My cousin and I stood straight and tall in front of our grandfather, wishing to make a good impression on him, knowing that today was the day of his choosing for the next head of the business after Max retired! Usually the next head would be the oldest son, however since Leann and I were both granddaughters, we had to go through a test.
He looked each of us in the eye. We HAD to know about the business...hopefully I'd know at least enough to impress my grandfather, he seemed to favor Leann over me. Then again, everyone favored Leann over me. She was just so beautiful, smart, and all around perfect!
He cleared his throat as I snapped back to reality.
"What date did the De Sainte-Coquille family business open?" My heart fluttered. I knew the answer! I actually knew the answer!
"1863." I replied proudly, as my grandfather blinked and responded with a twitter in his voice.
"That was the year, but I need to know the date as well..."
That's when Leann burst out;
"Winter 19, 1863."
"Coooooorrect!" he responded as a hint of jealousy drove over me.
Such dumb rotten luck for me. I didn't get very many questions right, but then again...my mother never told me very much about the estate...but that didn't really bother me...I didn't want to run the stupid business anyway!
I flopped on my bed...maybe I could focus on what I wanted to do while co-running the estate...or maybe, I didn't ever have to co-run the business! That sounded like an even better plan...
A knock on my door erupted as my mother walked in, sophisticated and proper like always, I always wondered why she married my father, a simple, middle class farmer. I remembered my father telling me that mom had fallen head over heels for him the day he moved into Alvarna; he also said the whole story was dramatic, and they never really told me the whole story.
"Clara," my mother began with comfort in her voice as I looked into her eyes.
"I know you're upset about not being head of the..."
I interrupted her, "Oh no, mom! I'm not mad! Actually, I'm really pleased! It gives me an opportunity to do what I want to do!" my mother smiled.
"That's good. Remember Clara, if you ever get stressed out because something you wanted didn't happen or visa versa you can always talk to me or your father."
I nodded and watched my mother turn her back, her long cyan hair bouncing with every step she took. I don't think I'll ever have stress like she does!