Inheritance

Not My Business

April 2nd, 2017

'Can I call you back,' the last words he spoke... Things were bound to get messy. I took down the last frame. Approaching the nearest window, I stared out into the clearing. Nightfall always seemed to have touched my heart. Everything about it was peaceful in the eyes of others. Yet it was unlikely in my situation. Night had taken over day meaning another day of the constant repetition of torment. Everything began to fade. Mum walked into the room. I leant over to hug her. She had a troubled look impaled on her face. Dad's colleagues from the board over at Crypto came to collect the last of his possessions. I took a deep breath hoping it would be of some sort of help. Announcements were to be made as following the commands of our family affairs lawyer. It was regarding father's will. I had never thought to witness this day. Fate had its own plans I assumed. Andrew, the chauffeur lifted my baggage whilst escorting me to the car. I handed him a tip. Today was exhausting. Responsibilities after responsibilities. Work became my bread and butter. Finally, the thought of being called mature was true. The death bought additional responsibilities to us all. Darkness lingered over me like a bad stain. Guilt consumed me. Darkness engulfed me within. Emotion had no effect on me, I was unable to even force a smile let alone laugh. The roads were clear. This was unusual as it would normally be the rush hour, people were out either travelling to work or just driving in general.

There was unwelcoming silence. I unbuttoned my top button. Sweat rolled off Elias's forehead. Malia looked over in my direction. The hinges on the door creaked, we all looked over. Mum walked in, her attire was channel, glassed Dior. Avoiding any form of contact she looked down. Zavier and Nathan called us into Prosecutor Damian's office. Uncle Emett and Aunt Kendall rushed in. "Sorry, we're late," "Hello my dear's," exclaimed both in unison. Everyone was here finally. The will had been read out. Everyone was left in shock. Assets, buildings, finance, and multiple belongings. Whilst everyone had been making an exit, I was called out by Nathan. "Your father wanted you to have this." Said Nathan handing me an envelope which had been sealed and addressed to me. He then left the room. I followed behind wondering what the envelope contained. Searching my pockets for the car keys. I looked up. Dressed in a Versace tuxedo, close cropped hair, hard blue eyes, and emotionless vibe a name hard to forget. Kayson Fransisco. I stood perfectly still, paralyzed like unable to find support till I leant against a desk. He shook my hand. "My kindest condolences, I hope yourself and the family are well," he exclaimed in a deep tone. His eyes were swollen. It was as though tears began to form in his eyes. 'Thank you, 'I said. There was an extraordinary coldness about him that seemed to neutralize in the British sun. Never really bothered me though. I forced a smile, but it seemed to appear like a grin.

There was a repetitive knock on the door. I was not in the mood to move. Lifting my body, I turned the handle. Iris, my niece, was standing at the door beside her was a suitcase. I was confused at first, 'what had she been doing here?' Then I realized I was too caught up in my work that I had forgotten about Iris's arrival. Her skin was a sienna tone, dark blonde hair not forgetting to mention the fact that at times she had acted older than 15. We both had a pleasant evening on the yacht. A little seaside down on the edge of the marshes and lagoons that made up the Camargue. There was nothing in Saint Pierre apart from beaches, campsites, too many restaurants and an oversized church that looked much like a fortress. It had taken me a week to get used to the quiet charm of the place. We watched the sun set through the window it was pleasing to witness. I lay on my back, drying out in the midday sun. I felt the salt water from my last swim trickling down and through my hair evaporating of my chest. The shorts I was wearing were still damp and had clung to me. At that precise moment I was as happy as it is possible to be one week into a holiday that had been perfect from the moment the plane had touched down in Montpellier and I had stepped down into the brilliance of my first Mediterranean day. I loved the south of France such intense colors, the smells not forgetting to mention the pace of life that lingered around every moment refusing to let go. I had no idea as to what time it was, so I assumed it was time for lunch as I was famished.