chapter 1

Honour

Campbell

The same morning......

Left.

Right.

All clear.

Opening the door completely, I was about to leave for the task of my day when a groan caught my eye.

I looked at the source of the painful voice and discovered that Nutella was looking at her tail. My poor baby. I stepped on her hairy tail.

"Where is Papa, Nutty?" I cooed my Bernese Mountain bitch.

Wagging her tail, she transformed herself into an alert girl and looked to the right side. And it made me realize what she was doing on the floor. Papa made her sit and wait while he sat quietly on his cosy chair with his morning herbal tea, which he learned online.

"You were late, last night." The way he stated the statement was awful. Despite the deadline, I was outside last night. That was a good goal, though. I was helping Star, the only friend I had. She needed help while other employees went off. There was no way I could leave her. She's got to deal with Hope, and without Liam, it gets dramatic. Our Hope is Dad's daughter.

"I was helping Star," I said, sweetly. It was something to calm Papa, but he never falls for the trap. But I can always try. Nana used to rescue me from her husband.

"Luckily for you... Star is a responsible person. She called when you decided to stay and told me about your little." Pause, "PROGRAM." Dad said. Oh, no. He knows more than I had hoped. He knows we were gearing up for a family reunion. Not only that, but he didn't like it... me, taking part in the family event. There was an obvious reason.

"But she paid me... I did it because it's my work." I tried to explain myself.

"Your job as a part-time manager or your job as an unwanted family member?" Mocking me, Papa raised his eyebrows. I was able to see his grey eyes behind the glasses above his nose. He knows about me. Everyone is aware of my response. There's no way I can lie.

"I was trying to..." I couldn't get through the statement. Several times over the years I tried to be good and each time I failed. Still, I wouldn't give up. I couldn't just walk away from the issue. The reason Papa and Grandma abandoned the issue is still a mystery.

"Onnie, I know you're strong and accepted the reality, but it's about time." His annoying voice proved that his tolerance is over. "No more dreaming." He demanded.

"I do my job... old boy." I tried to joke, and I forced a laugh, but there was no change in his facial expressions.

"Well, do what you want... don't cry like a baby later and come see me." Eventually, Papa agreed and went back to his newspaper.

"I'll always come your way." I run and squeeze Papa from behind.

Patting my forearms around his shoulder, he kissed my fingers and took out the keys to the cargo trousers.

"Did you bring a new flat?" I asked. I remembered the last time he brought a flat for me in the city, so that I could go to university like other people of my age but refused. Furthermore, I was happy with my online classes and I loved my old folks' company.

"No, I brought you a car... You're 21, and I'm too old for you to handle your MOVEMENTS. You must learn to drive." He laughed.

"But I enjoy walking... and the bus keeps me occupied. Not to mention, I love the view. Driving is not fun."

"Last night was my last day... Thanks to Liam. He was there for you." He looked unhappy... Of course, he must be thinking about my life after him. While sipping his tea, "Besides, you're the one living with me. Your driving skills will help me reach the hospital anytime I want to go." He ended up with a corner smile.

It was true. I want to learn how to drive. We live in a secluded area thanks to our 40 acres of vineyard. It's hard for us to get a cab here. Occasionally, buses are unavailable. I was going to learn how to drive, but Papa never fails to amaze me. He knows what I have in mind. After Nana, he took care of me like I was his everything.

"I know you saw the history of the Internet." When I looked at him, I sulked. "Let me start learning from this weekend."

Before he talks, I run. Like daily, Fabrizio must deliver the grapes to the town market. Maybe he could drop me off at the Hopeful restaurant that Star runs... Where I am a part-time manager until I apply for WSET Level 3.

(Wine & Spirit Education Trust, often referred to as WSET, is a global organisation that arranges courses and exams in the field of wine and spirits.)

"I was expecting you," said the handsome Spanish boy, Fabrizio, scanning me up and down. "These flip-flops are ruining your beauty." He pointed out my footwear.

"They are comfortable." Striking his biceps, I sat in my usual jeep location. Next to him.

"Are you sure you're a Campbell?" He asked the everyday question and as usual, I shrugged my shoulders. "You have no resemblance to any of your brothers."

"Because I'm a girl." As I opened the wooden box at the back, I found the fewest Syrah grapes.

(Syrah is also referred to as Shiraz; a variety of grapes)

"Your brothers are completely turning our business into a winery," said Fabrizio for the reason of a nearly empty box.

As I could not say a lot about it, I preferred to say nothing about it. This is some sort of war between old Campbell and new Campbell.

Papa started as a fruit producer as well as a small entrepreneur, who sold his grapes in the local and international market. Marrying Danica was one of the best parts of his life. Later, their only son, Derek, joined them, but after marrying Vivianne, an obedient son turned into a ruthless businessman.

"How is your sister-in-law?" Concentrating on an empty route, Fabrizio asked.

"Star is happily married to Liam." I meant to tell him more about my lovely sister-in-law, but I promised her our little secret. I couldn't tell anybody till she gave me a green light.

"What about her voice?" he continued.

"They are always examined regularly... Everything seems to be fine."

We went through everything, his concern for our vineyard. And my brothers who are pressing for more production, are so desperate that they are about to buy the neighbouring lands to increase the size of the land.

"Honour..." Fabrizio called my name. "You got a phone ringing."

I nodded without taking into account the name of the caller. I was going to get the call when Fabrizio shouted. "At least find a nice phone. Why do you have another flip phone like your flip-flops?"

While ignoring him, I accepted the call, "hello."