Finding Us

11

The city bustled around him, not even a person was stopping to help the person who had slipped and fallen to the ground. There was a big cut on his right foot. Gideon stood up from his chair and rushed to help the person even though he was having a serious conversation with Liara.

Liara frowned in annoyance when Gideon left her in the middle of the conversation. She watched him as he crossed the street and went straight to the person who was groaning in pain. Her annoyance vanished when she understood the reason.

Gideon helped the man and collected his bag and the papers that fell. "Thank you... Thank you, sir."

"No problem, do you want me to book a cab for you?" Gideon looked at the phone the man was holding. The screen broke and Gideon could say it was dead.

The man's eyes watered. "Yes, sir. Please book a cab for me. I― I have to go home."

Gideon pulled his phone out and opened the Uber app. Gideon never liked New York. He doesn't understand why his parents are keen on shifting to their Manhattan penthouse, leaving behind their vast home and the spacious roads.

"But the cut seems to be big. You need to clean it, sir."

The person looked at his cut. "I will get it cleaned at home."

"Okay, sir." Gideon waited with the man and gave him his arm to lean on as they waited for the Uber cab. Once, Gideon made sure the man got inside. He returned to the cafe where Liara was waiting for him.

His annoyance returned as he took his seat. Liara sighed and closed the files. "You know, there's nothing to do now."

"There is, Liara." Liara shook her head. "I'm sorry, Gideon, but this is reality."

Gideon didn't say anything. "Why couldn't they hire someone else? I'm sure you would be able to recruit them from social media."

"But the investors are asking for you and mum couldn't just reject their offers."

"But Liara, I want to go to college and you know what my dream is!" Gideon sunk in his seat when they got looks from other tables.

"Gideon, I do, but you need to understand that our company isn't doing well. Dad's health is worsening, he is worried about the company. I cannot handle this much pressure all alone."

"That's what I'm suggesting, Liara. Hire models who would be rolling money for our company. There are tons of people who are waiting for opportunities. Why not give them the chance and work for our company?"

"You are not getting it, Gideon. Runways are interested in you! You don't understand the amount they are willing to invest in you. Seven contracts! Just seven contracts and we will be able to pay off our company debts."

"I had my dreams too, Gideon. But I had to leave them and follow Mum to handle the company. I cannot handle Miele modelling and Miele fashion on my own. We cannot trust someone from outside. Mum and Dad don't want to force us, but how long are we going to let them handle everything and stress about it? Do you think this is the first time Dad had a stroke?"

Gideon froze upon hearing that. "What do you mean?"

"Mum and Dad didn't want to tell you. Dad had a stroke last year. You were writing your final exams. They didn't want to worry you so they kept it a secret. I was against it but they didn't want to disturb you. It was a minor attack and we rushed him to the hospital when he told us he was having chest pain."

Gideon clenched his jaw. "Gideon, I'm helping you to prepare your mind. Mum and Dad won't be uttering a word until you graduate. But once you are done with high school, you have to prepare yourself for the big world."