Relentless

Calgary

-- Driedger Family Reunion --

Door knocked

"James..."

I heard a still small voice across the room. It was probably mom or dad. I ignored the knock and pulled my bed sheets over my head.

Door knocked

"James, honey, wake up! Grandma, grandpa, uncle Philip and aunt Tessa are home!" Mom announced calmly.

"What's the occasion?" I asked.

"The family reunion is today; your brother and sister are coming home later this evening. Now, can you please open the door?"

Door knocked

I really did not want to get up and be seen half-naked. Oh well, it's just mom. So I gathered myself together and walked towards the antic wooden door.

I sighed deeply.

Mom glared at me like I was a slut. She was speechless, "James Nicholas Hamilton Driedger! Put some decent clothes on."

I gave her a sweet smirk.

She looked at me one more time before heading downstairs and said, "Quickly. You have 30 mins junior."

Then she was gone in a split second. I closed the door behind me and jumped back into my bed.

.......

(30 mins later)

.......

Door knocked

Again

And again..

"James?" Dad said, his voice distinctly raised. "Your aunts and uncles are waiting for you. Are you ready?"

Dad smacked the door one more time and bolted inside my room. I took a glimpse of him and saw his grim expression; He did not look impressed. "Dad... Sorry, I over slept."

"Again."

I forced myself to take a shower, dress, and clean my room. My dad waited outside patiently, which was rare because he is normally antsy and in a hurry. He stood there watching me put on a suit and sighed, "I always see myself in you James. I was lazy and tired all the time when I was your age. I partied hard day and night. It was memorable. But son, you're graduating in a few months. You have responsibility in this family."

I looked over my shoulders, "William is the first born. Why do I have to carry so much?"

Dad nodded and looked away, "I know, i know." He walked towards the frames above the fireplace, studying the family portraits. "William is the heir, but he does not want to follow my footsteps. He is in med school, becoming a professional surgeon. I'm proud of his decision and I am happy for him. James, you're my only hope. I need someone to take over the company when I'm gone. I trust you that is why you're the heir of the Hamilton-Drieger estate."

I stared at myself in the mirror thinking what my life would be like if I was in involved in the business world.

I turned around to give my dad a squeeze. Dad grinned in response and whispered, "Let's go."