Anne, Lisa and Carol's past (9)

The following day, Henry woke up early and left for his parents' house just according to what Mr. Clive had asked. Although he had trouble sleeping the previous night because his mind couldn't allow him to rest, he tried his best to be on time. He had asked colleagues from both his workplaces to cover for him that day. When he arrived at his parent's place, he found both his parents and Mr. Clive sitting outside under a tree that was a few meters away from the house to the right side. They were all waiting for him because the previous day he had replied to Mr. Clive's message late and with just an 'okay' which was very unusual. So, his parents were a bit worried when they heard it and wanted to see him as well as talk to him in person. No one noticed his arrival, because they were facing opposite the yard's entrance it was only when his mother lifted her head and spoke.

"Oh, my goodness, Henry is that you, my son?" Said Mrs. Roberts as she stood and went forward to embrace her son. She couldn't talk for a while, and her breathing sounded like that of one who was trying to control tears from coming out.

"Mum, I know you missed me and so did I but what's wrong with your voice? You shouldn't be worried about me I am fine also I'm now a grown man who is expecting a son soon, so stop treating me like I am still a child." Said Henry as he embraced his mum back and tried to assure her that he was okay.

"I know you don't like hugs but please allow me to stay like this for a few minutes okay." Said Mrs. Roberts as she tightened the hug, and also smoothly rubbed her son's back.

Henry was helpless, he just nodded and let his mother be, and then after a few minutes, he sat down on the chair that his dad had brought for him.

"Son, you look like you might collapse anytime from now, how about you sleep first, and then we will talk when you wake up? Asked Henry's father who was worried and also concerned."

(Forcing a smile and avoiding eye contact) "There is no need for that dad, you don't need to worry because I am fine," said Henry trying to avoid the obvious.

"Fine my foot, boy you have lost quite some weight and it's a miracle that the wind didn't blow you along with the dust. My poor son, just a few months into your so-called marriage you already look like a forgotten ghost, what if you had spent a year, you would have turned into ashes isn't it?" Said Henry's father sarcastically and everyone including Henry was not able to hold their laughter, fortunately, this helped to loosen the environment.

After laughing, followed by a small chit-chat, and other formalities Mr. Clive then went straight into the business of that day.

"If you look like this, then how about Luiza, how is she?" Asked Mr. Clive who could feel in his gut that something was off and wrong somewhere.

The moment that Lisa's name was mentioned Henry's face changed and all the traces of the smile that he had earlier disappeared, his face turned pale in just a few seconds.

"Sh…sh…she went back to her parents' house," said Henry as he tried to hide the pain, disappointment, and anger that he was feeling at that moment.

"Oh," said both Henry's parents after a sigh of relief because they had feared that the worst might have happened to Lisa. Henry was indifferent and his parents' reaction did not bother him at all.

"That girl is one in a million, her love for you and this family will never be questioned, though she is a bit loud she is an angel in human form. You know the reason we never disputed the two of you being together even though we knew that you were not ready enough was that we wanted both of you to figure out if what you were doing is really what you wanted. I am an elder and I have seen a lot but the truth is life is the greatest teacher it's from mistakes that we get a chance to learn a lot of things. You might not want to hear this or agree but she made the right decision, because some situations need to be dealt with from their genesis again, and I believe that's what she is trying to do. You might be angry or disappointed right now but let me be honest, she is so selfless and doesn't want to be clingy. So just be patient, and have faith in her…"

"But…but she should have…" said Henry, with a low voice and also not agreeing with what Mr. Clive was saying.

"I know child, I know, but do you know that her mum visited both your parents' workplaces and created a scene and even threatened to make them lose their jobs, simply because you didn't follow her instructions and you also refused to see her? Truth is bitter, but I am sure that you are aware that we can't afford to offend someone like her. In her eyes, we are just like a fly, and with just a word from her we can all be crushed without a trace so let's just leave everything to Luiza, since she went back, I am sure she has some plans already." Said Mr. Clive as he gave some insight to Henry about the situation at hand.

Henry explained that he had asked his bosses not to allow Lisa's mum into his workplace since she was going to spoil his mood and they both agreed. Also, he guessed that she might have gone to their house and looked for both him and Lisa which is why she ended up going to his parents' workplaces. All this while his parents were just listening without speaking a word because it was never in their nature to get angry so easily or even be unkind to a fellow human.

"It's all right child, so whilst you wait to reunite with Luiza again, what's next?" Asked Mr. Clive who didn't want to get ahead of things and seem like he want to impose anything in Henry's life.

"Honestly, it's so embracing to say this but I…(sigh) I don't know," said Henry lowering his head because his voice was a bit shaky and he almost broke down.

"What do you mean, son what about the national team, you no longer want to join?" Asked Henry's mother sounding very surprised by her son's response.

"E…everything…I…"

"Take your time, you are a man be strong and tell us what happened," said his father who was sitting a bit close to him and he said so taping his shoulders a little.

(After taking a deep breath) "I have been pulled out…?"

"What!?" Said both his parents who were not expecting to hear such news. They knew apart from impregnating Lisa Henry wasn't a wayward person or someone who would violate the rules of the team because he loved volleyball with his all.

Henry explained everything and also showed them the message that was sent to him. A moment of silence followed after the conversation; everyone was sunk in their thoughts. His parents didn't even think of getting angry or even blaming their son because in their opinion it was they who failed to raise their son properly so it was up to them to help him find a way to make up his mistakes. Also, it's their meekness, kindness, and thoughtfulness that made other families respect them so they knew that they had to lead by example and not be so harsh on their son.

"Fate is so funny; seems the whole family is going to end up becoming civil servants. All hope is not lost, you are an average student which is quite better, let's wait for the results then we will figure out the next step from there." Said, Henry's father with a smile on his face, and his mother was also nodding in agreement with what his father had just said.

(Kneeling) "I am so sorry to you all, I have put you in a very difficult position and almost dragged you down with me. I am so sorry for being a disappointment and for disgracing this family. Though you never blamed me from the start until now and you kept on showering with love and support, I am very much aware that I failed you and I am very sorry." However, I Henry Roberts swear in front of you with the heaven and earth, even if I have to walk through fire and water, I will make us rich. No one will ever look down on us and also treat us like we are not humans, believe me, history will remember us. Said Henry still kneeling and traces of pain, anger, and angst were so obvious in his voice. Tears were burning in his eyes such that he ended up not being able to control them anymore. His mother couldn't bear to see her child in such a miserable state, she became emotional and began to tear up. Thanks to Henry's father who was there to comfort her.

"It's alright child, everything happens for a reason, I know you never intended to put this family to shame and we also forgive you. Just stand up already, it's so dirty down there. Said Mr. Clive comforting and assuring him."

"Son, where there is life there is hope, I would advise you to stop working and move back to live with us as we wait for what the future holds. It won't be good for you to stay on your own we can't afford to watch you succumb to depression okay." Said Henry's father who was still comforting Henry's mother.

"I understand," said Henry.

In the end, Henry came back to live with his family and of course, some of the families were not in support of the decision. Some were scared that Lisa's mum would come and cause trouble again and they wouldn't want to be involved in any crossfire. However, no one would go against Mr. Clive's decisions and he managed to maintain order in the family but still gossiping and backbiting couldn't be controlled.