Not being able to see her for a long time is too much suffering. The moment my eyes met hers, I was glad. As I step closer to her, every step I make takes her to a step backward. I was starting to get confused. I took another step, for a second, she stayed but she suddenly turned around that made me really confused at that moment. I didn't know what to do anymore. Why is she acting like that. Did I do something wrong that made her upset. I can hear the shutter of the camera getting louder and louder. I was frozen for a minute trying to think what shopuld I do. I ran towards her.
For a minute, I though I lost her. I was searching for her when I found her at a hallway near the grand hall. I was about to go to ehr when someone grabbed my arm.
It was Mr. Cruz. He said that my father wanted to talk to me. I couldn't do anything. I cannot turn my back to Vanessa as well as my father. I had to choose between my father and her.
My feet followed my mind which my heart is rejecting. Mr. Cruz led me to a room near the grand hall whom my father is on a video chat. The moment I entered the room and saw Austin sitting on a chair infront of my dad which is on the screen, I knew that he won;t be able to come. "Why did you want to talk to me, dad?" I asked him. I sat net to Austin.
"As you can see, I'm in a jet. I'm sorry to both of you. Only Mr. Cruz, and both of you knows. Your mom only know I won't be able top come because of a business trip. She will be there later." He coughed.
"What am I missing here? Is there something wrong?" I asked dad and looked at Austin.
"Earlier this morning, I colapsed not knowing why. When we went to see our doctor, I learned that I have the early stage of brain cancer. And it's spreading rapidly. They told me that everyday will be a challenge for me. Slowly, I will start to forget things and often faint or collapse unless I get a treatment as soon as possible. That's why I'm getting a treatment in US scheduled later. I will be there maximum of a month. Now, I need both of you to support your mom and gradually learn what I'm doing. Follow my footsteps. I know both of you can do it. We will not know when I will die. When I come back, I will tell you something. Something important that you must protect. I love both of you." He coughed, "See you soon." The screen went black. The sound of the entrance ceremony started.
We went out of the room without a sound. "Cheer up Xavier, everything's goning to be okay. Dad is a strong man. He can overcome this. Let's just wait when he comes back." He smiled.
"Don't sway me. Remember our bet?" His sighed, "I remember Austin. Both of you promised that. We made a deal." We laughed.
"Have you found her, Vanessa?" I almost forgot. Before I can look around, someone pulled me. It was Mr. Cruz. "What are you doing? The opening ceremony is about to start. You'll need to be present in lieu of your father's absence. Fournier Group's directors will be at your back in welcoming the G5 ambassadors. You've been told about this, right?" I didn't know what he was saying. "Just read this and you will be alright." He handed me a red folder with the school's insignia. I opened the folder and saw the line up of events.
Since this is one of the important gatherings of the Fournier Group considering powerful and wealthy families including politician's that can influence the companies fundamental processes. Though it's a gathering for the students of Fournier International School, it also prepares the student a chance to socialize and be able to see a glimps of their life when they graduate especially in college. It has been a tradition annualy in the Christmas Galas or in any formal events for the chairman and the board of directors to have an opening ceremony by lighting a solid-gold gas lamp by one of the Fournier Group's bloodline successor which symbolized the prosperous year the company, as well as the school's accomplishment, had gone through together with a special guest who will give a messege to the students.
