CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

Aiden watched Clara as she settled down and put her legs into the pool. If only she knew what would happen in some hours. He could imagine her rage, how hurt and betrayed she would feel. On a normal day, he wouldn’t care about whatever she felt. He had always wondered why she never liked him, he tried everything possible to speak with her at a point. He gave up and started to taunt her. It amazed him that someone in the whole of Los Angeles didn’t like him.

When Mr. Jones stood next to him, he nodded his head to acknowledge the man's presence.

“Aiden. I hope you are prepared.”

“I wouldn’t say I am. This is all new to me. I am definitely not in support of this archaic arrangement.”

“Trust me, I am not the happiest person to agree with this. Somethings just have to be done.” The man walked away from him.

Aiden had no particular judgment of the Jones. They were hardworking, responsible members of the town. Mr. Smith hangs out with his father once in a while but they were not the closest of friends. He had in fact held some business deals with Mr. Smith and his logistics company. He was a calm, honest and trustworthy man. When Mr. Jones said some things have to be done, he wondered if they actually have to be done. Humans have a way of convincing themselves that they need to take some steps. He didn’t think so. An instruction was laid down over 50 years ago but the present generation have to obey it. Why? How? It doesn’t even make sense. Coupled with the fact that he doesn’t know jack about the so-called ancestors. Nothing other than they improved the business so well during their time. That was bullshit.

“Hey, Aiden. You look troubled.”

It was Mira, his youngest sister. He was close with all his sisters but Mira stood out. She personally checked on him, knew when there was a change in his mood or if there’s a slight difference in how he behaved or reacted.

“I didn’t mean to plaster that all over my face.”

“I know. You are so used to keeping away your emotions. Is it the Clara thing?”

“Yeah. Not because of me, more of her.”

“So, you don’t mind that the decision was made for you?”

“I am indifferent. I don’t care as long as my work is not affected. But she does and she will care. Thing is, she hates my guts.”

“She doesn’t look that bad. She might not take the announcement likely but she’s a safer option. At least, she won’t plunger you to death in your sleep.”

“Ah. You have still not gotten over that situation of me almost getting killed?” He chuckled .

Mira hooked her arm in his, her face looking serious. “I am not joking, Aiden. That mad woman almost killed you. I don’t know why you find it hilarious.”

“It is only hilarious because of the way you bring it up whenever you talk. Almost like you can never forget.”

“I never can. If I lay my hands on that bitch one day, I’ll rip her hair off her head.”

“Easy now, tiger.”

Mira is never one to hid her feelings, she is also very blunt and realistic. That was one of the reasons why she is his best sister. They got along so well. She is overprotective of him even when it should be the other way round. Little but fierce Mira. She attends college with her twin. Aiden's parents gave birth to quite a number of kids for people who never had time for children. They were five in total. Aiden is the first child and only son followed closely by a sister that was barely a year younger than him. Her name is Jessica. The charming of them all. After Jessica came Hannah, very quiet and a lover of books. Lastly the twin, Mirabel and Miranda. Aiden thought his parents lazy, they couldn’t find great names for the twin. If he had twin children, he would give them the most alluring names ever. No offense to all the Mirabels and Mirandas in the world. The twin were thereafter called Bella and Mira. That was slightly better.

“You can blame her if she hates you. You are an asshole, anyway. I would hate you too if you weren’t my brother.”

“Aw. Come on, don’t break my heart.”

“I just did. Let’s go in. I’m so fed up of all the fake smiles and greetings. I want to go to bed.”

“I will tuck you in then rejoin the party.”

“For real, I could never envy you being the first child and all that. It is super hectic.”

Aiden laughed at Mira's frustration. He led her into the house but not before turning back to catch a last glimpse of Clara Jones. Only, she wasn’t there. He could only see the soft wave of the water. She must have just left the pool side.

Mira went off like a light immediately her head hit the pillows, he lingered for a while before walking out of the room. His mum was the first person he saw

“Hi, mum.”

“Aiden dear. Is Mira in there?”

“Yeah. But she’s asleep now “

“Oh. That girl loves to retire to her bed whenever there’s a party going on. I never raised you guys to be party poopers.”

You didn’t raise us at all, Aiden said to himself.

“Going to bed early doesn’t make anyone a party pooper, mum. Where is Dad?”

“Probably talking to a business associate or something, you know how it goes.” She said cheerfully, she was definitely tipsy.

“Ok. You should take a seat. You are swaying.”

“No, darling. Let me introduce you to that girl I told you about.”

“What girl?”

His mum was so used to introducing him to different types of girls. She had an image of who she wanted him to marry. In her words, classy girls. He was sure she had forgotten about the whole arrangement. If not, she wouldn’t be introducing him to anyone. But that’s how his mum was, forgetful and carefree. He would have said careless but carefree was the best word to use at the moment. Aiden walked closely beside her as she lead him off into the party.