CALEB HAD A CONDITION

Hearing his mom calling out his name, returning his focus once more on his driving, only to see he was about to hit this cream wagon that had stopped due to the red light.

Mashing the brakes just in time, he exhales thinking if mom didn't call him out, they might have both ended up in the hospital. Leaning across towards her. "Are you alright mom, I am so sorry."

But her outburst was, "Do you want me to end up in the hospital like your father?"

"I am very sorry mom." When he turns around quickly and sneezes. 'Oh boy, whatever Dr Shawn gives me is not working.' 

Reaching the hospital at half six, he led his mom to the elevator to the fourth floor, he almost collided with the young lady in the corridor. Seeing her crying as he sidestepped her pathway, she was still in her work clothes he saw her earlier at the mall. Being distracted again he heard his mom call out, "This way Caleb."

Caleb followed his mom but he wanted to know who the young lady was visiting? She look so broken, it had to be someone very close to her for her to be crying. Following his mom reaching the ward where his dad was, dad was asleep.

Caleb went and stood by the window looking out, seeing the young lady leaning against a wall and wiping her face, 'Is a member of her family hospitalized?' 

"Are you alright son?"

Turning around, he responded to his mom, "I am a fine mom." Caleb covers his mouth as he sneezes again.

When he saw his dad's eyes open and he was not looking good, 'God, he looked so frail,' when he did speak, Caleb was shaken by what he was saying.

'How could this be? His voice is so weak, a slight pain wouldn't cause him to be like this, I am sure it has to be something much more serious?'

Caleb took his dad's hand in his, "Look, dad, there is no reason why you should be worrying, if this marriage will cover our financial situations, then we will meet the family if that is what bothers you. Now I am not promising anything, but I will meet the family, so please stop the worrying."

Caleb was unable to believe his ears and what he was even agreeing to, but he didn't want anything to happen to his dad, because, 'he would be the one carrying all the guilt and blame.' 

"Thanks, son, you wouldn't know how I am happy to hear you agreeing."

"Dad, I will only agree under one condition."

"What is that son?"

"I want to have full control over the business. Nevil, Aaliyah, and Gilbert are out."

"But we cannot do that son."

"Then it will make no difference dad, they keep borrowing money and putting the business at a loss. Why is it my salary is sufficient, and they get more than me, yet they want cash before the month ends?"

Looking at his dad, "Dad if I have to give up my bachelorhood for the family, then they have to find another job, that is the only way I will be agreeing to this commitment."

"Jonas, I hope you know Caleb is right, you keep giving them money and you know they don't pay it back."

MARGRET CALL THE CHILDREN FORA FAMILY MEETING

When Jonas responds, "Margaret, they are my children, what do you expect me to do when they come with their problems? I am their father."

"No one is saying no Jonas but if you are not managing the business anymore, they would not come running to you with their problems. Give the business to Caleb, let him manage it."

"Okay Margaret, you tell them."

Caleb knows he might be making a mistake but this is the only way he could save his father's legacy, "Thanks, Dad, I promise to save your legacy."

Caleb observes how his eyes close as if all is lost, when he said, "I will now try to get some rest."

Stroking his father's hand then he turns to his mom saying, "Mom, I am going to speak with the doctor, you wait here."

"There is no need for that, Caleb, here he comes."

Caleb listens to the doctor saying that his dad had a mild heart attack, but they will know for definite when they take all the necessary tests tomorrow until then I will like to keep him for observation. 

Caleb was glad for his mom's quick thinking to walk with his dad few things, although she was thinking about him overnighting, she look so shaken by the doctor's report.

Caleb knew deep down in his heart it was his fault for his dad being hospitalized because he rejected to accept his dad's decision and his worrying about it had brought it on. 

Returning home still sneezing Caleb had no choice after eating his dinner, he went to the study to go through the account books...

Caleb was trying to bring some semblance to what he was seeing, 'These three have been swindling so much from the stores they have been managing, it is no wonder we are in such a mess.'

Sitting with pen and paper Caleb begins from the last two years taking a count of how much they had borrowed from his dad. 

"Good Lord, we are lucky to say we still have a business, The way things are going, we would have to sell two of the stores to offset all the debts, so we can hold on to two." 

Thursday Caleb wakes early only just getting about three hours of rest.  Hearing his mom speaking with his eldest brother concerning some decisions that must be made because their dad was not well and was admitted to the hospital, she needed him to come Saturday evening to have a family meeting.

Leaving her to the task he went to check on the three stores and speak to the workers.

Saturday after the store was closed Caleb visited his dad being fore days already in the hospital. Hearing that all his test was completed, and he could get discharged Caleb takes him home.

  Nevil, Gilbert and Aaliyah came to visit dad just a mom had invited them for dinner, mom on the other hand seized that opportunity after they all had dinner to discuss the decision she and dad had made.

Noticing the expressions on their faces, Caleb knew they weren't prepared to hear what she was going to say. 

MARGRET DECISION

Caleb knew he still didn't know what was their final decision so he listens, when she said, "Nevil, I believe you being the eldest, I thought you should take on the responsibility of managing the business."

Caleb sees Nevil smile maybe he was thinking he was getting the business, but he waited to see what was the final decision mom and dad made.

Noticing the expression on the faces of the others they seem pleased enough but when mom said, "As I was going through the books I observed that you are owing to the business over half a million and that is beside what you have swindled from the business unknowingly to us." 

Nevil gasped never thinking they will know although he knew dad had a record of how much he had borrowed in the past.'

Looking at his dad wondering if he told mom because he said he will not, but I didn't think they knew of the amount I had taken unknowingly to them. I was hoping to pay it back before they check the book coming this quarterly, but things have become really hectic that though matter how hard I tried I keep getting deeper and deeper, and now it's too late.

Expecting mom to continue on his case but instead, she said, "Gilbert, I see that you have followed fast in your elder brother's footsteps.  Because of your irresponsibility, your father's sacrifices are going to be flushed down the toilet." Seeing him bend his head, Nevil thought, 'That I was not expecting, it seems Gilbert is in deeper sh*t than I.'

When she spoke to Aaliyah, who was already bending her head in shame, "And you Aaliyah, look at me as I speak, I thought I had trained you well, but the report I have received about you these few days is very disappointing. I know now I have failed miserably in your upbringing. When I thought we could lean on you to assist your father, I see our bad judgment has left us no other choice."

Nevil thought at that moment, 'I am sure she has heard of her divorce but who told her, she even seems up-to-date on all of us. Looking at Caleb and Petal but there was no expression, wondering what mom was going to say about them or have she already dealt with them? 

When she side angrily, "I had no idea that you three would have done this to your father after all the sacrifices he had made for you three. He is sick now because of pressure the three of you have put upon his shoulders.

Thank God for Caleb, his store was able to keep the three stores afloat but with creditors knocking at our door, we will have to sell at least two of the stores to offset all the expenses you three had made.

Now, this might sound harsh to your ears, but I have decided that you three are no longer the managers of stores one, two, and three. I am giving full control to Caleb, he will manage the business and from today you are no longer employed with the J and M Company."

MARGRET RECOGNISED HER SHORTCOMINGS

Caleb looked at her, and then the others wondered what they must be thinking, they all look hopeless and very disappointed with her decision. Dad, on the other hand, had his eyes closed, he is very soft-hearted not like mom, she can be very harsh and unreasonable at times.

When mom said, "You may not have realized this, but your father and I have worked hard to build this business, and in the ten years you three have managed it, you have brought it to ruin. With the advice from the lawyer, we will have to sell two of the stores so that we could save two stores. 

With the dowry, we will be getting from Caleb's suitor, we could try to save the legacy your father has worked so hard for. It is time that you three get your priorities straightened out and stand on your own two feet, and just remember you three are owing to the business over two million dollars each."

"But mom, where are we going to get work if we have no job and to pay our debts?" Nevil asked.

"You three have been managing a store for over ten years, I should hope you wouldn't have any problem finding a job with your experience," hearing his mom concluded.

"We could work in the two stores," Nevil suggested.

"Sorry Nevil, but Caleb will be in his, and I will be in the other store."

"But mom, you have never worked a day in the stores."

The three of them looks at her when they heard her laugh, "That is what you all think, who do you think used to do the books before you started working in the stores?

If I could see the blunder that has been done to all the hard work your father and I made sacrifices for, don't you think I could manage the store? I now see our shortcoming, we should have kept overseeing the business and not left you all freehand to make the final decisions." 

Throwing a sheet of the record of Caleb's store in front of them, and then another from the stores they had been managing, "Your bad habits have put this business where it is today. You thought I had no idea what you three indulge yourself with, but I have made the final decision."

Looking at Petal, Margret said, "And you young lady, from now on you are going to attend to the chores of the house, and I already spoke with Mrs. Zelda, she will only do the cooking and the supervising of the running of the house."

Caleb looked at the three of them thinking to himself as he felt his heart break for the loss of their job. 'If I feel sorry they wouldn't change their ways, and helping one means I will have to help the others as well.

They all look so glooms and defeated, desperate might be the exact word, but feeling sorry is not going to help them nor change their lifestyle.

Knowing it was he who asked his parents to do it, he went to his room quietly as they complained and begged. He knew it was a hard decision they had to make but they finally did. Now I will have to rectify the mess they have made to save the business.

ANTONIO WAS NERVOUS

Calling Sarahiah for them to leave for the Christian's home, "Honey, have you dressed already? It is half four already and we will be late."

He turned the handle on her room door when he got no response, the room was empty and there was a note on the bed address for him. 

Opening the note Antonio read, 

'Dad, I know this is important to you, you were not home and I had no choice but to go to the hospital when the doctor called,

Love, Sarah.'

"You have planned this all along, now how will I face Jonas's family," he said and then sighed.

Calling Jerod, only to hear that Sarahiah was not lying to him and that their mom had gotten more ill during the night, and the doctor had called him earlier.

"Dad, I was at work and could not go, but if you want I will go with you to your friend's home."

Leaving home Antonio was feeling nervous as his hands were soaked with sweat, he had dabbed his face so many times his handkerchief was soaked.

As the minutes get closer to reaching Jonas's home, Antonio wondered what he was going to say when they asked about Sarah.

Antonio asks Jerod as he drove up to the address that was on the paper, "Is this their house son?"

"I suppose so, this is the address in the paper dad," Jerod said looking at his dad who was sweating profusely, asking, "Are you going to be alright, dad you look terrible?"

"I know son but I will be fine, just a bit nervous, you see I have given my word and now I cannot keep it."

Jerod steps out of the car and walks to the gate to ring the bell, he looks around concluding that the compound was properly secured. The house was enormous, not like their home,

Whispering a prayer, "Lord I hope she will be happy in this home if this proposal works out. I know she was displeased with dad arrangement and us joining with him but we want her to be happy."

Caleb checked to see who the young lady was, but he sees a gentleman not too much older than himself standing at the gate. Opening the gate for them to drive in, Caleb observed it was just two males, sighing and thinking that these were not the people they were expecting.

When they park up to the garage and alight the car the hall bell bang five times, just then his dad steps through the door noticing the smile as he greets them, "Antonio my friend I see you have made it."

Contemplating in his mind, 'If these are the people dad invited, what sort of trickery is this? They were supposed to bring the person for me to see her, but she is not with them. Just suppose, she is half-blind, or retarded in some way. Oh Lord, what am I getting myself into, please help me.'

THE DOWRY WAS TEMPTING

Clenching his fist as he sits and listens to their conversation not wanting to interrupt because of his dad's health.

Caleb listened to the father speak and then her brother, they sound so honest and sincere, but then his dad said, "I was hoping to see the child Antonio."

"I know Jonas, and I am very sorry about that, but my wife is in the hospital and when the doctor called this morning, she was the only one home because I went to church. I didn't want you to think I had forgotten or forgotten our proposed plan."

Jonas replies, "Then, if that's the case we will accept a picture for now until we can see who the child is in person, I know Caleb is a bit curious to see who the young lady is before he makes his final decision."

"I am sorry, but Sarah doesn't like taking photos."

"Didn't she take any photo with the others when they were getting married for their wedding album?" Caleb's mom was curious to know as she looks at Caleb's face seeing his disappointment. 

"I am truly sorry to disappoint you, but believe me when I tell you, when you see my daughter you will be amazed,"  Antonio said, he then turned towards Jerod and said, "Jonas, my child favours Jerod, he is the eldest and my Sarah is the youngest. 

I am here to see how quickly this marriage could be arranged. I like your son and my wife is in a critical state, so I want this wedding to be done quickly and as simple as possible."

"What is the rush, sir?" Caleb asked angrily, 'Wanting to know and see who is the young lady first, and why is it he has this feeling like them trying to force this marriage on me? 

Is there a fault with her? Is that why they didn't bring her today? God this is ridiculous I should not be even here entertaining such nonsense.'

"It is alright son, I know what you must be thinking, but my daughter is pure and my daughter have no disabilities. My main concern right now is if her mother dies then we would have to call off this arrangement for another six months, by then I can't say what may happen. All I just wanted is to fulfil her mother and my last wish." 

Caleb noticed how Jerod turned to look at his father with some concern, "Dad, what is going on?" Jerod asked questionably.

"We will discuss it on our way home son," Antonio said and then took up the briefcase and placed it in Caleb's hand, "This is the dowry your father asked for son."

Caleb opened the briefcase seeing the money he flip through seeing it in ten thousand piles, counting the rows seeing twenty-two and in one corner it has a small pile. 

Knowing it has the two hundred and twenty-five thousand which was very tempting knowing it will remove all his dad's stress, Caleb closed the briefcase and returned it to Antonio. 

THE DOWRY IS MISSING

Considering the matter for a few minutes, Caleb then said, "Sir, I believe you should hold on to this until I see the young lady. When that happens, I will make my decision."

"I agree son, so how about we decide on this next Sunday."

"Next Sunday?" Antonio sees the surprise on his face together with fear as the color drains slowly, bringing about this dismal appearance.

Not wanting to scare him knowing Sarah is already angry and against this marriage, he said, "Yes, we will meet again to make our final decision then we will take the next step."

Caleb felt such relief thinking for a moment that it was the wedding he was speaking about.

Noticing his dad nod to Antonio giving his consent to the arrangement, Caleb, in return said nothing, knowing his dad was already so tense and he didn't want him worrying before he collapse right in front of his face.

He also didn't want to rush this marriage, it was frightening not knowing who the young lady is. He knew all that was on his mind these last few days was the young lady he collided with in the mall.

Realizing now that the elders have finalized the next meeting day which was next Sunday also mothers day the fourteenth of May. He knows he will have no say in the matter because the other members might come to bring gifts for mom.

Antonio was satisfied, feeling settled in his mind the finalizing of this arrangement will be done once and for all. He had to just hope things worked out that Sarah will attend to the lunch without any fuss.

All I have to pray for is that Moriah will be alright until the wedding is finalised and also happy with the choice I made for her. Jerod and his dad agree not to inform Sarah of the new luncheon arrangement.

Wednesday morning when Antonio woke up, the briefcase with the dowry that was in his room was missing and he knew immediately that it was Sarah that had taken it.

Angry with her for her stubbornness, but she has never done something like this before, afraid she might do something stupid because she disagrees with his arrangement. 

Antonio decided to go to the bank, thinking he cannot go to the boys again with this problem, he was hoping to get a loan without them knowing and have the dowry ready for Sunday.4

Feeling his body run hot then cold when he hear that Sarahiah had taken a loan the Tuesday for two and a half million. 

Sitting quietly for about ten minutes feeling his chest hurts after the loan officer inform him that he cannot get a loan, all that was in his mind was what was her plan?

Antonio decided to confront her, so he went to the store to meet her. Hearing from Mitch, the manager that she had been called to the hospital an hour earlier.

Antonio knew Moriah wasn't feeling well when he left her at the hospital the day before. Thinking, 'They must have some good news from the test they were going to do.