When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 2: An Attempt To Impress Grandfather

Spring 7

My cousin and I stood straight and tall in front of our grandfather, wishing to make a good impression on him. Considering that today was the day of his choosing for the next head of the business after Max retires!

My frilly and uncomfortable dress was starting to bother me, but I had to toughen up! If Leann can wear something like this, I can too!

The next head was usually the oldest son; however, since Leann and I were both daughters, we had to go through a test. However, I couldn't understand why Leann or I had to take over when it could wait until one of us had a son. But it had something to do with time management? I also didn't understand why we had to go through a test; if the oldest son could take over, why not the oldest daughter? That was me, by the way!

Actually, now that I think about it, a test would be beneficial since I didn't want to take over.

Our grandfather looked each of us in the eye; I felt my heart racing. Even though I didn't want to take over, I wanted to know at least enough about the business to impress my grandfather; he seemed to favor Leann over me. Then again, everyone favored Leann over me! I hated how highly grandfather thought of Leann compared to me. He never made an effort to talk to me much; he never showed an ounce of affection towards me that I remember. In fact, it feels like he ignores me.

He cleared his throat as I snapped back to reality.

"First question! What date did our family's business begin?" My heart fluttered. I knew the answer! I actually knew the answer!

"1793." I replied proudly, as my grandfather blinked and responded with a jitter in his voice.

"Eh, yes, that was the year; but I need to know the date as well!"

That's when Leann burst out.

"Winter tenth, 1793."

"Coooooorrect!" he responded as a hint of jealousy drove over me. How could I have forgotten it started on grandfather's birthday? I even made myself a mental note of it!

-

I walked through the front door of the farmhouse, sighing loudly.

"I take it that things didn't go well." Dad said calmly as I felt my face heat up in shame and embarrassment. I didn't get very many questions right; in fact, I was silent throughout the whole trial, except for the first question! So much for impressing grandfather.

And considering my mother never told me very much about the estate, I shouldn't be surprised that I was silent; but again, that didn't bother me! I didn't want to run the stupid business anyway!

I couldn't get an answer out of my mouth; instead, I just squeaked and rushed upstairs into my room.

"Clara..." I overheard mom say softly with a concerned tone as I opened my bedroom door, shutting it behind me. I quickly pulled off my uncomfortable dress and changed into more comfortable attire. I took a seat on my bed, placing my cheeks in my hands with my elbows resting on my thighs. Maybe I could focus on what I wanted to do while co-running the estate! Or maybe I didn't even have to co-run the business! That sounded like an even better plan!

A knock on my door erupted as mom walked in, sophisticated and proper like always. I've always wondered why she married my father, a simple, middle-class farmer. I remember my father telling me that mom had fallen head over heels for him the day he moved into Alvarna; he also said the whole story was a bit dramatic, so they never told me the whole story.

"Clara," my mother began with comfort in her voice as I looked from the floor to her warm chartreuse eyes.

"I know you're upset about not being able to take over the-..."

"Oh no, mom! I'm not mad! Actually, I'm very pleased! It gives me the opportunity to do what I want to do!" I interrupted her as my mother smiled.

"Oh? I'm glad to hear that!" Mom exclaimed. It was silent for a moment. She took a seat on my bed, wrapping her arms around my shoulder.

"Clara, if you ever get stressed, or if you ever feel down, I want you to know that you can always talk to me or your father." She said as I looked over at her with sincerity in her face. Where did that come from?

"Ah, a-alright." I replied with a nod as mom kissed the top of my head. I watched my mother lift herself from my bed, walking towards the door of my bedroom, her long blue-gray hair bouncing with every step she took.

"I love you, Clara." Mom said as I smiled.

"I love you too, mom." I said as she closed my bedroom door behind her. I sighed slightly. If I ever get stressed, talk to mom or dad? I scoffed. I don't think I'll ever be as stressed as mom is.