' Dad what are you so happy about?' I asked confused.
' Olivia do you remember when you ran away from home?' Dad ask.
Don't judge me! I was young and foolish then. So this was what happened, it was the day before my 13th birthday and my parents told me we were going to Chicago the next day.
I thought they were thinking about moving again so I disagreed. But of course my protest made no difference, so I planned to run away. I didn't want to depart from my " true love". So I wanted to leave the house and go to Ken, but my blasted shadow agent caught me and brought me back.
I don't see anything happy about my failed attempt to run away.
' So?' I ask.
' That Christmas, your mum, grandmother and I made a bet. We all said at this rate you would get pregnant soon. So we made guesses on your age when you will become pregnant.
I bet 16, your mom bet 18 and your grandmother bet 15. And the winner got 1 billion each from the losers.' Dad said wearing a cheeky smile.
Am I dreaming? How could they suspect me of such immorality. I haven't even had my first kiss. Speaking of which, it's about time I got one. it will be a shame to have my first kiss in my twenties.
' Let me get this straight, so you all gambled on me?' I asked till shocked.
' Yes and Daddy's got 2 billion for doing nothing.' Dad said.
Dad had always been this way, he would earn up to 3 million every hour but nothing gave him more satisfaction than something he didn't work to get.
' Dad, I just have one thing to say.... I get 10% of the money.' I say. Don't judge me! I need to profit somehow.
' That's a done deal.' Dad replied.
Arian looked confused as to what was going on. He then crawled to grandmother and touched her leg.
Grandmother carried him up and asked him what he wanted.
He just pointed to dad and I with a confused expression.
' I will give you your money Oliver. I am glad that I have become a great-grandmother.' Grandmother says.
' And I have become a grandmother. Mother may I hold little Aiden.' Mom ask.
' Of course Brenda.' Grandmother replies.
I felt so proud of my little Arian.
I chatted with my parents for a while till it was time to get ready for the family banquet. I excused myself and left.
All the Havana family members come together every December for three weeks to have a family banquet.
My grandparents were the only child of their respective parents so they decided to try as much as possible to make each child of theirs competent in order to expand the family's capacity. They had three children: Oliver ( my dad), Uncle Stephen, and Aunt Lily.
Each sibling had two children, I have four cousins.
Uncle Stephen ( Ava and Arthur), and Aunt Lily ( Bella and Liam).
Tonight we would all catch up and spend some time with each other ( At least that's what the banquet is meant to be for, instead it is turned into a contest of who has the better child.)
My aunts and uncles will be looking out to pick faults. So I must make sure I am not inferior to anybody.
************
Havana Main Hall,
All the members came in, each holding a green rose and placing it in a vase near Grandfather Havana's portrait.
' Oh my, Ava and Bella havys grown a lot. What happened to the little girls of those days? And take a look at Arthur and Liam, they are already taller than me.' Oliver says to Ava.
' Thank you Uncle.' The four replies.
' By the way Oliver, I can't see Olivia and Brenda or your goddaughter.' Lily says.
' They should be on their way. My children love to make a big entrance. They got it from me.' Oliver says.
' Speaking of the devil. Here they are.' Brenda ( Arianna's mom.) says.
There's complete silence as the three young girls walk in.
The all had the same design of dress. It was a white gown that hugged at the chest and flowed free waist down. At the neck lines were green rose imprints and it had a green belt on the waist with green roses on them. The dress was matched with emerald jewelry set and green heels.
Little Arian wasn't spared from the fabulousness. He was dressed in a cute white tuxedo with a green tie and green knee caps. He was being pushed on his stroller by a worker and he gleefully waved at everyone.
' My three daughters and my lovely grandson.' Oliver says.
The family members exchange looks. Grandson? Which of the daughters got married.
' Lest I forget. This is my grandson, Arian Aiden Havana.' Oliver says.
Arian waved his small chubby hands and smiled.
' When did a daughter of yours get married?' Stephen ask
' You don't need to be married to get a child Uncle.' Arianna says.
' An illegitimate child?' Ava says scornfully.
The temperature suddenly drops in the room as Arianna calmly stares at Ava.
' Noone! Nobody! Nobody at all calls my child illegitimate. You did it once, don't do it again.' Arianna says with a calm yet imposing aura.
' As expected from the daughter of the Havanas, a calm yet dangerous tone.' Grandmother Rosalind says.
Everyone stands up and lower their heads and greet.
' Let's begin the banquet.' Grandmother Rosalind says.