Chapter 10: A Bridge to the Past

Colorful balloons. People in jocund spirits. The King of Hearts Competition is about to kick off. There is so much cheer as the Founder delivers his welcome remarks.

"Seeing everyone in such high spirit makes me feel happy. And I couldn't be more delighted as this year, one of the people who spearheaded this wonderful foundation is here to give a message to you all in flesh and blood," he announces gleefully.

To them, he is a strong patriarch. To us, he's a father slowly collapsing.

"Let's all welcome, my father, Lord Owen McKnight, the Earl of Gloucestershire.

There is thunderous applause as he walks to the podium. At age 91, he still looks strong and handsome as ever.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you are well. And thank you, son, you are younger than me, but seems like I can take you down with a single punch!" he jokes and everyone laughs.

"As you all know, the King of Hearts Foundation has been long-standing for almost 50 years--- helping those people in need financially, physically, emotionally, or mentally. For this year's competition, we aim to bring undiscovered talents around the world to the table. Talents and skills that are wasted because of lack of fundings," he announces. Deafening cheers are heard from every corner of the Great Hall.

"This is going to be a week-long competition as we will cater most genres from Science to Arts. Winners of the competition will receive a full scholarship in this university, five hundred thousand dollar fund, and a one year contract with the company that hires them," he adds.

"I wish you all the luck! Let the competition commence!"

I breathe as I watch all participants get ready for the competition. Around ten thousand of them come from all around the world.

"Merideth!" I turn to see the Founder and grandpa standing side by side.

I bow my head before kissing them on their cheeks.

"How are you, grandpa?" I greet.

"Merideth! I know that look in your eyes!" the great Owen McKnight says.

I look at the Founder's eyes and I know that this is the right time to tell the Earl what's going on.

"Sir, would you like some tea?" I ask while smiling at him.

He nods. "Lead the way!"

_________________________

"How does this work?" Stephanie asks as she drinks her bubble tea.

"For the first two days, all 100 participants in each field will showcase their work in front of the companies," Ron explains.

"Looks like a job hiring more than the competition!" Chealsy reacts.

"Exactly. All of them will have a job after this competition but only one in each field will have all three prizes!" Jay says with pride.

"The Earl is absolutely fantastic!" Camille exclaims.

"The couple is here!" Sophia blurts out as Primrose and Leo arrive at their table.

"All because of my cruelty! But~ did O get anything from it? No! Not even a thank you!" Mon says as he does a fist bump with his brother.

"I will treat you some other time!" Leo replies.

"Do know how to ride horses?" Primrose asks.

"Why do you ask? Are you challenging me for a horse race or something?!" Mon replies.

"Oh! Don't ever dare Damon about horseback riding. He's good at it!" Ben says.

"Oooooooooh," the ladies exclaim while Mon simpers.

Primrose just looks at him and smiles playfully. She already has something in mind to avenge herself from his humiliation.

Meanwhile...

"Out with it. I talked to your brother, but he's useless as ever!" the Earl states. He takes a sip from his teacup.

"Father, this is not necessary," the Founder says in his frail voice. Each day, I watch my father die slowly.

"If you told me sooner, then this won't be necessary! Bring me the boy!" the Earl shouts.

The Founder keeps quiet at once. He knows that the level- headed Earl is very angry as he already raised his voice.

"Now?!" I ask worriedly. I haven't mentioned any of this to Jason. He might get upset.

"Now!" he grunts. "I want to see him at once!"

"Father! This is my family problem. Let me handle it!" the Founder insists.

The Earl stares at him intently.

"That boy will travel with me. He will stay in London with us. I wanna see how he is myself!" he states in a firm voice.

"Grandpa, please don't do this," I beg while looking at the Founder.

"Why not?" he asks.

"The thing is..." I swallow. "The Founder is~"

"I am dying, sir!"

"What?!"

"I am dying! And I don't have much time left. I want him closer to me. At least, here--- where I can see him even from a distance!" the Founder says in tears.

The Earl remains silent while looking through the glass wall.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asks in a calm voice.

The Founder looks at me and I understand the signal.

"I will leave you two to talk. Also, I need to check on the boys," I say. I bow and leave them. I take a deep breath as soon as I close the door. I wipe my tears as I walk away.

That afternoon I call Jason at my study.

"Why did you call me, my evil sis~"

He freezes when he recognizes the people on the sofa.

"Sit down!" the Earl says. He hesitantly sits.

"Jason, this is~"

"I know who they are~," he says in a soft voice.

"Very well. How are you doing?" the Earl asks in a warm voice. Jason keeps quiet.

"What do you want me to say? I am fine? Thank you for asking?" Jason shouts.

"Son~ you don't have to shout~" the Founder calms him down.

"Son? For your information, I did not come here because of you! It was my sister I came to see--- NOT you," he hisses.

"Jason!" I scold.

"Why did you look for me? You abandoned me to protect your reputation! Why all of a sudden you looked for me? Why?"

Tears streak down his face while looking at the Founder's weary eyes.

"I am sorry, s--- Jason! I am really sorry~"

"Sorry, huh?"

"I know. Apologizing is not enough to compensate for everything that I've done. It's true. I was afraid of losing everything at that time. I thought I had no choice, but to give you up," he says in tears.

"Why did you agree to come here, young man? To see your sister, is it? I doubt!" the Earl utters. Jason looks at him in confusion.

"I have lived long enough to judge a person's intentions well. And you are not mad at your father--- your heart desires to feel how is it to have a father!"

"I understand that you need time to adjust. But, time is something I don't have!"

Jason looks at me for an answer.

"Father is dying. So, he wants to make up to you during his last days!"

He weeps as he goes out without saying anything.