A Change Within

Chapter 2

"Dad! Come on inside, I'll cook some dinner." Andromeda called Robert while ushering all the others inside. Robert stood up and walked inside to the dining that was attached to the open kitchen where he saw his daughter trying to cook and Billy, their old butler, helping her. The kids were eating jelly beans in the corner while Fritz and Daniel sat at the table talking about the latest football game. Robert sat down with them at the head of the table and observed.

"Dad, when is Seb coming home?", Andromeda asked while cooking. "I have no idea Pumpkin, he did say there was an important meeting today," Robert replied to her. From his side he observed Elijah's ear perked up at the mention of his father's name. "Dan, give him a ring.", Andromeda instructed Daniel. "Like he would ever pick up sis." He scoffed, "He takes after dad after all", with the snide remark at his father he took out his phone and rang up his older brother. After the third ring, his brother miraculously picked up the phone only uttering "On my way" and hanging up. Daniel seethed and mumbled how his oh so perfect brother was on his way.

The kids were now seated with all the other family members on the table waiting to devour the delicious dinner made by their mom and aunt. Unfortunately, they had to wait for Sebastian Frost so they could start eating. After ten minutes of waiting, Daniel scooped up a huge piece of lasagne and put it on his plate saying, "He ain't coming guys, let's eat, the kids are hungry!". Just as he said that they hear footsteps in the foyer.

A tall handsome man in his late 20s entered. He had glasses on his long nose and a briefcase in his one hand. He was listening to a phone call with his other hand. He came in and sat down on one of the chairs with all eyes on him. He finished the call and greeted everyone. "Why do I have a feeling that my idiotic little brother was badmouthing me again?" He asked eyeing Daniel. And before he could respond Andromeda butted in, "O shut up you both and let's eat, the kids are hungry. And next time please arrive on time brother." They finally dug in while having little chats here and there. Though it looked like a very lively and happy family dinner Robert couldn't help but observe how Andromeda was helping her kids and how Sebastian was talking to Fritz and Daniel completely oblivious to the stares Elijah was giving to him and his aunt.

After Dinner Andromeda and her husband left with their kids to their home. Daniel went out to God knows where and Billy ushered Elijah to his bedroom so he could sleep. Robert called Sebastian to his study so he could discuss the disturbing observation about Elijah.

"Yes, Dad? Is everything alright? I have a meeting with a foreign client in an hour." Sebastian asked his father walking inside his study.

"Sit down son", Robert urged his son and when he sat down, he continued, "Everything is fine. It's just that when are you going to get married? And when will you stop working too much?"

"Dad I told you before I am too busy to get married and to be honest, I already have a kid if you are pointing that part out."

"Son I know work is important but so is your family especially your son. He needs you. Have you seen him looking at his cousins as if he is missing something? Have you seen those eyes, Seb? I don't want that. I want you to give him love just like your mom and your sister and stop with this working too much!"

Sebastian listened to his father and gave a sarcastic smile, "Wow! Now you ask me to give love? Now you ask me to be like mom? Ironic isn't it dad? I mean whom do you think I got this side from dad? Or have you not looked over in the mirror?"

"Me? What has this got to do with me? I gave you everything and your mom gave you all the love in the universe! Then how can you say it is me?"

"Did you forget that you were also a workaholic! I learned from you dad! And the lack of love is what you gave Daniel. Don't you think it's you who influenced us one way or the other? And now you want to preach love suddenly?". Sebastian snapped.

The words that left from his son's mouth left him speechless. He just sat there staring at his son, deep in thought. "I have a meeting dad, I am going to go", with that Sebastian left his father in the study.

Robert pondered and pondered over his sons' words and realised that he was right in one way or the other. It was his fault and he needed to overcome this barrier of love first. Remembering one of the rules of Shams;

"The quest for love changes user. There is no seeker among those who search for love who has not matured on the way. The moment you start looking for love, you start to change within and without."

Maybe he still had hope, maybe he can change if he tries.