Heart's Tempo (Wattys2014) [EDITING]

Chapter 8

Henry liked the sound of violin even when he was still a kid. His mother played it a lot and taught him at the age of four, when his fingers were still pudgy and short. Being the youngest, he had the luxury to be able to learn music and even compete in recitals and nationwide competitions while his two older brother and one older sister were being groomed to take over some of their companies on their teen years. Henry was just eight years old at that time.

His teachers even recommended a good music school for him by the time he graduated elementary. It didn't matter to his father at all, much to the surprise of his brothers and sister. And this caused the sibling rivalry effect in the family. His two older brothers also liked music and both played the piano but their father never really supported them like he did with Henry. Henry's older sister wasn't much of a musician but showed potential in handling their family business and she was extra nice to Henry.

"...Mom said you wanted to talk to me," Henry said as soon as he walked inside his father's home office.

"I do. How's music school?"

"Not bad..."

"Are you bored?"

"No, I just...I can't concentrate anymore..."

"It's about Nisa?"

Henry looked up at his father. There's really nothing he can hide from him.

"I really can't hide anything from you, can I?"

"So what do you plan to do now?"

"I don't know. All I know is that I shouldn't have left her like that. I should have talked to her when I had the chance. I'm such an idiot..."

"You are an idiot, walking away from a girl like Nisa."

Henry simply laughed at his father's comment. It hurt because it was true.

"I'll ask you again, son. What do you plan to do now?"

"I love music...but...I also want to go after Nisa."

"Then do both! There is a good music school where Nisa is right now. You can try enrolling there."

"Are you serious? I mean..."

"Henry, your brothers are here. I want you to finish your music course but promise me this, that after music school, you'll help out with our company."

"You don't need to ask me, I'm already volunteering for that."

"But I'm telling you, your sister won't go easy on you."

"I know...thanks, dad." Henry wanted to add that his sister was much better as a mentor than his two older brothers who, was by that time, seriously jealous of all the privileges Henry got from their father.

"For what?"

"For giving me a chance to do what I love..."

"Just give me your word that you'll help out with the family business."

"No problem, dad."

It didn't take long before Henry's brother's walked in and literally ignored him in front of their father. Not even a nod to acknowledge he was there. So he went out as soon as they started talking about business, he wasn't needed there, yet. On his way out he met his sister, who looked like she was ready to eat anyone who stood in her way. At least she had the time to acknowledge his presence by telling him to wait for her, and then she was on her way to their father's office. The moment the door closed Henry heard his sister's voice explode like a time bomb. She was fuming mad with their two brothers; and even on his way to the garden he can still hear his sister yelling like a mad man.