Chapter 6: Lauderhill

Mason.

“This way, Young master."

l nodded in agreement even though I didn't recognise their faces but I already knew they were sent by my father as they called me by my home name. l held Kai's hand and helped him get his feet down, "Let's go, Kai.”

l hurried as fast as my legs could go, with Kai keeping up with me. The warm sun hit my skin as we walked to the plane. I smiled at my favourite Mason's Dassault falcon 2000. The very private jet that has a compatible luxury size and can go in an intercontinental range of 3,130miles.

"Kai, let me help you,” I held him up in my arms and went up the stairs.

“Kai sit with me, okay?” I chuckled as he smiled at me. I began to fix him up comfortably with extreme safety caution.

“Do you want anything to eat, Kai?"

“No, Papa."

"Sir, I can take care of Kai. In case you have anything to work on, it might be uncomfortable and distracting for you."

"No, not all,” l smiled at Rachel, “Take it like it’s a little vacation for me and Kai. l will take care of him more often and l will call you if l need your attention.”

"As you wish, Sir."

"Kai, don't worry. l know you may get Jet lag but we will be home in some hours, okay little one?"

"Yes, Papa."

"David, I need a list of the dignitaries and shareholders attending my father's birthday party.”

“Did you check your phone?" He answered back.

l immediately tapped on my phone and saw that he had sent me a file 16 hours ago.

“I knew you'd be needing it and you may have forgotten to ask Rhoda to do it earlier.”

"Thank you,” I smiled, thankful for him, “This many people?” I scroll down my screen, “I have met most of them and they are just bunch of hypocrites. My father really has his own ways in the society,” l say aloud, scrolling through thoroughly.

"Papa?"

"Kai?"

"What is the meaning of hypocrite?"

“Oh, it's nothing Kai. Hypocrite is someone who loves to pretend and cheat other people.”

"Somebody wants to hurt papa?"

"No, Kai. Oh my God don't say something like that cutie, nobody will hurt Papa,” I tell him, smoothing his hair tenderly.

“Kai, nobody can hurt Papa. I'm always here to protect him and protect you too, Okay?" David said and l nodded to his words sincerely.

"If Uncle David says so,” Kai smiles at him.

“Get some rest, Mason. There are still some hours left before we land.”

“I'm fine, l slept all night. I'm not tired, you can go ahead l will call you if l need you, David."

“You slept this morning, Mason. You should get some rest, it's going to be really busy in Lauderhill."

"I get it, David,” I delayed for him to leave. 

I needed to talk to Kai about some moment ago, “Kai?"

"Pa?"

“Don’t be like that baby, nobody wants to hurt me. We are here for each other, aren't we?"

"I'm sorry, Papa,” He said, regretting his words immediately. This made me more uneasy because he isn't wrong to worry about me.

"You apologise a lot, Kai. You didn't learn this habit from me, right?"

"Yes Pa, you said one should always apologise when one is wrong."

"Okay, l did say that but not in all situations. Especially if you have your reasons to say what you said, get some rest. It will be noisy and crowded in grandfather's Villa. And promise me Kai, that you won't run around without permission and you won't stay out of my sight or that of your nannies. Do you understand what I'm saying?”

"Yes, Papa."

Sometimes, I really wonder if I'm being a good parent and a father to Kai. l literally scolded him for apologising. I only want to be his favourite person and I don't want him feeling lonely or neglected.

I have promised to love and create more time for him no matter what. I miss my mother so much, l wish she was here. Probably she will be happy to see Kai and take care of him like her own.

My father is just pure bad news. l have to be careful, he might even kill him at any time. Only God knows the reason why that cunny man invited me back this time and without further notice.

 He called me back because he can.

I don't know how long he is going to have a grip on me. Wise people would always say patience is a virtue. l need those words ingrained in me more than ever. I need them to be able to exist in Lauderhill, it's been years. I don't know if l hate it there, just a city with a different weather but it smells like home.

Snapping out of my thoughts, my eyes careen to my side. Kai had already fallen asleep. I called for his nanny to bring his baby travel pillow 

“Here is it, Sir.”

I tugged it around his neck carefully, giggling at how he pouts his mouth as he sleeps. l stared at him and raised the blanket to cover him up to his arms. I pondered on how beautiful it would be if Kai's father was here. A beautiful and complete family. 

There is a space in my heart that has to be filled.

Soon the captain's voice brings me back to reality and l realised I had fallen asleep too. I crumpled the blanket that covered me, l didn't have one when I fell asleep. 

We are landing in a few minutes, I look at Kai who is still sleeping peacefully. Does it mean he didn't eat anything throughout this flight? Is he even feeling well at all? I sat still as we landed, my heart beating nervously.

"I will carry Kai to the Car, Mason.”

"Don't worry, David. l will."

"No, you cannot. You need to be able to protect yourself in case something happens. You are back home and it not a place for you to let your guards down,” David advised and l nodded in agreement and stepped down from the plane. l brushed my hair backwards with right my hand while l place the other hand in my pocket.

There was already a Bentley Continental Gt waiting for me. I got in and sat comfortably. David handed Kai to me, I'm starting to feel like I don't know my child at all. Is he always a heavy sleeper or is he just tired and resting? David got into the back seat with me but I ignored him for getting into my space without my permission.

I know he won't be driving me because my father sent people already. l fix Kai more comfortably between us so he can continue his never-ending sleep.

My eyes found comfort in the scenery. It been ages since I last came back here. The best earthly view and muted atmosphere. l indeed missed this place.

The slow driving indicated that we were home. l stared ahead and saw that the car in front was being checked. My heart sank to my stomach and I knew I had arrived to face my father. 

I sighed, tapping Kai to wake up. He needs to say Hi to his Grandfather. l whispered in his ears, “Kai we are home, honey.” I brush his hair to the side, "Are you okay, Kai?”

"We are here Mason,” David says, opening the door for me.

"Let me carry Kai."

"Have his nanny take care of him after we meet with my father.”

The familiar smell of earthly wispy filled my nose and the clear blue sky compliments how light is important to the world.

The busy atmosphere makes it unevenly uneasy.

"Welcome home, young master!" Everyone greeted me in chorus.

"Welcome, young master. Your father has been waiting for you. This way, please.”

"Long time no see, William."

"You have grown so much, young master. It feels like just yesterday when you were running around here, it's nice to have you back,” He said in his old crispy tone, he hasn't changed as well. 

He still walks like he has some serious hunchback. I tapped on Butler William's shoulder politely accepting his welcomes.

Sometimes I wonder how he is still alive due to his personality and why my father still has him by his side. Being the oldest Butler in the family might come with privileges because my father hates it when someone tells him the truth. And the head butler is always the one to tell the truth.

Sweat broke out on my forehead as I nervously took the next corner to the living room where I'm sure my father is.

I bow politely at him, "Good day, Father."

"It's good to have you back,” He answered in his usual sonorous tone. He walks toward me, examining me with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"Thank you, Father."

“Grandpa!” Kai shyly greets.

“I was expecting to see you come home with a bride, you came alone?"

“I came back with my son, Father,” I replied back annoyingly since he asked the obvious.

“Mason?” He glares at me.

"It's not time to fight yet, young master. Why don't you go to your room and get some rest? Dinner will be ready soon, we have visitors,” Butler Willam suggested.

“ I will take Kai from here,” I turned around to David.

"Why don't l take him to his nanny as you said earlier.”

"Don't worry David, have her come to my room,” I said, resting Kai on my shoulder. I walked out of my father, heeding to Butler's advice.

I let my fingers soothe Kai on the back, heading to the direction of my room. Seriously fuck his ghost head, fuck my father for pretending not to see my son.

He will never get a straight son for all l know!

"Papa, are you sad that Grandpapa doesn't like me?" He murmured slowly, his tone sad. l kept him on the edge of the bed and went on my knees immediately, patting his head.

“Kai, it is not true that grandpa doesn't like you. He loves you very much, it's just that he gets like that sometimes but he will come around."

"Yes, Papa."

Those sentences are delusional thought.  They are impossible to hold on to because my father will never come around. l picked out his clothes to give him a warm bath, thankfully he didn't get Jet lag.

The knock at the door caught my attention as Rachel walked in, “Sir.”

"Kai doesn't have a room here, so he will be sleeping with me. Come here from time to time to take care of him. For now, prepare his food.”

"As you wish Sir."