Chapter 24 - 24

There was the moment of truth, this is where I had to make the decision. I was live on television and I'm pretty sure the whole of America is watching right now. I couldn't abandon my father's legacy, but I also couldn't let down the one person that's ever shown me love even when I didn't deserve it.

"I have a lot riding on this decision, if I resign or rather step down, I risk losing my father's legacy. If I, don't I stand to lose way more than that, more than I'd like to admit. I always thought keeping people happy was the only way to avoid conflict, but I had no idea what made them happy. A lot has changed since my father passed and I promised to keep his legacy going but at this point I'm starting to realise that his legacy was built on the wrong foundations. To cut my speech short, I, Xander James Forsythe, hereby public step down as the President of the United States of America, effective and immediately,"

And the room erupts with the sound of applause, I look over at Charles and he's crying, I give him a small smile and he gives me a nod, Damien gives me a thumbs up and I know I've dine the right thing, for the first time in my life, I've done the right thing, selfless act. Nikki gives me a kiss on the cheek, and she leans forward.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispers.

I almost break down in tears, people have told me that they are proud of me, not because they meant it but because I did something they liked, but this felt different, this came from a place of love, a genuine place and that made every other achievement of mine, unimportant.

The crowd finally calms down and we still have a few more questions to take, Jo-Anne steps into action and announces that we'll be taking two more questions and then we are done.

"Sir in the back with the black shirt," she calls out.

"I'm from Scandal Magazine, I'd like to start off by saying, thank you sir, for your brave decision, it takes a real man to do what you just did."

"Thank you," I reply.

"So, my question is, and this is totally unrelated to the van Rensburg case, but they're have been rumours that your mother, is here in South Africa, do you know of her whereabouts, and have you tried reaching out to her?"

I open my mouth to say something, but I quickly close it, my mother is here, she's been here the whole time. Nikki gives me a nudge and I look at her and then back ay the cameras.

I clear my throat, "I had no idea she was here, or aware that she was even alive."

"Follow p question, how? And Why?"

"My father kicked my mother out the house when I was just a mere toddler, and he never really spoke of her and where she was," I reply.

"Thank you," the man says.

"One more question and then we are done," Jo-Anne says.

Everything becomes a blur after that, I had no idea that my mother was here in South Africa, if I had known then, hell, I don't even what I'd do. My heart was beating out of my chest, I could hear it in my ears.

He kept her away from me, he lied to me, he abused me, he's haunting me and tormenting me.

I pull myself back and when I come to, the press conference is over. I get up from the chair and I reach my hand out for Nikki, she gets up and we walk backstage.

"Thank God, that nightmare is over," Charles says as we walk back to the dressing rooms.

We get to the dressing rooms, and I sit down on the chair, I have a lot of questions running through my mind, where was she? I had to find her but how?

"Xander?"

I look up and find Charles looking at me with worried eyes, "Are you okay?"

"Nothing, I'm just tired," I reply.

"I really appreciate what you did out their man, you saved a lot of lives and really gave those people what they wanted," Charles says, he gives me hug and I hug him back.

"We should go out and celebrate," Nikki says, "My place?"

"Yes ma'am!" Charles cheers.

At the side of my eye, I feel Damien looking at me, I'm sure he could tell that I wasn't okay, he walks beside me and pats my back and I shudder.

"You are alright buddy," he whispers.

I close my eyes and take in a deep breath and out, I open my eyes and he's smiling down at me.

We take of our earpieces, while we wait for the parking to be cleared so we can leave, and once it is clear we leave the building, we get down to where the car is parked, and we stand beside the car.

"Jo, are you coming with us for drinks?" Nikki asks.

Jo-Anne shakes her head, "I'm exhausted Nikki and mama needs me, she's sick again."

Nikki frowns, "I'm so sorry, Jo. Send my love and if you need help with the medicals, let me know."

The two ladies share a hug and Jo-Anne leaves. I'm always amazed by her unconditional kindness; she never bats an eyelash when someone says they need help.

"You never told us that Mike was your brother," Charles says as we get into the car.

Nikki grimaces, "Yeah, he was my spy for you guys but like any man, he has a bro code and he never told me a thing."

"So, is he your older brother?"

She shakes her head, "Twin."

Charles gasps, "Girl, no!"

"You could have fooled me," Damien laughs, "Twins."

I chuckle, "That's weird, but I like him, I think he's cool."

"He likes you too," Nikki smiles, "He never shuts up about you guys, especially Damien."

"What?"

Damien laughs, "Don't be jealous."

Charles rolls his eyes and I laugh.

The drive to Nikki's house is nothing short of interesting, Nikki explains a lot about her brother and their relationship. Their father died, not so long ago and Nikki took over his business, but Mike had already started his own at the time and he was married. They were close but Nikki made one thing clear, she did not like his wife and that's what caused their relationship to be strained and weird, but they loved each other regardless.

We arrive at her house and there is a car parked in front of the garage, we get out and walk into the house. We are greeted by a beautiful woman, short, afro hair, and a striking resemblance to Nikki, she looked like her old sister.

"Ma, what are you doing here?"

Did she just say mom?

"Don't you dare us that tone of voice with me young lady?"

Nikki sighs, "Sorry mama."

"And to answer your question, I'm here to see my future son-in-law," she says, giving me a wide grin.

Here we go.