The Chance Encounter

I stared at the mansion my parents left behind. A bit amazed at how abandoned it looked.

Few months ago my foster parents passed away leaving me nothing but this bed and breakfast family home.

I really wanted to sell it off or better still abandon it but I had so much to face and can't possibly let go of it in any way.

I was a striving author and loved my work but in the society we live in now, even the best authors can't be recognized with a little fame. Which I was very unfortunate with. I had nothing to show off with but this hotel.

I stepped into the tutor Mansion and it looked even more abandoned than ever.

"Where do I begin?". We're the only words I could make out from my mouth as I stared at the mansion. I had no companion to help me begin my work. I had to do this alone and hopefully be able to stand up on my feet again and maybe return to bring an author I once was.

I walked up to a huge mirror beside the doorway to the staircase.

I can't believe I was poor and still not pretty enough and had to lose so much weight.

Everything, I would get everything back including my beauty. I just need to be strong, mostly for my parents. Moving on in life without them was causing a lot of damage to my head, I never knew I would be on my feet so quickly, I had no one else. Just the two of them and just when I thought everything was working out fine for me , they left me to tend to my troubles and deal with the ache of losing them.

I should have been with them on that trip, I really wanted to do it with them. It was all just too unbearable.

I stopped thinking about the past and cleaned the tears on my face, smiling at my reflection in the mirror.

"You can do this Lisa". Those were my lines for the past few weeks. I know I was capable of doing anything even though I had just lost everything.

Firstly, I took out all the trash and abandoned stuff in the house. I decided to not throw away any of the ornaments my parents had placed in the mansion just so it won't lose its beauty.

Taking the trash out was not the most difficult part about everything, absolutely nothing could prepare me for the bedrooms I had to tend to. They were all so dusty... if I was financially stable I most definitely won't use these mattresses but throw them all out. But since I had no choice I decided to clean it and sun dry it.

While doing it a few residents around whispered as they passed. I guessed they must be surprised that the owner of the mansion was finally back.

"I also don't have a choice but to return here to my neighbors". I said to myself, "I'm still cleaning."

"I can't believe you actually took the courage and went there. Are you sure you would even be able to make the money you need from that abandoned resident?" My only friend. Sandra said on the phone.

It was evening already and I still wasn't half way through with my clean up and decided to take a break when Sandra called. She had continuously tried to advise me concerning my decision to run this place again.

I had to do it, my mom had such big dreams for this place and was never able to fulfill any of it . I was mainly doing this because of her and No one can change my mind even with the hard work I had to do to get this place back in the right shape.

"I really need your blessings now more than ever mother". I whispered.

"Lisa, are you still there?". Sandra called out on the phone.

" Yes".

"I will come around soon..then we can talk better and maybe I can help you with something you need extra hands on ''. She said to me,

" You don't have to come, Sandra. I have got all this under control". I assured her.

" Okay love. I have to end the call now". She said before ending it. I placed my phone on the counter and looked at my surroundings one more time, admiring my job well done.

By the end of the day. I was almost done with everything and just had to place the banner back the way it was supposed to be.

And when I was finally through with that. I smiled at my job well done.

" This is perfect" were the only words I could make out.

" Are you starting a new bed and breakfast hotel here?" An old man asked from behind, scaring the hell out of me. I slowly turned to face him with a friendly smile on my face. That is the easiest way to face customers.

"Yes". I replied.

"Wow. That is amazing, this place needed something like that. You know there is a park not too far from here and lots of foreigners always go around looking for places to crash. And your hotel would be a perfect place for them". The old man said to me. He was right, when I was coming to the estate the other time. I noticed a park around there but I never took it to heart.

"That is good advice. Thank you so much, I should treat you to a little tea" I offered the old man. Who nods with a wide smile.

" You look so familiar". The old man said just as I began to serve him tea. That is the elderly people's phrase when they run out of words to utter.

"Thank you". The few words I got from this old man was enough for me to succeed. This was a blessing, my first customer blessed my new place.

The next day I decided to serve the neighborhood some cookies which was my specialty while I told them more about the hotel business I started. In case they knew any foreigners that needed shelter for a few days or overnight, which I know would yield good results.

Why would grandpa come back to the office? Just when I thought I was finally taking over the company due to my grandfather's illness , he suddenly recovered.

How would I possibly give up my position when I worked so hard to get it.

"Did you hear the news? Mr Person is coming back to his position after two years of being away, what would happen to Avery '' one of the employees whispered to her partner not knowing I was behind them.

I cleared my throat and walked past them so they would be clearly aware that I heard everything they said.

When I had finally regained the good reputation that this company had lost. He is back.

I paced faster towards the meeting room checking my wrist watch from time to time to monitor the time so I won't get there late.

On entering the meeting room I saw my grandfather's assistant standing at my original seat which means my grandpa was on his way. I picked a seat close to his and sat down, I just hope he doesn't make any harsh decisions on his first day.

"Avery, I see you were quick to know your place". One of my father's employees sat opposite me.

" What do you mean?." I asked, like I did not just understand what he was insinuating at.

My grandfather kept this company under my care after my uncle and father had wrecked it, placing it in a bad condition. And ruining the reputation of this industry, my grandpa never appreciated that. It is the fact that I was the only grandson who stood by him when everyone left.

Talking about the devil and here he was. He walked in with a few guards as he staggered with his walking stick to support him. His gaze fell on me with an awkward smile on his face.

"Avery''. He called me. I stood up quickly and supported him to his seat. Without saying any words to him, he should sense the anger in me and mostly how angry I am with him.

Few minutes later all the company employees needed in the meeting room rushed in. Mostly in a panic stage because I was back on the seat after several years.

"Firstly I would like to thank my grandson Avery for his efforts to keep this company in good shape. Despite everything that was happening in the industry you still managed to keep this particular agency in good hands". My grandfather said to me,

" Thank you ". I blunted out, this wasn't the kind of appreciation I worked hard for.

"I heard the company is preparing for a new movie but there are problems coming from the copyright of the actual novel". He just got here and he was quick to start talking business. Is he trying to say I won't be able to handle any of that?

"Grandpa. I already got that under control, the owner of the novel lives in the states and all we have to do is talk to her into signing the novel fully under us". I explained it to my grandpa. From the look of expression on his face he was not satisfied with my idea.

"If you are planning all that. Why haven't any of your plans been out to actions, just words' '. This was why I never wanted him here. He would always want to tell me how I should go about things.

"Grandpa, I can handle it". I said through gritted teeth. I was trying all my possible best to hold it all in.

" Not this time, you might just jeopardize everything, I would send two of our workers to go to that author and have a few words with a deal for compensation". He said to me while the other employees just whispered amongst themselves. I know they all think he is right.

" But grandpa, are we not trying to avoid making this company look bad if you are going to bribe your way through the author, do you know what people would say? Just let me handle it." I tried to convince him but I also knew it was going to be a total waste of time

"I don't need you to lecture me on my company. I have been running this empire even before you were born so you can't ever be smarter than me." He said. I couldn't go against him anymore. He was back and the first thing he did was ruin what had already planned out.

"Next topic on the agenda please" he said. I can't wait for his plans to go wrong so he would know not everything has to be done through bribery.

After that hell of a meeting. I decided to take a rest before anything, but before I could do any of that. Two employees rushed into my office.

"Why would you barge in without permission?". I asked.

" Your father gave two of the jobs to go and find the author and mostly make her sign the contract". They replied.

" Hope you are all happy about that. Just be careful and make her sign the contract. Or else things would get worse than it is right now", I warned. They nod respectfully and leave my office. How would I deal with all this?

"Avery" my grandpa called entering my office just as I was about to sit back on my seat.

" To what do I owe such a visit" I said to my grandpa". I said to grandpa who just took his seat.

"Why didn't you tell me that you couldn't handle everything on your own?". He asked.

" I could handle it".

" Then why can't you handle an ordinary copyright".

" I thought we were over this matter in the meeting earlier" I asked.

" You can't do this alone". Was the only thing he said before proceeding to leave.

" Don't bring them back". He can't bring my brothers into this now.

"He is on his way, maybe you should do me the favor of welcoming him back". He already sent him here before telling me.

The old man from the other night was very right. Because by the weekend my little hotel was filled with customers and also Sandra was by my side to assist me in everything I did...which I couldn't be more grateful about.

Though. I almost wrecked the hotel a few times that night. I was still able to put everything back in place.

I even had time to create a little garden. At the rooftop, which had always been my favorite.

Life was really peaceful this way for me but in one part of my mind I kept the thoughts of going back to the author when I was financially stable.

"Lisa. You have two visitors and they are not here for any accommodation but want to speak with you. They dressed so professionally, I am sure they are here for business." Sandra said smiling.

" Really?".

" What if they are here to sponsor your little business and expand it". Sandra was imagining things again.

" Stop imagining things that can't happen, I just opened this last week and now you suddenly think I have investors. What would I need investors for in this little mansion." I said to Sandra but mostly myself not to keep my hope up. I walked up to the guests and they really were dressed formally, with suits and even their ID around their neck. They definitely come from a company.

"Miss Monalisa Anderson". How could they easily recognize me and even my full name?

" Hi... ugh I definitely don't know any of you but you seem to be familiar with me?". I asked both of them. Joining them on the table just beside the kitchen.

"You run this little hotel?." One if the strangers asked, or were they really sponsors like Sandra said. I should stop imagining rubbish that Sandra said to me.

"Yes ..I run this bed and breakfast hotel". I said to them, they both smiled at each other pointing their ID cards at me.

"We come from an industry that works with pixie animation and we loved your novel and want to create a film entirely on your plot". Ugh. It's just this industry trying to pester me into selling what belongs to me.

"This isn't the first time your company came to me concerning my story and I would give the same response I always gave",

" No!." I said but they still looked determined.

" We can't leave here with just a no from you. We would be sent back here to continue pestering you, because we believe this is the storyline that would help our company get back on its feet. We can feel the success that comes with it." They tried to sound convincing.

" But it is mine and I don't plan on giving it out. I don't need your money". I said harshly. Before producing to leave

" Please miss Monalisa... we can lose our job if you refuse our offer." They pleaded, why can't they understand that is the only thing I have left that hasn't been taken away from me and I plan on cherishing it as mine. I came back to this Mansion, renovated everything and started a hotel here only because I want to make a comeback to the author's firm.

"Am sorry but it's too late to change my mind. Just find an alternative or something else, another author. Anything but not my story and if I find out you went ahead with it. I would like your company for it." I warned before heading back to my garden which I was tending to.

I can't believe people can be so selfish. They want to buy all my rights to my story. A story I had worked hard for. I can't let that happen.

The minute I give all my rights to that novel to them my parents won't be happy with me. Because I am only fulfilling my mother's wish because of the dream I had for myself.

"Why did you tell them that way". Sandra asked, sitting beside me, like she did not just eavesdrop on everything that happened.

"Are you being serious? I should actually give my novel out to them. Because of a little cash ". I said to Sandra who looked at me a bit embarrassed.

" I am sorry I asked in that manner. It's just they refused to leave and pleaded with me to talk with you. Which was where I was heading to". Sandra explained. Making me even more furious. I rushed back downstairs to meet them still standing and talking within themselves.

"What did you not understand from what I said earlier!". I exclaimed. Opening the main entrance for them.

" Leave!". I added. They seemed surprised at my actions but I really did not have a choice. I just couldn't let go of that novel not ever.

"Miss Monalisa". They called.

"Not a word from you please". I said to them, They looked at me one last time, a bit disappointed as they walked out. I know their jobs were at stake but unlike them. My whole identity was at stake.

" I am sorry". I whispered to them, hoping they would understand.

"That was harsh Lisa...don't even start with your lectures, I don't have time for that." I said, slamming the door. Taking a seat at where they had previously seated.

I remembered how much emotions I had to put into that story, things I couldn't imagine were in my head that came out for that book to come to life and now all these industries want to take credit for it. If that was how easily I wanted to lose everything I would have put so much effort into it. Whenever I read that novel I can't help but feel at the fact that I lost the chance to be with my parents at their last moments because I was too dedicated to that book. And now they want to buy it from me for the success of their industry.

"Just stop thinking about it Lisa. I am sure they won't be back here after what you did to them." Sandra assured me, making me smile.

" I really hope so too" I said to her, intertwining our hands together. She places my head on her shoulder for comfort. She was all I had left.

AVERY PETSON

I stood at the airport continuously looking out for my half brother who was back in the States after avoiding all the work and now wants fame. I can't believe I fell for my grandfather's trick and did all the work.

I even had a banner with his name on it in case he didn't recognize me.

He stepped out of the door looking like a prince. He even had a shade on, he immediately sees me and has that devilish smirk on his face which clearly meant. I am back to ruin your efforts like it never happened.

"Brother ". He hugged me tightly. We were two different people despite being from the same father. He took everything from my father but had to get blond like his mother and had green orbs like her. While I took my father's eyes and anyone who doesn't know the both of us as brother's. Won't ever call us brother's.

"Liam". I replied.

"Why did you have to place a banner out? I could have easily been able to recognize you from the crowd". Liam said, staring at me from head to toe.

" It has been two years. And besides, grandpa forced me into doing all of this."

" So if grandpa had not forced you to come here you won't even say 'hi' to your brother." Liam said to me and actually handed his luggages to me, what does he take me at? His personal servant. But instead of taking it, I dropped it on the floor and went ahead to start the car engine.

"Bastard" I said to myself feeling my temper getting the best of me.

"Why did you just walk out like that?." He asked, sitting beside me.

" I don't know why but I guess the fact that I am senior to you is enough for me not to help you with that luggage of yours". I said I started the engine. He scoffed and stared out the window.

"Why did grandpa send for me so urgently?". Liam asked me like he had not discussed everything with Grandpa before coming.

"Maybe to be his assistant or..... CEO" I replied sarcastically.

" Are you angry about something?". Why did Liam suddenly act so innocent when I know the kind of person he is.

I refused to respond to his dumb questions. He starts laughing out loud, how much I hate that.