“C’mon man, he’s still your father. If he wants to make amends then he deserves that little at least.” Markian advised.
“He deserves nothing from any of us! After what he did to you, you’re the last person I expected to support him Markian.” I blurted.
My outburst seemed to surprise everyone but I quickly comported myself. I’m not usually open about my emotions when it comes to my father, but after the stunt he pulled the last time, I can’t bring myself to trust him again.
“I don’t hold any grudge against your father. Honestly, if the old me were in his shoes I would have done exactly what he did. But family is blood bro, and blood sticks together no matter what.” Markian replied, making the environment less tense than I’ve made it.
“Thank you for that Markian. Now, if you don’t mind I’ll like to step away from your negative aura and go and greet my guest. I suggest you do the same.” Heather threw a shade at me before she left with Jeffery to join the crowd.