I AM NOT MILES AWAY II

My parents never fail to devote their interest to things that involve our future; academically or socially.

Rose has made her intention to study music known since she was twelve. The room behind the dining holds a gigantic piano and other musical gadgets I do not know of. She spends her school break with her musical tutor which started days ago.

James who struggled to wake up for school till his massive graduation a couple of weeks ago knows nothing about his interest. This has resulted in hiring a counselor for him. Mum hopes he could use the remaining months of the year to develop an interest. He should be starting his university in January if, he finds himself. Our parents never impose any career on us. They only hope we do well in whatever good path we choose.

"Yes, Mum. I will be traveling with Granny."

"That's new!" Shoveling some eggs in his mouth, James shipped.

"She isn't coming back until a month." Rose who isn't sure I remembered pushed to remind me. " thought you should know." She added in defense when I looked at her.

"I know."

I saw Dad and Mum exchange glances with each other.

"And you are still going?" Rose asked and turned her head to every member of the family systematically. "Dad?" She finally called out when it seems nobody is bothered.

"Gregory, I am not in the words to stop you. But you should have discussed this with us," Mum started.

"I decided last night"

"What about your photography lesson son?" Dad voiced his uttermost concern.

"I will continue the online classes. Maybe, take a full class next year."

"Maybe?"

"I will take a full class next school break."

I promised.

"You will be away for weeks," Rose sadly confirmed.

"He is always away."

James is right. I am always away from my family. Rose shouldn't sound so sad. My presence still feels the same, and James, apart from having an after-high school luxurious life with his friends, should dedicate himself to visiting the counselor twice a week to help figure himself out.

"He has never been away from home. This is different," Rose insisted.

"Finish your food, Roseline. Mr. Parker will be here soon," Mum said to quieten Rose.

"He isn't coming today, mum. It is Sunday." Rose reminded Mum who I doubt knows when he comes and doesn't.

I too have no idea.

I had come down for breakfast to formally announce my traveling with Granny. I owe my parents that regard as much as they won't be able to stop me if they think otherwise.

Having done that and paying no attention to Mum's disapproving expressions, I made to go and find Mrs. Grater who I am yet to see this morning.

"What a surprise to see you here, my dear boy. I was about to send James up to your room."

Granny's voice made me sit back on my chair and turned to see her ready-to-travel energy. "Here, I made this for you." She handed me a glass of milk despite the plates of food before me.

"He sits before meals!"

James childishly pouted at Granny.

"I can't see." Granny teased James.

"More for you Greg. Mrs. Grater will serve you better when you both arrive at her home." Rose's sadness arose again. Mrs. Grater at hand didn't figure out her plight.

I am not close to Rose. We barely talk at home. I do not understand why she picks a great interest in my traveling. Well, if she is trying to get me to reconsider my plans, she better has her fingers on her piano to keep her busier.

"Thank you Granny," I sipped a little, navigating how to tell her about my plans with her. I do not need to tell her anyway, I would follow her to the car that Dad has made available, and occupy the seat beside her.

"Mrs. Grater, you should be aware that Greg is joining you at your home."

Rose couldn't give up now.

"Oh my!" Granny nearly exclaimed and turned to stare at my parents for confirmation.

"Yes, Mrs. Grater. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

Mum lied. She isn't sorry for the so inconvenience she claimed I might cause Granny. She doesn't want me to leave the house just like Rose.

"Is that true Greg?" Granny teary asked me. I knew she would be this way.

"I can stay back if you think it will be of any inconvenience."

I pretentiously said. I wanted Mum to hear from Granny how she would love me to join her.

"Oh, my poor boy! You always know how to make this old woman feel special."

Did you hear that Mum?

"Then I will go pack my bags." I stood to go but...

"You have already packed them, Greg, finish your food," but James caught my act to run away from the plates before me.

Everyone smiled except Dad of course.

"If you need anything Mrs. Grater, do call home, anytime."

"Thank you, Mr. Peter. We will be alright." Granny assured Dad before turning to Mum and thanking her too.

She should be thanking me for deciding to go with her, they have no role to play in this trip.

Maybe they do, Dad has prepared a car for Mrs. Grater. One of the drivers will be taking us and remain there through the period of our stay. Granny has refused Mum's offer to go with a maid to assist with anything. At sixty, Granny is still stronger than Rose. I am sure we will be alright.

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POV: NICHOLAS:

It is almost the time of the year when the only neighbor of theirs visit home again. Nicholas knows.

The said neighbor works and lives with the country's billionaire, Peter Waldeen. She has been working with that family for over eighteen years but started living with them 5years ago after the death of her husband and her daughter moving out of the country.

Mr. John had lived here with the daughter, Theresa, before his death. When he was alive, his wife visits every Thursday night and returns to the city on Sunday. She is said to have a rented apartment in the city where she goes to work for the Waldeens every Monday to Thursday afternoon. She must have moved in with them now as rumored.

Nicholas isn't close to her the way he was with Mr. John. She is never home. She may be nice and a good cook, but that hasn't changed how they barely speak to each other.

It would have been better if she hadn't moved in with the billionaires and lived here. She made the neighborhood more boring for Nicholas. Even when it is clear they won't be holding any conversation other than greetings, Nicholas thinks it would be a lot better than having no one around.

As Nicholas awaits her perfectly baked cookies which she always brings to him upon her arrival, he decided to help lawn her overgrown compound as usual. That's the only way he could pay for the cookies and food she gives him until her departure. If not for anything, for the food. She makes him never forget the taste of a good meal since his mother's death.

It is a lonely neighborhood. Nicholas has gotten used to it. His parents had bought this bungalow before that terrible accident that took their lives. He has left everything in the house wrapped in white linen as he never uses any.

Everything is properly wrapped up except things in his bedroom. If you do not know about Nicholas, you won't believe there is a living being in the house the way he left everything untouched. The compound also looks similar to their neighbor's all the time.

But not anymore, he will be clearing the grasses today. After the day's work, he decided to ride down to the hospital and stay with his sister for a few days for he may not be able to do it soon, having Mr. John's memorial service at the corner. He will be staying at reach for late Mr. John's sake. He thinks it is important to yearly honor his death; he was a family close friend.

Mr. John and his father created a relationship more than just neighbors. They were both fishermen. Their same kind of livelihood also helped their bond.

Nicholas's elder sister Brenda, Who took off two years ago after the death of their parents was also close to Theresa notwithstanding the age difference. They had dinners together in the past, having his mum as the cook and the girls, doing the dishes like one family.

Theresa missed Brenda. She didn't give Nicholas peace the last time she returned for her father's memorial and found Brenda not home. She kept asking if he knows why she took off, where she can be if she has contacted him, and if she left with all her belongings. Nicholas isn't ready to handle her this time but what can he do, he too can't run off.

He could only ride to the hospital and be with his sister. And there he went after a shower.