Chapter 1
Gisborne Manor
Marian awoke to the sound of her alarm clock reminding her it was time begin another day. She rolled over after disabling her alarm and stretched out sliding her hand against the soft silk sheets. Marian turned her head to her husband's side of the bed which was currently unoccupied and had been for the last few days. Marian had grown use to her husband working late nights however, his most recent promotion kept him over nights at times and she hated that. She'd grown accustomed to sleeping in the same bed as him for some 13 years and she wasn't eager to learn to sleep alone. She never liked sleeping alone after she married Guy it was so very foreign to her. She held back a yawn but instead let out a heavy sigh resigning her fate to preparing for the day. Marian pushed herself out of bed and began the everyday routine she'd been doing for the last twelve years of being well… a Mom.
Thirteen years of marriage had given Marian and Guy three wonderful children, two sons and a daughter. The oldest was Henry, who was his father's twin in every way. He was a leader to be sure and showed signs of his ability to do so at a very young age. He always took care of his sister and made sure she was always accounted for. In a way he was her protector as an older brother would be. The second son born to the Gisborne's, Thomas, he was every bit his mother as he could possibly be without being a female. His auburn brown hair and sea green eyes matched her own and she rejoiced in that. The only daughter born to Marian was Isabella, and she was quite a character. At six years old she hadn't quite taken towards her father's personality though she took after him in looks almost entirely like her older brother Henry. She also didn't take after her mother whom she had to thank for her nose and mischievous grin. Marian was curious as to who she would become or if someone entirely of her own making if the future would have it be so.
Mornings were always busy in the Gisborne household and this October morning was no different. Marian went to start the coffee and found her two oldest boys preparing breakfast grateful that they were independent enough to do the little things while their little sister had an entirely different approach to mornings. Marian climbed up the steps and walked the hall to her six-year old daughters room where she was still sound asleep. Marian was impressed she could sleep through all the nose downstairs and almost envious. "Isabella Ghislaine, you must get up and get ready otherwise you will miss the bus and I haven't got time to drive you myself." Marian chided feeling another yawn come on. Bella played on her nerves and it was frustrating at times. Bella only burrowed deeper into the covers and pulled her blanket over head to block out the morning sunlight streaming through her window. Marian gave a huff and pulled out her cell phone. While Bella thought she could ignore her Mother when it was convenient to her Marian had a card up her sleeve called the "What would your father say?" card and it worked every time. "Hmm, perhaps I can call your father and see if he can drive all the way from work to come pick you up and take you to school since you seem not to want to listen to me." Marian yielded with just the right amount of sarcasm. Marian counted silently in her head 3,2,1, and Bella bolted out of bed and into her bathroom where she turned on the faucet and prepared to brush her teeth. Marian smiled to herself "Works every time." She said triumphantly heading for her own room to dress and prepare for the day.
Not a moment after buttoning her blazer Isabella called for her help in the other room. Marian smiled as she walked down the hallway past her boy's rooms and onto her daughters very girly, pink, princess room. She walked into a mess of skirts, leggings, shirts and shoes. Her daughter gave a defeated sigh and slumped herself on her bed looking up at her mother with wishful eyes. "Will you help me find something to wear?" she asked pleadingly. Although Marian was not overly pleased with the current mess she understood her daughter's frustration because she too often struggled with her own wardrobe. Her sense of style improved once Bella came along and she was forced into the world of skirts, sequence and bows and learned to love the fashion of little girls. This was something she shared with her daughter and only her daughter and she savored the moments her daughter asked for her advice or opinion on even silly things like clothes because she knew all too well that one day she wouldn't be so eager for motherly opinion. Marian saw a pair of leggings lying next to a denim skirt and mentally applauded Bella for in her chaotic mess she managed to throw together something that actually worked. Now that the bottom portion of the outfit was decided all that was left was the top and Marian saw the perfect white and pink lined shirt with "Ballerina" imprinted on it and immediately went to grab it.
Bella must have approved because when her mother turned around she had her arms in the air waiting for her mom to put the shirt on her. Once her shirt was on Marian helped her into her leggings and buttoned up her skirt for her and after she was finished Bella gave a twirl and she gave her daughter a light applause followed by an approving smile. "If only she would stay this little." Marian wished silently as her daughter headed downstairs.
Hair brushed and fashioned in a stylish ponytail Isabella met her brothers at the door and Marian followed close behind. She watched as Henry helped his little sister with her jacket and backpack. He was always there to help her whether she asked for him or not. Marian pulled their sack lunches out of the fridge and handed then each one according to their label. Henry thanked her and headed towards the door pausing at the steps for Bella like he always did. Marians daughter gave her a big grin and hugged her waist before catching up with Henry on the steps. Thomas lingered as if to say something but before Marian could ask what he gave her a quick hug and dashed after his siblings. She laughed as she watched him run along and thought to herself how mysterious her middle child was as of late. Awkward and shy but that was Thomas's way which was also normal for a boy of ten. She checked her watch realizing she'd need to hurry if she was to make her appointment with the bank regarding her father's estate and the Knighton house.
Allan
Vaisey Corp
It was 8:30 am on the dot when Guy walked in the office black suit and tie and not a hair out of place. Allan had been working for Guy for over 13 years now and new his bosses schedule like the back of his hand. Allan opened Guy's office door for him while handing him a cup of coffee, two shots espresso, just the way he preferred it. Guy nodded in approval and took the coffee gratefully and made his way behind his desk to sit down while Allan seated himself in a chair facing the front of the desk. Once Guy took a heavy drink of coffee Allan began to speak "So what's your boss got us doing today?" he asked with enthusiasm far too eager for the early hour. Guy put his coffee down and gave Allan and irritated flick with his blue eyes before looking into the paper work splayed out before him on his desk. Without acknowledging his employee, he replied "13 years with this company and you still need told what to do?" Guy stated rather than asked.
Allan only shrugged his shoulders and said, "I'm not being funny mate, but I've only Just got the promotion of overseeing security and you being the previous head of all things security, I thought you'd be the one to ask." Guy kept his eyes peeled to the paper before him as he took another dose of morning caffeine. "Have you familiarized yourself with the I.T or the guard details themselves and their round the clock scheduling?" Guy inquired knowing the answer. Allan immediately perked up in his seat and assured his superior "I'll get right on that!". As he went for the exit Guy looked up from his paper work and said in a low baritone voice of warning said, "Don't make me regret promoting you Adale." Allan nodded as he was halfway out the door veering right when Guy called out "I.T is that way." He said motion to the left his eyes now back on the jumbled mess before him. Allan sheepishly said "Right, left." And scurried of towards I.T hoping to heavens he wouldn't screw this up.
Guy
Guy's Office
Finally, alone Guy looked at his watch and saw it was nearing 9 o'clock. The kids would already be at school by now, so he could call Marian before his meeting at 9:30 and have a conversation with her without the kids distracting her. Guy smiled to himself chanting silently in his mind "My wife" as he picked up the phone to call her.