Aileen
After delivering the speech, Dave joined us. We all headed towards the dining area together.
There was a buffet and seating areas with waitresses. We decided to eat at the buffet, but Grandpa had something else in mind.
He brought us over to a private dining area reserved only for the family members.
It was a big area, and the table was quite close to the window, creating a good spot to see the city lights.
“Please take a seat,” the waiter said, giving us a short bow.
Grandpa sat down first in the middle. Then Dave came to sit next to me, but out of nowhere Sarah entered in the middle and sat down next to me.
Dave had to sit next to her and Mom sat beside me.
The atmosphere became tense as everyone was silent. The awkward silence made it hard for me to even breathe.
Mom looked as much troubled as me to be in that situation. Sarah was busy on her phone, clicking her selfies.
Grandpa was also busy on his phone. Dave sat there in silence.
This is a family dinner, right? You are supposed to talk and get along with the other family members. Why the heck are all of you silent? And stop being on your phones. It’s rude, and please act a bit more maturely.
Why the heck am I obsessing over this so much? Am I the only adult here with a sane head here? I guess so.
To entertain myself, I picked up the menu and started reading through it.
I checked the starters and the prices. It was quite an expensive place indeed.
Then scanned through the main course and found nothing that eye-catching so I just looked through the drink section and decided to order some dessert for myself at the end.
Feeling bored, I kept aside the menu and heaved a sigh. I glanced sideways and saw the night view from up high. The city lights looked so dazzling and pretty, that I couldn’t take my eyes off from it.
“Hey, look it’s so” I looked beside me to see Sarah busy and Dave was also busy talking on the phone.
I looked away feeling a bit sad.
I never went to eat in such expensive places even with my dad, and that’s why I missed views like these.
But, because they are rich, they eat in places like this most of the time. That’s why they don’t care about the night view, nor do they get impressed by it.
I’m easy to please why I became excited by it so much. I’m so childish.
Of course, they won’t behave like this no matter what.
“Uh, excuse me, I’m heading over to the bathroom for a bit,” Mom said, getting up from her seat.
“Right now? The food will arrive in a few minutes. Won’t it get cold?” Dave asked.
“Uh, it’s okay. I’ll be back early. Excuse me.” she walked out of there after glancing in my direction.
I knew she didn’t need to use the bathroom, she just wanted to get out of this depressing atmosphere and get some fresh air to feel relieved.
So was I. But, if I left right after her, it would look too suspicious that’s why I stayed behind.
But, even so….. I examined all of their faces carefully.
What am I supposed to talk about with them? I can’t just strike up a meaningless conversation, can I?
While I was thinking about the topic suddenly Sarah kept aside her phone and heaved a sigh.
“Gosh, when is the food going to arrive? It’s been way too long, hasn’t it?” she grunted.
“That’s kind of true,” Grandpa replied, checking his watch. “I wonder why they are late? I should call the manager.”
“Yeah, see what they are up to. It’s way past my dinner time today. Aren’t you hungry, Dave?”
“Uh…. a bit. But, I don’t mind waiting. I’m used to waiting for Emilia or Aileen to arrive before I have dinner. So, it’s not a problem for me,” he replied casually.
Sarah was a bit impressed by his words and Grandpa looked away a bit disappointed.
“So, you wait for them to arrive so you can eat together? That’s so sweet, Dave!” she said, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Your dad never waits for me, nor do we ever see each other for dinner. We hardly see each other. It’s always 2-3 times a week. I’m really envious of you and your family. So nice.”
“Really? I don’t think it’s that much of a big deal though. Anyone can do it for their family. It’s normal.”
“Whatever that’s normal for you doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same for everyone. Not everyone’s days are like you,” His dad responded, a bit harshly. “I’m a busy man. I have work to handle. And at the end of the day, she’s getting what she wanted. Some maids do the housework and cook and clean. She can take spa trips if she feels tired. She can shop and eat out wherever and whenever she wants to. What else does any person need in order to live? No life is better than this.”
“Maybe companionship is what she’s asking for. But you can’t give it to her because you are busy,” I said aloud without a thought.
Grandpa and Sarah all looked at me hearing my response. Dave looked at me as well, but he wasn’t surprised and just smiled.
“Companionship? That’s bullshit!” Grandpa retorted with a smirk. “Money is the only source of happiness and comfort that any person is searching for. Nobody needs companionship or anyone’s comfort. It’s just utter rubbish.”
Sarah became a bit sad by his words. But, she tried not to let it show on her face.
“But, that’s just your thinking. Not everyone in the world thinks like you, do they?” I asked. “Not everyone is obsessed with money like you. They are also searching for love, compassion, kindness, and some warmth in life.”
“Don’t be stupid young lady,” Grandpa mocked. “All of those things spoke of hold no value to people unless you have money. So, don’t speak bullshit. You are only making fun of yourself here.”
“Really? Is money all that matters to people nowadays? I don’t believe it!” I retorted. I had to prove him wrong.
There’s no way everything in this world goes according to what he thinks or feels. Everyone is different and they have their different opinion and wishes. And he needs to acknowledge it.
“Whether you believe it or not does not affect the real world. In this cold and dark world, money, fame, and success are all matters to people. And nobody can deny it.”
There was no confusion in his words. He was confident that whatever he spoke was the truth.
Life is so easy for confident people.
“Son, teach your daughter about the reality a little bit. It’s going to be helpful for her in the future. She’s living in her delusions, which is pretty much harming her mentality.”
Dave sighed, looking in my direction. “Dad, I’m sorry but I think this time Aileen beat you. There’s no need for me to teach her anything ’cause she’s right in her place.”
“What?”
Sarah eagerly watched everything unfolding before her eyes, while staying quiet.
“Yeah, you have a crooked way of thinking. You think your family members, wife, or children are all there dependent on you just because of your money and wealth. They only care about you because of what you provide. But, that’s not true at all. And you know it.”
“You are speaking rubbish”
“You would’ve been my dad, no matter how little you would provide us with. But, this just doesn’t get through your thick brain. Or rather you are too stubborn to accept it. Cause you don’t believe in love or feelings. They are practically useless to you.”
“But,” he smiled, looking at me. “They hold meaning to us. That’s why we are a real family. We aren’t trying to pretend anything like you. Nor do we see each other 2-3 times a week. We eat daily meals together and talk about each other’s day. And that’s how a family is supposed to be like, who spend time together.”
Grandpa looked away fisting his hands underneath the table which could be seen through the glass.
“I don’t think like you. Neither am I obliged to. So, don’t expect it from me.” he grunted. “All of you have yet to see the reality before your eyes.”
“I’m back. Sorry to keep you all waiting,” Mom arrived a second later, drawing all of our attention. “Did the food arrive yet?”
“Uh, not yet,” I replied.
“Sorry for the inconvenience. The food has arrived,” the waiter said, bringing the food cart over to our side.
“Why did it take you so long?” Grandpa lashed out at the manager who stood beside the waiter. “You kept us all starving for over half an hour when I was the only one who reserved this place.”
“I’m sorry, it was literally a fault on our end. We really can’t make up for the lost time. I’m sorry.” The manager replied.
“I’m going to report about you to your seniors. Then, you’ll understand your fault,” Grandpa said, pulling out his phone.
“It’s okay, forgive him,” Sarah replied. “The food is here. If we let it keep sitting, it’ll go cold. Better eat before that happens.”
“Yeah, I think so as well,” I said.
Grandpa didn’t say anything to the waiter anymore and he started putting out plates of dishes in front of us one by one.
Dave smiled, seeing his father admit defeat so easily.
“Enjoy your meal. And call us if there’s any problem., they said before walking away with a bow.