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Chapter 12: Failure

Few more months had passed, everything sticks being the same, or must I say: everything turns worst.

Grandpa is always drunk. He comforts himself through all the alcohols he'll be buying by morning but able to consume all for the entire day. By next morning, he'll do the same. Everyday, that's his usual doing. He even forgets taking a bath, changing his clothes and even eating for his own good. Drinking is already enough for him.

The business is in its abrupt bankruptcy. All the investors were pulling all their investments. Customers were very disappointed about the service too. A lot of employees are in bad shape when they resign from the business. There are a lot of phone calls coming in, most of were complaints. The phone ringing became normal to everybody's ears. We're waiting for Grandpa to pick it up, but he's just staring at it from the couch and waits for it to stop. After the phone stops, he laughs at it. I guess, he's already crazy.

One time, policemen came from the house. Two and more complainants were with them. They look for Grandpa who is sleeping peacefully on their bed. Even if he's not asleep, he can't face them being drunk. It's a big war, that's for sure. 

They come back for more days, but then give up. Well, that's bad.

"Mr. Leo Tiu wants this house, instead. The business is now failing. There's no more money. My client wants his investment back." I heard from a lawyer who's dressed formally with his eyeglasses on that makes him looks so serious. He arranges himself as he sits comfortable on the couch. Ate Rosa came to talk to him as Grandpa can't do it, himself. I'm not even allowed on it. I'm young and too innocent from the business nature and dealings, my grandparents just had.

Ate Rosa didn't speak. She's just staring at a folder with so many inserted documents. She's just shaking her head.

"Were they here?" the lawyer asked. He tries to peek on the second floor and any place of the house. I guess, he's just observing. Maybe getting good details about the house for the benefit of his client.

"Ma'am Lucinda died few months ago. Her husband can't be able to have good conversations right now. He's way too depressed. I'll find time to speak it to him, then. May I just have this copy. I'll reread everything." she elaborated. He, then nods and finally left the house.

I showed myself to her as she glances back to the kitchen. She just smiled wryly.

--

It's 6 AM. I went to the kitchen to seek for some breakfast. As I reaches the door, I saw Ate Rosa and Grandpa were seating face to face on the high stools with the same folder I saw yeserday that was placed neatly on the middle of the table. Grandpa reaches for it, and read things on it. Ate Rosa, even mentioned some of the details cited therein. 

"No! They can't take this house from me. Lucinda and I put a great effort on it, they can't just take it away." he screamed, being calmer than when the times he's drunk.

"Sir, you don't have enough money to repay Mr. Tiu. It's the only thing you can do, you can give. If he can't take this house, he'll put you in prison. Nevertheless, he'll still have the house." Ate Rosa's worried voice tremble the whole ambiance.

He just smirked. "I won't give up this house. Never."

I stayed out from the door as he opens it. He saw me standing on the side where my back is laid on the wall, with my head's fully bent. "You did all of these, tss." I heard his whisper. 

The entire day, he just spent on drinking. It actually doubles the number. I can't understand. Does drinking actually helps? Does it lessen or fades the problem? 

--

"He wants this house?! Silly. Tell him, I'll give him my granddaughter instead!" he screamed all over the house.

The lawyer once again came. He  overtook Grandpa lazily sitting in the couch. Totally wasted.

"Riley!" 

I don't want to go out. But I want to go and ran away.

"Riley!" his voice coming so close.

I heard the knock of the door. As I open it, Ate Rosa came.

"Riley!" she released a big breath.

Then came after her is Grandpa. "There you are, brat girl! Mr. Attorney came here to see you." he announces and went closely to me. Slowly, with his eyes totally dark.

"Sir! You can't do this to your granddaughter!" she screamed back at him as she tries to block him from me. 

And I was just standing there, crying. 

"Get out! They want Riley, I'm just giving her to them." he explains, now totally close.

"They want your house not your granddaughter, sir!"

I closed my eyes. The next thing I know, he's already gripping my arm and pulling me from my room. I saw Ate Rosa laid on the floor, holding her cheek, which became so red because of his slap. I glanced at her, still crying. She had nothing to do but to cry on the floor.

She already gave a lot of comforts to me. She might already get tired.