CHAPTER THIRTEEN
At the farm, the Carmichael family still has their usual life somehow. The spring was in full bloom, and everyone is busy with their daily chores. Grandpa Carmichael and Tony were feeding the animals while the ladies were busy preparing their lunch in the kitchen. Bobby and his brother are playing. They still don’t get along with Ross and Vicky although they’ve been reaching out sometimes as Maxine’s request to be pleasant to their cousins.
Bobby hates Ross and Vicky because of their attitude. They’re spoiled brats, and they only want what’s beneficial for them. There was a time when Bobby and Ross almost hit one another. Ross shouted at Grandma Carmichael because she kept on telling stories to her Grandchildren that bored him. Bobby was so furious that he pushed Bobby, but Grandma Carmichael stopped him immediately.
“Don’t you ever shout at Grandma!” Bobby scolded Ross.
“Enough, Bobby.” Grandma Carmichael said calmly.
Bobby and Ross were furious at each other, and they never spoke since then.
The Smiths, the black family that they met, decided to leave the farm because they were shy to stay for too long.
“Are you sure you’re leaving?” Grandpa Carmichael asked Mr. Smith.
“Yes, Mr. Carmichael. Thank you so much for the warm welcome.” Mr. Smith replied and smiled genuinely.
“Where will you go after?” Grandma Carmichael inserted herself into the conversation.
“We’ll go to my Aunt’s house in New Orleans. We called her, and found out that my Uncle just died of heart attack.” Mrs. Smith said.
“Sorry to hear that. If you need anything, you’re free to come back here.” Grandpa Carmichael assured the Smiths.
“Here’s a few supplies that you can use while you travel. We’ve prepared some foods, water, and medicine for you.” Maxine handed a bag of supplies to the Smiths who were shocked.
“Thank you so much. It’s a big help.” Mrs. Smith was very grateful and bid their goodbyes.
“Please have a safe trip.” Grandma Carmichael reminded the Smiths.
Tony didn’t like the idea of sharing their supplies because it means less for them. He confronted his parents after the Smiths left the farm.
“Did we have to share our supplies? I mean, we have no idea until when this crisis would last.” Tony bawled.
“For God’s sake, Tony. They have to travel for hours, yet they have nothing. Don’t have a heart?” Grandpa Carmichael shouted.
“I lost my heart the moment you pushed me to join the Army!” Tony answered.
“Enough! Maxine, Rashida get your children to their rooms.” Grandma Carmichael ordered.
“What are you saying?” Grandpa Carmichael didn’t stop asking Tony.
“When I was young, you’d always push me to do things I didn’t like. Did you ask me what I want? Did you care about my goals? You never cared about me then now you’re feeding other people?” Tony said furiously.
“Tony, it’s not true. I always want the best for you and Maxine.” Grandpa Carmichael defended, but Tony smirked.
“I ran out of this farm because I wanted to get out of your shadow. I became a laughing stock at the Army. I wanted to have my life, but all you did was control me.” Tony cried and walked out of the house.
Grandpa Carmichael sat on the kitchen chair and looked at his wife.
“Did I create a demon’s heart?” He asked Grandma Carmichael.
“Talk to him. We’re family. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
The sun was setting, and Tony was feeding the animals when Grandpa Carmichael approached him.
“Hey, can we talk?” Grandpa Carmichael asked Tony, but he pretended to hear nothing.
“I’m sorry, Tony. I’m sorry if I pushed you too much. I’m sorry if I wasn’t a good father, but you and Maxine are my greatest gifts. Why didn’t you tell me?” Grandpa Carmichael asked Tony, as Tony sigh.
“I tried, but you were always at the Military service. You were busy with a lot of things.” Tony said as he fed the animals.
“I’d understand if you’re angry at me, but please forgive me, Tony. I made a lot of mistakes, but a father will always be a father. I wanted what’s the best for you that I had no idea that I was hurting you. Our values are what we are. Please don’t allow the dark past ruin your heart. We always have to do what is right for our family, and for other people.” Grandpa Carmichael reached for Tony’s shoulder and squeezed it.
“When was the last time we played soccer?” Grandpa Carmichael asked Tony as they wiped off their tears.
“It was like forever ago.” Tony laughed.
“You think you can beat me now?” Grandpa Carmichael teased.
“You’re too good at it, but I think my son can,” Tony replied and they both laugh.
“Ross and Vicky. I can see you through them, Tony. A total carbon copy.” Grandpa Carmichael and Tony smiled.
“Dad, I gotta admit. I spoiled them too much. I wanted to give them everything. All the love, support, and materials that I never had. But I didn’t see I was creating brats. And now I can’t even control them sometimes.” Tony confessed to his dad.
“Tony, now is always the time to make changes, perhaps?” Grandpa responded and smiled at Tony.
“How?” Tony wondered.
“Through there.” Grandpa Carmichael pointed on Tony’s chest.
“It’s always better to use our brain in making the right decisions, but don’t forget to listen to your heart. They’re your children, you should know them well. Every day is a chance for new beginnings.” Grandpa Carmichael continued.
Grandma Carmichael was delighted to see her husband and his son get along again. They even went to the town to buy more supplies and made sure that there are enough for them, and some extras in case other people ask for their help. People at the farm made sure that they are ready if the war spread on the area.
“Dad, you think the war will end? I’m tired of it.” Ross asked his dad, Tony.
“Of course, Ross. There’s always hope for everyone.” Tony replied to Ross and looked at Grandpa Carmichael who was already smiling at him.
Meanwhile, Joseph is driving to their house. The weather has gone wrong, and it started to rain heavy and sturdy winds blown. Walter sits at the back while assisting Victoria who’s still in pain, and Denise hasn’t talked yet.
“Hold on, Victoria. You’ll be fine. Joseph, you think they’ll follow us?” Walter asked Joseph.
“I don’t think so. Not with this bad weather. How’s Victoria?” Joseph knew he had to come back to his senses.
“She has a gunshot on her thigh. Can you operate her?” Walter asked desperately.
“How? I don’t have any equipment?” Joseph was in wary.
“I don’t know. Please help my wife.” Walter cried in despair.
“I am fine, honey. Let’s first arrive at Dr. Brave’s house safely. Denise needs to rest.” Victoria said in a weak voice, as they all looked at Denise who was looking out of nowhere.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Before the sun alights, Joseph and his group have arrived at the main gate of their subdivision. To their surprise there were barriers, and barb wires near the main entrance. Joseph was peeping if there were other people in the area. It has been just days since he last slept at his home, but there were broken houses, unparked cars, and their subdivision seemed like a ghost town.
Joseph tried to break in the barriers, but armed people stopped them. They all pointed their armors to Steve’s car.
“Oh my God!” Victoria almost yelled.
Joseph turned off the engine and unlocked the car.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Walter asked Joseph.