" Aren't I a beauty myself? You are heartless Phoenix Jay. Remember you once referred to me as a beauty and now you are giving that same title to some non-living invention."
" Haha..I don't know but I tend to refer to anything as 'beauty' including my bed. I mean everything that is beautiful should be appreciated."
" Hmph!! So now am on the same level as your bed? A bed? That thing is made out of wood and am made of flesh. Am alive and it's not and of course I can hug you, can your bed ever hug you back?" He narrowed his eyes at her.
" Absolutely. I can hug my bed and it can hug me back with the help of the blankets."
" PHOENIX" He suppressed his frustration as he growled. He was aware that she was doing and saying this intentionally but he couldn't help but pretend to be upset. Was he now likened to a bed??
Laughter rumbled within the car. Jade's face turned gloomy even more. Her laughter added salt to his wounded ego.
His phone's ringtone interrupted Phoenix's laughter.
" Yes? .... I will tend to that tomorrow morning.... Are you scared of your wife that much that you want to flee from her presence?.... No just drop them later at my place, am out at the moment."
He hung up the call and turned on the ignition, swiftly the car zoomed off from the premises.
***** Paulson family Villa *****
Sounds came from the dining room as the Paulson family gathered together for dinner. Many serving dishes with food emitting varying aromas filled the table. On the main seat sat Grandpa Paulson with a stern expression. The old man's gaze surveyed the whole room before focusing on his eldest son.
" Where are my grandsons? Do I now have to wait for them?"
Father Paulson who has been directed with the question had no answer to his father's question. He had no idea about his sons whereabouts. " I have no idea father, they could still be at work."
" Father, Jade will....." Mother Paulson tried to speak only to be cut off by Grandpa Paulson.
" I didn't ask you to speak. I asked your husband so he will be the one to answer." He looked at Father Paulson and continued, " Aren't they your sons? How come you don't know? Do you even check on them?"
" What do you mean by that father? Of course they are mine but that doesn't imply that I have to guard their every move. They are grown ups and they can do whatever they want."
"How do you teach them and what could be more important than meal time. Am hungry and have to take my medicine."
" They all grew up under your supervision father, so am not to blame. Am so innocent in this regard."
Tension filled the air. Mother Paulson pulled her husband's sleeves slightly under the table. When she arrived home, the old man had a menacing aura around him making him unapproachable. Everyone had kept their distance from him.
" Innocent? Aren't you ashamed to blame an old man. Ungrateful brat. You are just like your foolish Uncle and is that how you should be answering me?" With his hand raised, he pointed his trembling index finger towards his eldest son.
George and Lizzy pretended to be invisible as they watched the scene unfold before their eyes. It was rare for the old man to be pissed off making everyone perplexed at the moment. But quickly George understood from his father's and brother's argument that his uncle could be the prime cause of the old man's current mood. The old man's brother, Eric Paulson was a trouble maker since young and he had been giving the former a headache lately.
" Jade would not be able to join us so we can expect Troy and Ni..." Seeing an opportunity, mother Paulson spoke up to salvage the situation but before she could finish, Grandpa Paulson scolded her.
" What were you waiting for all this time? When I ask your husband a question I expect an answer from you too, hmph."
_ ' Like seriously? Who asked me to keep quite?' _
" Easy easy Grandpa. Scolding mom and shouting will only trigger your blood pressure." Niel's voice came from the entrance's direction. Behind him was Troy in an all black outfit.
" Brother is right Grandpa, you should keep check of your heath. You aren't getting younger Grandpa."
" Don't easy me and you aren't getting younger either. You kept everyone waiting and hungry and you now want to lecture me. Nonsense, you are just like your father." He then ignored them as he gestured for everyone to start eating.
" Seems like father likes comparison so much. I bet you were a genius when it came to languages or you could have been a lecture or instructor." The silent George finally spoke something since he sat down. His statement triggered laughter which lightened up the mood.
" Shut up and eat your food." Soon the maids began to help with serving the dishes. The noises from the entanglement of the plates and cutlery dominated within the room. Silence reigned supreme. Everyone ate to their heart's contentment and when it was over, all remained seated as they waited for the old man to leave first.
" The two of you come to my study after you are done." The old man ordered pointing at his two sons. He then stood up and walked out of the dining room.
" It can't be anything nice." Remarked Father Paulson to which George agreed to. The both of them hurriedly stood to chase after their father.
*****
Study room
Grandpa Paulson had already made himself comfortable on his swiveling chair as he focused his gaze outside the window. One could see the beautifully decorated garden filled with roses and lilies. It was a sight to behold.
George and Thomas walked in one after the other. No one spoke for a minute or so.
" Father!"
Being pulled out of his daze, Grandpa Paulson turned around to face the two men. The butler hurriedly excused himself and vacated the room closing the door.
'kchak'
Note: Thomas is the first name for Father Paulson so don't be confused.