4

Christianas' POV;

I walk out of my bedroom adjusting my hair. Tucking some of the stray strands behind my ear before walking briskly down the stairs and towards the meeting room.

In a mansion as big as this, there are many rooms, halls, passageways, and the likes. So much so, if care is not taken, one can get lost.

The house isn't just grand because we have the money to flaunt about, but because we are a huge family. We are 17 in my family, but if we're counting cousins wives, and kids,  we are a total of 25. I know right! huge number!

We aren't always together at home though, Uncle Willow, Grandma's eldest child, and my eldest paternal uncle, doesn't live with us, he and his family live in a different state.

He has three sons and is a grandfather of four. Two girls from James and a girl and boy each, from Oscar. His last son Frank is still unmarried and isn't a father yet.

However, the rest of us, do stay together. Leaving 16 of us home.

We have a full house right now, because it's a new year, and every new year, Uncle Willow brings his whole family over to celebrate with us.

I walk into the meeting room and everybody is present except my father and husband. Every single person is present.

Uncle Willow, his wife, aunt Hanna and their three sons.  James, Oscar, and Frank.

Aunty Samantha the family's second eldest child, with her husband, uncle Bernard, and their daughters Rose and Summer. Including Summer's husband.

The twins, uncle Billy and aunt Lilly are also here. Uncle Billy is divorced so only his spoiled-brat son, Drake and his daughter Susan are here with him.

While Aunty Lily and her husband uncle Samuel, are here with that skunk, their daughter Stella! Oh yes, she's also here with her 'amazing' husband.

And me, the daughter of the youngest child. Alone. Not with my father, nor spouse.

Grandma didn't give Raymond a job in the company because she doesn't like him, and 'he lacks experience. However, Raymond doesn't seem to mind not working for my family's company. He's currently job hunting.

I take a seat beside the door and not long after, Granny stands in the center of the room and begins to address us.

"The new jewelry branch we set up in Brazil, isn't doing well.  I need someone to take over that place and give me better results by the end of the month.

Anyone? "She says and I look around the room to find no hands up.

"Anyone? "She questions again and still, no hand goes up.

'Come on Christi, this is it. Your chance to prove yourself. Don't let it pass! 'My subconscious screams at me and I throw my hand into the air.

Grandma's eyes land on me and I flash a nervous smile at her.

"Anyone? "She questions again and my heart hurts. It hurts but I don't put my hand down. She has to pick me.

"Are you telling me there's no other person who feels they can handle this situation? "Granny yells and that's when every other person in the room realizes that someone has volunteered. Me.

One after the other, they all turn and find my hand up. And just like that, they turn back to grandma. Aunt Samantha flashes me an encouraging smile before turning back.

"Durans! "Granny scold further and I roll my eyes in frustration.

"I can do it, grandma. "I finally speak up and just then,

"I'd do it. "Stella's voice follows right after mine and granny turns to look at the young woman who's now standing.

"Sure? "Granny questions and my jaw drops.

"With my previous achievements, this should be child's play. "She replies and grandma smiles.

"It's official then. "She says to us all in the room and my heart bursts. Stella smiles at me before taking her seat and I feel my throat dry up. I bring my hand down in hurt, shame, and embarrassment. Aunt Samantha turns and makes a face at me. Trying to tell me not to think about this too much.

I pretty much lose concentration for the rest of the meeting as I battle tears, and soon the meeting is over.

I remain rooted to my spot as everyone walks past me and out of the room. Just when I rise to leave,

"Give up Christi. This path is not yours to tread. Leave it to bosses. Why not go join your dad at the animal junkyard? "Stella coos into my ear before walking past me and I clench my fists to avoid dragging her back by her hair and beating the sh*t out of her.

She's only older than me by a month and her husband would know better than to interfere. It sure is a fight I am looking forward to.

My granny makes to walk past me and I speak.

"I will prove myself to you. "

She turns to look at me and flashes me a smile. A smile that reveals her perfect pearly whites.

She then turns around and walks briskly away with her hands in her pockets.

I have no idea how an 80-year-old woman can keep so fit and firm, but I guess with money, a lot of things aren't impossible.

I turn around and look back at the empty room. Just then, Stella's words playback in my head,

"Why not go join your dad at the animal junkyard? "

No. I won't give up. One day, I will stand before all of them in this very room, and they will respect me. I will shame them all especially that Stella and make my father proud.

I will make my late mother proud and I proud as well.

I will prove myself.

I dab at my escaping tears with my handkerchief and adjust my dress before walking out of the room. My heels creating click sounds with every contact it makes with the ground.

I need to see my dad.