CHAPTER 5: FAMILY DINNER
Some minutes into the family bonding, George came in
"My second baby is here" Mom left Maya and hugged George.
"Hey son, I'm so happy to see you" His dad said giving him a hug. George carried Maya up and twirled round, she giggled like a child.
"I've missed you brother" Maya said looking so happy.
"Hey kid bro" Stanley said with a smirk plastered on his lips. George ignored him totally
"Let's get to work on the dining table. I'm starving and the aroma of the food ain't helping at all" Maya said trying to reduce the tension between her brothers. They all laughed and walked to the dining table, they sat down as everyone dished what they want to eat. Halfway into the meal in silence, Mr. Odlene spoke up.
"I want to make a toast" He said raising his glass of wine. Everyone raised their glass of wine.
"A toast to a happy family, good health and wealth" He laughed slightly.
"And a toast to oneness "He concluded.
"Oneness?" George murmured and scoffed. Everyone clicked their cups.
"So Stanley how's work and how's the company" Mr. Odlene asked.
"It's going well just that I've been having slight issue trying to work on a contract with a certain company:" He said, drinking his wine and staring at George.
"What about you, George" He turned to George
"Everything is going well just that a certain company wouldn't get it into her skull that I don't want to sign any contract to work on a project with her" He said giving Stanley a hard stare. Mother and daughter watched the two brothers stare hard at each other in silence.
"Of course, he won't sign it because of a dead bride" Stanley spoke up.
"Stanley stop that. So harsh of you to say such words. I gave you a warning, didn't I?" Mr. Odlene said with authority in his voice.
"And I'm tired of trying to heed to your warnings, dad. George should grow up "Stanley spat raising his voice a little.
"A murderer doesn't stay on his lane, does he?" George said with sarcasm mixed with anger.
"I didn't kill her and you know that. Besides, she's dead already praying for you to grow up and move on" Stanley laughed lightly. George squeezed the glass cup with anger and it shattered. The pieces pierced into his palm, he was bleeding.
"Enough!" Mrs. Odlene shouted. "I'm tired of watching two adults fight themselves at any slight opportunity they get. Gosh, I have headache already" She said standing up as she gulped her glass of wine and left the dining. Maya stood up and left too.
"You two should grow the hell up. George meet me in the study room "He left for the study room. George stood up and joined him in the study room.
"George, for how long will you hold onto the past" He asked backing George who face palmed himself.
"For as long as Stanley breathes, dad. It hurts so much that I have nightmares" He said raising his voice.
"That's because you don't want to heal. She's gone already and it's been two years but how are you sure Stanley killed her"
"He was there dad and I checked the hotel CCTV, he was the only one that got into her room"
"Did the CCTV show that he killed her?" He asked facing him this time
"Cameras are not installed in hotel rooms. Dad, why are you talking like you don't know how hotels are. You own a lot of them, Dad"
"Whose side are you on, Dad". Stanley looked into his dad's eye with hurt and anger.
"What has that got to do with you" His dad asked sternly.
"Let's go downstairs, I have an announcement to make" His father gave him a pat on his shoulder and left the room. When they got downstairs, others were sitted in the living room.
"I have an announcement to make about the ball night"Mr. Odlene said as he got downstairs. He sat down waiting for George to settle down.
"The family dinner has been ruined as usual and it's so sad that you two can't get along. I mean, grown up brothers"
"He ceased from being my brother the day he ruined my life!" George said with anger.
"Your life? Come off it, kid brother" Stanley said with mockery in his voice.
"Not again "Maya murmured.
"It's okay. The ball night for this year will hold a month from today" Mr.Odlene Interrupted
"I have a dress in mind already" Maya squealed.
"Mom, as the biggest fashion designer and stylist you are in New York City, my dress and makeup is settled" She said excitedly as she gave her mom a side quick hug.
"GG Brother, my jewelry is not a problem, right? She said giving him a wide smile.
"Yeah of course" George replied.
"Wait a minute, did you say a month from today. That's Arlene death anniversary date" George said checking his phone to be sure.
"If that's the date, we are sorry because that's the date your dad and I can fix this. We'd be so busy after that, I mean I have a fashion show to plan and your dad is going on a business trip" Mrs. Odlene explained with concern in her voice. Stanley kept quiet, observing what is going on.
"That's the day, Dad. I can't attend the ball night. I know how…" Stanley cut him off.
"Devastated you can be "Stanley completed.
"Don't dare miss the ball night. I can forgive you if you miss the family dinner but not the ball night, George" Mr. Odlene stood up and left. George stood up and left without saying goodbye to anyone.
"Mom, I feel for GG" Maya said as soon as George left.
"Yeah me too but he has to be there. You know how important the ball night means to your dad "Her mom said.
"Maya, we have to leave. Mom, do take care of yourself" He hugged his mom; Maya did the same giving her mom pecks all over the face.
"I'd be back in a week time, mom. I miss your burger and milkshake" She cooed.
"My baby, make sure you take your medication, cover yourself properly and take your inhaler with you anywhere you go, I was so scared yesterday"
"Mom, I'm grown. I know all these" Maya lamented.
"Of course you don't" Her mom said.
"I'm leaving. Mother and daughter always bonding" Stanley said leaving the living room to the car. He got to the car and Maya was still inside. He horned the car and she rushed out, got into the car and he drove off.