EVERY PIECE OF US

Chapter 1

"You drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it."

                                                                                                                                      - Paulo Coelho

I never thought of coming back until one day I got an overseas call from my mother telling me to come home. I stayed in Los Angeles for almost 7 years and managing some of the business of the family. It's really hard for me to come back I felt like haunted by the things I buried  long time ago. I'll never wanted to come here if it wasn't for the sake of my family and the company. I felt like my heart is sinking the moment I step back to my native home. This is it, I told to myself.

Stepping in the very elegant marble floor of the hotel I felt like all my blood drain from my body. I felt cold rush against me. The applause of every people around me didn't help to calm my nerves. I felt like my world turn upside down. I feel every look people give me, every judgements and expectations in their head. I know they're against in me being the new CEO for they're all believe that I am not worthy of the title given that I am my grandfather's grand-daughter. My very existence is not welcome and I knew it. I know that my every move is under surveillance. They will find ways to kick me out. I can't blame them some of them spent their whole life in the company investing what they can. It a shame for me but grandpa assured me that I am worthy of the position.

"Thank you very much for the warm welcome to my grand-daughter.", Cecilio Montemayor my grandfather began. Even in his age he never cease to amaze me how he manage to get the full attention of the people around him no wonder he's one of the top enigmatic and magnificent business person in the world history. His eyes are a sparkling, blue colour and he seems to see everything. The map of wrinkles on his face told of the most incredible journey. His eye lines told of laughter, of warm smiles and affection. His forehead told of worries past and worries present. But mostly they were so deeply engrained they told or a man who had travelled through eight decades to that moment; to stand here as an old man, beaten and forlorn. To be dismissed as "old" when he was so much more than the sum of his parts.

"Some of you disagreed with the idea that my grand-daughter is the new CEO of my company. Some of you my think that she is not capable to run a multi-millionaire company. Some may think that she is just a spoiled little brat who wish to have the title and when she's bored she'll be gone and damage the business. Some may think that I am crazy and I am bias... You can think all you want. I've been there all my life and I know who are capable to ruin and to run my company. I know who are those people who are against me and my family and only wish to take over my shares. That will never going to happen unless you kill me but of course you should hired a very professional killer you know.", everyone laugh with my grandfather's stupid joke. This old man is full of surprise. But he hit exactly what I been thinking at this moment. He was truly an incredible human I ever known.

"I choose Eula not only because she's my grand kid. I choose her because I believe in her ability. She's like a lone flower. You'll ever know her beauty unless you carefully wait for it to bloom. So Eula, like a wild flowers; you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would. Show them what you got. I know it burdens you, but here you are standing in front of them courageously. I know at the moment you took over my place things will change. But have faith you can surpass all of it. You're a tough woman and I know that." I felt my eyes become blurry from tears. But I tried so hard not to cry. Sure my grandpa know how to sugar coat. Maybe that's the reason grandma fall over heels to him.