REDEMPTION (Book 1, Redemption Series)

Chapter 10: Takes three to bond

Jonathan's POV.

The first thing I did this morning after my usual morning routine was to take care of my hygiene and have a healthy breakfast. I made a few business calls and sent an email to my PA concerning my whereabouts, then had my driver take me straight to my family's mansion to pick up my siblings, which now completes the first step in my attempts at rekindling our almost non-existent relationship.

So far, I have given them a full tour of my penthouse, which includes my room: the master's bedroom, the guest room, the two extra rooms now occupied by them, the mini library, my office, the gym, the swimming pool at the roof, the sitting room and the kitchen.

We're presently sitting in the dining area, which is conjoined with the kitchen, having very deliciously well-made food cooked by my chef while chatting about things of interest like school, hobbies, friends, etc. Things that might help us get to know each other more which brought me making suggestions about a possible trip.

"What are you saying?"

Emily asked while expectantly waiting for a reply, and P.J. quietly munched on his fries with little or no interest.

"I'm saying the school will be out for the summer holiday probably before the end of the month, and I'm close to rounding up the diversity showcase for this year. So I'm thinking that...it wouldn't hurt for us to take a break and just relax a little, like maybe go on a vacation or something. The three of us"

P.J. did not attempt looking up from his meal while Emily was practically bouncing on her seat while saying...

"If it's a vacation, say the ranch, please! I have never been to one before; let alone spend a whole summer in one"

P.J. glanced momentarily after hearing Emily's words before going back to his meal.

"I don't know Emily...I thought about that, but the ranch is currently undergoing some renovations, and I don't know how long before it's done"

There was a visible trace of disappointment on her face as I finished talking.

"Can't you do something about it; you're like...the boss right?" Sighing deeply, I glanced at P.J. as his attention was now fully directed at Emily and me.

"Um...sure, I'll see what I can do" Her mood brightened after I said that, and I turned to my kid brother as I asked.

"What about you Parker, any place in particular you'd like to visit this summer?" He was taken aback by my direct approach to him, but he managed to hold his own as he silently asked.

"Does the ranch have a basketball court?" I wasn't expecting that, but by all means, it's ten times better than the silent treatment.

"No, it doesn't, but it wouldn't be a problem to fix one. I mean, if you want me to." He looked away immediately his eyes and mine met before saying.

"I don't have a problem with the ranch if it has a basketball court." Emily ruffled his hair, and he swatted her hand away, and I smiled. He's such a good kid.

"So everyone is in favor of spending the summer at the ranch then?" Emily nodded with a wide smile as P.J. nodded slowly before excusing himself and leaving the dining table. I was staring at his fading figure when she said.

"Don't worry about him. He gets a little moody sometimes, but he will come around." I mustered a little smile as I nodded, accepting her words. She knows him better than I do after all.

"He's a lot like you, you know?"

She said a moment later, and I was surprised by her words.

"Oh really?" She laughed softly before saying...

"Yeah, he keeps to himself a lot even though he's only eight years old, and I don't think he knows this, but he tries not to be a burden to anyone by not asking for anything or whining like most kids his age do. I guess it's Snow's family curse; the men are too proud to show weakness." I can't believe she'd drawn such a diverse conclusion from something so simple.

"Our family is not cursed, Emily; we're just a bit different, maybe." She watched me carefully before saying.

"Yeah, just a bit different, maybe."

I don't have smart words stored somewhere that I could use to convince her that everything will be okay, but I'm certain I will do everything within my power to make things better for them.

"Are you good here by yourself? I need to check on P.J. for a bit." I asked, and she smiled while typing away on her phone. She gave me a thumbs up, and I nodded with a little smile while walking towards P.J.'s room.

"Parker, are you awake?" I asked while knocking softly on his door. I heard a click as he opened it and stepped away from the entrance.

"That's the second time," He said while climbing into his bed and resting his body between the pillows. I was confused, so I asked.

"Excuse me?"

He points at a signed jersey of his favorite basketball team, and I pick it up while using my fingers to trace his initials, not understanding what he's trying to show me as I look back at him, confused.

"That's the second time you called me Parker today, everyone calls me P.J but you called me Parker twice"

Afraid I might have upset him by calling him his given name instead of his nickname gotten from his first two names, Parker Jason (P.J), I rushed to apologize, and he shook his head before saying...

"I like it when you call me Parker; Mum calls me Parker, too." He said quietly.

Oh! This isn't about me, this is about a kid missing his mum but not knowing how to go about asking to see her.

"Do you wanna talk to your mum on Skype? His pupils popped out at my question.

"Can I?" I chuckled while ruffling his hair. So cute!

"Of course you can, any time you want okay?"

He nodded eagerly as he rushed and hugged me, which I was surprised at first, but I closed my hands around him and hugged him back with a smile. Progress; we're making progress.